This monthly newsletter from the Dupont Circle ANC will provide a recap on events at the last commission meeting (Jan 11); offer highlights of things to come; share local news; and give you options to get involved. Please forward to a friend!
Meeting Recap
The first meeting of the new term started with introductions and the election of officers and committee chairs: Chair Meg Roggensack (2B01), Vice Chair Zach Adams (2B08), Secretary Patricia Bencivenga (2B07), Treasurer China Dickerson (2B04), Mobility Committee Chair Jeff Rueckgauer (2B02), and Land Use Committee Chair Christopher Davis (2B09). Other new commissioners include Vincent Slatt (2B03), Z Stein (2B05), and Matt Johnson (2B06). Details on how to join a committee are now online.
The commission discussed and approved four cases: two liquor licenses, Happy Gyro (17th St) and Saul Urban Host (15 Dupont Circle); one residential building permit (1720 Q Street NW); and an application for street lights (1752 15th St). The recording of the sessions, including discussion, public questions, and vote tallies are posted online.
The commissioners passed a Resolution of Commendation for Zorba’s Greek Cafe (20th St). Since 2015, Zorba’s has donated over 1,000 meals to people experiencing homeless via the Open Table Program at the Church of the Pilgrims (P St.) The resolution encourages other businesses and organizations to emulate Zorba’s to help alleviate hunger in the District.
Meeting Schedule for 2023-2024
The full Commission will meet to conduct its business, and hear from the public prior to voting, on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7pm. Check online for the year’s schedule.
Stabbing Murder in West Dupont 2B02
January 18th, near 20th and P St, Mubarak Mursal was stabbed and died as a result of his wounds. Mr. Mursal was 47 years old and believed to be unhoused. Some video footage exists of the sidewalk between Oasis Deli and the crosswalk of Hopkins Street, but there was no sign of an altercation when the victim entered the field of view. At this time no additional information has become available regarding a potential assailant or even motive.
Mobility and Land Use Committees
Mobility provides a forum for the public to engage in discussions about improving or creating new options among the various modes of getting around the neighborhood and the District. Land Use reviews historic preservation and zoning issues related to development projects in the neighborhood. If you would like to serve on either committee for the 2023-2024 term, there is still time. Visit 2023 ANC 2B Committee Recruiting – Dupont Circle ANC 2B and let us know of your interest.
Your Input Is Requested
- State Board of Education seeks feedback on updated Social Studies Standards; online survey by 30 January 2023.
- WMATA (Metro) is seeking feedback on its Strategic Plan; public meeting on 9 Feb 2023.
- MPD (the Police), week of 13 Feb 2023, are holding “presentations and discussions about a new law enforcement tool, the Bola Wrap remote restraint device, which may be piloted this spring.” For details or to get an invitation, contact Wanda Gattison, MPD, wanda.gattison@dc.gov.
- The FY 2024 budget process has begun. The Council begins by conducting oversight of agency performance, through dedicated hearings (schedule). If you’d like to comment on specific agency performance, see these participation instructions. You may also share your comments with your Commissioner.
- Know a good spot for a Food Waste Drop-Off site? The Department of Public Works is seeking applications from dedicated community members to establish, staff, and manage two new sites. Apply by Jan 31st.
Coming Up in ANC 2B
- Mon. Jan 30, 7-8pm, Dupont Circle Hotel (1500 NH Ave). The ANC, together with Dupont Circle Historic Main Streets and the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District, is convening a meeting on the Connecticut Avenue Deckover and Streetscape project. DDOT will brief on the timeline, including procurement process, and construction staging plans, and respond to questions regarding management of construction impacts.
- Wed. Feb 1, 7 PM, Land Use Committee. Hybrid options: check the website for details. This team will discuss building permits and zoning variances for several properties. Details on committee membership are now online; check the site for dial-in info and the list of projects to be reviewed.
- Wed. Feb 8, ANC meeting of the full commission, 7-9pm. We’ll circulate the full agenda 1 week in advance, but check it out online.
- Tue. Feb 21, 7PM, virtual. Mobility Committee. Agenda includes discussion of Council Oversight Hearings for street user safety matters and transportation improvements. Details on committee membership are now online; check the site for dial-in info and the list of projects to be reviewed.
- Summer 2023. WMATA will begin escalator replacement and elevator rehabilitation at the Dupont Circle Station north entrance (located at Q St. and Connecticut Ave.)