Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
65 I St., SW
Washington, DC 20024
Minutes
June 12, 2006
Chairman Andy Litsky called the meeting to
order at 7:05 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Assalaam, Litsky, Moffatt, Skolnik,
Siegel, Sobelsohn, and Williams
1. Agenda
Commissioner Assalaam asked to have
consideration of the ANC by-laws change on committees added to the agenda. Commissioner Skolnik asked for discussion of
the six grants submitted by the Community Outreach Committee. Commissioner Skolnik moved approval of the
amended agenda. It was seconded by Commissioner Moffatt, and adopted without
objection.
2.
Community Comment
Dick Westbrook spoke about several
issues: moving people in and out of the
new stadium and the lack of discussion about improvements to the west entrance
to Metro; the lack of a traffic study; the inadequacy of the L’Enfant Plaza
Environmental Impact statement; and the fact that Southwest was not included in
the recent briefing on the Comprehensive Plan.
3. Public Safety Report
No representative of the 1st
District was present. Commissioner
Williams mentioned that there had been a murder on Q Street and she was
concerned about that. Commissioner
Assalaam thanked Naomi Monk for her assistance with the problem he had with the
police related to his grandson. He said
he had been contacted by Chief Ramsey and other high level police officials and
a Task Force had been set up to look into the situation.
4. May Minutes
Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved
that discussion of the May minutes be tabled until the next meeting. It was seconded by Commissioner
Skolnik. It was passed 5-0-2, with
Commissioners Siegel and Moffatt abstaining.
5.
Old Business
Baseball
Stadium: Presentation and Discussion
Suzette
Goldstein of HOK Architects, with Marshall Purnell, the local architect, and
Claude Bailey, counsel to the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC)
summarized the project, prior to a Zoning Commission hearing scheduled for June
26th. After a brief review
of the stadium plan, Goldstein announced that there had been several changes
since the original submission of the plan to the Zoning Commission.
Specifically they are going with Option #1,
rather than the base option described in the plan. This means that the loading dock on 1st Street is
gone, replaced by an internal truck dock.
She said that the setback will be 15’ from the property line, making the
sidewalk 25’ wide. She said they are
requesting a waiver for the vertical circulation ramps, which extend beyond the
building line, but at 18’ above street level, and will allow stadium attendees
to view the Washington Monument, the Capitol and the river from inside the
stadium.
In
the base option, she said, they sought a waiver from the 20% requirement for
preferred uses. With option #1, they
have gone back to 20% of preferred uses. Commissioner Litsky said that when there are
changes the Commission should be informed
He was told that the changes had just been determined, and a final
submission document would be provided to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Williams expressed her concern that the document said
that the area west of the stadium was listed as “low density”, and it is in
fact highly residential (she was later told that “low density” refers to the
fact that the houses are low-rise, rather than that there are few people living
there). She said that the original
concept for the South Capitol Gateway plan is that it is to be a grand
pedestrian boulevard with low traffic density. Ms. Goldstein responded that
they are coordinating traffic plans with DDOT, which is developing the oval off
the proposed bridge; and they have measured the height from the existing
elevation. She reiterated that the
sidewalks would have a 20-25’ width.
She
said that the parking includes retail on the face of the parking towers. Ms. Goldstein
pointed out that the garages will be the only access to parking on the site,
and that there are no curb cuts on South Capitol Street. Commissioner Skolnik asked what the
long-term vision of stadium parking is.
Claude Bailey responded that they are obligated by their contract with
MLB to provide 1226 on-site spaces. He
said they plan to make the exteriors of the parking structures as attractive as
possible. There are some people in
government and the AWC, he said, who want retail and commercial development on
the site of the garages, but the stadium has to be ready by April 08, which
does not allow sufficient time, and there is, as well, a question of where the
money for underground parking would come from.
He said there would be serious consequences for the City and the AWC if
the stadium was not ready on time, but while they are working with developers
exploring the possibility of underground parking, they can’t keep hoping it’s
going to happen.
Mr. Skolnik asked about the implications of finding the additional hazardous material on the site, and what that means for the timetable. He was told that there would be no slowing down; just an increase in money for remediation, and it would have no impact on the quality of the building. Mr. Assalaam said that he could have told them about the oil tanks because they have been known about for years.
Commissioner Assalaam asked what they were planning to do about the noise and light in the neighborhood. Mr. Purnell said that there would be some noise from major happenings—like homeruns or rallies—but otherwise it would not be an issue. He said that the impact will be minimal because the structures facing South Capitol Street, like the conference center and the entry structures have been designed to minimize noise and provide a “wall” on the street. Ms. Goldstein added that the lights have been designed in a way that has not been done before—covered and facing down into the stadium bowl. Mr. Purnell said a long time had been spent on resolving several issues, like lights, that were raised by the community.
Commissioner Assalaam said that construction trucks are coming down P Street, and while they have watered down the street, they are not watering down the trucks, which leave dust and dirt in the air and on the street. He said his neighbors are having problems and they’re not going away.
A question was asked about the fact that there is a
monumental entrance is on
Potomac Avenue, while most people will be approaching from the east and north,
and where the people using the Potomac Avenue entrance will be coming
from. Ms. Goldstein responded that most
people would indeed be coming from the north, but that the river would
eventually become a focal point, and that DDOT is having discussions about
below-ground parking under the oval.
She added that the ballpark will be a gateway to the city, and the
Potomac Avenue entrance will reflect that.
She said that DDOT is planning an at-grade intersection off the bridge,
which should be finished shortly after the stadium opens. She also said that the people coming from
the north would be accommodated with the closing of Half Street and N Street on
game days and the open plaza on the N Street side of the building.
Mr. Litsky asked about what environmental design
elements were being included in the stadium, and whether it would be a green
stadium, and he asked about rainwater run-off.
Mr. Bailey responded that they were working on a plan for run-off that
might include recycling, and were also looking at making the stadium
LEED-certified. He said it was a
question of who was going to pay for it.
Mr. Purnell said that if they could, they would
Mr. Litsky said that no one in the community wanted the stadium here, but the Mayor said that the city was going to squeeze money out of Virginia and Maryland by placing it there, and now the retail space is being replaced by parking structures. He said that the Mayor wanted the building to be a success and hired a noted design team. He wrested land from people in the area, and now there are parking garages. Abe Pollin would have put the parking underground if he was in charge. Mr. Bailey said that development in the area is going to happen because too many people have invested too much money in the land for it to fail.
Ms. Williams said that there would be no retail for the community. Mr. Purnell said that everything in the Verizon Center had failed, but look what happened to the area around it, which is thriving. Mr. Assalaam said to look at whom it is thriving for, and it’s not the people who were there before. He then asked how well they are keeping to their remediation plan, and asked whether the ANC could receive reports, particularly about the remediation’s impact on the air quality in his SMD.
Ms.
Williams said that there had been a rat eradication program, but that there
were still rats resulting from the elimination of the properties on the site.
Mr. Skolnik said that a comparison with Verizon Center was not valid because it
is open year-round, and this is a baseball-centered area that will shut down
when it’s not the season. Mr. Purnell
responded that the area has the potential to be a year-round destination, and
mentioned that the east side of 1st Street will be developed. He said there will be retail on the corners,
and mid-block on South Capitol.
Mr. Moffatt expressed his great concern about the fact that all of the schematics continue to show lights above the canopy, while the planners continue to tout their not being visible. In addition, he stated that parking in the neighborhood is horrible, and the stadium would exacerbate an already bad situation. If there is no above ground parking downtown, he asked, why should they build it in this area, which is being touted to be on the same rung as downtown?
Mr. Siegel said that the land for the stadium was taken away, and the National Capitol Planning Commission wanted the area to be a jewel. And for that reason he insists on underground parking, which is what his constituents want.
Mr. Litsky asked whether the light from the scoreboard will project across South Capitol Street, and was told that the lights point down into the bowl. He then asked whether, when the stadium is named, the size of the scoreboard would be increased to incorporate the name. Ms. Goldstein said she didn’t know.
Mr. Litsky asked what was meant in saying that the stadium would be a “pedestrian experience.” He said he had lived in Boston, near Fenway Park, and that was not a good pedestrian experience at all. Ms. Goldstein said that coming from the north, Half Street and N Street leading to the stadium, with their restaurants and shops, would provide that experience.
Ms. Williams raised the issue of the amount of square footage being provided for retail in the stadium. Mr. Purnell said that there was adequate space, and that spaces did not have to be more than 60’ or 70’ deep in order to have, for example, a 60-70-seat restaurant. Ms. Williams reiterated her view that what was being provided was space for fast food establishments and there would be nothing available to the community. Mr. Bailey said that role of the stadium was to provide a catalyst for development in the surrounding area, and the retail in the stadium is designed to stimulate the other development.
Mr. Litsky said that he had heard that the developers might kick in for the parking, and asked whether if they came up with the money, would the stadium team be able to make it work, and asked about the deadlines? Mr. Purnell said that there is window of a couple of months, and Mr. Bailey said two at the most.
A member of the community asked about what provisions are being made for collecting trash and was told it was not germane to this meeting. She also asked about vendors on the street on the route to the stadium from the Waterfront metro stop because the sidewalks were so narrow. It was suggested that those are problems for the community task force.
CW
Hargrave asked about buses, and how they would be handled. Mr. Bailey said they were in discussion with
DDOT, and that they would arrive along 1st Street and drop people on
the Potomac Avenue side of the stadium.
Originally, he said, they would have unloaded underground.
Irv Gamza said that the parking should be underground, and the $30 million is cheap in terms of a $600 million project. He said that people are angry. Mr. Purnell said he’s felt the same way for the past eight months, and promised the garages would be the best looking they can possibly be. In answer to a question, Mr. Bailey said the parking lots would be open to the public when there wasn’t a game, so there would be revenue from that source.
Richard Westbrook asked about what steps were being taken for the security of the stadium. Ms. Goldstein said that a “threat assessment” was being done, and while she couldn’t discuss them, steps were being taken to make the stadium secure, and here will be screening.
An audience member asked what was green about the
building. Mr. Bailey said they were
complying with Health Department standards, and that steps were being taken to
make certain that there is little run-off into the Anacostia. However, he said, they are not required to
make it a green building.
Motion: Mr. Skolnik moved that the ANC oppose the
application of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission to the Zoning
Commission, particularly on the grounds of the above ground parking structures,
and environmental concerns. It was
seconded by Mr. Sobelsohn, and passed 7-0.
Liquor
Licenses: Bernstein’s. Shulman’s, and CAP Liquors
Commissioner
Williams said that she had a voluntary agreement drafted by the Anacostia
Coordinating Council (ACC) that she feels is appropriate to serve as a model
for voluntary agreements with Bernstein’s, Shulman’s Liquors and CAP Liquors,
all of which are up for renewal.
Commissioner Litsky expressed his concern that the agreement hadn’t been
reviewed by the ANC, and it should be referred to the ABC Committee to look
at. Commissioner Williams expressed her
concern that this issue came up two years ago and was not resolved then, and
this presents an opportunity to limit the bad activity that takes place at
these establishments. Commissioner Litsky
said again that the ABC Committee should review it. Motion:
Commissioner Sobelsohn moved that Commissioner Williams be authorized to
represent the ANC at the ABC Board in the matter of Bernstein’s Liquor, and
that Commissioner Assalaam be authorized to represent Shulman’s Liquor and CAP
Liquors at the ABC Board. The motion
was amended so that Commissioner Assalaam will represent all three
establishments. It was seconded by
Commissioner Williams and passed without objection.
Resolution
on DC Comprehensive Plan of 2006
Commissioner
Sobelsohn reported that the Office of Planning is preparing a new Comprehensive
Plan for the District of Columbia, and there is a deadline of June 23rd
for submitting comments. However, the
public meeting on the plan for the Anacostia Waterfront Area Element, which
includes ANC 6D, will not be held until June 27th. Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved a
resolution protesting the timing for plan deadlines, and urging the Mayor,
Councilmembers and Office of Planning to institute new deadlines that will allow
sufficient time for review of the plan.
Further the resolution demands that the Mayor and City Council delay a
vote on the new Comprehensive Plan until the new Mayor and City Council are
seated in January 2007. (Copy of
resolution attached). The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Moffatt, and passed 5-1-1, with Commissioner Assalaam
opposed, and Commissioner Williams abstaining.
6.
New Business
Friendship
Baptist Church Picnic
(Commissioner Litsky
left the meeting because of illness, and Commissioner Sobelsohn assumed the
chair.)
Motion: Commissioner
Williams moved that the ANC write a letter of support to the Department of
Parks and Recreation for the use of Lansburg Park by Friendship Baptist Church
for its annual picnic on July 22. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Skolnik, and passed 6-0.
Bethel
Assembly of God Pentecostal Church
Pastor Robert
Carter of the Bethel Assembly of God Pentecostal Church, who is new to the
congregation, and didn’t know that he needed ANC support for his project, asked
for a letter of support to the Department of Parks and Recreation for a
basketball camp he is planning for the Randall Recreation Center beginning the
last week in June. Motion: Commissioner
Williams moved that the ANC send a letter of support for the basketball
camp. It was seconded by Commissioner
Skolnik and passed without objection.
Grants
The Community Outreach Committee presented
six potential grant applications, two to Amidon Elementary School, two to
CHIME, a music program affiliated with Amidon, and one to KidSafe. Commissioner Skolnik said that he felt that
only one grant be given to each organization.
There was a discussion about the two grants to Amidon, one for the
repair and expansion of computer equipment in the Amidon computer laboratory,
and one for the replacement of carpet in the school’s music room. Gottlieb Simon suggested that ANC money
can’t be used to duplicate projects that are city-funded, and it could be
troublesome to provide funds for the carpet replacement. It was pointed out that there was a $100
line in the $500 request for the computer lab project for an honorarium, for
which the ANC cannot provide funds. The
grant request was reduced to $400. Motion: Commissioner Skolnik moved to
support the $400 grant to the Amidon School for computer lab upgrades. It was seconded by Commissioner Moffatt and
passed 6-0.
CHIME (Community
Help in Music Education) requested $500 each for two projects to videotape and
edit a public access television show for and with Amidon Students. After discussion with Dorothy Marschak, the
program’s coordinator, it was decided to approve the grant for “Lindsay Family
Brass and Percussion Ensemble.” Motion:
Commissioner Siegel moved the ANC 6D grant $500 to CHIME for the
videotaping and editing of “Lindsay Family Brass and Percussion Ensemble.” It
was seconded by Commissioner Skolnik and passed 6-0.
KidSafe applied
to the ANC for a grant of $500 to provide forty students in the out-of-school
program located at Randall Recreation Center with subscriptions to My Weekly
Reader and workbooks. Motion: Commissioner Skolnik moved that the
ANC support the grant of $500 to KidSafe.
It was seconded by Commissioner Moffatt. Commissioner Williams noted that the ANC should be looking for
organizations that are not fully funded, and grants should be limited to those
in real need. The motion passed 5-1, with Commissioner Williams opposed.
8. April Minutes
Motion: Commissioner Moffatt moved
approval of the April minutes as presented.
It was seconded by Commissioner Siegel and passed 4-1-1, with Commissioner Williams opposing, and Commissioner
Sobelsohn abstaining.
9.
Committee Reports
There were no committee reports.
10.Treasurer’s
Report
Commissioner Skolnik gave the treasurer's
report for May 8-June 12, 2006. A copy
of his report is attached to these minutes.
ANC 6D has $44,010.35 in current funds, including a $4,872.05 allotment
from the District government. The
savings account has $5,107.45, including an interest payment of $2.60. The report includes expenses submitted for
approval of staff salary $554.10 (Check #263), Verizon, for telephone services,
$79.47 (Check #264); a voided check to Staples (Check #265) and to Radio Shack
for office supplies, $57.08 (Check #265).
Motion: Commissioner Skolnik made/Commissioner
Moffatt seconded a motion to approve the April-May report and to authorize
payment of the expenses. The motion passed 4-1-1 with Commissioner Assalaam
opposed and Commissioner Williams not voting.
11.Adjournment
Commissioner Skolnik made/Commissioner
Moffatt seconded a motion to adjourn.
The motion passed 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
65 I Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
202/554-1795
n
FAX
202/554-1774