This monthly newsletter from the Dupont Circle ANC 2B provides a recap of events at the last commission meeting (August 9th, 2023); offers highlights of things to come; shares local news; and gives you options to get involved.
Please forward to a friend or have them subscribe!
The Q Street Pocket Park (18th Street and Q Street NW, 2B07) is blooming beautifully this Summer!
AUGUST MONTHLY RECAP
At its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 9th, the Commission took the following actions:
- Considered an application for a new Retailerâs Class âCâ Restaurant license for Bread Furst at 1600 21st Street NW (ABRA-125516).
- Considered public space applications for un-enclosed sidewalk cafés for Residents DC (DDOT #10991808), Panera Bread (DDOT #10997113), and Roasting Plant Coffee (DDOT #11013091).
- Note: ANC 2B voted for conditional support for Panera Breadâs application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at 1528 Connecticut Avenue NW – awaiting updated design documents showing adequate sidewalk clearance.
- Discussed and approved changes to our bylaws. We also aim to review and edit our Policies and Procedures Manual to better fit with the changes made in the bylaws. Our old and new bylaws can be found here.
- We approved the ANCâs regular July and special July meeting minutes, our FY 2023 Quarter 3 financial report, and expenditures for a Capital Pride Town Hall.
You can view a recording of the August 9th meeting here.
UPCOMING COMMITTEE AND TASK FORCE MEETINGS
The September Mobility Committee meeting will be Tuesday, September 5th at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Agenda and zoom link coming soon. One topic to be discussed is a community request to provide parking on both sides of the 1700 block of Church Street NW (between 17th and 18th Streets NW).
The September Land Use Committee meeting will be on Wednesday, September 6th at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Zoom link coming soon. One topic to be discussed is 2122 P Street NW planning to add 2 stories, converting upper floors to residential — Wizard of Oz mural will be preserved!
The September Complex Applications (CAPP) Task Force meeting will be held the week of September 11th, exact date TBD. We will discuss modifications to the Policies and Procedures Manual to incorporate changes related to the applications for licensing of cannabis establishments.
The next regular ANC 2B meeting will be Wednesday, September 13th at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Agenda and Zoom link coming soon.
PUBLIC SAFETY
There was a stabbing incident on Friday, August 18th in the 2100 block of P Street NW. Two men were injured, one was hospitalized with laceration at neck last known in stable condition. Suspect has been apprehended. This is believed to be an individual having a mental health issue per the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
If you see someone who appears to be having a mental health issue, reach out to the Community Response Team (https://dbh.dc.gov/service/community-response-team) They are available 24/7. Phone them at (202) 673-6495.
Five Opportunities to be Safety-Aware
Public safety is top of mind these days, and itâs natural to feel overwhelmed. Here are five opportunities to be a more informed and aware citizen, and to contribute to a safer Dupont Circle and city:
- Attend the Citizen Engagement Academy – complete an online interest card to get in the queue for the forthcoming fall or spring sessions. Launched in 2015, the Community Engagement Academy allows community members to learn firsthand about police operations. Through this eight-week program, MPD provides participants with a personal view of the positive aspects and challenges that confront officers daily.
During training, participants learn about:
- The recruit training program.
- Common policing scenarios and challenges.
- Patrol Services and take station tours.
- Specialized policing units (e.g., K-9, bomb squad, harbor patrol).
- Use of Force.
- Various policing topics from command staff members.
There are three cohorts of the Community Engagement Academy held annually (Summer, Fall, Spring.) Participants must undergo a basic background check prior to participation.
- Attend the monthly Citizens Advisory Councils (CACs) to get an update on crime in the neighborhood, meet MPD staff, and hear presentations on topics of current interest. The next 3D CAC is August 31 at 7:00 pm at the 1620 V Street NW station; MPD’s Victim Services Branch will present on their work.
- Make MPD general safety tips a part of your regular routine: https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/general-safety
- Call the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) to report complaints about establishments creating noise and public safety concerns. The hotline is (202) 442-4423 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and (202) 329-6347 from 7:00 pm to 4 :00 am daily. Reporting such incidents helps ABCA ensure licensees operate responsibly.
- Your Commissioner is your âeyes and earsâ with local government; make sure your Commissioner is aware of public safety concerns and suggestions.
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UPDATES OF INTEREST
S Street Dog Park is closing Tuesday, September 5th for long-awaited renovation. Work is expected to be completed in December 2023.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is resurfacing the 2000 and 2100 blocks of P Street NW (20th to 22nd Streets NW) beginning August 30th and expected to take 30 days (weather permitting). At least one travel lane in each direction will be maintained throughout. Sidewalks may have incidental closures but should be mostly unobstructed. Parking will be temporarily limited/restricted along P Street NW. Businesses will be open so please walk/bike/transit to visit them!
We are awaiting updates from the National Park Service (NPS) regarding work on the Dupont Fountain and Ukrainian Independence Park (Shevchenko Memorial).
The results from the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Office of Planningâs (OP) resident survey on sustainability are up! Click here to view the results.
Commissioner Slatt (2B03) held a Capital Pride Town Hall on August 10th. Members from the community came together to chat about 2023 Pride and the future of Pride for 2024 and 2025.
EVENTS, MEETINGS, AND REMINDERS
DC JAZZFEST is August 30th â September 3rd. More information and tickets here.
Summer Restaurant Week is here August 28th â September 3rd. More information on participating restaurants here.
DDOT will be holding a public meeting on the U Street Bus Priority Project on Tuesday, September 19th at 6:00 pm on Webex. https://tinyurl.com/UStreet-NW-Bus-Priority-Sept19 The project website is: https://buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/pages/ustnw
Take a tour and learn more about the city with WalkingTown DC September 16th-24th. More information and registration here.
On Thursday, September 21st Johns Hopkins University and the Downtown DC BID are hosting a Community Convening on Homelessness. More information and registration here.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness DC (NAMI) reported in their newsletter that 82% of Americans did not know about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. FYI: you can share your experiences and concerns with local crisis response on their Contact page or call (202) 466-0972.
In the District you can get help 24/7 with a mental health crisis by calling 988. This national helpline will connect you to a local specialized counselor who can assist you.
