September 24, 2011 · 4:41 pm

Neighbors Organize to Overturn ANC6B Boundary Change – Issue Goes to Tommy Wells

Task Force Member Ken Jarboe Opposes ANC6B Boundary Change at Monday Night Meeting. At Left, Task Force Chair Joe Fengler.

SMD Boundary Changes for ANC6B Approved by Ward Six Redistricting Task Force

Neighbors Organize to Overturn ANC6B Boundary Change – Councilmember Wells To Make Final Decision This Week

by Larry Janezich and Barbara Riehle

A group of 17 concerned Capitol Hill residents attended an “emergency meeting” called by ANC6B Vice Chair Ivan Frishberg on Saturday morning at South East Library.  The purpose was to discuss ways to stop the change in ANC6B’s boundary proposed by neighboring ANC6C and endorsed on a narrow 5-4 vote by the Ward Six Task Force on Redistricting.  The change would move 1275 residents from ANC6B to ANC6C in the area bounded by East Capitol and Independence and 3rd Street and 7th Street, SE.

Those attending the meeting were strongly opposed to the move.  Especially outspoken was former ANC6B Chair Peter Waldron who stated that under the DC Home Rule Act, the preservation of neighborhoods is a critical factor when ANC boundaries are being redrawn.  “This neighborhood is being ripped away,” he went on, “and pulled into an ANC with its own NoMA (north of Massachusetts Avene) issues.”  In addition, he said residents would lose effective representation on neighborhood issues affecting them most, including Eastern Market and the Hine Development.  Finally, “[t]his neighborhood is facing substantial change and the residents have a right to cohesive representation.”

The Redistricting Task Force will present its report to Councilmember Tommy Wells on Monday, September 26.  Wells will have the final say on boundary changes, and the neighbors hope to persuade him to reject the proposed extension of ANC 6C into what is currently ANC6B territory.  On Friday, September 30, Wells is scheduled to submit Ward 6 Redistricting recommendations to DC City Council.

The Redistricting Task Force move to reaffirm its endorsement of the boundary change came on Wednesday night at a contentious six hour meeting.  The Task Force position is that the move is necessary because ANC6C has given up three single member ANC districts (SMDs) to the newly formed ANC6E in Shaw.  The Task Force wants to make the ANCs in Ward Six as near the same size as possible, and sees granting 6C’s request for an additional single member district at 6B’s expense as moving toward that goal.  Commissioners on ANC6C have also noted that an additional SMD will give them a more desirable seven member commission.

Wednesday night’s ratification of the Task Force’s earlier position came despite the presentation by 6B Commissioner Frishberg of a petition opposing the move signed by more than 200 residents.  When the Task Force addressed the new boundaries for SMDs within 6B, Frishberg called the plan drawn by Task Force member Cody Rice an “abomination.”  Frishberg offered an alternative which had been informally endorsed by a majority of 6B commissioners.  His proposal was rebuffed by the Task Force with little discussion of the details.

In the end, the Task Force approved an SMD plan proffered by Task Force member Ken Jarboe which divides the new 6B into ten smaller single member districts.  That plan was also strongly opposed by 6B Commissioners, who noted that it would create three new single member districts with no incumbents and pit two sitting commissioners against each other in two of the other single member districts.

The group of protesting neighbors agreed to gather support and mobilize their neighbors.  They will to meet again on Tuesday night at 8:00pm at a place to be determined.

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September 23, 2011 · 4:56 pm

Hill Center to Open “Within Three Weeks” – Delay Caused by Sale of Tax Credits

Hill Center's South Entrance. This Was the Business Entrance When the Building Was The Naval Hospital, Since Most Traffic Came From 8th Street and the Navy Yard

Board Member Gary Peterson (white shirt) Explains the Operation of the Ground Floor Reception Area

One of the Medium Sized Rooms on the Second Floor. ANC6B Used to Meet in This One Before the Restoration.

The Teaching Kitchen for Cooking Classes on the Ground Floor.

The Center's Largest Room Can Seat 100, and Is Equipped for Multi Media.

Third Floor Conference Room for Community Organizations

Typical Low Clearance Third Floor Community Organization Office Space. This One Was Eyed by ANC6B.

One of Two Original Radiator Restored and Placed in the Third Floor Hallway

Hill Center to Open “Within Three Weeks” – Delay Caused by Sale of Tax Credits

by Larry Janezich

Nicky Cymrot, Chair of The Hill Center Foundation, said Thursday night that the long awaited opening of the Hill Center would be “within three weeks.”  The opening, originally scheduled for the summer, has been delayed by the sale of tax credits.  The Hill Center’s renovation qualifies for receipt of $2 million in tax credits which the Center cannot use since it is operated by a charitable organization.  The credits can be sold to investors, however, and according to Board Member Gary Peterson, the process has taken longer than anticipated.  He said closing on the sale could take place this coming week.  The tax credits must be sold prior to getting a certificate of occupancy, according to Peterson.  Since closing the deal will cost approximately half of the total credit, Hill Center anticipates receiving roughly $1 million as the result of the deal.  It has long been the opinion of the Board that the Center needed a reserve fund in excess of $1 million before opening.  It is not clear how close contributions have brought the Center to that goal.

A tour of the facility revealed that it is ready to receive tenants.  There are nine offices for community organizations on the facility’s third floor and of these six have been rented, according to Peterson. The Carriage House where a café/restaurant will be established has been put up for lease to the restaurateurs on 8th Street, SE, and H Street, NE, but has yet to find an investor/operator.

The Center’s annual operating budget is $750,000.  There are four revenue streams anticipated by the Hill Center:  rental of the Carriage House (about $50,000 annually) to a café vendor and rental of office space (about $62,000 annually) to non-profit organizations together will cover 15 percent ($112,500) of the operating costs.  Among the organizations which have contracted for office space in Hill Center are ANC6b and Capitol Hill Village.  One anticipated tenant, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, voted in July to stay in its present location.

Third party program providers who will rent additional space to expand their programming will provide 60 percent of the funding ($450,000).  These will include organizations like CHAW and the Folger Library, as well as other independent operators offering classes in the arts and technology, or physical training classes such as yoga.  No contracts have been signed yet; that must wait for Hill Center to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

Rental of space for special events will account for the remaining 25 percent ($187,500), about $15,000 a month.  A conference room can be rented for half a weekday for $350, but the largest spaces, such as the entire second floor, will cost $1500 for half a weekday and $5000 for a full day and evening on weekends. The garden will rent for $500 for half a weekday and $1250 for a full day on weekends.

From the business plan sketched by Hill Center representatives, it seems clear that to the extent that the Hill Center is not successful in obtaining the desired number of tenants or programming, the organization will have to rely upon special events more, or charge more for its space.

The prospect of late hours, noise, and parking has generated concern among nearby neighbors.  Last summer, a group of neighborhood protestants filed a formal protest with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABRA), opposing the Center’s application for a liquor license.

Last Wednesday, those protesting the Center’s application for a liquor license withdrew their protest.  According to one neighborhood representative, “The main reason for our withdrawal was that our motions were rejected by the board, making it impossible for us to proceed.  [other reasons were] that it became obvious at the mediation meeting that the board was extremely hostile to our protest and that the Hill Center was totally unwilling to budge.”  The group is exploring other options to lessen adverse effects of the Center’s operation on the neighborhood.

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September 21, 2011 · 3:36 pm

Representatives of Neighbor’s Group Withdraw Protest of Hill Center Liquor License – Absence of ANC 6B Support Cited As Critical Factor

Representatives of Neighbor’s Group Withdraw Protest of Hill Center Liquor License – Absence of ANC 6B Support Cited As Critical Factor

Larry Janezich

Wednesday morning, the group of neighbors protesting the Hill Center Liquor license filed a motion to withdraw their liquor license protest before the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABRA).  The action came after the group had failed to win any concessions from the Hill Center and after two procedural setbacks on September 14, when ABRA denied the petition of Frank Young for reinstatement as a formal protestant and denied the protestor’s motion to quash the submission into evidence of a private email between protestants which had been obtained by the Hill Center.  The first was denied on the matter of finding no cause, and the second was denied on the grounds of the lack of jurisdiction to enforce privacy laws and failure of the petitioners to submit the email in question to the Board in order to determine its relevance.

According to representatives of the neighbor’s group, they have decided to pursue other options to curb the noise and late hours of nighttime parties at the Old Naval Hospital.  In an email to the members of the neighbors’ group, representatives acknowledged that, “[g]iven the intransigence of the Hill Center, the lack of support from the ANC6B Commission, the rejection by the ABCB of all of the motions submitted by neighbors, and the high probability of achieving nothing at the ABCB hearing, our judgment is that further opposition through the alcohol licensing process is futile. Other options may prove more fruitful. Therefore, we have decided to pursue those options instead.”

Those other options are still being discussed, but will probably involve individual neighbors taking action when and if late night/early morning noise and related disturbances reach high levels on specific occasions. Group representatives are seeking suggestions from all concerned neighbors as to what kinds of actions are appropriate and effective to reduce noise from late night events at the Center.

According to one protestant, a Hill Center representative indicated that had the ANC given more support to protesting neighbors, the Hill Center would have had to consider accommodating some of their demands.  The statement reinforces the apparent conviction of the protestors that ABRA is not a good venue for independent groups of neighbors without ANC backing.

In related news, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors narrowly defeated a motion to move its offices into the Hill Center, voting instead to renew their lease for a year at Kirby House, their current location.  The vote came at the Board’s July 19th meeting.  Both the vote and the discussion were held in a closed session of the Board, so additional details – including the reasons why the Restoration Society opted not to move into the Hill Center – were unavailable.

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September 21, 2011 · 2:14 pm

North East Library Slated for $10 Million Renovation

North East Library

North East Library Slated for $10 Million Renovation

by Larry Janezich

At Tuesday night’s Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board meeting, Vince Morris, President, Friends of North East Library, outlined the city’s plans for a $10 million one year renovation of the building.

Morris told the Board that the project anticipates returning the interior of the library to the way it was built in the 1930’s.  DC Public Libraries, he said, has committed to making the library’s appearance consistent with the original library.  The Georgian Revival Style Building was built in 1931.

Most of the budget will be used for critical upgrades of systems, including replacing the elevator, wiring, lighting, plumbing, bathrooms, and heating and cooling systems.  In addition, a fire suppression system will be installed and the building brought up to code for ADA Compliance.  An exterior improvement project featuring landscaping, brick and stonework, and new windows was completed in the summer of 2010.

While the renovation is underway, the building will likely be closed.  The budget provides for interim space during this period, though details were not immediately available.

The Library is seizing this opportunity reach out to the community, with the Friends of the Library as the nexus for distribution of information.  Morris is hoping people who want to be involved will attend meetings sponsored by the library this fall, where input will be solicited regarding what the community would like to see in the new facility.

The tentative project time line is as follows:

October 2011 – Awarding of the construction contract

November 2011 – May 2012 – Design Phase

May 2012 – May 2013 – Construction Phase

June 2013 – Reopening of the Library

Following the meeting, Morris issued a strong appeal to members of the community to contribute time and energy to the Friends of North East Library, noting the importance of the library to the community.  He attributed his own involvement to the frequency with which his three young children use the library and said it is especially important for parents, such as himself, to participate in and support the activities of the library.

The Friends of the Library associations are comprised of neighborhood volunteers.  The organization promotes the library and its programs, serves as a liaison to the community, and raises funds through sale of donated books.  The funds are used to support library programs and expenses for the library which fall outside of the city’s budget.

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September 19, 2011 · 11:29 pm

Closely Divided Redistricting Task Force Votes to Move 1275 ANC6B Residents to ANC6C – Final Decision Up to Councilmember Wells

Task Force Chair Joe Fengler Calls for Vote on Moving ANC6B Residents

Closely Divided Redistricting Task Force Votes to Move 1275 ANC6B Residents to ANC6C – Final Decision Up to Councilmember Wells

by Larry Janezich

Monday night, a closely divided Ward Six Task Force on Redistricting voted 5 – 4 with 1 abstention to move 1275 ANC6B residents into ANC6C.  The vote moved the 6C boundary from East Capitol – a boundary existing for some 35 years, according to Task Force member Ken Jarboe – to Independence Avenue, encompassing the blocks from 3rd Street to 7th Street.  Prior to the vote, the Task Force exempted the nonresidential areas – the southeast quadrant of the Capitol Grounds, the Library of Congress’ Jefferson and Madison Buildings, and the Folger Library – from the move.

Those voting for the motion were Chair Joe Fengler, Cody Rice, Antonette Russell, Marge Francese, and Skip Coburn.

Those opposed:  Ken Jarboe, Donna Scheeder, Tyler Merkeley, and Gene Fisher.

Raphael Marshall abstained.  Had he voted against the motion it would have failed on a tie vote.  Asked about the vote afterward, Marshall said, “I didn’t feel comfortable voting on that issue.”

The motion was strongly opposed by Task Force members Donna Scheeder and Ken Jarboe.  Scheeder said the Task Force was proceeding on the basis of a faulty presumption that ANCs should be equal in size – an assumption not in keeping with the Capital Charter.  “It’s tearing a neighborhood apart, when the most important thing is keeping a neighborhood together,” she said before casting her vote.  Jarboe agreed, saying the Task Force recommendation to transfer the blocks to ANC6C was not creating neighborhood cohesiveness, but destroying it.  In addition, Jarboe said, reorienting a neighborhood which looks south and taking away their vote on neighborhood liquor licenses on 7th Street was a “grievous violation of Task Force guidelines.”

It seems procedurally possible for the Task Force to reverse the vote on moving the residents.  In reality, it is likely that such a change could only be brought about by Councilmember Tommy Wells, who will have the final say on the boundaries before they go to the City Council for enactment.

Following the meeting, ANC6B Vice Chair Ivan Frishberg said, “This decision by the Task Force strips the residents who look at Eastern Market and are just a few hundred feet from the Hine School site from ANC representation on those issues and instead puts them in an ANC that is focused on the issues around Union Station and NoMa.  The task force replaced a plan they adopted unanimously with a highly controversial plan that was adopted on a very split vote.  This is bad process and bad policy.”

In other business, the Task Force also denied ANC6A’s recommendation that it be allowed to retain all of Lincoln Park, which the Task Force had recommended splitting between ANC6A and ANC6B in its map released at the end of August.  As a result, ANC 6B will now preside over governance of half of Lincoln Park, a move that received support from 6B Commissioner Brian Pate.

In all, the Task Force was able to consider only half the items on its agenda Monday night, agreeing to postpone consideration of recommendations for single member districts until Thursday night.  This meeting will include consideration of the proposal to split Eastern Market Metro Plaza among four different ANC Commissioners.

The schedule for the work of the Task Force is as follows:

September 22, Thursday, 6:30pm.  PUBLIC MEETING #10 – Final Task Force Meeting to approve final draft of ANC/SMD boundaries (100 Fourth Street, SW, DCRA Hearing Room 2nd floor, E200)

September 26, Monday.  Forward final draft to Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells

September 30, Friday.  Ward 6 Councilmember submits Ward 6 Redistricting recommendations to DC Council on September 30

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September 17, 2011 · 12:56 pm

Ward Six ANCs Present Redistricting Task Force with Sophie’s Choice – Area Between East Capitol, Independence, US Capitol and 8th Street, SE, at Issue

ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt Calls for a Vote at Meeting Thursday Night

Ward Six ANCs Present Redistricting Task Force with Sophie’s Choice – Area Between East Capitol, Independence, US Capitol and 8th Street, SE, at Issue

by Larry Janezich

On Thursday night, at its regular September meeting, ANC6C recommended that the Ward Six Redistricting Task Force redraw the boundary between ANC6C and ANC6B, awarding 6C 1275 residents currently in 6B and creating a new single member district (SMD) for 6C, raising 6C’s total number to seven.  ANC 6C’s 5 votes in favor of the plan, with 2 abstentions, effectively asks the Task Force to choose between the diametrically opposed requests of the two adjacent ANCs.

As previously reported on emmcablog, ANC6B voted last Tuesday night to recommend that the Task Force endorse the status quo, leaving the area bounded by East Capitol, Independence, Second Street, and Seventh Street, SE, in 6B.

6C’s claim on the territory is based on their loss of three single member districts (sometimes referred to as ANC6C West) to help create a new ANC6E district, their desire to have an odd number of commissioners, and a desire of the Task Force to make the ANCs in Ward Six more equal in size.

In its report filed with the Redistricting Taskforce, ANC 6C endorsed the changes to ANC6B single member districts put forward by Task Force Chair Joe Fengler, a proposal that anticipated the approval of ANC 6C’s boundary expansion into 6B.  This appears to be a misreading of a Task Force instruction:

“If the recommendations include boundary changes, a copy of the maps, census count by SMD – as well as the draft text language for the ANC/SMD boundaries – must be included in the package.”

This language would seem to suggest that it is inappropriate for one ANC to recommend changes in the boundaries of another ANC’s single member districts.  If ANC 6C’s assertion of its  right to recommend SMD boundary changes for another ANC were correct, the work of the Taskforce would be much more difficult to accomplish.

Although the Redistricting Taskforce has previously insisted that three SMDs be transferred from 6C to the newly created 6E, prior to that instruction it seemed to be the preference of ANC6C to provide only one.  What was more, signs of unhappiness from those affected by the loss of 6Cs three single member districts emerged during the meeting, with some commissioners stating a preference for that territory to remain a part of 6C.  One resident from the disjointed districts expressed his resentment over ANC6C West being “kicked out” of ANC6C and the resulting loss of a voice in Amtrak and NoMa development.

Some in the audience questioned 6C’s need for a seventh SMD, citing other ANCs with an even number of commissioners that worked well.  Task Force member Ken Jarboe noted after the meeting that he had chaired a 13 member ANC and managed to make it work, countering the ANC6C claim that an ANC comprised of 6C and 6E would be “unworkable.  Another Task Force member, Donna Scheeder, remarked after the meeting that “no matter what the Task Force does, some ANCs are going to be unhappy.”

The Task Force could resolve the issue by adopting the recommendation of either 6C or 6B or by redrawing the boundaries of several ANCs to carve out a new SMD for 6C.  Or it could require 6C to get along with six SMDs.

The final decision will be in the hands of Council Member Tommy Wells, formerly a commissioner of ANC6B.

The schedule for the completion of the redistricting process is as follows:

September 19, Monday, 6:30pm.  PUBLIC MEETING #9 – Task Force Meeting to propose second draft of ANC/SMD boundaries (Sherwood Recreation Center located at 640 10th Street, NE)

September 22, Thursday, 6:30pm.  PUBLIC MEETING #10 – Final Task Force Meeting to approve final draft of ANC/SMD boundaries (100 Fourth Street, SW, DCRA Hearing Room 2nd floor, E200)

September 26, Monday.  Forward final draft to Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells

September 30, Friday.  Ward 6 Councilmember submits Ward 6 Redistricting recommendations to DC Council on September 30

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September 15, 2011 · 11:04 pm

ANC6B Recommendations Forwarded to Ward 6 Task Force on Redistricting

ANC6B Recommendtions Forwarded to Ward 6 Task Force on Redistricting

by Larry Janezich

Thursday night, ANC6B forwarded recommendations on redisticting agreed to on Tuesday night at its regular September commission meeting.  Below is a copy of the resolution.

ANC 6B Views on SMD Redistricting 

The ANC6B Commission thanks the Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force for carrying out its demanding task efficiently and transparently.  Its timely posting of current information set a high standard for similar efforts in the future.

Recommendation #1

ANC6B strongly supports, and requests the approval of, the “status quo” proposal for Commission and SMD boundaries adopted by the Task Force at its August 8, 2011 meeting.  While understanding the difficulty of satisfying diverse and sometimes conflicting views, ANC6B offers these positions:

Recommendation #2

  • While we are sympathetic to the recently expressed concerns of ANC6C that it feels it does not have sufficient Commissioners within its commission, we strongly reject ANC6C’s proposal to acquire a significant portion of the ANC6B area that has been part of our neighborhood and commission for many decades.
  • ANC6B commissioners have received multiple informal options for SMD redistricting based on the ANC6C plan not yet approved by the Task Force.  We reject each of the options presented as unworkable. We also note that the Task Force has gone outside the process it presented at its public meetings by sending formal positions to all the commissions for response and then using an informal process to make subsequent recommendations based on actions by some commissions before others have even had a chance to consider the original Task Force recommendations.  This change in the process concerns us greatly and we strongly encourage the Task Force to adhere to the boundary options adopted through unanimous vote at its last meeting on August 8, 2011.
  • The ANC 6C proposal would bring the southern border of ANC 6C down to Independence Avenue and extend that incursion as far east as 8th Street, effectively dividing the core of the Capitol Hill South neighborhood between two ANCs.   The proximity of the proposed border to Eastern Market and Eastern Market Metro Plaza and all of the associated commercial and major development planning now underway for this area, especially with regards the Hine Jr. High School site, would mean that two ANCs would be fully vested in these issues, substantially complicating communications with the community, civic organizations and the city. ANC 6B strongly believes that it would be unwise and disruptive to divide the Capitol Hill South neighborhood between two ANCs.
  • A plan similar to ANC6C’s proposal (the “Rice/Fengler” plan) was considered by the Task Force during its Wednesday, August 3 meeting. The plan received zero votes from Task Force members and was dismissed.
  • As presented, the ANC6C revised plan would create many undue burdens for ANC6B and the area it represents.  First, the revised plan would complicate the adjudication of key development issues in ANC6B, chiefly redevelopment of the Hine school and review of pending Eastern Market legislation.  Second, the new boundary along Independence Avenue divides a significant traffic arterial between two Commissions.  Dividing along East Capitol Street makes sense geographically, as it is easy to understand the quadrant boundaries, and managerially, as East Capitol Street is a relatively quiet street that presents few issues requiring joint management.

Recommendation #3

  • ANC6A’s rebuttal of the Task Force recommendation to split Lincoln Park fails to acknowledge the many issues linked to the park that impact an equal number of residents living south of the park.  These issues include traffic, pedestrian safety, signage, bike share and other park usage issues.  When ANC6A reviews park related issues, they do not inform residents living south of the park, further they rarely coordinate evaluation of issues with ANC6B.  For example, in May of 2011, ANC6A voted to endorse the placement of an expansion Capital Bikeshare station on a small traffic island at the southeast corner of the park.  The parcel of land considered by ANC6A was not in their jurisdiction.  Further, ANC6A did not coordinate the action with ANC6B or notify residents of ANC6B.  Splitting Lincoln Park equitably between the two Commissions should force more cooperation and coordination in the future.

Recommendation #4

  • ANC6B is very pleased that in its proposal the Task Force heeded the residents of Kingman Park, Hill East, and Rosedale and keeps these neighborhoods connected to their primary commercial corridors.  It is also pleased that the Task Force has unified the eastern part of Independence Avenue, SE into one single member district and included St. Coletta of Greater Washington within the ANC6B boundaries.

Recommendations Pertaining to Informal 6B Working Group Questions

  • ANC6B Commissioners received a series of questions relating to the specific boundaries contained in the Task Force draft that was presented to us.  Our position responses to those questions are as follows:
    • Eastern Market Metro Plaza should have one commissioner.
    • Seward Square should have one commissioner.
    • Barracks Row can be well served by two commissioners.
    • The boundary along Massachusetts Avenue between 6B09 and 6B10 should be a straight line.
  • Finally, ANC6B is especially grateful to the Task Force members who drew the ANC6B boundaries: Ken Jarboe, Donna Scheeder, Antonette Russell, and Tyler Merkeley.

**

Adopted at its publicly-noticed regular monthly meeting on September 13th by a vote of 8-0-1

Attest:         Andrew Jared Critchfield

Secretary

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September 14, 2011 · 11:06 pm

ANC6B Charges Violation of Process in Ward 6 Task Force Redistricting

Residents of ANC6B Turn Out For Tuesday Night ANC6B Meeting

ANC6B Charges Violation of Process in Ward 6 Task Force Redistricting – Passes Resolution Opposing Transfer of 6B Residents to Adjoining ANC6C

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B commissioners strongly criticized the Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force charging that the Task Force violated the process presented at its public meetings by sending formal positions to Ward 6 ANCs for response then using an informal process to make subsequent recommendations based on actions by some ANCs before others have had a chance to consider the original task force recommendations.

Consequently, ANC6B commissioners refused a Task Force request to vote on new boundaries for single member districts proposed by Task Force members if a proposal to transfer residents to ANC6C is approved by the Task Force.  The consensus of the commission seemed to be that doing so would tacitly put ANC6B in the position of acceding before the fact to a boundary change that they adamantly opposed.

Commissioner Ivan Frishberg noted that if ANC 6B is presented “with a plan, we can react.  It’s different if we are presented with a redrawing of the overall plan and asked to react to contingencies if the redrawing is adopted.”   Like other commissioners, Frishberg stated that he could not support any of the four Single Member District (SMD) maps put forward by the Task Force for remapping ANC 6B in the wake of ANC 6C’s proposal to expand its boundaries.

Commissioner Brian Pate said that up until now, the Task Force had conducted a transparent process, but now 6B found itself in the awkward position of responding to a late recommendation of one ANC.  Commissioner Dave Garrison, whose single member district is most at risk under the ANC 6C proposal, and who personally resides within the area proposed to be transferred, characterized 6C’s move to absorb part of 6B as a “dumb idea.”  Commissioner Norm Metzger acknowledged that 6C had good reasons for this recommendation, but noted, “the reasons are theirs, not ours,” and went on to say ANC6B was prepared to argue strongly against changing the status quo.

The Commission subsequently voted 8-1 to oppose ANC6C’s recommendation that would transfer 1275 residents currently in 6B to ANC6C.  The one vote against the passage of the resolution cast by Commissioner Oldenburg appeared to be related to the failure of the Commission to adopt her amendment providing that Eastern Market Metro Plaza be under the jurisdiction of the several ANCs abutting the Plaza, rather than a single commissioner.  The Oldenburg Amendment failed on a 2 – 7 vote, with Commissioner Garrison joining Oldenburg.  Garrison went on to support the resolution.

Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force Chair Joe Fengler, present to observe the meeting and answer questions, defended the process, saying that after the Task Force passed its preliminary map on August 18, it was the choice of each ANC whether and when to react.  Moreover, Fengler emphasized that every recommendation forwarded to the Task Force by the ANCs will be voted on by the Task Force, and that part of the challenge will be to resolve competing recommendations.  “If you recommend preserving the status quo – if you choose to adopt one of the revisions of single member districts – then the Task Force will vote on that recommendation, Fengler said.  He went on to note, “[t]he process was designed to allow each ANC to weigh in.”

Commissioners will have an opportunity to present their case for holding 6B together when the Task Force meets on Monday, September 19th to consider all ANC recommendations.  That public meeting to propose a second draft of ANC/SMD boundaries will be from 6:30pm until 8:30pm at the Sherwood Recreation Center located at 640 10th Street, NE.

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September 14, 2011 · 11:36 am

NY Entrepreneur Looks to Open Upscale Pizza Outlet on Barracks Row – Seeks Exception To Ban on Fast Food Restaurants

NY Entrepreneur Looks to Open Upscale Pizza Outlet on Barracks Row – Seeks Exception To Ban on Fast Food Restaurants

by Larry Janezich

Steve Salis, a New York-based entrepreneur with four years of experience in hospitality management, consulting, and event production, announced at last night’s ANC6B meeting that he has begun the process of seeking an exception to the establishment of a fast food restaurant on Barracks Row.  He termed the restaurant – which would be at 415 8th Street in the space formerly occupied by China Wall – “a quick-casual pizza concept featuring made to order personal pizzas.”  The concept is similar to that of Chipotle Mexican Grill, which would be next door.  This is the first restaurant in what Salis hopes will be a fast-casual pizza chain.

Subsequently, Salis said, “[w]e are a fast-casual pizza concept; focused on creating customizable made to order personal gourmet pizzas, using top quality fresh ingredients. We are not in the slice game or in the take-out/delivery business. Our goal is to bring a high quality product to the customer in a timely manner.”  He estimates that ten percent of the business will be carryout.

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.

Mr. Salis worked for top hospitality clients before starting his own hospitality and marketing company in 2006, serving as a consultant to such organizations as China Grill Management, Riese Restaurant Corporation, and Food Scope.  He is currently a managing partner in a successful West Village boutique bar called Su Casa, where he personally handles the operations, marketing, and promotion of the business. He is also a partner and executive producer of This Is Burlesque, a riotous and racy supper club show, proclaimed “The best of Burlesque” (AM NY).

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September 14, 2011 · 1:28 am

ANC6B Update

ANC6B Update

by Larry Janezich

At its regularly scheduled September meeting on Tuesday night, ANC6B took the following actions:

Redistricting

Voted 8 – 1 to oppose ANC6C’s recommendation to the Ward Six Task Force on Redistricting, i.e., that ANC6C  absorb 1275 6B residents into a new single member district in ANC6C.  Those supporting:  Commissioners Critchfield, Garrison, Green, Frishberg, Campbell, Metzger, Flahaven, and Pate.  Opposed:  Oldenberg.

Community Action Group (CAG)

Voted 9 – 0 to support a special exception to allow parking for the Community Action Group (CAG) at an administrative/educational building to be constructed at 124 15th Street, SE, contingent upon the signing of a memo of understanding on facility operations between CAG and nearby residents.

Landscaping for Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Voted 9-0 to authorize Commissioner Garrison to support the expenditure of $100,000 in Performance Parking funds for landscaping at Eastern Market Metro Plaza in connection with the proposed Information Hub at that location.  Garrison is the ANC6B representative on the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Performance Parking which will meet Wednesday night to consider the funding of new non-transportation community projects.

Boxcar

Supported a new liquor license for Xavier Cervera’s new wine bar “Boxcar” currently under construction next to Tunnicliffs.

Details on these and other ANC6B news to follow.

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