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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RECAP of ANC 2B APRIL MEETING
The meeting was about 3.5 hours long, including almost 2 hours of announcements! Recordings of the meeting – including deliberations and votes – can be found online.
Commissioners passed resolutions on the following matters:
- “Sixty DC Hotel” – a new license for a hotel at 1337 Connecticut Avenue NW (2B05-Stein)
- 1832 Florida Avenue NW – a third story addition to a rowhouse (2B08-Adams)
- 1617 U Street NW / 1620 V Street NW – application for a map amendment. This amendment is one of many issues that will arise in the months to come concerning the redevelopment of the current police station and fire department buildings (1B07-Fields; 2B08-Adams adjacent)
- The installation of a statue in the triangle park located at 18th Street, Q Street, and New Hampshire Avenue NW (2B07-Bencivenga)
- Support for restoring school funding cuts in Mayor’s FY 2024 budget affecting five of six schools serving students in ANC 2B and citywide (2B-Roggensack)
DC Government reports:
- Commander John Branch has replaced Commander Bedlion as the new Commander of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Second District. Portions of ANC 2B are also covered by the Third District, Commander James Boteler. He heard concerns about traffic problems south of P Street NW and crimes committed by juveniles. He also discussed the Private Security Camera System Incentive Program from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants. For further details contact: security.cameras@dc.gov; 202-727-5124.
- Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs, presented on the Mayor’s proposed FY 2024 budget with a focus both on LGBTQ affairs citywide and Dupont Circle-specific matters.
- Chris Dyer, from the Department of Parks and Recreation, spoke on the upcoming renovation of the S Street Dog Park – it will begin in summer 2023 and last for about 3-6 months. The most recent update on construction at Stead Park can be found here.
- Ashley Wells from DC Smart Street Lighting Project updated on the modernization of over 72,000 street lights to LED technology and remote monitoring capabilities. Learn more at streetlights.dc.gov.
- Christopher Powell from the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services announced that the Mayor’s proposed FY 2024 budget can be found at budget.dc.gov.
- Victoria Casarrubias from Councilmember Pinto’s office presented on budget and oversight season and Councilmember Pinto’s concerns about proposed budget cuts. Public safety remains a top concern for her as the Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. They are also scheduling the next meeting of the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck-Over Project – Monday, May 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at The Ven at Embassy Row, 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW.
- Donovan Boyd, from DDOT, presented on the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck-Over Project meeting, jointly hosted by Councilmember Pinto, the Dupont Circle BID, and ANC 2B. DDOT’s Traffic Engineering and Safety Division and Traffic Operations Division are both assisting in the project (especially the detours issues), including the 19th Street NW safety concerns.
Other public announcements included:
- Georgia Katinas, manager of Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse on 17th Street NW, provided an update on Annie’s 75th anniversary celebration to be held on April 29th from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. Learn more at https://www.anniesparamountdc.com/
- Bill McLeod from the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District (BID) spoke about the Dupont Circle fountain – it was turned on for testing, but will again be shut off so that the bowl can be resealed, and then it will be turned on later in the season.
ANC ADMINISTRATIVE MEETING: THURSDAY, MAY 4th, 7:00 pm
ANC 2B will hold an administrative meeting to discuss its administrative and personnel matters on Thursday, May 4th at 7:00 pm. No action will be taken, such that no time will be set aside for public comments. In compliance with DC statute regarding ANC meetings, the administrative portion of the meeting will be open to the public; the personnel portion will be closed to the public.
The agenda has been posted and can be viewed here.
The meeting will be held online via Zoom and can be accessed at the following link: . If you do not have a computer or access to the internet, you may join the meeting via phone at (301) 715-8592 or (646) 558-8656 with meeting ID 813 1736 2297 #.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
- Councilmember Brooke Pinto will host a town hall on the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck-Over Project on Monday, May 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at at The Ven at Embassy Row, 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW.
- Around the World Embassy Tour will return this year on Saturday, May 6th. More than 60 embassies will open their doors to the public. Details can be found via Events DC.
- European Union Embassy Open House is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th.
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to reveal Better Bus Visionary Network project with multiple events through June 5th. Full details are on their webpage.
- Curbside Composting Pilot Program: If you live in a single-family home and the Department of Public Works (DPW) collects your trash and recyclables, you can sign up here to participate in the new curbside composting program.
- Friends of Stead Park is conducting a survey to better understand community expectations when our new recreation center opens in the fall. Please share your thoughts here!