ANC 2D

Meeting Minutes

February 27, 2012

Our Lady Queen of the Americas

2200 California Street

 

1.  The Meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM.

 

2.  A quorum was established: Present 2 Commissioners and 33 Residents/Guests.

 

3.  Agenda was approved as published and amended.

 

4.  The Minutes of the January 23, 2012, Meeting were approved as published and distributed.

 

5.  Administrative/Financial Matters

5.1 Treasurer’s Report...Treasurer Lamar reported a current bank balance of $3,369.75.  The routine audit of the ANC’s fiscal records continues as the Auditors contact the various not-for-profit community organizations who have received funding grants. 

 

6.  DC Govt. Reports

6.1 MPD (PSA 208)...(Acting Lieutenant John McDonald)... Lieutenant McDonald provided an overview of robberies being experienced throughout the City highlighting two robberies which recently occurred in our neighborhood.  Lieutenant McDonald urged all residents to call 911 when confronted with any situation which appears out of the ordinary.  The DC Police Department has installed a crime mapping program which provides information on crimes throughout the City.  You can access it at CRIMEMAP@DC.GOV.  Should you have further questions or concerns to be brought to the attention of MPD, you can contact Lieutenant McDonald at JohnC.McDonald@DC.Gov.

        6.2 Mayor’s Office (James Bulger)...James provided an update on

the use of DC’s Unified Communications system by calling 311.  This number should be used for all calls seeking: 1) general inquiries; 2) agency referrals; 3) agency program information; 4) service requests; or 5) service provider agency engagements.  Thus far in 2012 over 594,000 calls have been received.  Residents in Ward 2 make more service requests than do other Ward.  The Mayor’s Office, in cooperation with Councilmen Evan’s staff, continues to investigate the temporary buildings which have been constructed on the Islamic Center parking lot.  You can reach James at  James.Bulger@dc.com

6.3 Council Member’s Office (Sarina Loy)...Nothing to report at this time.  Contact Sarina at sloy@dccouncil.us


 

7.  Neighborhood Groups

7.1 SKHA...Kindy French...appreciation was expressed to Kindy for her work in preparing the updated “Sheridan-Kalorama Neighborhood Contacts–2012" directory.

7.2 SKNC...Chris Chapin....Reminder “The Combined Annual Meeting of Sheridan-Kalorama Neighborhood Organizations” will be held at 6:00PM, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at the Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S Street.  If you did not receive the packet mailed

to residents, please contact Kindy French to receive one.  kindyf@verizon.net               

7.3 Friends of Mitchell Park...Pierre Wagner...Friends of Mitchell Park will host a “Dig In” Day on April 29at 3:00PM .  Bring your shovels and join your neighbors in planting herbs in the park followed by a cook-out.

7.4 Call Boxes...Phil Baker...No Report

7.5 Language ETC...Phil Baker...No Report

7.6 Restore Mass Ave...Deborah Shapley...should you notice any digging near the trees roots on Massachusetts Ave. during this phase of DC Water Separation Project, please call it to the attention of the Staff supervisor.  RMA has planted over 220 trees with more to come  filling in the vacant spots along Embassy Row.

7.7 Views from S-K...Saone Crocker...The Spring issue of Views is currently being written.  Any one interested in contributing to the issue may contact the editors at viewsfromsk@gmail.com

7.8 Spanish Steps...David Bender....On May 3rd, the Second Annual Jazz on the Spanish Steps will be hosted by Jim Bell.  With regret the Board of Directors was notified that due to illness Vice-President Jean Tippett, long time supporter and spokesperson for the STEPS, has resigned from her position.  

 

8.  Old Business:

8.1 China Embassy Task Force...Chris Reutershan/Ron Finiw...The following schedule was outlined: Within 60 to 90 days Clark Construction will being the “Early Start Program” which includes removal of hazardous materials, rodent extraction, and other site preparation tasks.  Within the next 30 to 60 days, the Facade Protection Structure will be erected around the front and Belmont Street side of the building (2310 Ct. Ave) that is being preserved.  Within 60 to 90 days, demolition should begin.  Once the Site Logistics Plan is completed, it will be shared with the Task Force. 


8.2 Bastille Day 2012 Event (July 14, 2012)...Thomas Chaurin and Clement Lebel...Every year on July 14th, Alliance Francaise celebrates “Bastille Day,” the French National Day.  Last year’s Bastille Day event was an unprecedented success.  In 2012, the Alliance is seeking approval to celebration the day by bringing Bastille Day to the streets of Washington, DC in the form of a “family street fair” or “block party.”  Following a Question and Answer session, Commissioner Bender moved and it was seconded, “that ANC 2D fully supports the development of a “family street fair” activity to be held on July 14, 2012, from 11:00AM to 6:00PM.  Further that with proper notification, the ANC supports the closure of Wyoming Ave. (from approximately Connecticut Ave. to Thornton Place) for the event.  Approved    Any questions/comments should be sent to Clement Lebel at clement.lebel@francedc.org

8.3 Transportation Study...Eric Lamar....Commissioner Lamar reported that on January 30th a meeting was held with DDOT staff to exchange information regarding the implementation of the Sheridan- Kalorama Transportation Management Plan, stressing pedestrian safety in four priority locations: Priority One–1) Belmont Rd./Tracy Pl; Belmont Road/Massachusetts Ave; and Wyoming Ave/Tracy Pl/ Kalorama.  Priority Two–2200 Blk of California Street @ Phelps Pl.  Priority Three–1) Connecticut Ave and Kalorama Rd; and 2) Connecticut Ave and Wyoming Ave.   Priority Four–S St and Phelps Pl.  We continue to await response from the DDOT staff.

 

9.  New Business:

9.1 Global Diplomatic Community Pledge Embracing a Greener, Healthier, More Sustainable City.....On Tuesday, January 31, 2012,

ambassadors representing over 40 countries joined Mayor Gray and other officials to sign an international community pledge to pursue and promote sustainable practices in 8 areas: 1) energy and buildings, 2) transportation, 3) water conservation, 4) waste reduction, 5) eco-

purchasing, 6) jobs and community, 7) training, and 8) reporting and action.  While the pledge is an step in the right direction, a review of the signatories, shows that those embassies having vacant or neglected properties in the S-K community do not appear. 

9.2 1618 22nd Street, Variance Application....Stephen Muse and Warren Short...Following a presentation of the proposal, a motion was made by Commissioner Lamar and was seconded, “that ANC 2D fully supports the proposal to build a rear deck as documented in BZA Application No. 18343".  Approved  See Exhibit B for complete text.


9.3 1830 24th Street, Variance...........Jennifer Verbeke...Following a presentation of the proposal, being submitted to BZA on February 28, 2012, a motion was made by Commissioner Bender and was seconded, “that ANC 2D fully supports the Variance Relief Application as presented to the Commission on February 27, 2012”.   Approved    See exhibit A for complete text.

9.4 DC Superior Court’s Community Courts...at the April Meeting,  Judge Judith Retchin will make a presentation outlining the D.C. Superior Court’s new community courts program. This program is configured around the Police Districts.  Part of the mission of community courts is to reach out and become engaged with the communities they serve.  Come to the meeting and learn how this will impact the S-K community. 

 

10.  Open Comments:

–Councilmember Evans has requested that HPO schedule another hearing on the 2225 California Street Building Project.  The group of concerned residents who made the request will prepare further documentation stating their issues.

–A resident raised concern over maintaining green space in Sheridan-Kalorama as Georgetown has apparently been able to accomplish. 

 

11.  Next Meeting–March 19, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

–On Saturday, March 17, 2012, the Sun Trust Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon will be held.  This means that while the runners are passing through various sections of the City there will be street closures.  If you have any questions about the event or need to request alternative directions, you can contact the site hosts at www.competitor.com/community.   

 

–Those residents who have previously voted at St. Margaret’s Church on Ct. Ave., will be voting in the April 3rd Primary Election, at the Goodwill Baptist Church, 1862 Kalorama Road, NW.         

 

–Dresden Condominium, 2126 Connecticut Ave....Renovation to front exterior....Construction is currently scheduled to start on March 19, 2012.  During various phase of construction, the curb lane of southbound Connecticut Ave, in front of the property, will be closed.  The side walk will be closed for the entire duration of the project.

 

12.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.


Respectfully submitted,

David R. Bender, Secretary

 

 

Commissioners: ANC2D01...David R. Bender, PhD

  Davidanc2d01@aol.com

 ANC2D02...Eric S. Lamar

          Ericslamar@gmail.com

 

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2D meets the third Monday of the month unless otherwise announced.  There is an open forum at each meeting for discussion of relevant issues not on the regular agenda.  For additional information go to the ANC website at ANC2D.ORG. 

 

  

EXHIBIT A:

ANC 2D RESOLUTION 2012-01

Submission for Zoning Variance Relief

 

WHEREAS the owners of the property at 1830 24th Street, NW have had designed a proposed addition to said property, and

 

WHEREAS this property is located within the Sheridan-Kalorama  Historic District, and

 

WHEREAS the owners’ architect, Mangan Group Architects, have prepared the necessary documentation and sketches, and

 

WHEREAS the information provided meets the variance test as required for a variance under Section 3130.2, and

 

WHEREAS in a review of the documents, the ANC finds no concerns or issues which warranted further study or examination, with the exception of the concern expressed in regards to preserving the current third story circular windows, and

 

WHEREAS the immediate neighbors have reviewed the plans and have no objection to the proposal, including quality of life issues, determining that there will be no adverse impact by this proposed addition and renovation, and

 

Be it therefore resolved that ANC 2D fully supports the proposal  as presented on February 27, 2012, and

 

Be it further resolved that the Chair or his designee be authorized to represent the Commission on this matter.

 

Attested by:

David R. Bender, Chair


February 27, 2012

                     This resolution was approved by a roll call vote of 2-0 on

                           February 27, 2012, at a scheduled and noticed public

                            meeting of ANC 2D at which a quorum was present.

 

Exhibit B:

ANC 2D RESOLUTION 2012-02

Submission for Zoning Variance Relief

 

WHEREAS the owners of the property at 1618 22nd Street, NW have had designed a rear deck addition to said property, and

 

WHEREAS this property is located within the Sheridan-Kalorama  Historic District, and

 

WHEREAS the owners’ architect, Muse Architects , have prepared the necessary documentation and sketches, and

 

WHEREAS the information provided meets the variance test as required for a variance pursuant to 11 DCMR Section 3130.2, and

 

WHEREAS in a review of the documents, the ANC finds no concerns or issues which warranted further study or examination,  and

 

WHEREAS the immediate neighbors have reviewed the plans and have no objection to the proposal, including quality of life issues, determining that there will be no adverse impact by this proposed addition, and

 

Be it therefore resolved that ANC 2D fully supports the proposal to build a rear deck as documented in BZA Application No. 18343, and

 

Be it further resolved that the Vice-Chair or his designee be authorized to represent the Commission on this matter.

 

Attested by:

David R. Bender, Chair

February 27, 2012

                      This resolution was approved by a roll call vote of 2-0 on

                         February 27, 2012, at a scheduled and noticed public

                         meeting of ANC 2D at which a quorum was present.