Category: News / Blog

NEWS: January “Votes of the ANC” blog

This new blog, “Votes of the ANC” will be posted on the day after our monthly meeting to explain the votes that took place the night before. The language in resolutions will still be up to final review and some changes may be made.  Last night at our regular ANC meeting the following votes occurred:

Election of 2015 ANC2B Officers
Commissioner Warwick moved to nominate officers as a slate. Commission Smith as Chair, Commissioner Maltz as Vice-Chair, Commissioner Upright as Treasurer, and Commissioner Mann as Secretary. Seconded by Commissioner Underhill. Passed by acclimation.

Commissioner Silverstein nominated Will Stephens as Dupont Circle ANC Chairman Emeritus. Seconded by Commissioner Feldstein. Passed 9-0.

Meeting Minutes & Work Calendar

Approval of December 2014 Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve pending technical corrections, seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 9-0.

General 

Request by Fresh Farms Market on Vermont Avenue for Letter of Support
Commissioner Feldstein moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Nichols. Passed 8-0.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Agenda

MS 1901, LLC t/a Melt Shop (#97642) for a stipulated and new Retail DR license at 1901 L Street NW. Fast casual artisan sandwiches, tater tots, soup, milkshakes, etc. Establishment will have 30 seats inside with approximately 10 sidewalk cafe seats. Hours 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Saturday. (2B06)
Commissioner Maltz moved to support the stipulated license based on selling just a beer and wine, early closing at 9pm, and full hours of serving food, seconded by Commissioner Nichols. Passed 8-0.
Commission takes no action on the permanent full license.

Consideration of resolution for ABC Board to Address Recent Violence at Heritage India/Zanzibar at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW (ABRA-90050) (2B06)
Commissioner Smith moved to adopt the letter, seconded by Commissioner Maltz. Passed 8-0.

Discussion of West Dupont Moratorium Zone and Appointment of Working Group
Commissioner Warwick moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Passed 7-0-2. The resolution reads as follows:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B appoints the following members to the ad-hoc created West Dupont Moratorium Working Group in order to create an impact driven and neighbor focused community engagement process regarding the future of the West Dupont Moratorium Zone.

1. Daniel Warwick (Commissioner, 2B02), Chair
2. Mike Feldstein (Commissioner, 2B01)
3. Patrick Kain
4. Karyn Robinson

Consideration of Resolution on Prioritizing the Reduction of Noise from Liquor-licensed Established – Commissioners Nichols and Warwick.
Commissioner Nichols moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 8-0-1. Commissioner Silverstein abstains. The resolution reads as follows:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B asks you to take act in early 2015 to address the disturbance to peace order and quiet created by amplified music emanating from on-premises alcoholic beverage retailers.

First, we believe the agencies responsible for enforcing noise laws at liquor-selling establishments should improve their enforcement of existing noise laws. We hope you will be leaders in interagency collaboration among the Alocholic Beverage Regulation Authority (ABRA), the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The 2014 ABRA noise task force is a starting place from which to draw experience to improve the effectiveness of noise enforcement.

Second, as diminishing noise from liquor selling establishments is a crucial quality of life concern for those who live, work, and play in The District, we believe now is also the time to study ways to systemically improve the noise laws and regulations that govern noise related to alcohol establishments.

While Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B contains just 3% of DC residents, we have a disproportionate number of liquor selling establishments in our ANC. We look forward to working with you to establish a framework for noise control in the District.

 

Historic Preservation & Zoning Applications

 

1330 Connecticut Ave NW. Historic preservation review for significant alterations to front, rear and side facades and use of public space. (2B07)
Commissioner Underhill moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Warwick. Passed 9-0. The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas 1330 Connecticut Avenue has come before the ANC 2B Zoning Preservation and Development (ZPD) committee;

Whereas the project presented will be a new design that would require an alteration of the existing terms of the Planned Unit Development;

Whereas the new design presented better activates the pedestrian experience;

Therefore, ANC 2B is willing to support the project contingent upon demonstrating the following conditions:

(1) ANC 2B is notified of any changes to the Planned Unit Development (“PUD”).
(2) The project team consults with and reaches consensus with ANC 2B on a Memorandum of Understanding regarding construction.
(3) ANC 2B is notified of any material changes to the design.

1734 R Street NW. HPA 15-059 (2B03)
Commissioner Maltz moved to request a one month delay, seconded by Commissioner Upright. Passed 9-0. The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas the applicant has not yet adequately notified neighbors of this project, but has expressed interest in working with the neighbors to obtain their input.

Therefore, ANC2B request a one month delay of the hearing of this case so that the input of neighbors can more appropriately be weighed. The delay is supported by the applicant.

1601 18th Street NW. BZA 18903 (2B03)
Commissioner Maltz moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Underhill. Passed 9-0. The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas 1601 18th Street NW is requesting a special exception to bring the existing usage into compliance with the applicable laws;

Whereas the tenants will be continuing to use the space in the same manner as it is currently being utilized;

Therefore; ANC2B supports the change of use formality.

2138 O Street NW. HPRB application for rear addition. (2B06)
Commissioner Silverstein moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Mann. Passed 9-0. The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas the project is within the existing character and nature of the block and not setting a new precedent;

Whereas the applicant has letters of support from the neighbors at both 2128 and 2132 O Street NW;

Therefore, ANC 2B is willing to support the project contingent upon demonstrating the following conditions:

(1) Meeting a flag test for the renovation that demonstrations that the addition would not be visible from O St. and

(2) Proof of outreach to the building across the street neighbors.

Motion to Congratulate John Jedzink on his election as Chair of the DCC
Commissioner Feldstein moved to approve subject to letter being drafted, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Adopted without opposition.

Appointment of Standing Zoning, Preservation, and Development Committee
Commissioner Warwick moved to establish committee & nominate members & to assign the task of re-purposing itself to the committee, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Passed 9-0. The resolution reads as follows:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B hereby appoints a standing committee to help the full ANC with issues regarding individual zoning and historic preservation applications as well as policy issues regarding development impacting the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

The following members will be appointed to the committee:

Daniel Warwick (Commissioner 2B02), Co-Chair
Mike Feldstein (Commissioner 2B01), Co-Chair
Stephanie Maltz (Commissioner 2B03)
Michael Upright (Commissioner 2B04)
Noah Smith (Commissioner 2B09, Chair ANC 2B – ex oficio)
Patrick Smith
Michael Biedler
Chris Furlong
Cathy Brooker

Members of the previous session’s committee who have not been reappointed will be invited to the February meeting of the ZPD committee as full members of the committee and may ask to be reappointed for the March ZPD meeting.

 

Administrative Matters

Treasurer’s Report Quarterly Report 1 FY15 Started with 77,680.70 ended 79,301.61
Commissioner Maltz moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Upright. Passed 9-0.

Approval of $25 to participate in the ANC Security Fund
Commissioner Upright moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Maltz. Passed 9-0. The resolution reads as:

Request for reimbursement to Will Stephens for $52 for ANC charges
Commissioner Maltz moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Passed 8-0-1.

Request for reimbursement to Mike Silverstein for $60 for Name Plates
Commissioner Smith moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Upright. Passed 9-0.

Request for pre-approval for Noah Smith to Purchase Business Cards up to $500
Commissioner Upright moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Mann. Passed 8-0-1.

 

NEWS: Dupont Circle ANC Publishes Draft Goals for 2015

In an effort to be more transparent, accountable and productive the Dupont Circle ANC presents for public comment a list of draft goals for calendar year 2015.

There will be a brief discussion of the goals at the January 14th meeting and final goals will be adopted at the February 11th ANC meeting. The ANC will then establish committees and working groups comprised of members of the community to begin addressing those goals in a proactive manner and may consider holding several special meetings throughout the year to act on the work of those groups. The draft goals were developed by the 2015 Commissioners; we look forward to their enhancement through public comment.

The ANC asks that you submit your feedback on these draft goals, including which should be addressed first or not at all and what goal statements may be missing, by February 5, 2015 (Deadline extended!) by emailing commissioners@dupontcircleanc.net. The goals do not appear in any particular order.

Overarching Goals

  • Address policy issues proactively and streamline reactionary approaches to regulatory applications.
  • Enhance engagement and involvement of residents, neighboring ANCs, neighborhood organizations, businesses and not-for-profit groups.

Specific Policy-related Goals

  • Better understand the role of the ANC and community in impacting historic preservation in the neighborhood and use that knowledge to better influence preservation activities.
  • Address rat infestation together with residents, businesses, organizations, and the city.
  • Identify and prioritize issues related to liquor-licensed establishments in ANC2B and recommend comprehensive approaches to address those issues.
  • Engage with and support schools located within ANC 2B as well as those that serve as part of the neighborhood feeder pattern.
  • Assist the City in improving communications with residents and businesses during natural and man-made emergencies.
  • Work with area organizations to promote independent and diverse retail businesses that serve and enhance our neighborhood.
  • Inventory ANC2B parks and explore opportunities to increase the number and utilization of public parks in the neighborhood.

Significant Specific Issue Goals

  • Continue to represent the best interests of the neighborhood regarding development of land at St. Thomas Church.
  • Provide recommendations to the ABC Board on the West Dupont Liquor License Moratorium by April 2015.

 

NEWS: ANC 2B to Host City and PEPCO on January 14 to Discuss Recent Power Outage

At its regular monthly meeting on January 14th at 7:00 pm at the Brookings Institution (1775 Massachusetts Ave NW) the Dupont Circle ANC will host Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, and representatives from the Mayor’s Office and PEPCO to discuss the response to the recent neighborhood-wide power outages.

On January 6th an underground cable fault occurred shortly before 7 a.m. near 18th and Corcoran streets, NW.  That affected three underground feeders and led to power outages for approximately 6,100 customers. At first, customers were told power would be restored before noon. That assessment was incorrect, but residents made plans without proper information, and some were stranded in unheated homes in sub-freezing temperatures. By nightfall, a warming center had been set up in Petworth, but it was more than 2 miles away, and many residents did not learn about it until after dark. Many did not feel safe leaving their homes to walk icy sidewalks with no street lights.
 
Above all, our neighbors did not receive enough timely and accurate information to make proper decisions about their own health and safety. While the ANC fully understands that infrastructure breaks down and that it can be difficult to diagnosis and fix the problem, our concern here is about how we respond to such emergencies. What went wrong here, what can we learn from that, and what steps can we take now to improve our communications systems so that future emergencies are better managed?

At the same meeting, four new Commissioners and five returning Commissioners will be sworn in by Mr. Evans and the ANC will discuss a range of regulatory applications as well as their 2015 goals. The full agenda, which will be updated on Sunday, is available HERE.

NEWS: December “Resolution Letters By Month” now posted

The following letters that were transmitted to D.C. government agencies as the result of ANC actions at the Commission’s November meeting have been uploaded and posted for public viewing:.

December 2014

1432 Swann St NW (HPRB)

1504 Swann St NW (BZA)

1504 Swann St NW (HPRB)

1541 T St NW (HPRB)

1617 Riggs Place (HPRB)

1826 15th St NW (HPRB)

1900 N Street (Public Space)

2112 R St NW (Public Space)

2127 N Street NW (HPRB)