CAPITOL HILL CORNER

Missing Info in Developer’s Request to Change Hine Zoning Slows Process

by Larry Janezich

Missing information in Stanton-Eastbanc-Dante’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) application for a Hine site zoning change has caused concern among ANC6B commissioners following the process.  Raising these concerns with the city’s Office of Planning (OP) has resulted in OP delaying the issuance of the “set down report” necessary for the process to move forward.  The set down report (to the Zoning Commission) is a preliminary assessment on whether the developer is at a stage where the first of two Zoning Commission hearings on the requested change can be scheduled. 

By objecting to the failure of Stanton-Eastbanc-Dante to include the essential traffic, noise, and shadow studies in its PUD application, ANC6B won a delay until February 13 for the set down report, previously scheduled to be filed on January 30.  The “set down hearing” could occur as soon at February 23.  That hearing is open to the public, but only Stanton-Eastbanc-Dante and the Zoning Commission are parties to the hearing.  A second and possibly final hearing will occur no sooner than 60 days later.  The public and other stakeholders do participate in that hearing and are permitted to testify in support or opposition, and in the case of those awarded “party status,” call expert witnesses. 

As readers of this blog know, the PUD process allows a final opportunity for the community to influence the use of the property (read retail or a daycare or educational component), use of public space (read flea market), transportation (read impact on local traffic), construction management (read impact on residents and businesses), design, and benefits and amenities to the community (read city).  The latter includes benefits provided in part for the impact the development will have on the community, and includes benefits provided to the city in exchange for the developer getting a prime piece of commercial property at a bargain rate.  ANC6B’s Subcommittee on the Hine PUD process expects to launch an on-line effort within the next few days to assess community sentiment on these issues.

The Subcommittee has appointed working groups in each of these specified areas to track the developer’s thinking and report back to the Subcommittee which will take those assessments into account in formulating a position for negotiating with the developer on behalf of the community. 

The Subcommittee on the Hine PUD process will next meet at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 26, in Hill Center.

CHRS Joins Historic District Coalition Opposing New Signage for Verizon Center

by Larry Janezich

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Restoration Society’s Board voted 10-2 to oppose bill currently  before the City Council which would allow the Verizon Center to add nine electronic signs to its façade.  The vote came on a motion by Board member Gary Peterson to endorse a letter of opposition being drafted by representatives of the Foggy Bottom Historic District Conservancy and the DuPont Circle Conservancy and to forward that letter and endorsement to Councilmember Tommy Wells.

Board members were concerned about the precedent it would set.  Chuck Burger called it “a dangerous exemption.”  Shauna Holmes said “the precedent is horrible.”  And Gary Peterson remarked, “If these people can get away with it, everybody will want it.”

The bill, the “Verizon Center Graphics and entertainment Act of 2011” sponsored by Councilmember Yvette Alexander,  is scheduled for a public hearing January 23.  It requires the Mayor to issue rules governing additional graphics for the displays on the exterior of the Verizon Center.

Drant Concept for Barracks Row IMA Pizza

Barracks Row Gourmet Pizza One Step Closer to Reality

by Larry Janezich

At the Restoration Society’s Tuesday night meeting, Zoning Committee Gary Perterson announced that his committee had approved IMA Pizza’s request for an exception that would allow opening a fast food establishment in the space at 415 8^th Street, SE, formerly occupied by China Wall.  Barracks Row zoning requires a special exception for fast food restaurants.  IMA Pizza falls into the fast food category because you have to pay for the food in advance, even though inside seating for 40 will be provided.  Customers will be presented with an array of choices – including gluten free options – and construct their own pizza. 

Under CHRS procedures, approval by the committee is tantamount to approval by the CHRS Board. 

Peterson said that Zoning regulations provide 15 or 16 requirements an applicant must meet in order to qualify for an exception, and he said the Committee was satisfied that the applicant had complied with the requirements. 

The application will still have to go through ANC6B, and according to Planning and Zoning Chair Francis Campbell, it will be on the committee’s agenda for the February meeting.  Given the prior approval of the CHRS, it is likely that the committee and the full ANC will follow suit.  That will send the application to the March 6 meeting of the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

The Week Ahead…..

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, January 17

CHRS Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE.  Open to members of CHRS.  Recommendations regarding HPRB review of Historic Preservation application for conversion of part of Specialty Hospital at 7^th and Constitution, NE, likely to be on the agenda.

Wednesday, January 18

ANC6B Subcommittee on Hine meets at 7:00pm, The Hill Center, to review the progress of the working groups and further develop its plans for participation in the PUD process.  

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market to consider legislation to provide a new governing structure for Eastern Market.

Wednesday, January 18

City Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks Recreation and Planning’s Public Roundtable meets at 10:00am, Room 123, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.  To receive public comment on the Mayor’s nominations to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), including that of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Nancy Pryor Metzger for appointment as a public member of the HPRB.  The nomination is supported by preservation groups, including The Committee of 100 and opposed, generally speaking, by the business community.  The Board is comprised of nine members who serve staggered 3-year terms.

ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt Calls the Vote On Motion to Delay IBG HPRB Permit

ANC6C Defers Action on Medlink Building Capitol Hill Apartment Project – Community Meeting Planned with IBG Partners

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6C voted 6-2 to table until February IBG Partners’ request to forward their concept for a 140 unit apartment complex on Capitol Hill to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) for historic preservation review.  The complex is planned as part of the Capitol Hill Specialty Hospital , located at 700 Constitution Avenue, NE, which is currently divided into a nursing facility and office space.  IBG has a 75 year lease on the office half, and the plan is to continue the hospital operation while IBG converts the office space into one bedroom (and smaller) residential units.  The plan seems much like the layout found in many assisted living or rehabilitation facilities. 

The vote came on a motion by Bill Crews, Commissioner for ANC6C07, in opposition to the ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee recommendation that the ANC fully support forwarding the design to HPRB.  Departing Commissioner Rob Amos, former Chair of the Committee, explained that IBG will restore the 1928 portion of the building, renovate the 1950’s portion, and strip the metal wrapping from the 1970’s portion. 

Crews, along with veteran Commissioner Mark Dixon, 6C02, and newcomer Scott Price, 6C06, cited a long history of contention between the community and the building’s owner with respect to development of the site and the need for an opportunity for a community meeting to hear neighbor’s concerns.  The three commissioners all opposed “rushing to judgment” since the HPRB hearing was not until February 23. 

Commissioner Tony Goodman, 6C04,  strongly supported the committee recommendation, saying delaying the process for reasons unrelated to historic preservation was “an abuse of our role” – that the issue was strictly related to historic preservation and no substantial issues had been raised against that standard.  That point was emphasized by historical architect Andi Adams, representing the developer. 

When a representative of St. James’ Church, across the alley from the development rose to say the church was totally unaware of the impact of the construction on their operation until last week and the they could not take the issue to the Vestry until January 19, the ANC needed no more convincing to delay.  A community meeting is planned for January 25^th.

ANC6B Votes on the Commission Chair for 2012. Gottlieb Simon (Far Right), Executive Director, Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Conducted the Vote

Before the Vote for ANC6B Chair (L-R, Commissioners Oldenburg, Critchfield, Glick)

Critchfield Takes Over After Glick Announces He Will Not Seek ANC6B Chair

 by Larry Janezich

At Tuesday night’s ANC6B meeting, Jared Critchfield (SMD 6B06) was elected the new Chair of ANC6B by a vote of 6-4.  Chair Neil Glick announced at the beginning of the meeting that he had decided to not seek re–election as ANC6B Chair, saying it had been an honor to serve and citing his belief that it was important to share leadership roles and to permit others to have the opportunity to learn in these positions. 

Kirsten Oldenburg made a run for the job, nominated by Commissioner Dave Garrison who cited her experience and knowledge of the issues. 

When the vote came, Commissioners Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, Glick, Pate, and Critchfield voted for Critchfield.  Commissioners Garrison, Metzger, Oldenbeug, and Campbell voted for Oldenburg.    

In other races, Ivan Frishberg was re-elected Vice Chair by acclamation, Commissioner Pate was elected Secretary over Glick by a vote of 6-4, Carol Green was re-elected Treasurer and Brian Flahaven was re-elected Parliamentarian, both without opposition. 

After the meeting, Critchfield said he was excited at the prospect of working with the other commissioners in his new role.  Critchfield had previously been Secretary for ANC6B.  He added, “[i]t will be a busy year ahead, given the work the city has provided us and the initiatives we are undertaking.”  Those issues will include representing the community overseeing development of the Hine proconstruction of the new CSX tunnel, the Info Hub on Eastern Market Metro Plaza, the crafting of legislation establishing a new governing authority for Eastern Market and continued oversight of the Performance Parking Fund Projects.  In addition, the ANC will be heavily involved in the re-purposing of the Eastern Branch Boys and Girls Club and issues concerning RFK and the current and future use of Reservation 13. ject, the Asked for her comment after the meeting, Oldenburg replied, “No comment.”

Chairs of the ANC Committees will be voted on at ANC6B’s February meeting.

The Week Ahead ….

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, January 10

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in The Hill Center.

Noteworthy items on the agenda:

 Annual Election of Officers

Consideration of Planning and Zoning Committee recommendation to approve raze permits for the Miles Glass building and the auto repair shop on Virginia Avenue and the KFC building on Pennsylvania Avenue

Consideration of a letter to the Office of Planning pointing out the deficiencies and omissions in Stanton-Eastbanc’s application for a Planned Unit Development for the Hine Project

Letter to DDOT on repairing alleys in the Capitol Hill Historic District (Garfield Park neighbor’s may get some welcome news soon regarding their ten year effort for sidewalk repair on the east side of the Park.)

Saturday, January 14

Book Sale at Southeast Library, 10am to 3pm, sponsored by the Friends of Southeast Library. Thousands of books – most hardbacks are a dollar, and most paperbacks are two for a dollar.  Proceeds benefit the Library.

CM Wells and MPD Commander Hickson Talk About Capitol Hill Street Crime

Thurday Night's Meeting on Street Crime at Hill Center

Capitol Hill Community Turns Out for Meeting on Recent Spike in Muggings

by Larry Janezich

Last night, some 50 Capitol Hill residents attended a meeting in The Hill Center to hear Metropolitan Police explain their continuing efforts to address a sudden spike in pedestrian and business robberies in the neighborhood.

The meeting was hosted by Councilmember Tommy Wells, who characterized the rash of muggings as “trending crime.”  Wells said that a commonly heard refrain is that crime is an expectation that goes with living in the city.  Wells’ said, “[m]y expectation is zero crime – no matter what neighborhood you live in.” 

There were a total of 14 robberies in December of 2011, many of them near Eastern Market Metro.  All but one of the robberies took place at night, and pedestrians were the victims in all but one.  (Radio Shack suffered an armed robbery on December 23.)  There have been no instances of pedestrian crime since MPD instituted a plan to address the issue, though a 7/11 was held up January 2.    

MPD Commander Hickson, Lt. Fowler and a handful of police officials and officers were on hand to explain MPD’s response to the spike and to tell residents what they can do to protect themselves and their community. 

Among the points stressed by Commander Hickson were:

Technology (read iPhones/androids) makes you a target.  (Would you walk around holding $400 up to your ear?)

Be alert and stay observant.  Part of the problem in making arrests is the inability of victims to identify their assailants.

Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you have suspicions of criminal activity.

Go to the MPD website (MPD.dc.gov) and sign up for “Alert DC Rapid Text Notification.”   Alert DC is an emergency notification system that provides different ways to get real-time text information regarding police activity and to help citizens prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.  

Finally, Dickson urged citizens to get involved with their Public Service Areas (PSAs).  Involvement, he said, can be coordinated through (ANC6B) Commissioners – most of whom were present at the meeting.

ANC6B06 Commissioner Jared Critchfield subsequently said that he was encouraged that so many people had turned out for tonight’s the meeting, and emphasized the importance of participation in the monthly PSA meetings.  He urged that residents take note of the PSA boundary changes that went into effect January 1.  The new map cam be viewed here:  http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/frames.asp?doc=/mpdc/lib/mpdc/info/districts/pdf/1dnew_large_nov11.pdf

Councilmember Tommy Wells to Host Meeting on Street Crime Thursday Night

by Larry Janezich

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