Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D

Business Meeting

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church

March 9, 2009

Andy Litsky, Chair

 

Minutes

As approved by ANC 6D April 13, 2009

 

Chair Andy Litsky called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

 

Present: Commissioners Hamilton, Jorgensen, Litsky, McBee, Moffatt, Siegel, Sobelsohn.

 

 1.  Agenda.

 

Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved/Commissioner Moffatt seconded to approve the proposed agenda.  Upon motion by Commissioner Sobelsohn, and without objection, the motion was amended to add, to the agenda, (a) Randall Settlement Amendment and (b) an ANC vote on the Squares 494 and 495 projects.  Upon motion by Commissioner McBee, and without objection, the motion was further amended to add, to the agenda, Pedestrian Safety Improvements.  The motion to approve the agenda, as amended, passed 6-0.  Commissioner Hamilton did not vote.

 

 2.  Announcement of April Meeting.

 

Chair Litsky announced that the ANC will hold its regular April business meeting starting 7 p.m. Monday April 13.  The meeting will take place either at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 600 M St., SW, or at the new First District Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) headquarters on the former site of the Bowen School, 101 M St., SW.

 

 3.  Community Concerns.

 

ANC 6D resident Gene Solon commented on First District MPD crime statistics, availability of ANC 6D documents, the pending 4th St., SW reopening, and the reporting practices of the Community Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC).

 

The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly’s Lida Holland Churchville announced two History Task Force dedications: of 14 Southwest callboxes on Saturday, April 11; and of a G St., SW callbox in honor of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall on Sunday, May 17.

 

Barbara Ehrlich announced this year’s National Cheery Blossom Festival, starting Saturday, March 28 and ending with fireworks on the Southwest waterfront 8:30 p.m. Saturday April 11.

 

 4.  February Minutes.

 

Commissioner Sobelsohn moved/Commissioner Jorgensen seconded to approve the proposed minutes for February 9, 2009.  The motion passed 6-0.  Commissioner Hamilton did not vote.

 

 5.  Public Safety.

 

Commissioner Moffatt reported a recent River Park break-in, and an upcoming community meeting, hosted by Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), on his Juvenile Crime Task Force’s recommendations, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St., SW.

 

 6.  Development and Zoning.

 

      a.  Waterfront Station.

 

Gordon Fraley, of developer Vornado/Charles E. Smith, gave an update regarding Waterfront Station (the Waterside Mall site).

 

          1)  4th St. reopening.

 

Vornado expects to reopen 4th St., SW between January 1 and April 1, 2010.  Construction will include work this spring where 4th St. will intersect I and M Streets, SW.  As part of reopening 4th St., Vornado has marked 100 trees, of which it will take down 45.

 

          2)  Office buildings.

 

Vornado still expects to deliver two new office buildings (to house the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs) in March 2010.  However, Vornado has indefinitely postponed work on the two former Environmental Protection Agency towers, and expects to ask the Zoning Commission for more time.

 

          3)  First-floor retail.

 

Aside from Safeway and CVS, Vornado has received no applicants yet for first-floor retail.  It is negotiating with Bank of America.  Fraley expects Safeway to move into its new quarters in May 2010.

 

      b.  Southwest Zoning Planning.

 

Ward 6 Neighborhood Planning Coordinator Melissa Bird, from the DC Office of Planning (OP), made a presentation regarding OP’s Southwest Zoning Study (SZS), to start this spring.  OP hopes SZS will determine the effect of current Southwest zoning on development and lead to a comprehensive zoning scheme for Southwest.  SZS covers what OP calls the “residential core” of Southwest: between P Street and I-395 and between Maine Ave. and South Capitol St.  However, Bird promised OP will “look at” the area south of P St. and east of Fort McNair, including Buzzards Point, as part of a “secondary study.”  Bird claimed that OP has no plans regarding public-housing sites in Southwest, and that OP doesn’t necessarily want “upzoning” (zoning for greater density) in Southwest.  Bird agreed to meet with Southwest organizations, including the CBCC; to make site visits proposed by those organizations; to use the Southwester to communicate with Southwest residents; and to hold community workshops in Southwest.  OP also plans

an SZS group listserv.  OP hopes by the end of 2009 to send a legislative package, including a Small Area Plan, to the City Council for its approval.

 

      c.  Capper/Carrollsburg Hope VI.

 

Kyrus Freeman, attorney (Holland & Knight) for Capper/Carrollsburg Venture, LLC, presented his client’s applications for modification of the Planned Unit Development for the Capper/Carrollsburg Hope VI project.  The Zoning Commission has scheduled a March 19 hearing on these applications.  Commissioner Sobelsohn moved/Commissioner McBee seconded the following:

 

“HOPE VI RESOLUTION

 

Whereas, new residents deserve a place to congregate peaceably; and--

 

Whereas, a community center can reduce the incidence of crime and attract residents to a neighborhood; and--

 

Whereas, the city promised to restore residences in Southeast to those relocated from the old Capper/Carrollsburg homes; and--

 

Whereas, those residents deserve new homes at the earliest possible time; and--

 

Whereas, the state of the housing industry has required some changes in the process and timing of the Capper/Carrollsburg development,

 

Therefore, be it resolved that ANC 6D supports the Capper/Carrollsburg Venture, LLC, application to extend the first-stage approval and phasing of the overall PUD (in Zoning Commission case no. 03-12I/03-13I), for second-stage approval for property in Squares 769 and 882 (case no. 03-12G/03-13G), for modifications to the remaining portions of the overall PUD’s density and number of parking spaces (case no. 03-12H/03-13H), but only on condition that the Zoning Commission require the applicant to file a building permit application for a Square 881W community center by January 1, 2010; to commence construction of such a community center by January 1, 2011; and to commit to complete construction of this community center by July 1, 2012.”

 

Commissioner Siegel moved/Commissioner Sobelsohn seconded to amend the pending motion to (1) delete, in the “Therefore” clause, the phrase “and number of parking spaces”; and (2) to add, after the end of that paragraph, a semicolon and the following: “and on condition that the applicant commit to provide 50 parking spaces, at 600 L St., SE, for certified health-care workers who care for seniors in 900 5th St., SE and 410 M St., SE until construction commences on 600 L St., SE.”

 

The motion to amend passed without objection.  The main motion passed, 5-1, with Commissioner Moffatt opposed and Commissioner Litsky abstaining.

 

      d.  Randall Settlement Amendment.

 

Commissioner Sobelsohn moved/Commissioner Siegel seconded to agree to an amendment to the Randall School project settlement approved at the ANC’s February 9 meeting.  A copy of that amendment is attached to these minutes.  The motion passed 7-0.

 

      e.  Squares 494 & 495.

 

ANC 6D passed two motions regarding redevelopment of two lots on E Street, SW, also called the “firehouse project”: Square 494 (the northeast corner of E and 6th St., SW) and Square 495 (the southwest corner of E and 4th St., SW).

 

Commissioner Jorgensen moved/Commissioner Sobelsohn seconded that “Commissioner Jorgensen, who represents SMD 6D01, be charged with creating a summary of the firehouse project recommendations, comments, and concerns of all of the ANC6D commissioners, as well as all community comments which were cc’ed to the ANC office,” and that Commissioner Jorgensen be chosen to represent the interests of the ANC and the community as an ex-officio member of the project selection panel.  The motion passed 7-0. 

 

Commissioner Sobelsohn moved/Commissioner Siegel seconded a “FIREHOUSE REDEVELOPMENT RESOLUTION,” advising the Deputy Mayor to choose the E Street Development team, with contingent provisions in case that team loses either of its current community-organization partners; and further advising the Deputy Mayor to require that any team he choose commit to negotiate a community-benefits agreement with ANC 6D, commit to consult with ANC 6D in choosing community organizations as partners or lessees and in determining the use of any space designed as community space, and finally also make specific commitments regarding jobs and career opportunities for ANC 6D residents.  The full text of the resolution is attached to these minutes.  The motion passed 7-0.

 

 7.  Public Space.

 

      a.  SunTrust National Marathon.

 

Diane Romo Thomas, Community Relations Director for the Greater Washington Sports Alliance (GWSA), spoke about the SunTrust National Marathon.  GWSA plans the Marathon Saturday March 21 7 a.m.-1:15 p.m. (although GWSA expects runners in Southwest only from 8:30-11:30 a.m.), to involve 8,000 runners (although GWSA expects only 3,000 runners in Southwest).  Thomas promised to post, on March 14, route maps in various public places around Southwest; and invited residents to call (202) 857-5914 (GWSA’s main number) regarding post-race clean-up problems.  At its November 10, 2008 meeting, ANC 6D voted to urge the mayor’s Emergency Management Task Force and Councilmember Wells to oppose the Marathon route (see minutes for November 10 and December 8).  Since December 8, GWSA has rerouted the Southwest part of the run.  A copy of the new route is attached to these minutes.  After turning over the chair to Vice-Chair Commissioner Siegel, Commissioner Litsky moved/Commissioner Moffatt seconded to rescind the ANC’s Nove

mber vote urging opposition of the Marathon route.  The motion to rescind passed 6-1, with Commissioner Moffatt in opposition.  Commissioner Litsky moved to send a letter in support of the SunTrust Marathon.  The motion failed for lack of a second.  Commissioner McBee moved/Commissioner Litsky seconded to send a letter, to the mayor’s Emergency Management Task Force, in support of the SunTrust Marathon on condition that Diane Romo Thomas commit (and with the letter mentioning her commitment) to meet, by the end of April 2009, with Commissioners McBee and Hamilton to discuss GWSA support for ANC 6D youth service programs.  Commissioner Sobelsohn moved to amend the motion to condition support also on the route attached to these minutes.  Without objection, the motion was so amended.  As amended, the motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Moffatt in opposition.

 

      b.  Pedestrian Safety Improvements.

 

Commissioner McBee moved/Commission Siegel seconded to support pedestrian safety improvements planned, by the DC Department of Transportation, for the corner of I Street and Makemie Place, SW.  These improvements include a curb extension, a pedestrian refuge island, a new high-visibility crosswalk, new bike lanes, and “School” pavement markings.  The motion passed 7-0.

 

 8.  Employment: Nationals Job Fair.

 

Commissioner McBee reported that 1,400 job-seekers attended the Washington Nationals’ job fair March 3.

 

 9.  Committees.

 

      a.  Alcohol Beverage Control.

 

          1)  Report by Chair.

 

Committee chair Coralie Farlee reported for the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee.

 

              a)  Single sales.  The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board has granted Cap Liquors a one-year exception from the Ward 6 single-sale ban.  Friendly Food Market has obtained clear plastic bags with handles.  The ABC Board held a hearing March 4 on the “half-pints” part of the law.

 

              b)  Cruise ships.  All voluntary agreements covering Southwest Waterfront cruise ships have expired.

 

              c)  Hogate’s.  On April 20, the ABC Board will hear Kristina Noell’s application for a liquor license for a reopened Hogate’s.

 

         2)  Appointment of new member.

 

Commissioner Litsky announced his appointment, to the ABC Committee, of Ed Garnett, 1435 4th St., SW, representing ANC 6D04.

 

     b.  Community Outreach.

 

Commissioner McBee reported discussions with Paul Taylor regarding ANC 6D subsidy for this year’s Southwest Unity Day.

 

10.  Treasurer’s Report.

 

Commissioner Jorgensen moved/Commissioner Sobelsohn seconded to accept the February 2009 treasurer’s report, including $1,886.73 in expenditures.  The motion passed 7-0.  A copy of the February treasurer’s report is attached to these minutes.

 

11.  Chairman’s Report.

 

Commissioner Litsky reported a decision by the Chancellor, District of Columbia Public Schools, assigning future graduates of Jefferson Middle School to Dunbar High School instead of (as in the past) Wilson High School.

 

12.  Audience Time.

 

ANC 6D resident Gene Solon spoke about liquor sales at Nationals Park.

 

13.  Adjournment.

 

Earlier in the meeting, Commissioner Siegel moved/Commissioner Sobelsohn seconded to extend the meeting to 10:10 p.m.  The motion passed 6-0, with Commissioner Hamilton abstaining.  Commissioner Sobelsohn moved/Commissioner Moffatt seconded to adjourn.  The motion passed 7-0.  The meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m.

 

 

FIREHOUSE REDEVELOPMENT RESOLUTION

(attachment)

 

Whereas, the E Street Development team includes actual community-service partners that would provide specific benefits to our community; and--

 

Whereas, the other development-team applicants have no such actual community partners; and--

 

Whereas, the two E Street team community partners would provide much-needed services to our community, namely job-training, a restaurant, and activities geared to ANC 6D public-school students; and--

 

Whereas, any developer coming into our community should prefer workers who live in our community; and--

 

Whereas, our ANC recognizes that development teams may change their composition over time;

 

Therefore, be it resolved:

 

1.  This ANC advises the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, in choosing a development team for Squares 494 and 495, that he require that any team he chooses commit first to:

 

    a.  Recruitment of construction workers from ANC 6D by purchasing quarterly ads in the Southwester;

 

    b.  An overall 5% "first-source" employment goal for qualified ANC 6D construction workers; and--

 

    c.  Tie-breaking preferences, as to--

 

        1)  Construction subcontractors, for companies headquartered in ANC 6D, and--

 

        2)  Construction workers, for qualified workers living in ANC 6D.

 

    d.  As to administrative, management, community-relations, landscaping, janitorial, and other services needed after the project is finished, to have, and to require its designees, purchasers, contractors, and subcontractors (but not necessarily its lessees) to continue to have both a tie-breaking preference for qualified ANC 6D companies and residents, and a 5% ANC 6D "first-source" resident employment goal.

 

    e.  As to retailers to whom it leases retail space, to use best efforts to seek out and lease space to companies headquartered in ANC 6D, or individuals living in ANC 6D, by (among other measures) purchasing quarterly ads in the Southwester.

 

2.  This ANC further advises the Deputy Mayor, in choosing a development team for Squares 494 and 495, that he require that any team he chooses commit to negotiate a community-benefits agreement with ANC 6D.

 

3.  This ANC further advises the Deputy Mayor, in choosing a development team for Squares 494 and 495, that he require that any team he chooses consult with ANC 6D in choosing community organizations as partners or lessees, and in determining the use of any space designed as community space.

 

4.  This ANC further advises the Deputy Mayor, in choosing a development team for Squares 494 and 495, that he choose the E Street Development team; provided that he also require that the E Street team, in case either or both of its current community-organization partners leave the team, commit to:

 

    a.  Maintain the same percentage of square footage for community activities.

 

    b.  Maintain space both for--

 

        1)  Job training that, during the course of training, serves other community needs besides job training (such as a restaurant), and--

 

        2)  An organization that provides free services to students at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School and Jefferson Middle School.

 

    c.  Consult with ANC 6D in the process of replacing whichever group is no longer a part of the development team.

=============================================  

ANC 6D Treasurer's Report-February 2009

                                                                                                            Opening             Reconciliation

Checking:                                                                                            $29,426.08              $29,426.08

c          439       1/12/2009         Roberta Weiner             $720.33            $28,705.75              $28,705.75

            440       1/12/2009         St. Augustine's              $170.00            $28,535.75              $28,705.75

c          441       1/12/2009         U-Haul                         $149.95            $28,385.80              $28,555.80

            442       1/12/2009         Syphax Gardens Resid  $400.00            $27,985.80              $28,555.80

c          443       1/12/2009         ANC Security Fund       $25.00             $27,960.80              $28,530.80

c          444       1/12/2009         Commissioner Siegel    $134.37            $27,826.43              $28,396.43

c          445       1/12/2009         Commissioner Siegel    $117.00            $27,709.43              $28,279.43

c                      2/2/2009           District Allotment         $5,062.40        $32,771.83              $33,341.83

                                                                                   

Savings Account Activity:                                             Interest:            $0.64            Date:    1/31/2009

                                                                                   

Petty Cash Disbursements:                                            Opening:          $106.98            Closing:  $106.98

                                                                                                                                                           

                                    Checking Balance:        $33,341.83                             

                                    Savings Balance:          $5,166.99                               

                                    Petty Cash Balance:      $106.98                                   

                                    Total Current Funds:     $38,615.80                  2/9/2009           

                                                                                   

Expenses Submitted for Approval:                                                                                

            446       2/9/2009           Roberta Weiner Admin. Salary               $775.74            

            447       2/9/2009           Robert Siegel    Office Supplies             $161.99            

            448       2/9/2009           St. Augustine's  Space Rental                 $170.00            

            449       2/9/2009           Syphax Gardens Resid Office Space      $400.00            

            450       2/9/2009           Verizon            Telephone                                 $42.99

            451       2/9/2009           Roberta Weiner Office Cleaning            $30.00

                                                                                                                                               

                                                            TOTAL            $1,580.72