65
I Street SW ·
Washington, DC 20024 ·
202/554-1795
September
13, 2004
Present:
Commissioners Assalaam, Hargrave, Johnson, Litsky, Moffatt, Siegel, and
Williams.
The meeting was convened at 7:05 pm. The Commissioners introduced
themselves.
The agenda was approved,
with two additions, without objection.
Charles McCrimmon introduced himself as the new interim director of the Randall Homeless Shelter and Transitional program, serving in place of Rev. McPherson. Commission Williams stated that she had been in discussion with Rev. McPherson seeking information on the status of the Randall Shelter, and while she does not have a date, she has been reassured that the shelter will be relocated permanently. The city has been working for two years to find a new location, and they are now introducing a new proposal that will house a new program at a new location, that is now being renovated, but the city has not disclosed the location. Commissioner Siegel expressed the view that the citizens of the District should be made aware of the location.
Bill Wooby spoke, stating that he had made a deal with the City, and the building would be sold to the Corocoran sometime in October. He thanked the people of Southwest for being supportive of his program and said that he had retained the name Millennium Art Center, and was planning new projects. He said the City was selling the building with the proviso that the 34 artists in the building can retain their studios, and that the non-profits would remain as well. He stated that he wished he had done things differently. He urged people to keep their eyes on the projects in the building to make sure everything went according to plan. He concluded by saying he had plans for three projects in Southwest so he wouldn’t disappear, and thanked the community again for their support. His remarks were greeter with applause.
3.
Proposals for ANC Grants
Commissioner Williams presented a funding proposal for a mini-park at the corner of South Capitol and M Street SW, in an effort to beautify that corner. The owner of the lot is involved in the project. In the past year a group of neighbors has come together to improve the lot, and keep it clean. They were turned down for a grant from GROW, and is now requesting $1500 from the ANC. They are working with Gingko Gardens. The group wants to make the garden a Peace Memorial Garden, in memory of Paul Kimbrough, a Southwest activist who died last year in Afghanistan, as well as other Southwest residents who have dedicated their lives to public service. She said that they hope to do the planting this fall and have it completed by October 13th. Commissioner Siegel asked whether there were garden clubs willing to join with the project, and he mentioned specifically the issue of watering the garden. Commissioner Williams responded that the neighbors have volunteered to care for the garden and water the plants, and are, as well, going to make it a drought tolerant garden. Commissioner Moffatt stated that there was not enough time to consider the proposal, and that the information should have been provided in advance of the meeting. Motion: Commissioner Moffatt moved that discussion of the Peace Memorial Park be tabled until the next meeting. It was seconded by Commissioner Siegel, and passed 5-0-2, with Commissioners Assalaam and Williams not voting.
Commissioner Litsky raised the fact that the ANC had received a letter from the Southwester, requesting the Commission’s financial support. It costs, according to their request, about $2000 to publish an issue, and they are requesting $600-$700 per month from the ANC. He said that while he is in favor of supporting the publication, but not to that extent. He said that the Commission should see a business plan, including an analysis of their advertising costs. He said that the proposal had been presented as an opportunity for the ANC to use the Southwester for a newsletter, but he saw it as an opportunity for a grant. He stated that, while materials had been distributed on procedures that other ANCs use for awarding grants, ANC 6D had not developed a process for doing grants. He suggested that Commissioner Williams’s proposal fell under the same category, and the ANC should make recommendations about proposals generally. Commissioner Moffatt inquired whether the other ANCs’ applications could be looked at during the month. Commissioner Hargrave agreed that there should be grant procedures, and those procedures should be approved before discussion of individual grants.
Commissioner Hargrave said that he had looked at the SWNA Annual Report and that it cost $30,000 per year to publish the Southwester, and advertising revenues were $27,000. He therefore felt that the amount the ANC should be considering is smaller that that requested. Perry Klein, of SWNA, asked for an opportunity to address the issue and suggested that there be a meeting to discuss the financials of the Southwester. Commissioner Siegel agreed with Commissioner Litsky that the ANC should see a business plan, and suggested that he would speak to ANC 6B about their advertising in the Southwester. Commissioner Johnson agreed that the ANC needs grant guidelines, but disagreed with Commissioner Litsky in that he believes that the ANC should buy advertising space to use it as space to list agendas, and upcoming topics. Commissioner Siegel said that his concept was that grants are one-time things, but they can’t be on going, and he agreed with Commissioner Johnson. Commissioner Johnson said that paying for advertising is not the same thing as giving a grant, and paying for advertising is something different.
Commissioner Assalaam suggested that there be an administrative meeting solely devoted to grant guidelines, and it was decided to do so on October 6th (later changed to October 10th).
Naomi Mitchell of the South Washington Alliance requested $500 for a community education project, to take place on Saturday October 16, at Friendship Baptist Church to bring together residents, community organizations, small businesses and government officials to determine and focus on the needs and priorities of neighborhoods as the community changes. The request is for posters, copying and postage. Commissioner Assalaam told her that nothing could be done until there was a set of grant guidelines, and suggested that she ask again next month after the guidelines had been voted on at a public meeting.
William Lloyd Rees, a former ANC Commissioner, introduced himself as the new interim principal of Jefferson Junior High School, and said he was pleased to be back in the community after 30 years of service to the community. He said he looked forward to an open dialogue with the community, and to working with local residents to see that their test scores go up, and the full Southwest community is made a part of the learning process at Jefferson. Deborah Hall, the current principal is on administrative leave, and her situation has not yet been resolved. He then suggested, in light of the discussion about grant guidelines, that the ANC might, at some point, like to provide two or three uniforms for Jefferson students. He left a price list with the chair.
3.
Police Report
There was no representation
from the police department, but Commissioner Hargrave reported that he had
attended a CAC meeting, and learned that in PSA 104 has had 57 reported
incidents of crime in August, a 27% reduction from 79 last year. The figures for the entire year to date show
a 14% decrease, from 577 in 2003, to 493 in 2004,
4.
Land Sale at Waterside Mall
Kevin Warner of NCRC came to
present a progress report on the land sale at Waterside Mall to Waterfront
developers. As background, he stated
that that the land under the Mall is owned by RLARC, a subsidiary of NCRC, and
it is held in public trust. Approached
by Waterfront Associates, the leaseholder, to negotiate the sale of the land,
for their mixed-use project: office space for Fannie Mae, retail and
residential. The Mall would be
demolished, and a new development built.
RLARC has tentatively agreed to the sale. The current lease for the property is 74 years, and the rent is
calculated on a fixed formula, so the sale price is based on the existing
rent. After extensive negotiations, the
following agreement has been reached: Waterfront Associates will pay $15
million up front, and $2 million in ten years.
Fannie Mae will provide a $5 million grant for affordable housing in the
community to be determined with input from the community and the city. Fanny Mae will also provide access to a $55
million revolving loan fund to be used for housing development throughout the
city, but particularly in Southwest.
NCRC can use that money along with its own funds for residential
development. There is a requirement for
approximately 400,000 square feet of residential development, with 20 percent
set aside for affordable housing. There
is also a commitment to participate in the LSDBE program for development
contracts, so there will considerable opportunity for local businesses to
participate. This is contingent on
acceptance of the PUD. There will be a
public meeting of the RLARC Board to vote on acceptance of the sale.
Commissioner Williams said
that there are many questions and concerns about the plan, which is a major
step for the community. She suggested
that there be a special community meeting to discuss the details of the plan
and ask questions. She suggested
October 4th. Commissioner
Johnson mentioned that the RLARC can put conditions on the Land Disposition
Agreement (LDA), and said that there should be a document to present to the
RLARC by the October 18th meeting, reflecting the community’s and
ANC’s views. Commissioner Litsky asked
what the process is, and was told that RLARC needs City Council approval for
the sale, and so the agreement will be submitted to the Council for
approval. The ANC’s comments can be
submitted directly to the Council, or submitted to RLARC and have them
submitted jointly. It goes to the
Economic Development Committee, and then, as a resolution to the full
council. The Council has 45 days to act
on it. Commissioner Hargrave asked for
clarification on the how the $5 million housing fund would be used, and was
told that it would be decided through a process of consultation with various
stakeholders, including the community and Fannie Mae, after which a Memorandum
of Understanding would be signed. It
would be made available at the time of the sale.
Commissioner Williams
reiterated her concern that there are questions and concerns that still have to
be answered so that the ANC can make an informed decision. One concern is that while Fannie Mae is not
a party to the sale, it is very much a part of the agreement. Commissioner Moffatt asked whether the $5
million fund is for home ownership. Mr.
Warner said that the stakeholders would determine that. Commissioner Litsky inquired of
Commissioners Johnson and Williams whether they could prepare a list of
questions for the members of the Commission as soon as possible so they can
make an informed decision. Motion: Commissioner Williams moved that the ANC
hold a special meeting on October 4th, at 7 pm at a place to be
determined, to discuss the sale of the land to Waterfront Associates by
RLARC. It was seconded by Commissioner Johnson. After discussion it was agreed to hold the
meeting on October 6th, and to move the ANC grant guidelines meeting
to October 13th. It was
passed by a vote of 3-2, with Commissioners Moffatt and Williams voting
against, and Commissioner Johnson not voting.
5.
Development at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Pastor Phillip Huber of St.
Matthews presented the Church’s plan for razing the existing structure and
replacing it with a new church, as well as a community center and housing. He began by saying that it had taken 3½ years to develop their plan. He said the sanctuary has been unusable
because the roof leaks, and repairing the building would be beyond the church’s
means. They decided to partner with a
developer, the Richman Group, to build a new church complex, including a
community center, as well as affordable housing, on the existing space. The church will have a new multi-use
sanctuary, which, with the help of Arena Stage, will also be available for theatrical
performance. The community center will
expand the space available for community meetings. The community center will be owned by and also include day care
facilities, and a computer lab, so it will available for after school programs. It will be a technologically advanced
building with a multi-media classroom for job training and adult
education. There will also be a coffee
shop, which will be a gathering place with a courtyard. The walls of the coffee shop will be
available for Southwest artists, and it will have computer terminals, and can
be used for book clubs and other activities.
The community center will be designed so that it can be modified as
community needs change.
Minone Butler, of ALTA
Consulting Group, consultant to the project, addressed the housing
component. She said that the Richman
Group is the largest manager of housing in the country. The project is designed to have 78 units,
and will be five stories, with underground parking. There will be three components to the project: the church, the
community center and the apartments, with underground parking, and limited
above ground parking.
Bahram Kamali, of Brennan
Beer Gorman Architects (BBG) presented the concept drawings of the project,
with parking and a loading dock on Delaware Avenue. The apartments will be primarily one bedroom, with some two and
three bedrooms. The southern edge of
the project is in approximately the same place as the current building.
Ms Butler said that the land
is currently zoned R-3, but it is supposed to be R-D5, and they are seeking a
map amendment. Pastor Huber said he is
seeking the ANC’s support, first for the map amendment. Commissioner Johnson clarified the point
that they were asking for a map amendment, and not developing a PUD for the
site. In response to a question from Commissioner
Siegel, Pastor Huber said that the total cost of the project would be $20.5
million, with the church and community center costing $2.5. The church will profit from selling the land
to the Richman Group for the residential development. Commissioner Williams said that she appreciated learning the
facts about what is going on, and Pastor Huber gave his phone number,
410/375-5053, so he could be available to answer questions. Commissioner Hargrave asked whether there
would be a formal presentation, and was told that this was only a preliminary
presentation and there would be a formal presentation. The ANC was told that they are not pursuing
a CDBG because as a church entity they are not eligible. Commissioner Johnson asked about the CDC the
church had formed, and was told that it is to develop the community center, and
then oversee other projects in Southwest.
Commissioner Moffatt asked
about the use of the word “approximate” in defining the apartments. He mentioned that there is a new Greenleaf
Recreation Center that will be available for community meetings. He raised the point that the housing will be
rental, not ownership. He was told that
the Richman Group will own the land on which the apartments will sit, so there
will be taxable property. Mr. Moffatt
asked how many “matter of right” town houses could be built on the property,
and was told that the number was 14-17, which would not have allowed the church
enough money to rebuild the church. Mr.
Moffatt asked how many members does the church have, and was told approximately
180. He questioned the attendance at
the Sunday services, He also raised the
issue of the local infrastructure, like adding burdens to the water and sewage
system. He is concerned about home
ownership in Southwest, and said that Waterfront is bringing 400 units of
rental housing, and the church is adding another 78 units. He was told that the church housing will be
rented at 60% of AMI, and will provide opportunities for middle-income
housing. Mr. Moffatt asked how many
stories the building can be with matter of right housing, and was told that it
was three stories, and it would make the project not viable. Pastor Huber said that the congregation is
growing, and it’s viable and exciting.
He pointed out how diverse the congregation is, both ethnically and
economically, and said that was why they were embarking on the project.
Commissioner Hargrave asked
about the timetable for a more complete proposal, and was told that they were
unlikely to have a more complete proposal before November or December. He asked about the AMI criteria, and it was
agreed that it is about $57,000 for a family of four.
7.
Liquor Licenses
Commissioner Johnson
presented information on license renewals for Zanzibar, H2O, Phillips and Jenny’s
on the waterfront. He said he had not
yet completed working on the voluntary agreement with H2O, but hoped that he
would like to negotiate certain aspects, like trash pick-up, etc. with all the
establishments. Commissioner Litsky
reminded the Commission that four months ago it voted to investigate the
license of H2O as to whether they were operating as a club with a restaurant
license, and were told that we had to wait until their license was being
renewed. He is concerned that a voluntary agreement is being negotiated while
the license issue is still pending. He
believes the voluntary agreement should not be done until the license issue is
being settled.
Commissioner Hargrave said
that the ANC should protest again for the record, and ABRA is responsible for
checking on whether they’re operating responsibly. Commissioner Johnson said he had been working with H2O on a
voluntary agreement, with an eye to make them a part of the community, rather
than shutting them down. Commissioner Litsky said they were still advertising
as a club, and promoting themselves as a club, on posters and on the
radio. He reminded the Commission that
the owner had come to the ANC and specifically said he was not operating a
club, just a restaurant, and he lied to the Commission. He may be a restaurant until 10 pm, but then
it is clearly a club. The ABC should
determine whether it is a club, and after such a determination is made, then
the ANC can negotiate a voluntary agreement.
Motion: Commissioner Litsky moved that the Commission send a
letter to the ABC, protesting the renewal of H2O’s license on the grounds of
“peace, order and quiet,” It was seconded by Commissioner Hargrave. The motion passed 6-1 with Commissioner
Johnson in opposition
Commissioner Johnson said he
has met with the owner, and they have agreed to several things, and they have
changed several things, and are trying to be cooperative. Commissioner Litsky reiterated that they
lied to the ANC and that they should be called on it. Commissioner Williams said she had been there on a Friday
evening, and they were operating a full-fledged restaurant, with a separate
room as a lounge, and they appeared to be in compliance with their
license. Commissioner Johnson suggested
that we should look at the approach the ANC should take, whether it was the ABC
or whether it is an enforcement issue that should be dealt with by ABRA.
There was some discussion
about a community meeting that is to be held with all the establishment owners
on the waterfront, and the police, ABRA, public officials and the ANC. The purpose of the meeting is to see if some
agreement can be reached among all the owners to agree to certain things.
Commissioner Litsky said that the situation with each establishment is
different, that H2O’s problems are very different from Cantina Marina’s, and
negotiating a cookie cutter agreement is not the answer. Commissioner Williams said that what ABRA
wants is for individuals to file complaints as individuals so the ABC has a
case file. Motion: Mr. Litsky
made a motion to write to ABRA, requesting that they begin an investigation as
to whether H2O had the correct license.
It was seconded by Mr. Johnson, and passed 7-0.
Mr. Johnson said he would
like to apply some commonality to all the waterfront establishments, “good
neighbor” things, like trash pick-up, noise, etc. He said he would like to do that with establishments like Jenny’s
and Phillips, where the license is not being challenged. Commissioner Williams suggested opposing the
licenses as a start to negotiation.
Commissioner Johnson said that he didn’t agree, and Commissioner Litsky
agreed, saying that if there’s nothing wrong, you don’t protest. Motion:
Commissioner Johnson moved that the ANC protest the license for Zanzibar, on
the grounds of peace, order and quiet.
The motion was passed 7-0.
Commissioner Litsky
suggested that the Washington Waterfront Association should be seeing that the
trash is picked up, and they’re not doing it. Commissioner Williams raised the
issue of
Commissioner Johnson said
that he did not think the Commission should take any action on Jenny’s and
Phillips, and would speak with them about the trash issues personally because
he has a relationship with them, and they will be open to it.
The Best Western Skyline Inn
license was next up. Commissioner
Williams asked that the ANC protest its license on the grounds of “peace, order
and quiet” because she had not had an opportunity to visit the establishment,
and didn’t know what it was like.
Commissioner Siegel said that he had been there, and it was a quiet,
nice place, with little activity after 10 pm.
He said the hotel was an establishment trying to make it, and the
protest would be harmful. She said she
hasn’t had an opportunity to talk to the people and see what their plans are,
and it is only a protective measure. Motion:
Commissioner Williams moved that the ANC protest the license of Best
Western Skyline Inn on the grounds of “peace, order and quiet.” It was seconded by Commissioner Hargrave.
The motion failed 2-4-1, with Commissioners Williams and Hargrave voting in
favor, Commissioners Johnson, Litsky, Moffatt and Siegel voting against, and
Commissioner Assalaam abstaining.
Commissioner Johnson
reported on the Cantina Marina hearing before the ABC. He reported that there is a question about
the original Tiber Island voluntary agreement, which seemed to have disappeared
for more than two years, and reappeared about 10 days before the hearing. Cantina Marina’s attorney questioned whether
it is still valid, and is an issue remaining before the ABC, which will make a
determination, after which the ANC can make a decision on whether a new
agreement is needed. Motion: Commissioner Johnson moved that
Commissioner Litsky be also authorized to represent the ANC before the ABC in
the matter of Cantina Marina. It was
seconded by Commissioner Litsky, and passed 7-0. Commissioner Siegel mentioned that he had eaten at Cantina, and
while the music was very loud inside the establishment, he was unable to hear
anything outside at all.
Motion: Commissioner Johnson moved
that Commissioner Litsky be authorized to represent the ANC at the hearing for
H2O. It was seconded by Commissioner
Litsky. Commissioner Johnson stated
that while the Chairman could designate another ANC officer to represent the
ANC in his stead, a non-officer has to be voted on by the entire Commission.
The motion passed 7-0.
Commissioner Assalaam raised
the issue of the liquor store on Half Street SE, and whether or not it’s
open. Commissioner Siegel also doesn’t
know whether the store is open, and they have no building permits outside, and
no placard. The Administrative
Assistant did not follow up. The
Chairman requested that the Administrative Assistant inquire about the status
of the store. Commissioner Williams
asked whether it was possible to appeal the decision. Commissioner Siegel said he would make it his business to find
out the status of the store.
8.
Public Space Permit: 100-102 M Street SE
The ANC received a request
for a public space permit to park four cars in a vacant lot at 100 M
Street. Commissioner Siegel said that
it’s an empty lot next door to Normandie Liquor. Motion: Mr. Siegel
moved that the ANC defer action on the permit until the next meeting
9.
Chairman’s Report
Commissioner Assalaam
announced that his civil suit with Commissioner Siegel had come to a
satisfactory conclusion.
10. Minutes
There was a discussion about
the minutes and the report from the Town Hall Meeting, and it was determined
that the meeting report should be separate from the minutes. It was agreed that the names of the speakers
should be removed from the report to protect their privacy, since some of the
discussion was sensitive. Motion: Commissioner Williams moved that the names be
removed from the report of the Town Hall meeting. It was seconded by Commissioner Moffatt, and passed 7-0.
10.
Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Siegel reported
that the petty cash fund has $72.21, the savings account has $5,074.37, and the
checking account has $30,176. 55, for a total of available cash of
$35,323.16.
Commissioner Siegel
indicated only one check had been written to Roberta Weiner in the amount of
$443.28. Motion: Mr. Siegel moved that the Treasurer’s Report
be accepted. It was seconded by
Commissioner Moffatt, and passed 5-1, with Commissioner Williams opposed,
11. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Hargrave asked
whether the ANC was going to sponsor a candidate’s forum. Commissioner Williams said that SWNA was
going to hold a forum on October 25th, and that the ANC doesn’t
usually hold a forum when the commissioners, like this year, are running.
The meeting was adjourned at
10:25 pm
The meeting was adjourned at
10:02
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
65 I Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
554-1795
n
FAX
554-1774
office@anc6d.org