This monthly newsletter from Dupont Circle ANC 2B provides a recap of events at the last commission meeting; offers highlights of things to come; shares local news; and gives you options to get involved.
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ANC 2B MARCH MONTHLY RECAP
At its regular monthly meeting on March 8, the Commission took the following actions:
- Voted to support a request that establishes the boundary of the Scottish Rite Temple Historic Landmark at 1733 16th Street NW.
- Voted to support, with restrictions, an addition/penthouse/deck for 1743 S Street NW.
- Reviewed a substantial change application for occupancy and hours by Vagabond Kitchen and Bar, 1836 18th Street NW.
- Voted to support Kappa Alpha Psi ’s application for a block party permit on S Street between 17th Street and New Hampshire Avenue NW on Saturday, July 8th, 2023.
MARCH 30 SPECIAL ANC MEETING
ANC 2B held a special meeting on March 30th to act on two matters that had deadlines prior to the April meeting.
We considered the following:
- Two resolutions to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board concerning the West Dupont Liquor License Moratorium, set to expire on April 10, 2023. The commission voted to request a 90-day extension of the moratorium; the commission also discussed the moratorium and decided to hold broader public discussion on the matter.
- A resolution requesting the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment to recommend the DC Council not cut funding for the DC Circulator (thus preventing elimination of 3 of the 6 routes) and to fund extension of the Dupont-Rosslyn route to U Street NW.
COMMISSION CONVERSATION WITH OFFICE OF ANC
In efforts to organize its administrative matters and better engage constituents in its deliberations, Commissioners met with the Office of the ANCs on Friday, March 31. Kent Boese and Kathy Williams (both of OANC), discussed with Commissioners Meg Roggensack, Jeff Rueckgauer, Vincent Slatt, China Dickerson, Matt Johnson, Patricia Bencivenga, Zach Adams, and Christopher Davis, as well as ANC 2B Executive Director Peter Sacco. Explanations were given concerning three types of meetings: public, administrative, and personnel.
Public meetings are when the commission makes decisions on matters before it; these are open to the public and although by law public comments on matters are not required to be heard, they are required by the ANC 2B bylaws. Administrative meetings concern the operations and business affairs of the commission; these are to be held in public and there are no requirements to take comment from the public. Personnel meetings concern employees of the commission and are held in private.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
FY 2024 Budget Cuts Would Decimate DC Circulator
On March 22, Mayor Bowser presented her budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024. Dubbed “The Comeback Budget” there are several items that have raised questions and concerns among many residents, advocates, and ANCs. One item with a considerable, and negative, impact on Dupont Circle residents is the elimination of three DC Circulator bus routes, including the Dupont-Georgetown-Rosslyn route. Not only would this popular and useful transit resource be discontinued, so would the long-anticipated extension to U Street NW, Le Droit Park, and Howard University.
ANC 2B has long supported the extension, which would provide a convenient one-seat ride between Dupont and the U Street NW corridor in addition to Georgetown. This can boost businesses along the full route. It also provides an equitable transportation option for the many residents along the corridor who would no longer have to rely on costly taxis and ride shares. It could also result in a substantial reduction of the number of personal vehicles that clog U Street NW, contributing to our climate goals and the success of the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) forthcoming bus priority projects on U Street NW and Florida Avenue NW.
The Department of Public Works (DPW): Street sweeping began on March 1 and continues through October 31. Vehicles in violation of the posted parking restrictions will be subject to a $45 fine and a possible $100 relocation fee.
DPW will begin alley cleaning service in April. DPW will clean District alleys every six weeks between April and October. If residents observe an alley that needs attention before April, please place a 311-service request for sanitation enforcement. Mowing and grounds maintenance will begin in April as well.
The Department of Buildings has released a new dashboard tracking various performance metrics and providing information on violations and abatements, as well as permit issuances and inspections.
The Capital Pride Alliance is collecting signatures from residents along 17th Street NW and P Street NW to support the parade and block party. If you are interested in collecting signatures, or volunteering with the Capital Pride Alliance to help plan the festivities, contact Ryan Bos at ryan@capitalpride.org or go to www.capitalpride.org/volunteer/
