Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
65 I St., SW
Washington, DC 20024
Minutes
May 8, 2006
Chairman Andy Litsky called the meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Assalaam, Litsky, Moffatt, Skolnik,
Siegel, Sobelsohn, and Williams
1. Agenda
Commissioner Williams asked to have the
issue of the several Class A liquor licenses up for renewal added to the
agenda. Commission Litsky asked to have
the Bowen School item moved up on the agenda because of the presence of
students who needed to get home.
Commissioner Skolnik moved approval of the agenda. It was seconded by
Commissioner Siegel, and adopted without objection.
2.
Community Comment
Gene Solon presented comments about the
Development Committee meeting he attended.
Naomi Monk asked about the safety of the Millennium Arts Center
building, and the presence of lead, asbestos and mold in the building. Joseph Goodman spoke about the cutting off
of access to the L’Enfant Plaza Metro entrance nearest Southwest when
construction begins on the renovation of the present federal Department of
Transportation building.
3. Public Safety Report
No representative of the 1st
District was present. Commissioner
Assalaam reported that on April 15th at about 9:30 or 10 pm, his
grandchildren were sitting in the park near Amidon School, when they were
accosted by a gang of kids. The FBI
beat his grandson, held him in a chokehold and did not let him go, and he had
to go to the police station to get him out.
He said it needs to be looked into, and something should be done about
it. Commissioner Litsky suggested that
it be brought up at the next CAC meeting.
Naomi Monk asked whether he would mind if she reported this to Commander
Groomes, and Commissioner Assalaam agreed.
4. April Minutes
Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved
that the April 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.
Resolution to Have the Cherry
Designated the State Fruit of the District of Columbia
Marcus Parker and Eric Seaborn, two students representing their
class at Jefferson Junior High School, along with their teacher, Terry Bunton,
made a presentation on why they believe the cherry should be declared the State
Fruit of the District of Columbia (comments attached).
Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved
that the ANC adopt the following resolution supporting the designation of the
cherry as the State Fruit of the District of Columbia:
A RESOLUTION
BY ANC-6D
IN SUPPORT OF
BOWEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S RECOMMENDATION
DESIGNATING
THE CHERRY AS THE OFFICIAL FRUIT
OF THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WHEREAS, twenty-six states have an
official fruit;
WHEREAS, two of those states had
their official fruit suggested by children;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia
does not now have an officially designated fruit;
WHEREAS, Washington, DC hosts an
annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the cherry is already recognized as an
important and prominent part of the local life of The District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, the Council of the District
of Columbia, at the urging of Mr. Terry Bunton’s class at Bowen Elementary
School, has proposed a bill designating the cherry as the official fruit of
Washington, DC;
WHEREAS, it is vitally important for
the members of Advisory Neighborhood Commission-6D to support worthy
initiatives proposed by the children of Southwest;
WHEREAS, involving the city’s
children with their civic leaders ensures that they feel part of the city as a
whole;
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper
that the cherry be recognized as the official fruit of The District of Columbia
and that its use as a symbol of the nation’s capital be encouraged and
expanded;
WHEREAS, ANC-6D commends the
students at Bowen Elementary School, Dayquane Bell, Shamika Britt, Ethel Burnette,
Calvin Franklin, Anthony Harris, Bartwone Hill, Sheldon McFadden, Frank McRae,
Marcus Parker, Eric Seaborn, Raheem Turner and Michael Wanzor, and their
teacher Terry Bunton for their initiative in recommending that the cherry be
designated as the official fruit of the city of The District of Columbia.
BE IT RESOLVED
that
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D, representing The Southwest Waterfront and
Near Southeast Washington supports the bill presented to the Council of the
District of Columbia by the students of Bowen Elementary School designating the
cherry as the official fruit of The District of Columbia
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Litsky. The students were praised for their
initiative and the fact that the project is coming from Southwest
students. Commissioner Assalaam noted
that while there are the cherry trees on the waterfront, the District has more
apples and berries that are native to the city. Mr. Bunton noted that the significance of the cherry is not
related to the cherry trees, which do not produce fruit, but to its
relationship to Washington. The motion
was adopted without objection, and was sent to DC Council.
6.
Old Business
900
New Jersey Avenue SE
JPI, the developer of this site, presented
a request for support for a special exception and a variance at the Board of
Zoning Adjustment (BZA) at the ANC’s April meeting. The ANC referred the project to its Development Committee to
further discuss the question of community benefits in exchange for Commission
support of the development. The
developer was represented by Jill Cooper of Holland and Knight, and Ruth Han of
JPI.
The special exception is to enable the
separation of roof stairwells and HVAC units onto each side of the residential
building; the variance is being requested for a reduction in the required
residential recreation space. They plan
to provide 23,00 square feet of space.
Shkeda Johnson reported that the
Development Committee met on April 17th, and
were give information and plans on the property. They went to see the property on April 22nd, and met
again on April 24th. The
Committee voted to recommend that the ANC support the special exception and the
variance, contingent on the developers
providing two units of workforce rate affordable housing for DC law enforcement
personnel, teachers or other District employees. Their view was that while the District is providing no incentives
to the developer to provide such benefits, the community was entitled to
receive some benefits.
Commissioner Williams expressed her
understanding that the Committee was not going to discuss issues with
developers. Mr. Litsky responded that
his understanding was that there would not be any final decisions by the
Committee, but that it could address the issues before the Commission. Commissioner Assalaam said that what was
decided was that specific questions would be referred to the ANC and that the
Committee was not to negotiate with developers, it is the ANC that negotiates. Commissioner Williams reiterated that it was
agreed that the committee would not meet with developers.
The developer’s representative was asked
whether the developer had any response and Ms. Han said that the project was
not designed to provide any affordable housing. Mr. Litsky noted that reducing the 23,000 square feet of
recreational space would provide the developer with 10,500 square feet of space
that will be used for the construction of additional apartments, and it was the
feeling of the Committee to come back to you and ask for two units of affordable
housing in order to give you more opportunity to create a financial base.
Mr. Assalaam noted that the information
went to the developers before it came to the ANC and that is out of order, and
inappropriate. Mr. Skolnik asked
whether this was an appropriate debate because affordable housing was not
required in the project, and until BZA acts on the variances, there’s no
issue. Mr. Siegel added that it would
be wonderful to have affordable units in the development.
Commissioner Williams said she had not the
opportunity to review the project, and does not know what is comparable and
equitable and fair in terms of other projects in the City, and how would any
benefits be implemented. She said that
she couldn’t make a decision without more information. Motion:
Commissioner Williams made a motion to table the discussion until the next
ANC meeting. Commissioner Litsky
reminded her that if she did that the Commission and the community would have
no input into the BZA hearing, which is on May 16th. Commissioner Williams withdrew her motion to
table.
Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved that the ANC support the Development
Committee recommendation. It was
seconded by Commissioner Moffatt.
Commissioner Moffatt said that it was
looked at during the April meeting.
Commissioner Litsky added that the developer made a presentation, and plans
were sent to the Commissioners at their homes in advance of the meeting. He stressed that the Commission had to take
action, and it was an opportunity for the ANC to seize an important point. He said he hoped the motion would pass so
that a precedent can be established at the BZA. Commissioner Assalaam noted that the City Council has yet to determine
what the criteria are for affordable housing, and the ANC can vote no because
what’s being offered is not acceptable.
Criteria have to be set for market rate and affordable rates, and it has
to be permanent. Commissioner Skolnik
agreed with Commissioner Assalaam that the ANC should vote no because of the
lack of affordable housing being built.
Mr. Siegel agreed.
Ms. Johnson said that she understands the
Commission’s sentiment. The development
will make millions of dollars. She said
that there were other alternatives possible, but that there were no
negotiations with the developers because the Committee felt it was not their
role or responsibility. She said the
City has a process by which it gives developers incentives for affordable
housing, using HUD requirements.
The motion failed 1-6, with Commissioner
Sobelsohn voting in favor.
Commissioner Williams said that in
presenting to BZA it should be emphasized that the grounds for disapproval are
that no community benefits are being provided.
The Commissioners agreed. Motion: Commissioner Litsky moved that
he wanted to specifically recognize that 10,350 square feet of space will go to
the developer, and whether or not it is matter-of-right development, the
community deserves something in return. It was seconded by Commissioner
Skolnik, and passed 6-1, with Commissioner Sobelsohn in opposition.
Ms. Johnson said that the Development
Committee is open to a transparent process and would like to meet with the
Commissioners and work out a workable process.
Marriott
Courtyard Hotel Public Space Permit
Representatives of the Marriott Courtyard
Hotel on 4th and L Streets SE came before the Commission to request
support at a Public Space Committee hearing on May 25th.for a public
space permit needed for the construction of an enclosed café extension to their
indoor café in order to provide 20 additional seats for its patrons. They want to do this in order to promote
business both for the hotel and the new co-op opening behind the hotel.
Commissioner Siegel, in whose SMD the hotel
is located, said he has no objection to the café. Commissioner Williams said
that she did not notice anyone specifically from the Near Southeast/Southwest
community working at the hotel, and asked about Marriott’s hiring
practices. She was told that the hotel
worked with the Department of Employment Services, and while they have a large
number of District residents working there, they did not have a breakdown of
how many employees came from this community.
Commissioner Assalaam said that the hotel
is making money using public space, and that public space should be open to
anyone. Commissioner Skolnik said that
the space is accessible from the street, and it is open to the public. People, he said, can come for dinner from
the community. Commissioner Siegel
added that the City doesn’t give anything away for nothing, and Marriott will
be paying $30-$35 per square foot for the space. The City, he said, makes money on public space. Commissioner Assalaam said that street
vendors, who could be using that space, also pay taxes to the City, and there
are thousands of people who could take advantage of that space.
Motion: Mr. Siegel moved that the ANC
approve a public space permit for the Marriott Courtyard Hotel café
extension. Ms. Williams said that the
restaurant is too small, that when she had visited the hotel all the chairs
were taken. She said, that with limited
restaurants in the area, there was a need to accommodate the guests and
currently there is no way to do it. Mr.
Moffatt said that the hotel was not designed with adequate space.
Motion:
Mr.
Sobelsohn moved that the ANC oppose the public space permit for the Marriott
Courtyard Hotel because there are no benefits provided to the community. It was seconded by Commissioner Moffatt. The motion to substitute was passed 5-1-1,
with Commissioner Siegel opposed, and Commissioner Williams abstaining.
Commissioner Williams said that the ANC
should have requested community benefits months earlier, and in fairness,
should warn people ahead of time what is being asked of them. Thelma Jones said that while they didn’t
know in advanced, Marriott knows what corporate social responsibility is and
should be prepared when they come to the community. Commissioner Williams said the Commission is not being consistent
in its approach to these issues. Mr.
Siegel said that the area around the hotel is still blighted and deserted, and
it’s nice to see people outdoors using the space. Gottlieb Simon said that it could be suggested to Marriott that
they withdraw their application, and return with the employment and other data
that the ANC had requested. Dick
Westbrook suggested that each project is different as far as community benefits
go, and in this instance taxes, increased employment and issues such as that
count. Commissioner Assalaam said that
increased taxes to the City are not a community benefit.
The motion passed 5-0-1, with Commissioner
Siegel opposed, and Commissioner Williams abstaining.
7.
New Business
Constitution
Center
Tim Jaroch, Ron Jenkins and Jeff Kramer,
representing Nassif Brothers and Trammell Crow developers, presented plans for
the redevelopment of the Nassif Building currently occupied by
the U. S. Department of Transportation,
which
will be called the Constitution Center. The developers gave a virtual tour of
the new building. It was stressed that the building is being developed for a
potential Federal client, and is being built to the highest security
specifications. The design has been
approved by the National Fine Arts Commission.
Commissioner Skolnik, in whose SMD the
project is located, said that one of the biggest issues was the closing of the
courtyard under the building, which provides a through passage to Metro, and
will eliminate the Farmer’s Market currently located there. Mr. Jaroch said it was necessary for
security, and that they were even hardening the floor above the current
courtyard to withstand a blast, and that anyone could come in and blow out the
building.
The courtyard will be closed beginning in
July of 2007, or when the DOT moves to Southeast, and will be used for
equipment storage during construction.
There will be no building demolition using explosives, and the
building’s current skin will be removed piece by piece. The Metro entrance will be closed for six to
eight weeks late in the process.
Liquor
Licenses
Commissioner Williams said that license
renewals were coming up for Bernstein’s, CAP Liquors, and Shulman’s Liquors and
the comment deadline was June 12th.
She said she was proposing opposing the licenses until a voluntary
agreement could be worked out, because there were problems with both. Commissioner
Litsky said that the license renewals could be opposed for the June12th
deadline, with the ANC sending letters saying the ANC is opposing and that the
SMD representatives will represent the ANC at the Commission, and subsequently
file the voluntary agreements.
Motion:
Commissioner Williams moved that the ANC
oppose the renewal of the licenses for Bernstein’s Liquors, CAP Liquors, and
Lucky Times Liquors on the grounds that they each violate the peace, order and
quiet of their communities, pending implementation of a voluntary agreement
with each establishment. It was
seconded by Commissioner Siegel and passed without objection.
National
Children’s Museum Event
Robert Evans of the National Children’s
Museum presented a proposal for an event on L’Enfant Promenade, where the new
museum will be located, on June 10th, and requested a letter of
support to the Office of Emergency Management Office. The Promenade will be closed from 4-7 pm, and will include a concert by
Hillary Duff. Motion: Commissioner Sobelsohn moved to send a letter to the Office
of Emergency Management endorsing the June 10th event. It was seconded by Commissioner Siegel, and
passed without objection.
Election
Forum
Commissioner Litsky said that he had been
approached by the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly with the idea of co-hosting a
candidates’ forum prior to the September primary. He said it was unclear which races would be covered, but it would
focus on issues of importance to Southwest.
Motion: Commissioner
Sobelsohn moved that the ANC agree in principle to co-sponsor an electoral
forum, and authorize Commissioner Litsky to work with SWNA president Marge
Maceda to implement the event. It was
seconded by Commissioner Skolnik, and passed 6-0-1, with Commissioner Williams
abstaining.
8.
Committee Reports
Community Outreach
Committee Chair Naomi Monk said that the Committee had acted on one proposal, from the Amidon PTA, and was passing it on to the ANC for action with the Committee’s recommendation. The grant would go for school infrastructure, as well as for computer supplies.
9.
Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Skolnik gave the treasurer's
report for April 19 – May 8, 2006. A
copy of his report is attached to these minutes. ANC 6D has $39,137.80 in current funds. The savings account has $5,104.85. The report includes expenses submitted for approval of staff
salary $554.10 (Check #261), and state withholding to DOES for $23.40. (Check
#262). Motion: Commissioner
Skolnik made/Commissioner Sobelsohn seconded a motion to approve the April-May
report and to authorize payment of the expenses. The motion passed 6-0-1, with
Commissioner Williams abstaining.
Motion: Commissioner Skolnik moved
that the ANC accept the Quarterly Report for 2nd Quarter of FY06. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Moffatt and passed without objection.
14. Adjournment
Commissioner Skolnik made/Commissioner
Moffatt seconded a motion to adjourn.
The motion passed 7-0. The
meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
65 I Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
554-1795
§ FAX 665-1774