Category Archives: Uncategorized

Historic Preservation Review Sends MGM Lobby Shop Back to the Drawing Board

Decision Marks a Win for ANC6C, CHRS, and Neighbors

By Larry Janezich

Despite the high priced talent hired by MGM’s Federal Lobbying Group to shepherd the plan for the design of their proposed headquarters on Stanton Park through the city bureaucracy, the HPRB sent the design back to the drawing board in a public hearing held on Thursday.  (For background, see prior post here:  http://bit.ly/2rmb4tV)

Opposition to the plan was led by ANC6C, represented by Mark Eckenwiler, who praised the restoration of the building as a “meritorious project” and said there was much to like in the proposal.  However, he said, ANC6C could not support the proposed rear additions and the elevator shaft.  He noted that although outside the scope of historic preservation, a serious issue for the ANC was the objections of neighbors who decried the potential for disruption and noise from events (fund raisers) on the 1600 square foot deck atop the one story additions at the rear of the building.

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society, represented by Beth Purcell, agreed that the design has many commendable features but raised concerns about the exterior elevator shaft, the roof top deck and the proposed pergola overlooking 5^th Street.  Regarding the associated issue of noise and disruption, she said “Lobbyists entertain – not to mention how the deck might be used by a future owner of the building.” Five nearby residents or building owners reinforced that concern with testimony before the Board.

(ANC6C Commissioner Scott Price, in whose single member district the project lies, is facilitating the negotiation of a neighborhood agreement between the neighbors and MGM reps regarding the use of the deck.)

If anything, the HRPB was more critical than either the ANC or CHRS.

After hearing from MGM reps respond to why the proposed design was necessary for the building to work for the owner, four of the board members spoke out against the exterior elevator and the deck.  The consensus seemed to be that the elevator should be inside the building, the size of the deck should be reduced and confined to the east side of the roof of the additions, the pergola moved east to the edge of the reduced deck, and access to the west side of the addition’s roof overlooking 5^th Street should be prevented by installation of a green roof or by enforceable easement.

Board member Joseph Taylor was particularly critical saying that the HPO staff report which had found the proposal compatible with the Historic District should have ruled it was incompatible because of the outside add-ons.  “I can’t support an exterior elevator…the elevator is a big dog, and you can’t just say be smaller.”

Chairperson Heath agreed, and moved that MGM work with HPO staff to address the Board’s concerns and come back next month where the issue will be placed on the consent calendar for action after the Board has an opportunity to review changes to the design.  The motion passed unanimously.

In other action, the HPRB gave unanimous approval to PGN Architect’s design for Capitol Hill Baptist Church’s proposal to build five townhouses on church property facing 6th Street, NE.  (For prior post on this issue, go here: http://bit.ly/2syUk6a)

 

 

Week Ahead… Thursday:  HPRB Hearing on MGM Lobby Shop & Baptist Church Townhouses

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 19

1. ANC6A Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm, Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, N.E.

Among items on the agenda:

Presentation by DDOT officials of 90% plans for Maryland Avenue, N.E. redesign project and discussion regarding plans to redesign Florida Avenue, N.E.

Tuesday, June 20

1. ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, N.E.

Among items on the agenda.

Discussion of request for change to entertainment endorsement filed by The Elroy Bar, LLC t/a The Elroy (1423 H Street, N.E.)

Discussion of request for new CT Restaurant license filed by Dynamix Lounge, LLC t/a Dynamix Lounge (1220 H Street NE)

2. Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, S.E.

Wednesday, June 21

1. ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, N.E.

Agenda not available at press time.

2. Capitol Hill Restoration Society Members Meeting. Presentation:  Ruth Trocelli, HPRB Archeologist will speak on “What Secrets Lie Beneath the Shotgun House”.  Trocelli and her team will present the results of their excavation of the Shotgun House site.  A display of found artifacts will accompany the excavation.  7:00pm at the Hill Center.  Free and open to the public.

Thursday, June 22

The Historic Preservation Review Board meets to consider various historic preservation cases.  At circa 11:15am, the Board will consider the concept for the Capitol Hill’s Baptist Church proposal for five townhouses on church property, at 525 A Street, S.E.  At circa 1:00pm the Board will consider the MGM Corporation concept and proposed rear additions to the building at 501 C Street, N.E.  The Board meets at 441 4^th Street, N.W., Room 220 – south.

 

ANC6C Approves Historic Preservation Concept for Church’s 5 Townhouses on 6^th Street, NE

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, a divided ANC6C voted 4 – 2  (Commissioners Wirt and Miller)  to support the Historic Preservation Application for five new townhouses containing a total of ten family units planned for the unit block of 6^th Street N.E., by the Capitol Hill Baptist Church.  (For previous post see here: http://bit.ly/2sdiG5R)

Although several church members were present to endorse the project, a number of nearby residents voiced their concerns or opposition.

Many of these concerns had to do with the impact of the new residences on parking, not only from residents of the townhouses, but also from parishioners attending Sunday services.  One resident questioned the commitment of the church to be part of the neighborhood, alleging that his efforts to engage the church had been rebuffed.  Another said that she had been surprised and disappointed to find that five townhouses meant ten units, and another complained that her bedroom windows face the project and rooftop decks on two of the units affect her quality of life.

After the meeting, a nearby resident told Capitol Hill Corner, “The church has not been forthcoming and is appearing more and more deceptive. Rather than new townhouses that could contribute to the DC tax base, it seems to be an expansion of the church.  [If the church has the] use classified as religious, this will amount to very fancy dorms on prime real estate.” Update:  A representative from the church has informed Capitol Hill Corner that if constructed, these homes would be subject to property taxes just as they would be for any other private owner.  (The church also owns 8 dwellings in the immediate area around its address at 525 A Street, NE, including four on East Capitol, NE.)

Associate Pastor Jamie Dunlop told the ANC the new housing will replace rental housing which the church already has in the neighborhood for pastor trainees.  Renters will be families, some long term, some shorter – for 4 or 5 months.  He said that construction will result in the loss of 8 parking spaces on site, and a total of 14 on Sunday.  The church is attempting to secure commercial parking for those parishioners who drive, but half of the congregation lives within walking distance of the church.

ANC6C Planning and Zoning Chair Mark Eckenwiler made the motion to support the Historic Preservation Application, noting that there were still a few minor historic preservation issues to be addressed, such as suggested changes to hardscaping, landscaping, and exterior stairs.  Regarding parking, he said he heard what people are saying, but that the parking problems are the result of a broken regulatory system, and until significant changes are made, it will continue to be a problem: “The church is not the enemy; this is a Historic Preservation Application, not a zoning application.”

Asked later if there were zoning issues associated with the project, Eckenwiler said “The church asserts that the project is matter-of-right as to zoning. I don’t have specific reasons at this stage to think their claim is incorrect, but it’s impossible to be certain based on the limited information typically submitted for HPRB concept review.  Such submissions are far less detailed than applications for building permits, and this project has not yet reached the permitting stage.”

The Historic Preservation Application will come before the Historic Preservation Review Board on June 22.

ANC6C Unanimously Opposes HPA Plan for MGM’s Proposed DC Lobbying HQ on Stanton Park

by Larry Janezich

Last night ANC 6C voted unanimously (6 – 0) to oppose MGM’s Historic Preservation Application (HPA) for modifications to a building on Stanton Park that the company wants to be the home of their 10 person Washington, DC lobby headquarters, at 501 C Street, NE.   The vote could delay the project and require MGM to go back to the drawing board if the Historic Preservation Review Board gives the required “great weight” to the ANC opinion.

Last week the Commission’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted to recommend to the full ANC that they oppose the application, citing a number of concerns.  (See here:  http://bit.ly/2rU1HEe)

On Monday, MGM submitted revised plans to the Historic Preservation Office, with a number of modifications to the design they brought before the Planning and Zoning Committee, in an attempt to address some of the committee’s concerns.

Mark Eckenwiler, chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee told the commission last night that while the committee was generally supportive of the renovations proposed for the building itself, there were still areas of concern.  He acknowledged that the revised plans resolved concerns regarding the use of public space for parking.

However, he noted, the committee’s main concerns regarding the additions at the rear of the building had not been modified at all.  These included the exterior elevator shaft extending beyond the eaves, the trellis running the length of the large roof top deck on top of the one-story historic structures added to the building, as well as the deck itself.  He also cited failure to conserve the façade of the historic structures behind the building and the proposed use of stucco on the exterior of the rear additions.

Though not directly related to historic preservation, Eckenwiler said that concerns of the nearby neighbors regarding the noise from rooftop deck gatherings (fundraisers) had not been addressed.

An MGM senior vice president for government affairs responded, asserting that the building will be used for office space for fewer than 10 people, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM.  Regarding the noise concerns of Capitol Hill neighbors she said that and MGM intends to be a good neighbor, is very sensitive to noise issues, and that residents could call upon her personally to address any issues.  She said MGM would use the deck for “small functions” and would “work with neighbors.” She said that the company’s operations would result in no parking or traffic disruptions – employees who do not live in the neighborhood, will use public transportation or rental parking.  Attendees at fundraisers will use Uber or Lyft.

Anne Adams, representing MGM on matters regarding historical architecture, said that it was not possible to put the elevator shaft inside the building because it would disrupt the historical interiors which MGM is trying to preserve.  She noted that the elevator made the building ADA accessible and that it will be partly hidden by the trellis running the length of the rooftop deck.

Some of the nearby neighbors rose to express their concerns, including the lack of outreach to the community and the lack of enforceability of activities on the rooftop deck.   One neighbor asked what MGM meant by “small gatherings.” An MGM representative replied 20 to 30 people

Commissioner Scott Price guessed that the deck could be as large as 900 square feet and could accommodate a much larger gathering.  He worried that if MGM sold the building, the community would be stuck with the potentially bad behavior of a future owner, with no community ability to hold the owner accountable.  He cited similar problems which had arisen regarding decks used by the Heritage Foundation and a nearby Georgia State University student housing facility.

After the meeting, Price took the initial steps to create a dialogue between the nearby neighbors and MGM, with the hope of reaching a community agreement regarding MGM operations should a roof deck ever be sanctioned by the city.  However, given the unanimous opposition of ANC6C as well as that of the Board of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, it seems unlikely that the project can go forward under the latest proposed plan.  The hearing before the Historic Preservation Board which will decide the matter will take place Thursday,  June 22.

Update:  June 16, 2017.  A Historic Preservation Office staff report made available today, concluded, “The HPO recommends the Board find the concept to be compatible with the Capitol Hill Historic District, and delegate final approval to staff.”

MGM Plan for Stanton Park Lobby Shop in Cap Hill Historic District Under Fire – ANC6C Votes Wednesday

By Larry Janezich

The erosion of Capitol Hill residential neighborhoods takes place in large ways – like the use of townhouses on New Jersey Avenue by lobbyists and non-profits for offices, and small – like the incompatible additions to and uses of commercial buildings that have a negative effect on residents.

A case in point concerns the deep-pocketed MGM Corporation which is in the business of films and gambling (National Harbor casinos), which plans to open up a lobby shop at 501 C Street, NE, on the south side of Stanton Park.  The 500 block is zoned C-2a for office use and all the buildings on C Street are used for that purpose.

The currently slightly shabby, but still grand 1876 building on the northwest corner of the block was built as the home of former U.S. Treasury official, Silas C. Clarke.   The large Italianate style building is in the Capitol Hill Historic District and requires approval from the city to alter the property – the owner submits a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) to the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) requesting approval to make changes to the property.  The HPO makes a recommendation to the Historic Preservation Review Board.

MGM plans to restore and renovate the former residence in ways that should delight neighbors as well as those concerned with historic preservation.  But what MGM gives with one hand, it takes away with the other.

The design includes elements that raise the hackles of nearby residents as well as the Capitol Hill Restoration Society and a majority of ANC6C’s Planning and Zoning Committee.   These elements include an exterior elevator tower with glass sided bridges between the tower and the building’s upper floors, an expansive roof top party deck with a pergola behind the building, and parking on public space.  Most of the other businesses on the block have private parking space, and none has a roof deck.

MGM hired the respected architectural historian Anne H. Adams of the powerhouse real estate law firm Goulston & Storrs and prominent historical preservation architect Michael Marshall of Marshall Moya Design to shepherd the project through the city bureaucracy.  Adams submitted Historic Preservation Application on behalf of MGM.

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) met with Adams and Marshall on June 5.  CHRS found that the elevator addition, the roof top deck, and the pergola rendered the project incompatible with the Capitol Hill Historic District.  The Society also noted concerns regarding “the potential noise and function of the roof deck as well as the continued use of the side yard for parking,” (neither directly related to historic preservation though some preservationists are making a case that use of public space is a historic preservation factor) as well as lack of letters of support from nearby residents.  It would surprise if such letters are forthcoming, given the impact on the neighborhood of parking for MGM staff and those attending events at the building.

On Thursday night, the ANC6C’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted 4 – 3 to oppose a motion to support the Historic Preservation Application, without revisions to address the issues of the elevator tower, the party deck, and side yard parking in public space.  The full ANC6C will consider the HPA at its meeting at 7:00pm, Wednesday, June 14, at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

MGM representatives had until the close of business today, June 12, to submit modifications of the plan.  The Historic Preservation Review Board Hearing on the matter is scheduled for Thursday, June 22, 2017.

The ANC is an advisory body, whose opinion is, by city regulation, given “great weight” by city agencies.  Many in the community who have been involved in trying to preserve the residential character of the Capitol Hill community feel that the MGM proposal crosses a line.   Much will depend on residents’ attendance at public meetings where this is being considered – the ANC6C meeting on Wednesday, and the Historic Preservation Review Board hearing on June 22.

ANC6A Has Harsh Words for City Council’s Cut in Streetcar Funding on Eve of Budget Vote

by Larry Janezich

Last Thursday night, DDOT’s Project Manager for Street Car Planning Jamie Hensen, gave ANC6A an update on the extension of the Streetcar Project.

Hensen recounted the previously widely reported bad news for the project regarding the reduction in FY 18 funding for the proposed extensions of the H Street line east to the Benning Road Metro Station and west to Georgetown.  Last month, the City Council released a proposed budget which reduced the Mayor’s request for $160 million over six years for the extension eastward, to $100 million and put off additional funding until FY 2023.  The $100 million allocated by the Council will allow planning to continue but under the best scenario, construction could not begin until 2023, instead of 2020.  The Council increased the Mayor’s request for funding the Georgetown extension from $165 to $196, but delayed spending the funds until 2020-2022.  ANC6B reacted in a proposed letter letter to the Mayor and City Council, saying that the funding was “unceremoniously stripped from the budget the council was presented to enact late the night before the Council vote.”  On May 30, the Council took the first of two required votes on the FY 18 budget. Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 13, the Council will take the second required budget vote.

ANC6A voted unanimously to send the letter to the Mayor and the City Council protesting the cut in funding and lack of transparency by which it was done, and urging the Council to restore the funds.  The letter states, in part, ANC6A “is extremely concerned about recent reports that funding was stripped from the budget at the last moment with no public notice…undermining the [city’s] longstanding commitment to ensuring the viability of this streetcar line …” Also, “Such lack of process and transparency undermines confidence in the Council’s budget process and the well-reasoned committee-led consideration that the Council provides to matters of public importance…”

Jensen also briefed the Commission on the recently completed ridership and travel time analysis, saying that the H Street Streetcar currently attracts 3000 riders a day, seven days a week.  DDOT estimates riderships on an extension from Union Station to Georgetown will attract 5700 riders per mile, making it, one of the higher ridership streetcar lines in the US.

The Environmental Assessment (EA)  for both extensions is currently underway, city agency and public meetings on the assessment will occur in the Fall of 2017, followed by a public meeting on, and publication of, the Environment Assessment in the winter of 2017/2018.  Final approval of the National Environmental Policy Assessment is expected in 2018.

The Week Ahead: ANC6B Likes Ellipse Alternative for PA/Potomac Avenue Intersection Redesign (Tuesday) – ANC6C Takes Up MGM Lobby Shop Proposal to Locate on Stanton Park – New Restaurants in ANC6D

Monday, June 12

1. AN6D meets at 7:00pm, 1100 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 105 & PSA 106) Lt. Robinson, Sgt. Barnes

Report on Activities of CBCC by Rikki Kramer.  (The Near Southeast/Southwest Community Benefits Coordinating Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2009 as the result of community dialogue, retreats and careful planning centered around building and bridging the diverse culture of Near Southeast and Southwest.)

Report on DC United Stadium Streetscape – Cassidy Mullen (DC Department of General Services)

Vermin Remediation Letter

Wharf Housing Lottery and Construction Update – Elinor Bacon

Florentijin, 11 Pearl Street, SW: new restaurant liquor license with entertainment and summer garden endorsements.

Del Mar, 791 Wharf Street, SW: new restaurant liquor license with two summer garden endorsements.

Union Stage, 740 Water Street: new tavern liquor license with entertainment and license to serve liquor on a boat.

Hyatt House, 725 Wharf Street, SW: new hotel liquor license with two summer gardens with entertainment endorsement.

Canopy by Hilton, 975 7th Street, SW: new hotel liquor license with entertainment endorsement and summer garden with entertainment endorsement.

Hank’s on the Wharf, 701 Wharf Street, SW: new restaurant liquor license and with summer garden endorsement.

Dacha, 79 Potomac Avenue, SE: new tavern liquor license with summer garden and sidewalk café endorsements.

Zoning Application:  ZC 05-38C – Square 499 – Modification Of Consequence (CM Fast)

Zoning Application:  2100 2nd Street SW – Square 613 – Design Review

Report on progress of neighborhood negotiations – Altrus Development.  Hard to figure out what this is about from the agenda, unless you’ve been following this:  http://bit.ly/2rQOBYI

Public Space Application:  1257 1st Street, SE – Chopt Sidewalk Café

Public Space Application:  1251 1st Street, SE – Roti Sidewalk Café

Tuesday, June 13

1. ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation: Director Fred Mossally, from the DC Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration.

Hawk N’ Dove, 329 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Renewal of a Tavern liquor license with a sidewalk café, with Cover Charge Dancing Entertainment Endorsement.

Lola’s, 711 8th Street, SE, Renewal of Tavern liquor license with a sidewalk café endorsement.

The Ugly Mug, 723 8th Street, SE, Application to add a Brew Pub Amendment to the existing license for the establishment.  Install equipment on street level floor of the premises to produce 275 barrels or 525 half-kegs of beer.

1108 South Carolina Avenue, SE: Historic Preservation Application: Concept/two-story rear and side additions.

1108 South Carolina Avenue, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story rear and side addition to an existing one-family dwelling in the RF-1 Zone at 1108 South Carolina Avenue, SE.

Alley Lot at 2015 3^rd Street, SE:  Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions from the rear yard requirements and the side yard requirements, and for variances from the alley centerline setback requirements and the pervious surface requirements to construct a two-story, two-unit apartment house on an alley lot in the RF-3 Zone at 205 3rd Street SE.

Alley Naming –  3^rd  Street Alley [Previously approved in May as Lincoln School Court. Request that it be named “Ruppert” Alley.  (After further research by the applicant, it appears that the request will be to name the alley “Lincoln Court.”

119 7th Street, SE: Eric Goetz of Blue Star Design’s Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions from the rear yard requirements, from the roof top architectural element requirements, from the height limitations, to construct a rear and third story addition to an existing two-story one-family dwelling in the RF-1 Zone at 119 7th Street, SE.  (Blue Star was issued and stop work order and a tear down order after constructing an illegal third story at 231 10^th Street.)

Report on modification of concept of the Safeway site, 415 14^th Street, SE.  Large Track Review (LTR) No. 2017-03.

Vote on letter expressing preference for the “Ellipse Alternative” proposed by DDOT for the redesign of the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenue Intersection Improvement Project

Report on DDOT Presentation on 15th/Kentucky/Potomac/G Street Intersection Study.

2. Police Service Area (PSA) 104 public meets at 8:00pm, Stuart Hobson Middle School, 410 E Street, NE.

Wednesday, June 14

1. ANC6C meets at 7:00pm at Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Presentation:  Council Member Robert White.

NoMa parks update.

Report one 3^rd  and L Street, NE, mural project.

Report on NoMa underpass projects.

Buredo, 625 H Street NE, new restaurant liquor license application.

Farmbird, 625 H Street NE, new restaurant liquor license application.

Fare Well, 406 H Street NE, entertainment endorsement and summer garden applications.

Report on NoMa bicycle stud

Indigo, 243 K Street NE, continued operation of sidewalk café without a permi

301 N Street NE, traffic control plan and public space constructio

501 C Street NE, Historic Preservation Application, concept approval, rear addition and façade alteration.

525 A Street NE, Historic Preservation Application by Capitol Hill Baptist Church, concept approval, five new town houses along 6th Street.

1005 1st Street NE, Zoning Adjustment Application, mixed-use project with hotel, residential and retail uses.

Follow-up letter to the Council on the February DCRA issues roundtable.

Thursday, Jun 15, 2015

1. PSA 108 meets at 7:00pm, Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE.

2. CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.

 

Insight Development Tinkers with Layout for “Lockwood” Apartment Complex Near SE Safeway

by Larry Janezich

The apartment complex in the 1300 block of E Street, SE, known as the “Bowie Site” has a new name:  Lockwood.  Insight Development, who is developing the Buchanan School Site across the street, has plans to modify the plan for the building, and new city regulations require more intense review of changes to projects.

Insight wants to decrease the number of apartments from 153 to 145 and increase the number of 2 – 3 bedroom homes.  Two to the 3 bedroom units will be designated affordable, under the city’s Inclusionary Zoning requirements.  Insight also requested changes in the design features for some of the project’s windows and balconies.  The Committee, chaired by Commissioner Nick Burger, voted 7 – 0 to approve a motion to support the changes, and the application was placed on the consent calendar for the next meeting of the full ANC, Tuesday, June 13, at 7:00pm in Hill Center.  For the original post describing the first look at the project, see here: http://bit.ly/1TsgfOV

Capitol Hill Baptist Church To Build Five Townhouses on Church Parking Lot at 501 A Street, NE

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6C’s Planning and Zoning Committee approved the Historical Preservation Application of Capitol Hill Baptist Church (501 A Street, NE) to construct five new townhouses facing 6^th Street, NE, on the parking lot on the north side of the church.  The Committee tinkered with the landscaping, hardscaping, and public space aspects of the design, and local architect Jeff Goins of PGN Architects agreed to incorporate the suggestions.

The church will retain ownership of the houses, each of which will contain two units.  The church plans to use the units as temporary residences for pastor-trainees and a host pastor who will oversee the operation of the units.  The timeline anticipates a 9 to 12 month construction period, once the city signs off on permits.  A nearby resident raised the issue of the impact of the new residences on neighborhood street parking, not only because of the additional potential car users, but also because of the loss of the parking lot for church-goers.  Parking issues, however, are outside of historic preservation province, and historic preservation was the question before the committee.  Since each of the residences will have a separate address and is separately titled, it appears that each of the ten residents will be eligible for a residential parking permit.  In addition, each property is apparently eligible for a renewable one year visitor’s parking permit.

The Committee voted to support the project, 7 – 0.  The matter now goes to the next meeting of the full ANC on Wednesday, June 14, at 7:00pm, at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 700 2nd Street, NE.

ANC6A Commissioner Matt Levy to Give Up ANC Seat on July 31

by Larry Janezich

ANC6A04 Commissioner Matt Levy has announced that he will give up his seat on July 31. His announcement came at tonight ANC6A’s June meeting.  Levy has served on the commission for two and a half years and was applauded by his fellow commissioners for his work on the commission.

Levy, a Georgetown Hospital pediatrician, has accepted a new job as Medical Director of the Children’s Care Network, in Atlanta, Georgia.  Levy said he will work on creating a new model for access to care, affecting “a couple of hundred thousand kids”.  He will maintain a home on Capitol Hill and commute to Atlanta.

The process for his replacement is as follows:  After his resignation, there will be three weeks for potential candidates to register with the DC Board of Elections and gather 25 signatures on a petition to make them eligible to run for the ANC.  There will be a one week period for challenges to the eligibility of petition signers.  Then, at the next regularly scheduled ANC6A  meeting, the seat will be declared vacant, and a date for a special election announced – probably in September.  Asked if he knew of any potential candidates, Levy said he had spoken to “a couple of individuals” who had expressed interest in running.

ANC6A commissioners expressed their gratitude for Levy’s contribution to the community  at tonight’s meeting.  Levy said “Serving on the ANC has been a wonderful experience, it had been an honor, privilege, and a pleasure to work with all of you  to try it to make my community better.”