CAPITOL HILL CORNER

ANC6B and EMCAC Members Hear From Community On Eastern Market. From Top: Commissioners Jared Critchfield, Dave Garrison, Carol Green, Brian Flahaven, Ivan Frishberg, Brian Pate, EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder, and Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg

Community Turns Out On Eastern Market. At Right: EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder

Vendors and Community Voice Concerns On Eastern Market Legislation

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B and Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) held a joint listening session Thursday night to receive commentary from community members and stakeholders on pending legislation to create a new governing authority for Eastern Market.  According to EMCAC and Councilmember Wells, the city wishes to get out of the business of managing the market.  Without a new governing structure, the finding of a new manager will default  to the previously unsatisfactory practice of bidding out the job.  Eighty-five stakeholders, vendors, merchants, farmers, and community members turned out for the meeting. 

Linda O’Brian, from Councilmember Wells’ staff, was present to give an overview of the legislation and detail where it stands in the legislative process.  The bill, introduced by Wells, is in the City Council’s Committee of the Whole, which will hold an as-yet-unscheduled public hearing.  After being passed out of the Committee on the Whole, the bill will go to the City Council for two votes, the second of which will constitute final passage.  O’Brian took questions from ANC Commissioners and EMCAC members and noted that the legislation was on the Councilmember’s website and encouraged comments.  (See below)

ANC Commissioner Brian Pate chaired the meeting, in his role of ANC6B representative to EMCAC.  Pate and fellow Commissioner Ivan Frishberg – in whose Single Member District Eastern Market lies – did most of the questioning of those vendors and members of the community who chose to make statements about their concerns. 

As merchants, farmers, vendors, and community member rose to speak, it became apparent what a tangled web of overlapping and conflicting interests the ANC, EMCAC, and the legislation will have to resolve. 

One of the overriding concerns in which one would expect the neighbors to be interested had to be voiced by the Market’s fresh food vendors.  This concern is about the direction the Market itself is moving.  Several the food merchants take issue with this direction noting that the Market has become a tourist destination attracting large crowds who buy few food items.  On the other hand, the flea market and craft vendors benefit hugely from tourists attracted to the location.  A coalition of merchants in the area informally known as the “Sign Tigers” and lead by Chuck Burger who is not only a key player in the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce (CHAMPS), but also serves on EMCAC, has been instrumental in winning approval for city funding of an information kiosk at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, to promote the Market as a tourist destination for the benefit of the restaurants and shops in the immediate area. 

Some community members believe the way to guarantee the future as a food market is to offer a better quality locally grown product and to offer it during the week on the farmer’s line.  Others point out that a consumer friendly approach could be furthered by clearly pricing the products offered.  Many merchants, inside and out, expect customers to ask the price of an item.  A new governing structure with special expertise in food, arts, business and finance, historic preservation, legal, merchandising or marketing issues – as required by the bill – could nudge the Market in this direction. 

The merchants and vendors of the market were heavily represented at the meeting.  According to long time Market fish vendor Charles Glasgow, the vendors are fearful about their future at the market since the new legislation does not offer the protections including right of first refusal, long term leases, and rent controlled by the Consumer Price Index which was granted them in the 1997 legislation currently governing the Market.  Merchants, farmers and vendors are pressing to increase their representation on the new governing board by decreasing its size from 11 to 9 members.  The legislation guarantees three elected representatives of merchants, farmers, and vendors will have voting membership on the new board. 

The two managers of the weekend flea markets, Carol Wright on Saturday, and Michael Berman on Sunday, spoke of their fear losing control of their respective venues, since the legislation specifies no management role for them after the Hine lot is closed for construction.  In addition, since the proposed space available for the weekend markets under the Hine plan is half of what is currently available, they fear that half their vendors will have to be dropped or that they will have to seek space elsewhere in the city for their operations. 

Questions regarding how the flea markets will be dealt with depend in large part on Stanton/Eastbanc Development which is proposing closing 7^th Street between C and Pennsylvania on Sunday to accommodate the market.  Closing streets, however, has raised the hackles of some in the community who point out that the current weekend closing of 7^th Street between Independence and North Carolina was accomplished by mayoral fiat, without community input.  Parking is also a contention.  Stanton Eastbanc (for cost reasons) and some nearby neighbors (who fear losing street parking if more vehicles are attracted to the area) want to minimize parking in the Hine Development.  Merchants (who want parking for customers), and vendors (who will park vehicles in the development on weekends) want as many spaces as possible. 

Many in attendance, both vendors and members of the community, had concerns about the self-perpetuating character of the new board after the initial appointments by city officials, and lack of oversight or responsibility to the community once the board is in place.  

A signification and specific concern regarding the legislation was raised by EMCAC member Monte Edwards, who – speaking only for himself – pointed out that the legislation terminates the city’s responsibility for maintenance and covering capital costs ten years after enactment.  With respect to the latter, the legislation provides that the City will fund any major repairs, alterations, construction or improvements to the Market only for the next ten years.  Edwards agreed that the responsibility for maintenance should be terminated after ten years, but told the ANC and EMCAC, “I suggest that the expiration of the City’s responsibility for capital improvements should not automatically expire after ten years, but should be subject to review after 10 years.”

To comment on the legislation, go to this site:  http://www.tommywells.org  Scroll down to the October 4, entry at bottom of the page and follow the links to review Wells’ statement and the current and proposed legislation for governing the Market.  To leave a comment, click on the first link regarding Wells’ introduction of the bill.

Wells Supports Current East Capitol Boundary Between ANC6B and ANC6C

by Larry Janezich

Councilmember Wells met with Ward Six ANC Chairs in his office on Monday night and told them he was making a few changes to the plan presented by the Redistricting Task Force.  Most significantly for ANC6B, he said he supports moving the proposed boundary of Independence Avenue back to East Capitol Street.  Wells also supports changes in ANC6B’s Single Member District boundaries recommended by the Task Force, but details are not yet available.  To accommodate ANC6C, who stood to gain a 7th Single Member District at 6B’s expense under the plan proposed by the Redistricting Task Force, Wells said he has a new plan that will allow 6C to have seven commissioners.     

Asked for comment on why he decided to overturn the Redistricting Task Force Report, Wells said, “I took the report from the task force as recommendations. I greatly appreciate the hard work of the committee but it is not the final say on the boundaries.”  Wells added, “I support moving the proposed boundary of Independence Avenue back to East Capitol Street.  I also believe the Census erred in stating there were only 81 residents living in NOMA.  I recommend correcting that.”

At ANC6B’s Executive Committee meeting Tuesday night, the redistricting issue was added to the agenda of November’s ANC6B meeting.  The commissioners will consider some changes to the language in the existing resolutions on redistricting, in anticipation of testimony before the City Council on the proposed plan.  The next meeting of the ANC will be on Tuesday, November 8.

The ANC6B residents who were affected by the proposed boundary change mounted a strong campaign of petitions, letter writing, and community meetings to urge Wells to keep the East Capitol Street boundary.   ANC Commissioner Ivan Frishberg, who would have lost part of his Single Member District to ANC6C had the boundary been moved to Independence Avenue, was instrumental in organizing opposition to the change.  Frishberg said, “The neighbors who got involved in this deserve huge credit for their show of pride for their neighborhood.”  Commissioner Dave Garrison, much of whose Single Member District lies in the affected area, said, “I’m grateful for Council Member Wells’ support of the residents of 6B01 and delighted that my neighbors will remain a part of the 6B process.”

CHRS To Join ANC6B’s Subcommittee on Hine Re-Zoning Process – Society Reserves Right to Seek Independent Party Status Before Zoning Commission

 by Larry Janezich           

Restoration Society Zoning Committee Chair Gary Peterson met with ANC6B Hine Public Unit Development (PUD) Subcommittee Vice Chair Brian Pate on Monday night.  After the meeting, Pate said Peterson agreed to recommend to the CHRS Board that CHRS participate in the Subcommittee to review Stanton/Eastbanc Development’s application to change the zoning of the Hine site.  A zoning change for the site is necessary to permit the greater density required by Stanton-Eastbanc’s mixed use project. 

Pate added that Peterson was clear that CHRS will still seek an independent voice before the Zoning Board.   In this, they seem to be mirroring other community groups who are willing participants but retain the right to seek party status.  The agreement represented a likely reversal of position for the CHRS.  Last week, Peterson filed a report with the Society’s Board in which he stated that he will “decline an invitation” to become one of the community groups joining ANC6B’s Subcommittee.  That report was still pending before the board when the new agreement was reached Monday night. 

Reached for comment, Peterson said that he will be joining the Subcommittee with the understanding that CHRS may take different positions on some issues.  He said that this would allow CHRS to keep its independence and yet helps the Subcommittee wade through the PUD process. 

Community groups wish to retain the right to seek “party status” in the discussion, because the status carries with it greater weight and expanded privileges during the Zoning Board public hearing on the issue.  ANC gets automatic “party status” in the process.  The Zoning Board is reluctant to grant that designation to more than two or three organizations or individuals in the proceedings.

On October 11, ANC6B authorized establishment of a Subcommittee chaired by Commissioner Ivan Frishberg comprised of ANC6B Commissioners and up to six representatives of outside stakeholders to participate in negotiations with the Office of Planning, the developers, and the Zoning Commission regarding the PUD process.  This is one of the last chances the community will have to influence the process.  

Few Capitol Hill organizations have participated in a PUD process, since they are uncommon in the Historic District.  CHRS last participated in a PUD process several years ago related to the Dreyfus development on H Street, NE.  In that case, they were part of a larger group including the ANC and the Stanton Park Neighborhood Association.  The settlement in the PUD mitigation process in that instance involved a large sum of cash for the CHRS.  That cash was subsequently used to lay the on-going ground work for expanding the Historic District “Beyond the Boundaries.”

CHRS Contract Anticipates Expansion of Capitol Hill Historic District and New Historic Districts

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday, Donna Hanousek, Chair of the Restoration Society’s “Beyond the Boundaries” Committee, reported to the CHRS Board that the Society has engaged EHT Traceries, the architectural history firm, to make a “context study” of the area outside of the Capitol Hill Historic District, south of H Street, NE, and east of 13th Street, NE and SE, down to the Anacostia River.  The cost of the project is $25,000 and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.

This “context study” is the last step necessary to complete the CHRS “Beyond the Boundaries” project which “seeks to promote the appreciation of neighborhood history and support historic preservation efforts outside the boundaries of the Capitol Hill Historic District.”  Volunteers completed a survey of the area in 2010, compiling a huge amount of information including pictures and descriptions of every building in over 100 square blocks.  Traceries will pull together the cultural, demographic, religious, etc., data to document how neighborhoods within the area came about.  This information will strengthen the case for historic district status for neighborhoods identified by Traceries earlier this year as potentially eligible for historic status. 

Pursuing historic district status requires submitting extensive documentation to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and is done through an ANC, either on its own behalf or on behalf of a civic or neighborhood organization. The context study will serve as the basis for the required documentation if an ANC or civic organization pursues historic district status in the future.  ANC6A has recently started exploring the feasibility of  historic district status for some areas within its boundaries.    

Seeking historic status for a neighborhood is not without controversy.  A majority of those within a neighborhood must support historic status for that area.  In 2010, the Barney Circle neighborhood seemed well on its way to becoming a historic district.  This became a campaign issue in ANC6B09, and when Brian Flahaven – who opposed historic district status for Barney Circle – was elected Commissioner by a large margin last November, the historic district nomination was put on indefinite hold by the HPRB.  Many newer Capitol Hill residents oppose the greater restrictions and bureaucracy involved in making home improvements that come with historic status.  In addition, there are larger issues of gentrification and diversity which accompany expanding or creating a historic district.

Catholic University Student's Mutatio Design Was Initially Selected For the Eastern Market Metro Info Hub

The Yellow Rectangle Shows The Future Location of the Infor Hub

New Concept Design for Eastern Market Metro Info Hub

Info Hub for Eastern Market Metro Plaza Suffers Design Change – Revision Comes at the Expense of Dramatic Roofline

by Larry Janezich

At last Tuesday night’s Restoration Society Board Meeting, Board member Chuck Burger told his colleagues that the design of the Info Hub scheduled to be constructed on EM Metro Plaza would be altered because of budget, flexibility, and movability issues.  Burger also represents the ad hoc group of “Sign Tigers” which conceived of an information kiosk on the Plaza to promote food and retail services and the historic district.  The group, with others, convinced the Department of Transportation to fund the project with funding provided to the community through the Performance Parking Plan.

Catholic University Architectural School was enlisted to hold a student design competition for the project and earlier this spring, a design was selected from 28 entries and a winner announced.  (See emmcablog, March 16, 2011).

In addition to a cost limitation, a design requirement which had to be met was movability.  Burger said that a closer examination of the design showed that it was more difficult to move than previously thought and that construction would exceed the $180,000 budget.  Burger also said that proponents realized that by eliminating the swooping roofline and flattening the roof, they could gain 180 square feet of useable floor space.  Burger said, “[t]he foot print will be the same but the space will be used better.“  The new roof, according the Burger, will reflect the “theme and curve” of the canopy over the Metro.  In addition, a grass roof is being considered to add to the “greenness” of the project.

In addition to the $180,000 for the info hub, DOT is expected to provide an additional $100,000 from the Performance Parking Fund for landscaping the Plaza, a project being pushed by ANC6B Commissioner Ivan Frishberg.  The plan anticipates what Burger called “landscape rehabilitation” for the Plaza, with $25,000 of the amount being used for a Plaza irrigation system.  The balance would be used for relocation of the bike racks closer to the Info Hub, establishment of a rain garden, framing in the planting beds to keep out foot traffic, construction of walls and seating, and plantings.  . 

The kiosk will be staffed by volunteers.  Its annual operating budget of up to $15,000 will come from a foundation which has been set up by CHAMPS – the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Burger anticipates a November date for the launch of campaign to raise $50,000 in pledges over three years to guarantee the annual operating funds  – a stipulation insisted on by the city before the project can move forward.

Wrap Up of Last Week’s ANC6B Meeting

by Larry Janezich

In addition to creating a Subcommittee including residents to shepherd the Hine development as reported on emmcablog October 12, ANC6B took the following actions at its Tuesday night meeting last week. 

Hill Center

Chair Neil Glick announced ANC6B has moved into Hill Center and the November ANC6B meeting will occur there. 

Redistricting

ANC6B Passed a Resolution urging Councilmember Wells and the City Council to enact an ANC redistricting plan that maintains East Capitol Street as the boundary between ANC6B and ANC6C and reflects a (status quo) division of 6B’s single member districts.  Commissioner Ivan Frishberg commented during the discussion that it is his belief that the final decision is “still very much in play.” 

The resolution passed 8 – 0, with Chair Glick and /Commissioners Critchfield, Green, Flahaven, Frishberg, Metzger, Oldenburg, Pate voting for it.  Commissioners Campbell and Garrison were absent.   

New Eastern Market Governing Structure

ANC6B adopted Commissioner Brian Pate’s suggestion regarding a process for adjudication of Eastern Market Legislation.  The process anticipates a community meeting for purposes of collecting resident feedback to be sponsored jointly by ANC6B and the Eastern Market Community Advisor Committee.  The meeting will be held in Eastern Market’s North Hall on Thursday, October 27. 

Outreach to City Council

ANC6B authorized a two way strategy to  interact with the DC City Council.  The strategy was proposed by Commissioner Brian Pate.  The proposal envisions ANC commissioners and resident members of the Outreach and Constituent Services meeting with councilmembers to discuss a list of subjects which broadly affect the ANC.  Targeted are Council Chair Brown, Councilmembers Orange and Mendelson – the two councilmembers at large, and Councilmember Barry.  Barry, though not elected at large (as are the other three) has oversight of the city office governing the city’s ANCs.  ANC bylaws ban ANC commissioners from representing the ANC to city officials unless authorized by the ANC, hence the necessity of authorizing commissioners to meet with officials and discuss select issues. 

The second prong of the process entails invitations extended to the aforementioned councilmembers to appear before ANC6B from time to time to talk about issues that are important to them. 

Among the issues commissioners are authorized to discuss are Eastern Market, Hill East Development, Ethics Reform on the City Council, Incentivizing Small Businesses, Education Reform, Major Developments including Hine, CSX Tunnel and 11^th Street Bridge Project.

The motion to approve the process was agreed to by a vote of 5 – 3.  Those voting for the motion to approve were Chair Glick and commissioners Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, and Pate.  Commissioners Green, Metzger and Oldenburg were opposed.  Absent were Commissioners Campbell and Garrison.

Cain Jousts with Critic Near Eastern Market  – Photo credit Larry Janezich

by Larry Janezich

Sunday morning, the Herman Cain Campaign came to 7^th Hill Pizza for an interview and photo shoot with GQ Magazine.  Arriving about 10:45am after an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press, Cain stopped to joust with a passerby to whom he said, “the next time you give me a speech on tax policy, find out your facts.”  Coincidentally, The Washington Post’s Sunday “Fact Checker” posted a column critical of Cain’s representation of his 9-9-9 tax policy, suggesting that he distorts or elides over important facts.  Cain then posed for a picture with another member of the small crowd and excused himself, saying he had to go to an interview.   

Following the candidate inside 7^th Hill Pizza where Cain, the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, was seated at one of two tables surrounded by campaign aides, your reporter was told it was a closed event and was asked to leave.

According to Wikipedia, Cain is a businessman, syndicated columnist, and radio host from Georgia. He is, as the web site notes, “the former chairman (Omaha Branch board 1989–91), deputy chairman (1992–94) and chairman (1995–96) of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.  Before his business career he worked as a mathematician in ballistics as a civilian employee of the United States Navy.  He lives in the Atlanta suburbs, where he also serves as an associate minister at Antioch Baptist Church North.”

Prospective Barracks Row Pizza Venue Offers More Details

Menu to Offer Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Vegan Options

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday, Steve Salis, founder and CEO of what may be a chain of pizza restaurants, revealed some additional details regarding his prospective Barracks Row pizza operation. 

Salis is seeking an exception to the ban on additional fast food restaurants on Barracks Row, and has launched a campaign to help create public support for the exception.  To that end, he has addressed an open letter to the community (see below), released a rendering of what the outlet might look like (as above), and structured a menu to provide options for customers with dietary restrictions: i.e., gluten free crust for gluten intolerants, vegan options with regards to sauce and toppings, and lactose options regarding a dairy free cheese substitute.

Some of those who he will have to win over are the nearby neighbors of Hill Center, who are still smarting from Hill Center’s refusal to make concessions affecting their quality of life issues.  And, although ANC6B granted Chipotle Mexican Grill an exception, that action was viewed as trading one previous fast food restaurant (China Wall) for a new one.   Salis faces the tougher task of convincing the ANC to make a true exception, granting a new license for an location adjoining Chiptole which is technically in the same building. 

Salis won’t reveal the name of the new establishment since it is undergoing the trademarking process.  He said he would like to serve beer and wine but understands the sensitivities in the neighborhood, “so there are some things what would have to be worked out.”  If everything goes according to plan, the restaurant could open in spring of 2012. 

Salis said, “I think Barracks Row is a street with a lot of soul. It has great energy, it’s vibrant, and is taking seriously by the community. The 400 block in particular, lends my business a unique opportunity to take part in revitalizing an area that needs to be upgraded with concepts … that bring quality, sophistication, and innovation….”

His letter to the community follows: 

Dear Capitol Hill Community,                                                            October 11, 2011

I am writing today in response to all of the much-appreciated feedback that I have received with regards to my intentions of opening a dining establishment at 415 8th Street SE. Your comments will continue to play a critical role in my pursuits of joining your neighborhood.

My vision for this concept involves a fresh dining experience at a very affordable cost. Patrons will be presented with the ability to create a customized gourmet pizza using a variety of carefully sourced, fresh ingredients including gluten free, lactose free, and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions. This is not a pizza slice shop, therefore delivery service will not be offered. We are simply looking to provide a top quality product, while focusing on time efficiency and affordability, where the average family of four can enjoy a healthy meal for approximately $30. In addition, I have taken into account socially responsible environmental practices with regards to packaging, store build-out and design.

Aesthetically, the restaurant will embody a clean, simple and inviting feel deriving inspiration from the fresh produce that we offer. With 35-40 seats in our dining area, Capitol Hill families and professionals will be able to enjoy their personalized product on location.

Capitol Hill & Barracks Row exudes a vibrancy and sense of community that has piqued my interest in launching the business in this neighborhood. I have had discussions with other restaurant operators currently on the block regarding neighborhood sensitivities, and have already put forth action in addressing operational concerns, such as: pest control and trash management. I look forward to presenting my plans for handling these issues to your community in the near future.

Attached is a rendering of the store; please contact me at steve@324corp.com with any questions and/or concerns. I look forward to opening my doors to you this coming spring.

With great respect,

Steve Salis

Founder & CEO

Ima Pizza LLC

ANC6B Creates Subcommittee Including Residents To Shepherd Hine Development Process   

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B created a 13 member Subcommittee charged with coordinate ANC6B’s response to the Public Unit Development (PUD) process on the Hine Development.  In addition to all ten of the current ANC6B commissioners, three non-commissioners from the community will comprise the membership.  The committee is charged with outreach to the community regarding the PUD process, developing recommendations for ANC6B in negotiations with the city and developer during process, and serving as a central point of coordination on the Hine Development.

The PUD process refers to the negotiations the developer conducts with the DC Office of Planning and the Zoning Commission to change the zoning of the Hine site to permit the greater population density the project will require.  During the process, technically, all aspects of the project, including design, density, and massing are “on the table,” and this affords all stakeholders an opportunity to influence the design of the project. 

Supporters of the resolution, which was offered by Commissioner Ivan Frishberg, in whose single member district Hine is located, beat back an effort by opponents to restrict the authority of the ANC6B Chair Neil Glick, prospective Subcommittee Chair Frishberg, and the as-yet-unnamed Subcommittee Vice Chair, to recommend a slate of non-commissioner members of the Subcommittee.  Brian Pate, who helped draft the resolution, said that the intent was to include representatives of nearby neighbors, a broader selection of the community, and business interests.  Answering a commissioner’s question about his intent regarding non-commission neighbors, Frishberg mentioned CHRS and CHAMPS.

Opponents of the resolution also sought to delay consideration for two months, citing the lack of need to move quickly.  Commissioner Oldenburg said Hine project developer Ken Golding had told her that Stanton Eastbanc Development would initiate the PUD process with the DC Office of Planning (OP) by November 1.  According to Oldenburg, between November and March the developer negotiates the final details of the project with OP.  She went on to say that OP would not issue a report until March of next year and it is that document – called a “set down report’ – to which the ANC reacts.    

However, according to Gary Peterson, Chair of the Restoration Society’s Planning Committee, and PUD process veteran, individuals, groups, and other stakeholders in the Hine project would be wise to begin meeting with OP during this November – March period to make their concerns and desires known.  .    

Opponents also cited the break from precedent in taking control of this issue out from under Francis Campbell’s ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee.  Both resolution supporter Frishberg and resolution opponent Oldenburg claimed the necessarily absent Campbell’s support for their position.  Contacted by emmcablog after the meeting and asked whether he supported the Subcommittee, Campbell said, “I am OK with it, as long as whatever comes out of the Subcommittee is vetted by the Planning and Zoning Committee.” 

The resolution states that “recommendations of the Subcommittee that require full Commission action shall first be referred to the Planning and Zoning Committee unless waived by both the Chair and Vice Chair of the full Planning and Zoning Committee.”

When the vote came, the resolution passed, 5 – 3, with Commissioners Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Glick, and Pate voting in favor.  Commissioners, Green, Metzger, and Oldenburg were opposed.   Commissioners Campbell and Garrison were absent.

ANC6B to Appeal to Council on Redistricting and Appoint Residents to Advise on Hine Negotiations

by Larry Janezich

When it convenes Tuesday night, ANC6B will consider two resolutions concerning on-going issues facing the residents of 6B. 

The first resolution requests the City Council to maintain East Capitol Street as the boundary with ANC6C and to enact a “status quo” plan for the boundaries of the single member districts in 6B.

The second resolution would create a 13 member Subcommittee charged with overseeing the Public Unit Development (PUD) process on the Hine Development.  The wording of the resolution does not precisely resolve whether all current ANC 6B Commissioners will be acting and voting members of the Subcommittee, but it seems to suggest that will be the case.  Other members will be drawn from the community determined to represent “organized interests of the community.”  According to the resolution, the Subcommittee will be tasked with outreach to the community re the PUD process, developing recommendations for ANC6B in negotiations with the city and developer during PUD negotiations, and serving as a central point of coordination on the Hine Development. 

Copies of the resolutions can be found below. 

ANC6B meets Tuesday, October 11, at 7:00pm in the National Community Church, at 535 8th Street, SE.

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT

DRAFT RESOLUTION on ANC6B Boundaries and Districts

WHEREAS ANC6B has great respect for the efforts of the Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force and the guidelines it formally adopted; and

WHEREAS the Task Force adopted by a vote of 7-0 a draft plan on August 8th 2011 that was subsequently endorsed by ANC6B as a plan that would adhere to the guidelines of the Task Force; and

WHEREAS the Task Force Final Recommendations included a subsequent boundary change that was narrowly adopted on a vote of 5-4-1, and moves 1275 residents from ANC6B to ANC6C; and

WHEREAS the residents moved out of ANC6B have a primary and direct interest in the areas of Eastern Market, Eastern Market Metro plaza and the Hine Jr. High School redevelopment project, and will no longer have elected representation on the issues that are most important to their neighborhood; and

WHEREAS the change in the boundary between ANCs 6B and 6C changes a clear boundary along a city quadrant line that has been in effect for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS a primary justification for the change presented by ANC6C was to balance the case load for ANC6C, while subsequent research has shown that the draft plan adopted on August 8th would likely have reduced workload from current levels and that ANC6B has a case load significantly greater than ANC6C under either the current scenario or the final plan adopted by the Task Force; and

WHEREAS an additional justification presented by ANC6C for the transfer from ANC6B to ANC6C was to provide for an odd number of commissioners on ANC6C, and it is noted that many commissions including ANC6B have decades of experience working productively with an even number of commissioners without any problems stemming from the even number of commissioners; and

WHEREAS the SMD boundaries for ANC6B adopted by the Task Force would cause substantial disruption to the work of ANC6B; and

WHEREAS the current redistricting plan works against the interests of those neighbors impacted, is at odds with the Home Rule Charter and the fundamental tenets of voting rights in the District that provide citizens elected representation in the neighborhood where they live;

NOW IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED  that ANC6B requests that the City Council of the District of Columbia enact an ANC redistricting plan that maintains East Capitol Street as the boundary between ANC6B and ANC6C and reflects the boundary and SMD plan adopted by the Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force at its August 8, 2011 meeting. .

ANC6B formally adopted this resolution at its October 11, 2011 meeting by a vote of XX to XX, and requests that that Councilmember Wells and the City Council consider our recommendations when it drafts the final proposal for ANC redistricting later this year.

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT

DRAFT RESOLUTION for the creation of a Sub-committee of the Planning and Zoning Committee relating to the development of the Hine School site.

WHEREAS ANC6B will play a central role in representing community interests in the forthcoming Planned Unit Development (PUD) process for the Hine School site; and

WHEREAS ANC6B intends to conduct extensive community outreach and to involve a diversity of voices and interests in the PUD process; and

WHEREAS the developers of the Hine School site will likely initiate the PUD process in the fall of 2011 and that the process will likely continue through much of 2012; and

WHEREAS management of this process through its standing committees or the committee of the whole would limit this effort and place additional strain on the capacity of the Commission; and

WHEREAS Article X, Section 7 of the Commission bylaws allow for the Commission to create a sub-committee of a standing committee to carry out the responsibilities of a full committee with respect to a specific topic, and to be composed of members from beyond the parent committee,

NOW IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that ANC 6B creates a sub-committee of the Planning and Zoning Committee specifically to address the Hine School Development and that the objectives of this sub-committee include:

●  Conducting community outreach as it relates to the PUD process

●  Developing recommendations to ANC6B as it relates to the Commission position in PUD negotiations with the City and developers

●  Providing for a central point of coordination on the Hine        School development 

             BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the authority for the Hine School Sub-committee sunsets at the conclusion of the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of ANC 6B in March 2013, and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED  that recommendations of the Sub-committee that require full Commission action shall first be referred to the Planning and Zoning Committee unless specifically waived by both the Chair and Vice-chair of the full Planning and Zoning Committee, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Sub-committee shall be Chaired by a member of the commission appointed by a vote of the commission, and that the Vice-Chair of the sub-committee be selected by the Sub-committee chair, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Sub-committee shall be comprised of Commission and non-commission members who represent organized interests of the community nominated by the Chair of ANC6B and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Sub-committee and ratified by the full Commission, and that while all Sub-committee meetings will be regularly posted and available to all commissioners as voting members, the core membership of the task force shall not number more than 13 people.