In an effort to be more transparent, accountable and productive the Dupont Circle ANC presents for public comment a list of draft goals for calendar year 2015.
There will be a brief discussion of the goals at the January 14th meeting and final goals will be adopted at the February 11th ANC meeting. The ANC will then establish committees and working groups comprised of members of the community to begin addressing those goals in a proactive manner and may consider holding several special meetings throughout the year to act on the work of those groups. The draft goals were developed by the 2015 Commissioners; we look forward to their enhancement through public comment.
The ANC asks that you submit your feedback on these draft goals, including which should be addressed first or not at all and what goal statements may be missing, by February 5, 2015Ā (Deadline extended!) by emailing commissioners@dupontcircleanc.net. The goals do not appear in any particular order.
Overarching Goals
- Address policy issues proactively and streamline reactionary approaches to regulatory applications.
- Enhance engagement and involvement of residents, neighboring ANCs, neighborhood organizations, businesses and not-for-profit groups.
Specific Policy-related Goals
- Recommend changes to neighborhood parking policies based on issues identified in 2014.
- Better understand the role of the ANC and community in impacting historic preservation in the neighborhood and use that knowledge to better influence preservation activities.
- Address rat infestation together with residents, businesses, organizations, and the city.
- Identify and prioritize issues related to liquor-licensed establishments in ANC2B and recommend comprehensive approaches to address those issues.
- Engage with and support schools located within ANC 2B as well as those that serve as part of the neighborhood feeder pattern.
- Assist the City in improving communications with residents and businesses during natural and man-made emergencies.
- Work with area organizations to promote independent and diverse retail businesses that serve and enhance our neighborhood.
- Inventory ANC2B parks and explore opportunities to increase the number and utilization of public parks in the neighborhood.
Significant Specific Issue Goals
- Continue to represent the best interests of the neighborhood regarding development of land at St. Thomas Church.
- Provide recommendations to the ABC Board on the West Dupont Liquor License Moratorium by April 2015.
Anything on ANC 2B’s role in promoting effective responses to homelessness, or facilitating communication with MPD on public safety issues? Or is homelessness hands-off after the Leo Dwyer incident?
First, I would like to thank the commission for its effort to identify the principal issues affecting our community and its willingness to open this discussion to the entire community of stakeholders. I think the Dupont ANC will be much stronger and more able to proactively address these issues as a result of this effort.
I think all of the issues identified above are excellent but would agree with Mr. Padgettās comment that the issue of homelessnessāand I would add, the secondary effects of gentrification–also need to be addressed. Both issues are about the transfer of wealth and security to those less fortunate. There are many tools to deal with this, from progressive taxation to subsidized housing, but the tool which is most available to us as a community is the provision, protection and enhancement of public facilities and landscapes which can be enjoyed by everyone, rich or poor.
Thus I applaud the enhancement of Stead Park and other public spaces and think the idea of building a new park above the Dupont Circle underpass is a brilliant amenity that everyone will equally enjoy. I also strongly support the preservation of St. Thomas Park, if possible. But we also need to zoom out and look at the larger picture of our community as a whole, with its specific scale, texture, and history. This too is a powerful public amenity and should not be compromised. My hope is that we can develop more backbone in protecting this landscape at the same time that we encourage our commercial districts to evolve and thrive. And I think most businesses would agree that it is the style or signature of this landscape that makes it so attractive to customers.
To this end, I would propose an ANC committee which meets with HPRB board staff and the Office of Zoning to better understand how we can protect our resources. Meetings with other ANCs which are more successful in this respect, such as Georgetown, Shaw and Adams Morgan, may also be helpful.
Thanks again for opening this conversation.
Thank you for articulating a clear priority on schools and continuing collaboration with Logan and Foggy Bottom ANCS and civic associations to improve neighborhood schools and feeder patterns.
The issue of the homeless publically urinating and exposing themselves in the alleys to young children near Ross, and creating disgusting situations on 17th st. is a serious problem
These are crimes
“Recommend changes to neighborhood parking policies based on issues identified in 2014.” What are they? Can we please join the rest of DC by being able to have a visitor parking pass without having to go to the police station each time we need one?
Hi Elizabeth – that’s a great point and an oversight on our part. I’ve linked to the Transportation Committee’s meeting minutes where parking was discussed. (Also available here: http://www.dupontcircleanc.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/June25-TPI_mtg-minutes.pdf) Thanks for your comment!
Good job. Yes, some way to respond to homelessness should be added. Important to expand the good work of Charlie’s place at St. Margaret’s.
Thank you for extending the deadline and thanks too for the statement of clear overarching goals to address issues proactively rather than reactionary, and to deepen engagement across different sectors and with other neighborhood groups. These efforts are key to achieving the great list of policy goals.
I agree with the suggestion that an ANC committee meet with HPRB and Office of Zoning and representatives of other ANCs. It would be valuable to understand different perspectives and strategies aimed at safeguarding the distinctive historic character of neighborhoods while being open to development.
Yes, too, for a focus on schools and continuing the Foggy Bottom and Logan collaborations on that topic, as well as determining how to address better the plight of people in our neighborhood who are homeless.