CAPITOL HILL CORNER

This Week ……..

Monday, November 21

DC Lottery Board Ward 6 iGaming Meeting.  6:30pm – 8:30pm.  Eastern Market North Hall. 

Monday, November 21

ANC6B’s Sub-Committee on the Hine Redevelopment Project will hold an organizational meeting to discuss the Subcommittee’s approach the Planned Unit Development process for the Hine Project. 7:00pm. 3d floor conference room of The Hill Center. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

ANC6B Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force meeting. 7:00pm. 3rd floor conference room of The Hill Center.

Possible New Location of Info Hub Is in Red. Bike Racks, Orange. The Metro Is Marked in Blue.

Info Hub and EM Metro Plaza Plans Continue to Evolve

Bike Storage Upgrade Is Likely

by Larry Janezich

Chuck Burger, CHRS Board member, told the Restoration Society Board Tuesday night that major developments on the Info Hub proposed for Eastern Market Metro Plaza had taken place in the last 30 days.  A final design and final drawings are expected shortly – it is likely the structure will shrink by ten feet to provide a better fit into a new location and to bring it into scale with its surroundings. 

CELEBRATE the nonprofit foundation created by members of CHAMPS to promote commercial development on the Hill, has commitments for $50,000 in contributions to cover three years of operating costs for the Hub.  DOT required CELEBRATE to raise the funds before DOT will move ahead with the project.  Fund raising by CELEBRATE will be an ongoing process, since the estimated annual operating costs for the Hub have increased from $16,000 to $20 – $22,000.  Once a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is reached with the community regarding the operation of the Info Hub, DOT can issue a request for proposals (RFP) which will initiate the contracting process.   CELEBRATE anticipates that this will be the first of several projects to promote the Pennsylvania Avenue and Barracks Row commercial corridor. 

Burger described ideas in play for the plaza to make it more useable for the community – emphasizing that nothing is set in stone.  Major changes for bike storage look likely.  According to Burger, the so-called “bike coffins” at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 7th Street are unsightly and underused.  One proposal would relocate the secure bike parking from that corner to the triangle between Dunkin’ Donuts and Pennsylvania Avenue.  WAMATA insists on secure storage for 15 – 20 percent of the bike parking.  One suggestion to address this requirement involves a cage facility accessed by a time card that would permit short term 48 hours storage.  Bikes racks for additional parking may be placed across from the Library and surrounded with greenery.  Additional bike racks might roughly parallel the Bikeshare rack on Pennsylvania Avenue, but lie closer to the Info Hub. 

CELEBRATE fully supports ANC6B’s request to redo the landscape.  ANC6B expects that a formal request to DOT for Performance Parking Funds for this purpose will be forthcoming.  Some of the details being discussed for the landscaping plan involve raising the planting areas and surrounding them with low walls 12 to 30 inches high, some of which could provide seating for plaza users.  An underground irrigation system is being discussed to water the new landscaping, as is incorporating a rain garden into the design. 

DOT has agreed to fund the $180,000 Info Hub from Performance Parking Funds designated to be returned to the community for non-automotive transportation projects.   Burger said that an advisory board – comprised of representatives of Capitol Hill BID, the CHRS and other stakeholders, will oversee the operation of the Info Hub.

Councilmember Michael Brown: "I Saved Ward Six."

Councilmember Michael Brown Pays ANC 6B A Visit

by Larry Janezich

The highlight of last Tuesday night’s ANC 6B meeting was the appearance of At-Large DC Councilmember Michael Brown, who wasted little time in claiming credit for keeping Hill East within Ward 6 in the recent redistricting battle.  “I saved Ward 6,” Brown stated flatly, an assertion that seemed to rankle ANC Commissioner Campbell, who challenged Brown by expressing his concern about losing Reservation 13 to Ward 7.  Brown responded by saying that he “didn’t do anything that the Councilmember [for the relevant ward] didn’t want done,” implying that Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells approved, if only tacitly, of the transfer. 

Asked what his vision was for Reservation 13, Brown downplayed reports of a Redskins training camp for the site saying he favored multi-use or mixed-use projects, including shopping, retail, and green space – ways in which the community will benefit and the District will get tax revenues.  He noted that the area constituted the largest undeveloped plot of land in the District of Columbia.

Regarding the contentious proposal to extend the boundary of ANC6C to Independence Avenue at the expense of ANC6B, Brown said the City Council will hold hearings and have to decide whether to take the recommendations of the Ward Six Redistricting Task Force.  Wells – against the Task Force recommendation – supports an East Capitol boundary for ANC6C. 

In other business, repentant Department of Transportation Public Space manager Matthew Marcou appeared before ANC 6B to acknowledge that the process for licensing use of public space permits was being revised to provide “better coordination, apparently an acknowledgment that the recent licensing of the 18^th Amendment sidewalk café without ANC 6B input suffered from a lapse in just such a process.  Public Space Inspections Chief Elliott Edwards said complaints about public space use are inspected by his office within 72 hours.  ANC Commissioners did not seem prepared to take the initiative in reporting what appear to be violations of public space use by sidewalk cafes on Pennsylvania Avenue and 8^th Street, SE.  Concerned citizens should call 311 to report violations.  

The Commission also took the following actions: 

Supported the new beer and wine license request for Pound;

Approved the creation of a Subcommittee on the Hine Redevelopment Project;

Agreed to send a request to Protective Services Police Department requesting regular reports on crime statistics for incidents taking place on Reservation 13, noting that the lack of data obscures the true picture of crime trends in the neighborhood and makes it easier for DC government to continue to increase social services provided at Reservation 13.

DOT Preemptive Approval of 18th Amendment's Sidewalk Cafe Ruffles ANC Feathers - Lax Enforcement of Regulations Also an Issue

ANC6B Calls Out DOT Officials For Usurping ANC’s Authority – Chair Neil Glick Requests Officials Appear Tuesday To Explain Preempting ANC

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, Matthew Marcou, Deputy Project Manager, DC Department of Transportation, and others will appear before ANC6B responding to a request from Chair Neil Glick.  At issue is the ANC’s authority over the administration of public space, which ultimately comes under the DC Department of Transportation, but only after review and recommendation by the appropriate ANC..  Glick’s request came because at ANC6B’s October meeting ANC6B found that the DOT Public Space Committee had approved a public space permit for a sidewalk café for the 18^th Amendment – the bar/restaurant at 613 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – before the permit request had come before the ANC.  ANC6B is taking umbrage at this preemption of its authority, hence Marcou’s appearance to explain how it happened.  Glick said at the October meeting, “I don’t believe they know how bad the process is.” 

Marcou may also get some tough questions concerning another matter raised by a resident attending the October meeting, on the lax enforcement of public space regulations which require six feet between a sidewalk café and a tree box.  A walk down Pennsylvania Avenue at lunch time shows infringements on public space at several establishments. 

ANC6B will meet on Tuesday at 7:00pm at the Hill Center.

Traffic Control Cameras Coming to Capitol East’s 17^th Street Speedway? – MPD Gears Up For New Year With $1M in New Photo Traffic Enforcement Equipment

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B’s Transportation Committee, Chaired by Kirsten Oldenburg, has approved a recommendation from ANC6B Commissioner Brian Flahaven that the full ANC6B urge MPD to deploy new mobile-enhanced photo enforcement equipment to address speeding on 17^th Street, SE.  The recommendation would come in the form of a letter from the ANC to MPD’s Photo Enforcement Program.  The full ANC will take up the matter at its November meeting at Hill Center next Tuesday night, at 7:00pm. 

Speeding on 17^th Street, SE, is a long standing problem.  The street is heavily trafficked by commuters travelling from East Capitol to Barney Circle, SE, to connect with the Southeast/Southwest Freeway.  Only two stoplights – at Massachusetts Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE – slow them down.  Speeding up to make the light at Potomac Avenue has resulted in a number of major accidents.  At Flahaven’s request, MPD surveyed traffic on 17^th Street, and agrees a problem exists. 

A letter to the Photo Enforcement Program encourages deployment of speed monitoring cameras at the following 17^th Street intersections: 

Massachusetts Avenue, SE;

Potomac Avenue, SE;

Barney Circle, SE;

Independence Avenue, SE.

MPD is working to finalize procurement of the new mobile-enhanced photo enforcement equipment, which will include the following: 

Portable cameras capturing intersection violations (speeding, red light running)

Portable cameras capturing stop sign violations

Portable cameras capturing crosswalk violations at un-signalized intersections

Laser-based speed enforcement equipment for tunnels and hills

Overweight commercial vehicle and truck detection equipment

Since the expenditure for this new equipment will exceed $1 million, the DC City Council must approve before a contract can be signed.  According to Flahaven, Councilmember Wells believes this is a straightforward request which should get easy approval.  Flahaven said, “While MPD can give no assurances, they think 17^th Street is a prime candidate for the new equipment.”  Their goal is to deploy the new equipment early in 2012.

Pound Seeks Beer and Wine License

Pound Seeks Beer and Wine License – Will Offer Full Dinner Service in December

by Larry Janezich

Last Thursday night, ANC6B’s ABC Committee, chaired by Commissioner Carol Green, heard a request from Karl Johnson, one of the owners of Pound at 621 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, for a new beer and wine license.  Pound anticipates offering full dinner service seven days a week inside, in its private garden, and at the sidewalk café in front.  If all goes well, Johnson said, the dinner menu will be available the second week of December. 

Commissioner Ivan Frishberg – who lives behind the coffeehouse – requested that this issue be forwarded to the full ANC without recommendation pending his checking with nearby neighbors on a proposed 10:30pm closing time for the private garden.  Frishberg was optimistic the neighbors would sign off on this request.

La Plaza - As Envisioned

La Plaza - Current Version

La Plaza Expands – Adds Second Floor – 34 Seats

by Larry Janezich

Next Tuesday night, ANC 6B will be asked to approve Henry Mendoza’s application to add 34 seats and a second floor to La Plaza, at 629 Pennsylvania Avenue.  The popular Mexican/Salvadoran restaurant has a large attic and Mendoza wants to replace the plywood and concrete block with brick, add three windows, skylights and detailing at the roof line.  ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee recommended the full ANC approved the additions.  ANC6B will meet on next Tuesday at 7:00pm at the Hill Center to vote on the request. 

Although the Restoration Society has not considered the request, its Historic Preservation Committee is scheduled to consider it on Monday, and the Historic Preservation Board has put the request on its agenda for the November 17 meeting.

Tune Inn Reopens Today, Friday, November 4

by Larry Janezich

The Tune Inn reopened today, after the fire four and a half months ago that required renovation.  Much of the feel of the original place remains intact, and the Friday afternoon crowd comprised many of the regulars who welcomed the restaurants return from the ashes.

ANC6B Forges Stakeholders’ Coalition On Hine Zoning Change – Final Opportunity For Community to Win Concessions From Developer

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B Commissioner Francis Campbell’s Planning and Zoning Committee approved the makeup of its thirteen member Subcommittee on the Hine Public Unit Development (PUD) process by a vote of 8 – 0 – 1. 

At its last meeting, ANC6B authorized the creation of the Subcommittee – which will include resident members – to negotiate the deal which will allow Stanton/Eastbanc  Development to change the Hine site’s zoning, permitting the greater density the project requires.  Any recommendations the Subcommittee makes will have to go before Campbell’s committee before being referred to ANC6B for final action.  

Stanton/Eastbanc is expected to file an application to start the rezoning process by month’s end.  That will initiate a series of meetings, hearings, and negotiations which will play out over the next several months – possibly longer.  It will be the final opportunity for the community to win concessions from the developer, or be compensated in terms of “amenities” for the impact increased density will have on the neighborhood. 

The Subcommittee is chaired by Commissioner Ivan Frishberg.  Brian Pate is the Vice Chair.  Under the resolution creating the Subcommittee, resident members were nominated by Frishberg, Pate, and ANC6B Chair Neil Glick.  The Planning and Zoning Committee’s vote sends the proposed makeup to next Tuesday’s full ANC6B meeting for final approval. 

Frishberg explained that the new procedure involving appointment of a special subcommittee was to facilitate the development of a community consensus by pulling more of the community into the process and strengthening ANC6B’s  position in negotiations with the developer.

Voting in favor of the motion to approve the resident members: Chair Francis Campbell and Commissioners Brian Pate, Jarad Critchfield, Carol Green, Dave Garrison, Ivan Frishberg, Brian Flahavan, and 6B03 Resident Commissioner (for absent Norm Metzger) Ryan Benjamin..

Abstaining:  Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg.

ANC6B Chair Neil Glick and Commissioner Norm Metzger were absent. 

Debate on the resolution was not without controversy.  Commissioner Oldenburg raised the issue of three of the proposed resident members of the Subcommittee being representatives of nearby neighbor civic organizations.  She called the choices “biased” saying “all of us are aware of their voices on Hine – they bring nothing new to the table.”  She foresaw the emergence of a strong voting bloc on the Subcommittee if Frishberg and Pate decided to represent the interests of these nearby neighbors at the expense of the larger community.  Commissioner Garrison said he shared Oldenburg’s concern noting “some issues of the nearby neighbors may win the day by force of numbers.”

Frishberg rebutted the contentions, pointing out that all recommendations had to come back to the Planning and Zoning Committee and the full ANC, and that each of the three nearby neighbor groups had different agendas.   He agreed with one concern Garrison made, that it would be difficult for the Planning and Zoning Committee to unravel the Subcommittee recommendations and would be under pressure to approve a package they did not fully agree with or have time to explore.  To that end, Frishberg said “it would be foolish to embark on exercises with which the ANC is not fully engaged.  My hope is that this will be a consensus process.”    

Garrison suggested enlisting the aid of former ANC Commissioner Ken Jarboe, citing his experience and understanding of the zoning regulations.  Frishberg and Pate agreed to reach out to Jarboe and the final recommendation to the full ANC included a space for Jarboe.  This seemed to satisfy Garrison, who ended up voting for the Subcommittee makeup.  Jarboe subsequently accepted Pate’s invitation to join the Subcommittee.    

In addition to Jarboe and those commissioners who asked to serve on the Subcommittee (Frishberg, Pate, Green, Garrison, Oldenburg, and Critchfield), the following representatives of stakeholder organizations will make up the Subcommittee. 

Monte Edwards – Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) representative.  Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board Member and Chair of its Transportation Committee.  Member of the Stanton Park Neighborhood Association.  Member of the Transportation Committee of the Committee of 100.  

Julia Christian – CHAMPS (Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce) representative.  Executive Director of CHAMPS.  Former head of Capitol Hill Arts Workshop.   

Gary Peterson – Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) representative.  Board Member and Chair of CHRS Zoning Committee.  CHRS representative to various H Street PUD processes.

Roger Tauss – Eastern Market Metro Community Association (EMMCA) representative.  Former VP of the National Transportation Workers Union.

Steve Sweeney – Eyes on Hine (EOH) representative.  Senior EPA attorney.  Former President of the Tyler PTA

Bill Pate (no relation to Brian Pate) – North Neighborhood Coalition (NNC) representative.  Small business owner specializing in advanced analytics and statistical data analysis.  Served as Assistant Director for the American Physiological Association’s Center for Workforce Studies. 

ANC6B will next meet on Tuesday, November 8, at 7:00pm.  The meeting will be in the Benjamin Drummond Room, First Floor, The Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Resident members of the Planning and Zoning Committee who were present at Tuesday night’s meeting included Ryan Benjamin (6B03), Ksenia Kaladiovk (6B09), Steve Merrill (6B04), Susan Eads Role (6B05), amd Bren Barnett (6B10).

Anonymous Donor Helps Fund Outreach to Create H Street NE Historic District- Effort Could Include Area Between H Street NE and East Capitol

by Larry Janezich

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS), at the behest of ANC6A, has entered into a contract with EHT Traceries for the preparation of a National Register Nomination for H Street, N.E.  This project would lay the groundwork for H Street NE to become a new historic district.   ANC6A is the project initiator, and CHRS has agreed to serve as a pass thru for funding and to manage the contract.  The nomination document is due March 31, 2012.  The contract is for $10,000 and the work includes assistance with outreach to the community.  In July, ANC6A earmarked $4,000 for the effort.  The balance appears to have come from an anonymous donor. 

Asked about the identity of the donor and the amount, ANC6A Chair David Holmes said, “The funds about which you inquire were from a private donor – who can release their name and the amount themselves.”

According to Holmes, ANC 6A has not authorized submission of an application to either create or expand a historic district.  ANC 6A, he said, was informed of a possible donation to fund paperwork related to historic context statements for parts of 6A, in the event residents wished to create or join an historic district.  Holmes asked that the donation be made to and accepted by, CHRS, rather than ANC6A.   In September, CHRS met in a closed executive session to hear the proposal from Holmes.  The CHRS subsequently agreed to act as a pass through agent.

Holmes expects the funds will be used for paperwork preliminary to any public outreach for consideration of a commercial historic district or if residents south of H Street to seek the protection of a historic district.  ANC6A’s Planning and Zoning Committee has been assessing interest of these residents in establishing a historic district in an area bounded by H Street in the north, 15th Street to the East and East Capitol St to the South.

Earlier this year, Traceries recommended that an area in near-Northeast adjacent to the H Street commercial corridor, roughly between 2nd and 15th Streets, and from H to F Streets, NE, become part of the Capitol Hill Historic District.  That project was funded by a settlement CHRS reached several years ago with the Louis Dreyfuss Property Group (some $83,000), as mitigation for the demolition of twelve historic buildings in the way of the new Dreyfuss development between H and G and 2nd and 3rd Streets, NE,.

Holmes cautioned that preliminary paperwork does not mean a submission will follow.  He said ANC6A is hearing from residents south of H who are threatened by the expanding success of H Street and fear the possible loss of livability in their neighborhoods to new apartment buildings or the overgrowth of re-built structures.  These residents could take advantage of the process being initiated by ANC6A .  “If people want to protect themselves,” Holmes said, “the already prepared paperwork would make that option available to them.” 

Regarding a historic district for H Street, Holmes noted, “… the look and funky feel of H Street are a crucial part of its business success, just as with Georgetown or the French Quarter.  It’s an exciting place now, so changes that would make it look like suburban PG could hurt the business model.”

Holmes added, “In any case, no submission of any application is authorized, and that would likely come through ANC6A since they are initiating the project.  But first, there would have to be outreach, hearings and discussion.”