Agendas – Page 83 – Dupont Circle ANC 2B

This blog, “Votes of the ANC” will be posted shortly after our monthly meeting to explain the votes that took place during the meeting. The language in resolutions will still be up to final review and some changes may be made. At our January ANC meeting the following votes occurred:

Election of 2016 ANC 2B Officers

Commissioner Mann moved to elect Commissioner Mann as Chair, Commissioner Smith as Vice Chair, Commissioner Maltz as Treasurer, and Commissioner Silverstein as Secretary. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Feldstein. Passed 7-0-0.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Agenda

Recessions II – Application for a substantial change to its Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern license at 1823 L Street NW (ABRA-060567) (2B06)

The ANC took no action on this matter.

The Wydown Coffee Bar – Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license at 1924 14th Street NW (ABRA-100275) (2B09)

Commissioner Mann moved to support the application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nichols. Passed 6-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

ANC 2B supports the application for a C license because of the limited hours of the application, the nature of the business as an independent coffee and dessert shop, the already-existing trash management services, and because the Wydown has proven to be a good neighbor in the community.

Historic Preservation & Zoning Agenda

1514 Swann Street NW – Interior renovation of single family home with third floor rear addition over existing structure and infill of existing dog leg (2B09)

Commissioner Mann moved to request a one month delay on the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) hearing of the project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 7-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

ANC 2B requests a one month delay for review of this application so that neighbors have time to be informed of this project.

1508 -1512 21st Street NW – Residential renovation and rear addition to three existing multifamily rowhouses, including restoration of the historic façades on 21st Street (2B02)

Commissioner Warwick moved to request a one month delay on the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) hearing of the project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nichols. Passed 7-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

ANC 2B requests that the project be delayed by one month to further examine community support.

11 Dupont Circle NW – Proposed exterior building improvements to include the building entrances, façade, streetscape and addition of a rooftop terrace (2B07)

Commissioner Warwick moved to support the application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mann. Passed 7-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the applicant intends to build a roof deck to the commercial building on Dupont Circle,

WHEREAS, a roof deck facing Dupont Circle at a similar height already exists today at the Dupont Circle Hotel,

WHEREAS, residents next door to the applicant at the Patterson Mansion will not be affected by the roof deck due to the difference in height and the distance from the outdoor space,

WHEREAS, the application shows a careful consideration of green space on New Hampshire Avenue and the building re-facing will help the building look more in-line with the character of the neighborhood, and

WHEREAS, consistent with ANC 2B’s public space guidelines, ANC 2B encourages 10 feet of walkable space, including the use of permeable walking surfaces at the edge of the sidewalk, between the tree mounds and Dupont Underground entrance.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 2B supports the application due to no disruption of neighboring residents and the consideration of green space in the application, but encourages the applicant to provide 10 feet of sidewalk space on New Hampshire Avenue, per our public space guidelines.

2131 N Street NW – Proposed third floor addition (2B06)

Commissioner Mann moved to support the application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 7-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

ANC 2B supports the project due to no issues with security, privacy, light, and air and support from neighbors.

1723 Swann Street NW – Special exception to construct a second story rear deck addition to an existing flat in the R-5-B district (BZA Application #19156) (2B08)

Commissioner Mann moved to oppose the application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Silverstein. Passed 6-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the applicant intends to build a second floor deck to be used as outdoor space,

WHEREAS, the neighbor at 1725 Swann Street expressed opposition to the special exception due to valid concerns regarding the loss of privacy from his adjacent 2nd floor bedroom, as well as concerns about noise and loss of light and air, and

WHEREAS, the 1700 block of Swann Street consists of a row of 15 identical two-story houses, none of which currently have a 2nd floor deck on the back of the house.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 2B opposes the application for a special exception due to concerns regarding the privacy and security of the neighbors as well as the concerns for the precedent that the project would set for the rest of the 1700 block of Swann Street.

1101-1111 16th Street NW – Concept/facade alterations to non-contributing buildings (2B05)

Commissioner Nichols moved to request a one month delay on the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) hearing of the project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mann. Passed 6-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

ANC 2B requests a one month delay to further allow for conversations and discussion with the applicant concerning this project.

Resolution against 24-hour demolition and construction at 1100 15th Street (2B05)

Commissioner Nichols moved to support the resolution on the matter. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 6-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) issued a 24/7 demolition permit to the project at 1100 15th Street NW,

WHEREAS, the applicant in multiple appearances before ANC 2B did not mention plans or 24/7 demolition,

WHEREAS, DCMR 105.1.3 specifically provides that: “No after-hours permit shall be issued for work in an area zoned “residential” under the Zoning Regulations then in effect, or in an area 500 feet of such residential zone, or within 500 feet of a building with sleeping quarters, unless official determines that not issuing permit would pose a threat to public safety, health and welfare.”,

WHEREAS, the project is located within 500 feet of nearby sleeping units at The Presidential, The Capitol Hill Hilton, The University Club, and the Russian Ambassador’s house,

WHEREAS, ANC 2B was informed of a protest by The Presidential and The University Club of Washington DC which did not receive responses from DCRA, and

WHEREAS, ANC 2B is especially disturbed by the allowance for 85 decibels of noise at night when 55 decibels are normally allowed at night with nearby residences.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 2B requests revocation of the 24/7 demolition permit, especially during night hours.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ANC 2B requests that DCRA provide an explanation how 24-hour demolition is necessary in order to protect safety, health, and public welfare pursuant to DCMR 105.1.3, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ANC 2B requests that a DCRA representative attend the next ANC 2B meeting to discuss the process for approval of 24/7 demolition permits so as to better understand this process going forward.

Public Space Committee Agenda

Valet parking request for Claudia’s Steakhouse at 1501 K St NW (Updated resolution to November 2015 action) (2B05)

Commissioner Nichols moved to support the application. Commissioner Maltz requested an amendment to support the application on a six month trial basis and to then reevaluate the application in six months. Commissioner Warwick seconded the amendment. The amendment was voted on and passed 5-1-0. The final motion was voted on and passed 3-2-1.

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Claudia’s Steakhouse at 1501 K Street NW has applied for a public space permit for two valet parking spaces on 15th Street NW,

WHEREAS, in August 2014, ANC 2B reviewed but took no action on the initial application by Claudia’s for a RC alcohol license with entertainment and sidewalk café endorsements,

WHEREAS, compliance problems with sidewalk café and valet parking requirements led ANC 2B to oppose a public space application by Claudia’s Steakhouse at ANC 2B’s November 10, 2015 meeting, and

WHEREAS, subsequent observation and discussions with the owners of Claudia’s Steakhouse indicate compliance with requirements and the business’ commitment to comply with DC laws governing the use of public space,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 2B now supports, for a six month trial period, Claudia’s application to use public space for valet parking.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, at the completion of the six month trial period, ANC 2B will support Claudia’s full public space application if no community concerns arise over the course of the six months.

Sidewalk cafe application for the Dupont Circle Hotel at 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW (2B03)

Commissioner Maltz moved to support the application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 6-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the existing sidewalk cafe and use of public space violates ANC 2B’s published public space guidelines requiring at least 10 feet of walkable public space, but

WHEREAS, the Dupont Circle Hotel has been a good neighbor and operator for over 17 years.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 2B supports bringing the public space permits into compliance with the already-existing structure and does not consider this precedent-setting because the existing structure has been grandfathered in.

Installation of a flagpole at the Colombian Embassy at 1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW in advance of early February visit by the President of Colombia

Commissioner Nichols moved to support the application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maltz. Passed 6-0-0.

The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas, the Embassy of Colombia has recently moved to 1724 Massachusetts Avenue, purchasing a large building previously owned by the Legacy Foundation,

Whereas, in response to a recent invitation by President Obama requesting a visit to Washington by Colombia’s President, President Juan Manuel Santos will visit Washington the first week of February 2016,

Whereas, President Santos’ visit to President Obama in Washington also provides an excellent opportunity to formally inaugurate the new embassy,

Whereas, a flag pole with the flag of its nation would be a standard part of any country’s embassy,

Whereas, the government of Colombia has filed a public space permit (Permit Tracking Number 1121464) to allow the erection a flag pole in the public space between the sidewalk and the building,

Whereas, similar flagpoles already adorn embassies on the 1700 block of Massachusetts Avenue, and

Whereas, the State Department supports the efforts of the Public Space Committee of the District of Columbia to facilitate expediting the review of this permit request in light of the short notice of the President’s visit.

Therefore, be it RESOLVED that Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B supports this public space request and hopes that the Public Space Committee of the District of Columbia can accommodate the Embassy’s desire to prepare for the arrival of President Santos by erecting the flag pole as fast as possible.

Administrative Matters

Approval of 2016 ANC meeting calendar

Commissioner Mann moved to approve the 2016 ANC meeting calendar. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maltz. Approved by acclamation.

Vote to participate in the ANC Security Fund

Commissioner Mann moved to participate in the ANC Security Fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nichols. Passed 6-0-0.

Approval of December 2015 regular meeting minutes

The December 2015 regular meeting minutes were approved by acclamation.

Discussion on continuation of ANC 2B committee structure

The continuation of all ANC 2B standing committees until the ANC’s regular February meeting was approved by acclamation.

Category: Agendas

NEWS: ANC 2B February 2016 Final Agenda posted

NEWS: ANC 2B February 2016 Agenda posted

ZPD Agenda February 3rd

NEWS: ANC 2B “Resolution Letters by Month” posted

ANC 2B January “Votes of the ANC” published