CAPITOL HILL CORNER

Councilmember Tommy Wells to Host Meeting on Street Crime Thursday Night

by Larry Janezich

CM Tommy Wells will host a meeting on the recent significant increase in street crime on Capitol Hill, including a rash of muggings and two armed holdups of neighborhood businesses.  Police officials from the First District will participate.  The meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

ANC6B Committee Clears Razing of Miles Glass, VA Avenue Auto Shop -Temporary Parking Lot and Community Green Space Planned

by Larry Janezich

Last night, at ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee meeting chaired by Commissioner Francis Campbell, Jim Tanious, representing the National Community Church (NCC), presented the church’s request to demolish the former Miles Glass Company Building at 733 Virginia Avenue, SE, and the former auto repair shop at 701 Virginia Avenue, SE.  The church hopes the work will be completed by March.  NCC will then move to establish a temporary parking lot and community green space for an estimated two year period while plans are finalized for the site’s ultimate purpose, which could include an Ebenezer’s Coffee Shop and additional congregational meeting space. 

The church had originally planned to construct its primary meeting space on the site when that plan was sidetracked by the purchase of the former movie theater at 545 8^th Street, SE, which at the time housed The People’s Church.  Tanious announced Tuesday night that NCC hopes to reopen the film theater to the community this spring when it is not being used by the congregation. 

Asked if the proposed lot would be managed by a parking company, Tanious said that plans had not been finalized. Other suggested uses for portions of the several-acre site which emerged during the discussion last night included parking for the Fire Department and parking for the mobile construction offices for CSX which is scheduled to begin rebuilding the CSX tunnel under Virginia Avenue in the near future. 

The raze permit passed the Committee unanimously and is likely to sail through the full ANC6B when it meets at The Hill Center on Tuesday, January 10.

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, January 3, 7:00pm

ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee meets at St. Coletta’s School. 

Agenda:

Demolition of Miles Glass at 733 Virginia Avenue

Demolition of auto repair shop at 701 Virginia Avenue

Demolition of KFC Building at 1442 Pennsylvania Avenue

Chair:  Francis Campbell

Tuesday, January 3, 7:00pm

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) meets in the North Hall of Eastern Market..

Agenda:

Eastern Market legislation and additional issues TBA.  .

Chair:  Donna Scheeder

Wednesday, January 4, 6:30pm

ANC6B’s Transportation Committee meets at The Hill Center, third floor. 

Agenda:

Repairing alleys in the Capitol Hill Historic District

Tentative presentation on traffic calming techniques

Chair:  Kirsten Oldenburg

Thursday, January 5, 7:00pm

ANC6B’s ABC Committee meets at The Hill Center, third floor. 

Agenda:

License renewal for Young Chow Asian Restaurant, 312 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Chair:  Carol Green

The Week Ahead …

by Larry Janezich

Monday, December 19

7pm.  ANC6B’s Special Call Meeting on Eastern Market Legislation, to recommend amendments to the bill establishing a new governing authority for Eastern Market. The Community Church (Formally The Peoples Church), 535 Eight Street, SE.  Expect EM vendors and merchants to turn out in force. 

Tuesday, December 20

7pm.  ANC6B’s Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force. The Hill Center, 3rd floor conference room.   

Tuesday, December 20

6:30pm.  CHRS Board of Directors meeting.  Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE, second floor.  Open to members of CHRS.

Stanton Development Appears to Deny Accuracy of Emmcablog Article on Community Support for Hine Project Posted 11/27

by Larry Janezich

Today, in response to questions by an emmcablog reader put to Stanton Development on Twitter regarding manufactured support for the Hine Development, Stanton Development tweeted:

“@Stanton_DevStanton Development

@*** we would b happy 2 explain how that article is incorrect if u want to come by & discuss. We have been 20+ yrs in community.”

Stanton is welcome to make those corrections publicly, in the comment area below.

CSX Plays Cards Close to Vest on Impact of Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project – Major Disruption of Community Will Trigger Compensating Benefits

by Larry Janezich

By participating in several public meetings and putting every possible option for the tunnel project on the table (whether feasible or not), CSX appears to be trying to fully engage the community on the CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel (VAT) project. 

However, so far, CSX presentations have been lacking in any real information about the impact of the project on the community.  The VAT, according to former CHRS President Dick Wolf, will be the most disruptive project on Capitol Hill since the Metro.  (Reflecting on that experience for those around long enough to remember it brings to mind the word “mud”.)  And the consequences for those businesses, buildings, and residences near the dig will be severe for several years.  In addition to keeping its own counsel on the project, CSX has been courting community good will; witness the considerable public relations dollars spent in support of the Barracks Row Fest this fall, which featured the CSX logo naming its sponsorship of some of the most expensive exhibitions. 

Tonight at 7:00pm in Hill Center, ANC6B will consider recommending to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and DDOT that certain principles be used to evaluate the six proposals to rebuild the CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel before CSX brings its short list of options before the public next February.  It was the consensus of the committee that the “rebuild” options – Options 2-7 on the CSX website  http://www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com  are the most viable.   (Click on Public Involvement and the download the November 30 alternatives presentation)

A preliminary list of principles – in brief – is as follows, though these could be altered or expanded at tonight’s ANC6B meeting.

Minimize transportation disruptions and risks.

Minimize damage to homes and businesses.

Minimize environmental impacts.

Minimize the length of construction.

The ANC will also likely express its desire to know about any plans CSX has for mitigation – benefits to the community for the impact of the construction on the quality of life. 

On Friday, December 9, at a CHRS-sponsored public meeting on the CSX project, a CSX representative stated that the railroad’s priorities include maintaining traffic flow during construction, minimizing construction impact on the neighborhood, and providing community enhancements.  Regardless of CSX’s intent and the ANC efforts, the consequences of the dig for whichever option is finally selected will make the quality of life for many Capitol Hill businesses and residents difficult – if not miserable – for years.

That’s why the mitigation issue is an important part of both the ANC’s concerns and CSX’s priorities.    

While CHRS has been positioning itself for several months to have a voice in the conversation regarding what benefits the community should reap for the disruption the construction (and possibly the aftermath) the project will cause, the subject is just being broached within ANC6B. 

CHRS has applied for “consulting party” status under the National Historic Preservation Act.  This status entitles them to receive information and documents, raise objections to agency findings, be consulted before and notified after issuance of FHWA findings, and consulted on identifying ways to minimize adverse effects on the community.  In addition, “consulting parties” are provided with a Memorandum of Agreement that stipulates mitigation measures. 

Some stakeholders are automatically entitled to “consulting party” status. Individuals, businesses, and organizations that believe they will be affected by or have a vested interest in the impact of the project should seriously consider seeking “consulting party” status, and CHRS has urged them to do so.  Details and an extensive list of contacts can be found in the latest CHRS newsletter (which – as of this writing – has not yet been posted to the CHRS website, but which will soon be) at: http://www.chrs.org/Pages/6_Pubs.html#CHRSNews

It is somewhat unclear whether ANC6B is automatically entitled to consulting party status, and, to date, it is a question that ANC6B appears not to have asked itself.  While the DC Preservation Office regards ANCs eligible for “consulting party” status, the federal guidelines:  “Involving Local Governments in Section 106 Reviews for Transportation Projects” at http://www.achp.gov/docs/LocalGovernmentsSection106.pdf  are more ambiguous. 

“Depending on its interests and its role in Section 106 review, a local government may be represented by the governing body, an elected official, or staff with responsibilities for planning, recreation, or historic preservation. Historic Preservation Commissions, appointed by the governing board, may participate to provide expertise on local ordinances protecting historic districts, design review, and the identification of properties of local or regional significance. Elected officials may also wish to participate directly in consultation, particularly if the project and the Section 106 review process are of high public interest.”

This is not definitive with respect to ANCs’ status, but it seems broad enough to include the ANC. 

If the Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review already initiated by FHWA shows that historic properties are adversely affected – and it is hard to see how they will not be, since anything built before 1945 (including the Virginia Avenue Tunnel itself) qualifies – FHWA will continue consultation with “consulting parties” to reach agreement about ways to avoid, minimize, and or mitigate adverse effects.  Those who are likely to be affected need to be part of this consultation.

The Week Ahead ……

by Larry Janezich

Monday, December 12

CHRS  Zoning Committee chaired by Gary Peterson hosts a presentation by Stanton-Eastbanc on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process for the Hine development.  7:00pm, Hill Center

Tuesday, December 13

ANC6B Monthly Meeting chaired by Commissioner Neil Glick.  7:00pm, Hill Center.

Issues to watch:

Discussion on CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project

Eastern Market Report (Announcement of Special Call Meeting on proposed legislation for Eastern Market New Governing Structure on December 19, 2011.  7:00pm until 10:00pm.  Location: TBD)

Capitol Hill East Taskforce (Update on redevelopment of the Capitol Hill Boys and Girls Club)

Wednesday, December 14

ANC6B Hine Planned Unit Development (PUD) Subcommittee Meeting.  7:00pm, Hill Center.   This will be a working meeting on Wednesday December 14th to review the progress of the working groups and to further develop plans for participation in the PUD process.

ANC6B Transportation Committee Hears from DDOT on Sidewalk Repair

by Larry Janezich and Barbara Riehle

Wednesday night, Aaron Rhones, DDOT Program Manager for Traffic Safety, was on hand at Commissioner Oldenburg’s ANC Transportation Committee to talk about sidewalk repairs. He is in charge of a new approach to managing repairs called “CityWorks,” and his purview includes street repairs, sidewalks, alley and trees.  Currently Rhones is working on completing a backlog of requests for repairs citywide, 722 in Ward Six alone.

According to Rhones, under the new “City Works” program, the response system has been streamlined and improved.  The best way to get service, he says, is to call 311 or file a request online with the call center. The complaint gets a number which can be tracked by Rhones’ department.  Residents can also enlist the aid of their ANC representative.  Rhones agreed to provide ANC6B with a prioritized list of the 722 Ward 6 projects, and it’s likely the ANC will weigh in with their own take on prioritization in 6B. 

Mr. Rhoens expects all 722 Ward 6 projects to be competed in 2012. The citywide budget for sidewalks is between $2-2.5 million annually.  Given the limited size of the DDOT sidewalk budget, Commissioner Brian Pate raised the possibility of using Performance Parking Funds for repairs, which apparently would meet the program’s criteria that projects by non-vehicular and transportation-related.

ANC6B Likely To Back Plan to Alleviate Police Parking Issues at Marion Park Substation

 by Larry Janezich and Barbara Riehle

A new parking plan for E Street between 4^th and 6^th Streets, SE on the northern side of Marion Park looks certain to receive the endorsement of ANC6B at next week’s December meeting. 

The plan, worked out between residents and police officials by Commissioner Norm Metzger, anticipates that parking on the south side of E Street would be restricted 24/7 to police parking only.  Zone 6 residential parking along the north side of E Street between 4^th and 6^th Streets will be extended, 7:00 am until midnight, seven days a week.  Police would not be permitted to park their personal or MPD vehicles in these residential spaces on D and E Streets.

The proposed changes would become permanent after a trial period, if the new plan successfully resolves the frictions between the MPD and Substation neighbors.  These frictions – double parking, difficulties for resident parking, blocked cars,  etc., are especially acute during shift changes, according to a draft letter from ANC6B to DDOT’s Transportation Operations Administrator, Damon Harvey.

The next meeting of ANC6B will be Tuesday, December 13, 7:00pm at The Hill Center.