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Package Theft In Hill East – Three Delivery Services Brief PSA 108

by Larry Janezich

MPD District 1 Acting Captain Damion Taylor told residents who attended tonight’s meeting:  “This issue is one of the leading crimes in our service area (PSA 108) – package thefts are killing us.”

It’s a major problem for the three primary services delivering those packages, as well.

Representatives from UPS, FedEx, and the US Postal Inspectors were present to talk about the burgeoning problem of package thefts.  NBC4’s Jackie Benson, who told CHC that the issue was one of prime importance to her viewers, was on hand to cover the meeting.

Despite the compelling subject matter and the number of speakers, the number of Hill East resident who turned out was – minimal.  Those who attended heard the steps the three delivery services are taking to address the problem.

Ray Rothermel, UPS Security Supervisor, (rrothermel@ups.com)  urged residents to visit UPS.com/mychoice (here: http://bit.ly/1TSmOQ1) to give special instructions for delivering a package.  UPS has 400 drivers in DC and Prince George’s County – the top five drivers generating claims of package loss against UPS are called in for a “face-to-face” on a monthly basis.  Rothermel also told residents that UPS employs four armed off duty or retired police officers to follows trucks on routes, switching back and forth throughout the day.

Maureen O’Sullivan, U.S. Postal Inspector, (meosullivan@uspis.gov) told residents that postal inspectors do surveillance in neighborhoods with a high rate of package theft.  She discussed options for delivery, including resident having the post office hold a package for pick up.  “The biggest thing for us,” she said, “is knowing that package theft is an issue in a neighborhood.”

Marcus Lyers, FedEx Senior Security Specialist, (marus.lyers@fedex.com) explained options for customizing deliveries by using FedEx Delivery Manager (here: http://bit.ly/1TSokl3) to customize delivery time, deliver to another address, hold at FedEx location, require signature for a package, provide delivery instructions, and receive delivery notification.

Services are increasingly using electronic scanners fitted with GPS capability to track the delivery times and locations.  A future program to help delivery services reduce package theft is undergoing testing throughout the country; the “locker delivery” would provide access to packages delivered to centrally located lockers, by means of a code received on line.  A similar system is already being used in apartment buildings.

Lt. Damion Taylor reiterated that package theft is a crime of opportunity, and cited a recent incident where alert residents contributed to the arrest of a brazen package thief “with a long record.”  Hill East activist Jim Myers, urged the coordination between MPD and the community to launch a publicity campaign against package thieves, including wide distribution of information and photos of those arrested for package theft.

The meeting was organized by Community Leader and Facilitator for PSA 108, David Bibo.

So, What’s Going On With Results?

Operators Owed Building Owner $737,195

by Larry Janezich

It’s hard to say.  Here’s what we know.

Late Tuesday night, a sign on company letterhead appeared on the door of Capitol Hill’s Results, The Gym, which read:

During the past six months, Results Gym has faced growing economic challenges to its continued operations including extreme pressures arising out of the uneconomic lease for its space on G Street.  While management has worked diligently to address those challenges, it was unable to obtain terms from its landlord that would permit it to continue operating and the landlord has proceeded with eviction.

In light of this, we regret to inform you that Results Gym will discontinue operations effective March 15, 2016 at 11:59 p.m.  At present, we do not know how Results Gym’s remaining assets will be allocated between its secured and unsecured creditors.  As that process plays out, we hope to provide you with additional information.

Please submit all inquiries to: resultsclosing2016@gmail.com

An email with the same content was received by some Results Club members.

Separately, Results staff received an email, as follows:

To the Staff of Results Gym

During the past six months, Results Gym has faced growing economic challenges to its continued operations including extreme pressures arising out of the uneconomic lease for its space on G Street.  While management has worked diligently to address those challenges, it was unable to obtain terms from its landlord that would permit it to continue operating and the landlord has proceeded with eviction.  In light of this, we regret to inform you that Results Gym will discontinue operations effective March 15, 2016 at 11:59 p.m.  Each of you will receive payment for your work through that date on the next scheduled payment date of March 18, 2016 via the normal payroll distribution method.

We thank you for your hard work during these difficult times and are extremely disappointed that we cannot continue offering the first-class fitness experience that Result Gym provided its members.  We wish all of you success in your next professional endeavors.

Peak Performance V, LLC

t/a (trading as) Results Gym

It is not clear who or what “Peak Performance V, LLC” is, based upon a a superficial internet search.

However, court records reveal that proceedings were filed by Giddings Associates LC (the building owner) against Peak Performance V, LLC for unpaid rent last November.  The court awarded Giddings Associates $737,195 plus $22,560 in attorney fees from Peak Performance.  To see the case history, click here:  http://bit.ly/1pvsgMu  then enter Giddings Associates L.C. in the “company” box – then click “select” – then click “case details”

On Wednesday, Cwi Steiman, building owner and principal of Giddings Associates LC sent the following email to Results members:

Dear Members,

As of today, Results Gym DC (RGDC) assumed the management of Results the Gym. Please know that the club will be open on the regular schedule, effective Thursday, March 17, and the change in management will not affect your membership privileges in any way. We will honor all membership commitments made by the previous management, and we will deliver excellent quality of service during the transition.

While there will be continuity in the staff and programs, our greatest priority is member experience, so you will soon see improvement in the club, including new equipment and better value for membership. RGDC directors have over 50 years’ experience operating first class clubs in the Washington area, and we are excited to bring our vision to Capitol Hill. Please contact us at resultsdcreopening@gmail.com with your feedback, questions, and ideas for how we can best serve you.

Sincerely,

Cwi Steiman

Management/Partner

Steiman, who with Forbes Ramsey – who as owners of Sports and Health Club chain in Washington in 2001 – partnered with Results founder Doug Jefferies to launch Results at Giddings School that year.  Jefferies moved on to other endeavors in 2011.

It might be too early to breath that sigh of relief.

Results Capitol Hill Closes – May Reopen Thursday Under New Management

by Larry Janezich

The following photos are self-explanatory and reflect all the information available at this time.  Some Results members on the newhilleast listserv received notices of the gym’s closing, while many did not.

A post-midnight trip to Results revealed that a sign had been posted by “a neighbor” that the gym would re-open on Thursday under new management.  That claim has not yet been confirmed. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Week Ahead….PSA 108 on Thursday: UPS/US Postal Officials Talk Package Thefts

Monday, March 14

1. ANC6D meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4^th Street, SW, DCRA 2^nd Floor meeting room.

Among items on the agenda:

Resolution re proposed homeless shelter in SW

Zoning request – Wharf 2^nd Stage, 7^th Street Recreational Pier

Zoning request – Wharf Pier 4 2^nd Stage PUD

Tuesday, March 15

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

Among items on the agenda:

Update on status of protest hearing of the license renewal for Touche at 1123 H Street, NE.

Discussion of process for addressing upcoming renewals for liquor licenses.

Nomad Hookah Bar, 1200 H Street, NE – Discussion of request by for extension of closing time of public space patio by one hour, from 11pm weeknights and midnight on weekends, to midnight on weeknights and 1am on weekends.

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

Wednesday, March 16

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

Among items on the agenda:

1603-1625 Benning Road, NE (Informational Presentation): The PUD seeks a land use designation change from the existing C-2-A to C-2-B in order to develop the Property into a residential development with a significant portion of the units being dedicated to workforce housing.

920 – 922 H Street, NE – for variances to allow the construction of a mixed-use building with a restaurant and nine residential units in the at premises 920-922 H Street N.E.

2. PSA 106 featuring Lt. Chris Avery meets at 7:00pm at 200 I Street, SE, 1^st

3. PSA 105 meets at 7:00pm at 200 Eye Street SE, First Floor – ID Required –              Government building

Thursday, March 17

1. PSA 108 featuring MPD Acting Captain Damion Taylor, meets at 7:00pm, at Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE.

Among items on the Agenda:

Preventing Package Thefts with MPD, UPS, US Postal Inspector

Friday, March 18

1. 2nd Annual Dick Wolf Memorial lecture will be given Friday evening March 18 at 7:00 pm at the Hill Center at 9th and Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. The 2016 prize winner, Brook Hill, is a student at Georgetown Law School, and he will address the question: How to Retain Affordable Housing and its Contribution to Maintaining Character of Place.  A champagne reception will follow, and the event is free.

Saturday, March 19

1. Annual Maury at the Market Gala and Silent Auction. 7:00pm – 10:30pm at Eastern Market North Hall.  After party at Tunnicliff’s.  All proceeds go to support classroom aides, programing and supplies at Maury Elementary School.  Follow the link below to buy your tickets in advance, $40 or at the door for $45 each. http://bit.ly/1TZKrGN

Applicant Drops Bid to Expand “Residence” Near Capitol

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk told ANC6B last night at its March meeting that a request to relax zoning regulations to allow expansion of a townhouse close to the Capitol which houses the offices of a non-profit, had been withdrawn by the applicant.  No reason  was given for the decision.  The house in question is in Samolyk’s single member district.

Neighbors had mounted a fierce campaign in opposition to the expansion, claiming that it was being done under the guise of providing more living space for a family, while the real reason was to expand the useable space for the office of the non-profit.  Neighbors claimed that the applicant was not using the townhouse as a primary residence.  An occupancy permit for running a business out of a home is contingent on the primary residence status.  For the original posting on this issue, see here:  http://bit.ly/1SjTeRY

Larry Johnston, who lives adjacent to the property, emerged as the spokesman for more than a dozen neighbors concerned about the issue who were in attendance last night.  He urged the ANC to pay attention to the blocks near the Capitol which are “suffering the inclusion” of businesses in residential neighborhoods.

Samolyk, who last night was elected Chair of the ANC6B Task Force on Outreach and Constituent Services, said she had determined that while it is possible to contest a Home Occupancy Permit from DCRA which allows businesses to operate out of residences, they are rarely overturned.  She also expressed disappointment that DCRA had not responded to calls she had made regarding the current case.

Samolyk said she would convene a meeting of the Task Force and invite a representative of DCRA to attend to discuss the issue.  She also said she would invite ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt to attend the meeting.  ANC6C has similar issues on blocks in residential areas close-in to the Capitol on the north side of East Capitol street.  Other areas where businesses encroach illegally on neighborhoods include New Jersey Avenue, F Street, NE, and on First Street behind the Supreme Court.

Commissioner Denise Krepp pointed out to residents interested in pursuing the issue that another avenue of would be to testify before the upcoming DCRA oversight hearings.

Also in attendance at last night’s meeting was the new Ward 6 representative of the Mayor’s Office, Rachel Mariman.  Mariman succeeds Seth Shapiro, who moved to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation in February.  Mariman offered her assistance to Samolyk in getting the attention of DCRA.

New Hill East Community Public Safety Organization Backs Safety Routes Proposal

by Larry Janezich

Last night, at its first public meeting, a fledgling community public safety coalition drew about 50 community members and stakeholders, including Councilmember Charles Allen and ANC6B Commissioners Chander Jayaraman, Daniel Chao, and Denise Krepp.  Also attending were Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kevin Donahue, MPD First District Lt. Damion Taylor, and representatives of the Guardian Angels.

The DC Safety Network is a grassroots community effort co-chaired by Richard Lukas and the Rev. Kelly Jareaux.  According to their website, the group is a “diverse, nonpartisan coalition of concerned individuals working to enhance safety and reduce violent crime in the District.”  Their over-all goal is to establish partnerships with social justice organizations and the MPD, and local and federal public agencies to help “at risk” individuals and reduce violent crime in high crime areas, in hopes the effort will be adopted in other neighborhoods and communities in the city.

The coalition has arisen, in part, perhaps, because of the sense of some community members that the community policing efforts of the PSA’s (Police Service Areas) under the guidance of MPD First District police lieutenants are no longer effective.  In too many cases, the PSA meetings have devolved into the recitation of relatively meaningless crime statistics without context, and rote repetition of advice on how to avoid being a victim.  Such a program fails to encourage repeat attendance for those who venture to attend one.  Some PSA’s encourage greater engagement – PSA 108 and PSA 104 come to mind – but most do not.

The first public safety initiative the DC Safety Net is sponsoring is the “Safe Routes Program” – the brain child of ANC6B commissioner Chander Jayaraman.  His idea – which DC Safety Network has endorsed and adopted – involves community volunteers occupying corners on routes leading away from Capitol Hill Metro stops in the heavily trafficked 5:30pm – 7:30pm commuter time slot, Monday through Friday.  Jayaraman emphasizes that the message is, “I’m on watch.”  He says, “We don’t want to put people in jail, we are just saying, ‘Don’t [threaten] our neighborhood.’”  Jayaraman issued an appeal for additional volunteers willing to commit to an hour’s service as citizen sentinels to help make the neighborhood safer.

Initially, the effort is being coordinated by Jayaraman and Lukas, who will manage the logistics including distribution of yellow safety vests and battery powered hand held “shrieking” alarms to volunteers.  Jayaraman says he hopes to launch the initial Safe Routes pilot at the end of the month, focusing on 14^th Street starting at the Potomac Metro stop and extending to the 14^th Street’s  intersection with Maryland Avenue, NE.

Councilmember Allen addressed the group, saying them that MPD Chief Cathy Lanier told him she was sending “my best commander” to take over the First District in the wake of the retirement of Commander Brown last month.  Allen said he had talked to the new First District commander – Commander Robert Contee – and told him that the number one issue in Ward 6 was “robberies, robberies, robberies.  I think he got it.”  But, Allen said, “I need your help” in community building to address public safety issues.  Allen did not respond to an email asking whether the PSA’s have outlived their usefulness, leading to a grassroots public safety organization arising outside the PSA network.

For more information on DC Safety Network and to join DC SafetyNet, visit: http://bit.ly/1OZ8CN1 and follow them on Twitter @DCSafetyNet

 

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, March 7

1. Continuation of ANC 6B Planning & Zoning Meeting. ANC6B’s Planning & Zoning Committee was unable to get through its entire agenda during its scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 1, and the meeting will continue at 7:00pm on Monday, March 7, at Hill Center.

Agenda:  Watkins Alley Planned Unit Development, 1309-1323 E Street, SE.

2. ANC 6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will meet at 7:00pm at Northeast Library, 330 7^th Street, NE.

Agenda:

Bistro Italiano – 320 D Street, NE, Summer garden request.

Seoul Spice LLC, 145 N Street, NE, new restaurant license.

3. DC SafetyNet’s will hold its first community meeting, at 6:30pm, friendship Chamberlain School, 1345 Potomac Avenue, SE.

4. CHRS Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm, at Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE

Tuesday, March 8

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

Among items on the agenda:

Election of Outreach & Constituent Services Task Force Chair.

Presentations:

New Initiatives at CHAW: Jill Strachan, Executive Director.

EventsDC’s Planned Release of and Review Process for “RFK Study”: Pete Kirschner, Communications & Marketing Director and Caroline Jhingory, Community Engagement Coordinator.

Matchbox, 521 8th Street SE, Substantial change due expansion of 1,600 square feet resulting in an additional 45 interior dining seats, 14 bar/counter seats, and six exterior patio seats.

Support for Watkins Elementary School Modernization Project.

328 D Street SE, rear addition/concept.

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – add third story to existing restaurant.

160 North Carolina Avenue, SE – add third story to rear.

Hill East Design Review: Larry Clark, Donatelli Development.

Note: The following case will most likely be removed from the March 8 agenda so that it can be considered in full at a Special Call Meeting on March 22, 2016:

Watkins Alley, 1309-1323 E Street, SE, and 516 13th Street, SE.  PUD issues.

2. PSA 104 meets at 7:00pm, at Ludlow Taylor Elementary School, 659 7^th Street, NE.

Agenda:  Crime trends and statistics, Safety tips,  Meet your neighbors,  Partners in Problem Solving sessions,  Nuisance Properties complaints,  Crime Reporting and follow up, Neighborhood Watch,  Security Cameras, Open dialogue.

Wednesday, March 9

1. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Bistro Italiano, 320 D Street, NE, request for a summer garden.

Seoul Spice, 145 N Street, NE, new restaurant license.

Updates – Stuart Hobson field, Res. 84 improvements,

NoMa parks issues

KIPP D.C. College Preparatory campus, 1405 Brentwood Parkway NE – Outdoor facilities and community access.

Alley closure request, A Street between 7th and 8th Streets NE

170 M Street, NE, Department of Justice – parking garage entrance and sidewalk treatments

300 M Street, NE, – landscaping, sidewalk treatments, bike racks, etc.

518 6th Street, NE, concept approval to replace an existing one-story rear addition with a new two-story rear addition.

Thursday, March 10

1. ANC6A meets at 7:00 pm, Miner Elementary, 601 Fifteenth Street, NE.

Presentation:  Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen.

Grant application from the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School PTO, pending the PTO provide a revised letter or supplementary email from the Ludlow-Taylor principal, explaining why there were no funds allocated (or) available for the art class during the 2015-2016 school year.

Letter to DDOT requesting the installation of a new Capital Bikeshare station at 8th & H Streets, NE.

Letter of support to HPRB for the proposed design at 1120 Park Street, NE.

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

Saturday, March 12

1. Book Sale at Southeast Library, 10am – 3:00pm.  Sponsored by Friends of Southeast Library

 

Daniel Ridge is  the Newest ANC6B Hill East Commissioner

Computer Scientist will finish the term of former Commissioner Brian Flahaven

by Larry Janezich

Daniel Ridge was sworn in as the new ANC6B09 Commissioner by Councilmember Charles Allen last Friday, February 26.  He was the only candidate to file a petition (which must be signed by 25 residents) with the DC Board of Elections and, thus, effectively became elected by default.  He succeeds Brian Flahaven as the commissioner for the single member district 6B09, which lies east of 15^th Street, SE, in the Southwest corner of ANC6B.  Flahaven resigned his seat in January because he and his wife are expecting their second child this spring.

Capitol Hill Corner asked Ridge how the election process played out.

Ridge:  “My oath says I was duly elected. [The Board of Elections] ‘deems the position to be filled’ (or something like that) in the case that only one qualified candidate turns in signed petitions.  My wife maintained for years that I was totally unelectable.  If I was, in fact, simply appointed then my wife is not yet wrong.  Unelected Bureaucrat at your service.”

Capitol Hill Corner:  “Why did you seek a seat on the ANC?”

Ridge:  “I decided to seek a seat on the ANC when a neighbor, a savvier politician than me, saw me shoveling the alley during snowzilla.  She told me that she heard a rumor that I was going to run for the empty seat.  I went down the block trying out the same ruse on other good candidates and found no takers.  I decided then only to complete the petitions.  I decided to turn the petitions in only when I saw that no other resident had even collected a set.”

Capitol Hill Corner:  “What are some of the issues or concerns in your SMD or ANC6B in general that motivated you to volunteer a major commitment of time and energy, especially when you have a family and a job both of which make significant demands on those personal resources?”

Ridge:  “Support for aging is a major theme. One of the major causes of poverty in my SMD is a lifetime of hard work for a fixed pension. Neglected and abandoned property has a root in our lack of support for aging. Neglect turns around and becomes a further barrier to my neighbors living in their homes for as long as they would like.

My first constituent issue is to help a fabulous retired federal employee who has lived in her house for 71 years.  She uses a wheelchair for mobility and uses a ramp to leave her property in the rear.  Before she can leave her yard, somebody has to unscrew boards at the ground that keep the rats out.

We have perhaps a dozen cars in the street in my SMD owned by residents unable to drive them. These cars can lead to thousands of dollars in fines for the owner – and worse. In some cases, these fines for aging can lead my neighbors into a DC ‘clean hands’ quagmire that can keep them from getting services they need.  I have neighbors who can’t even donate their car because they can’t find the title.

Another constituent meeting today took me to a house that is in the middle of a flip (or expedited home ownership lifecycle if we want to be judgement-neutral).  I see that homes that are maintained can be worthwhile to hold to or turn over without doubling or tripling in size.  Whatever neighbors think of construction or expansion, neglect is a precursor.  Lack of support for aging feeds that neglect.

I’m 41.  I’m aging in place.  Every trip on the Hill with a children’s stroller is a preview of reduced mobility in our neighborhood and homes.  Pay attention to those experiences.”

Asked for some personal background information, Ridge supplied the following:

“I was raised in Frederick, Maryland.  I wanted to live in DC and work for NASA since a boyhood (perhaps 12) visit to the Georgetown townhouse of a family friend who had done just that.

I moved to Southwest DC in 1998 for a job at NASA HQ and I lived just across the highway from that building. I moved to Potomac Avenue in 2003 when my wife was finishing graduate school in Berkeley, California and ready to move back to the area.

I have a wife, a seven year old daughter and a five year old son. I work as a computer scientist for a non-profit research institute.”

 

Art Openings Saturday Night – Conventional vs. New Wave

by Larry Janezich

Capitol Hill’s two chief art exhibit venues have openings Saturday night with artists’ receptions conveniently staggered, facilitating attendance at both events.

The Capitol Hill Art League sponsors a regional show: Appetite for Art.

Juried by Top Chef, Stephen Cheung, of Lavagana Restaurant on Capitol Hill and Art Curator, Deirdre Ehlen MacWilliams, awards will be presented at a reception from 5-7 PM on Saturday, March 5th, at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW), located at 545 Seventh Street, SE.

The 31 artists featured in the show represent a range of media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, graphite, pencil, collage, sculpture, etching and photography.

Artists include: M’El Abrecht, David Alfuth, Jennifer Barlow, Stephanie Bianco,Diane Blackwell, Susan Bradley, Emily Canzoneri, Sally Canzoneri, Elizabeth Clark,Ron Colbroth, Vivian DeKosinsky, Elizabeth Eby, Jill Finsen, Kay Fuller, Cassidy Garbutt, Tara Hamilton, Robin Harris, Wan Ho Lee, Cindi Lewis, Robert Lipartito, Charles Martin, Michael McSorley, Meera Rao, BD Richardson, Carolyn Rondthaler, Lynne Mallonee Schlimm, Judy Searles, Ann Thomson, Alex Tolstoy, Gale Wallar, Nancy Williams

The Fridge unveils an exhibit featuring art that is a little more contemporary, “New Wave” – a solo exhibit by renowned stencil-artist SCOTCH!  The opening reception for the artist is from 7-11PM on Saturday, March 5.

Alex Goldstein, curator of The Fridge says, “SCOTCH! is back with ten fresh new pieces, created exclusively for ¡NEW WAVE! Continuing his unique method of combining multiple styles of stenciling, SCOTCH! pushes the boundaries and definition of stencil art, opening the medium to novel possibilities.”

The Fridge is located behind the Shakespeare Theater administrative office building which is across the street from Matchbox Pizza on 8th Street SE, at 516 1/2 8th Street, SE.