GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3D
PALISADES · KENT · SPRING VALLEY · WESLEY HEIGHTS ·
NEW MEXICO/CATHEDRAL · THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY · FOXHALL VILLAGE
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D Minutes
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of ANC3D was held at the American University School of
International Service, Room 333, Washington, DC, 20016, on the first Wednesday of the month,
March 5, 2014. Chair Gayle Trotter opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Other Commissioners
present: Penny Pagano, Michael Gold, Rory Slatko, Kent Slowinski, W. Philip Thomas, Gayle
Trotter, Nan Wells, Joe Wisniewski, Stu Ross, and Thomas M. Smith. There were over 30 people
in the audience during the session.
Police Report: Officer Tony McElwee provided a crime and traffic report. Officer McElwee
reported that crime was up in the previous 30 days compared to the corresponding period in
2013 with 11 incidents versus nine. Most incidents were thefts.
Commissioners discussed the mini-plastic traffic circles at 42nd and Warren Streets, NW, and
noted that the plastic was being damaged by cars and plastic was flying onto cars.
Commissioner Slowinski announced that there is a Crime Prevention Training session on
Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 7:00 pm, at Saint Columba’s Church.
Community Concerns:
Andrew Huff, American University (AU) Community Relations Director, announced that AU will
hold a pre-construction meeting for the East Campus on March 11, 2014 at 7 PM at the Kogod
School of Business. In May 2014 AU will start preparing the Nebraska Avenue parking lot for
construction of AU’s East Campus. The meeting is mandated by D.C. Zoning Order 11-07 to take
place a minimum of 90 days before work begins on the site.
Agenda:
2014 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) - Mark A. Williams, Operations and Security Coordinator,
presented information on the 2014 event to be held on October 26, 2014.
Mr. Williams explained that the Marathon organizers asked the National Park Service (NPS) for
permission to use Rock Creek Parkway as part of the course for this year’s event, as they had
used it last year. Williams indicated that NPS limits the number of race closures on Rock Creek
Parkway to three per year; the MCM would be a fourth so their application was denied. Several
Commissioners agreed with Mr. Williams that the use of Rock Creek Parkway was preferred
because it would require fewer road closures and is the safer and more secure route.
Commissioner Smith moved that ANC3D support the race conditional on the use of Rock Creek
Parkway citing safety and security concerns. In addition, ANC3D requests that Delegate Norton
lend support to make the use of Rock Creek Parkway happen. Commissioner Wisniewski
seconded, and the vote was 10-0-0 in support of the motion (Attachment 1).
If NPS denies this request, Commissioners suggested the MCM organizers return to ANC3D to
ask for support of the race using roads in the Palisades.
Community Concerns: D. C. Councilmember Jack Evans - Chair Trotter introduced D. C.
Councilmember Jack Evans. Mr. Evans said that he has been on the Council for 23 years and
that D.C. has undergone dramatic changes during that time. In 1991, D.C. had a largely deserted
downtown, its finances were in chaos, and its bond rating was very low but that the city has
undergone tremendous growth. Mr. Evans served as the Finance Committee Chair during this
time of growth. He now believes that the city faces major challenges including: education city-
debt, affordable housing, and economic development.
Mr. Evans said that all of the ethical violations that have occurred recently on the D.C. Council
had nothing to do with councilmembers outside employment and that outside employment
gives councilmembers a broader perspective on the world. Mr. Evans said that he supports the
constituent services fund because it allows councilmembers to put money left over from a
campaign to good use.
Mr. Evans said that residents do not want unmitigated growth, an increase in height limitations,
or parking restrictions that make it difficult to own a car. Mr. Evans said he would carry on his
appreciation of ANCs and the guidance that they provide when making decisions as he has done
as a councilmember.
WMATA Bus Shelter – Anthony Foster, Citywide Transportation Planner at the District
Department of Transportation, presented a proposal for replacing two existing “narrow” bus
shelters with larger “non-ad” regular passenger bus shelters at two locations: 1) MacArthur
Boulevard and Cathedral Avenue NW (by the Grand Lodge) and 2) Massachusetts Avenue NW
at Fordham Road NW (by the Crate and Barrel).
Commissioner Smith asked whether these two shelters would have digital signage with bus
arrival information and other important information for riders. Mr. Foster said these two
shelters will not have digital capabilities and that the shelters with digital capabilities have been
slated only for the heavily trafficked commercial corridors throughout the city.
Commissioner Smith said that DDOT should be making sure that all new shelters being installed
throughout the city - regardless of ridership numbers – should have current technology. Mr.
Foster explained that Clear Channel has the contract to install the bus shelters throughout the
city and that the approximate cost of making the bus shelters have digital capabilities is $5,000.
Commissioner Wells moved to support the replacement of the non-ad shelters with the request
that DDOT and WMATA explore options to include installation of digital capabilities to display
bus arrival time and other important ridership information; Commissioner Thomas seconded,
and the vote to support the motion was 9-0-1; Commissioner Smith recused himself because
the Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education (FOARE) , of which Clear
Channel is a donor, is a business client (Attachment 2).
2014 Block-by-Block Walk - Gail Kohn, Age-Friendly Bock-by-Block D.C. Coordinator, gave a
presentation on the Block-by-Block Walk and asked Commissioners and residents to volunteer
for the Walk. The Walks begin on March 20, and Kohn says they hope to have all the data
collected by April 15th. Volunteers will conduct a block-by-block walk of the entire city to
identify neighborhood assets and issues needing attention all through the lens of older D.C.
residents. Data collection categories include safety, community amenities and services. Ms.
Kohn said that almost 30 percent of D.C. is over the age of 50. By 2017, officials want to make
Washington an "age-friendly" city, as defined by a World Health Organization initiative, for this
group of adults. To volunteer for this event go to
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/agefriendlydcwalk14.
2014 American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Tour de Cure - Zahra Jilani, Associate Director, DC
Tour De Cure, presented plans for America's Ride to Stop Diabetes for September 27, 2014. This
annual cycling event allows both the avid and recreational cyclist to raise money for diabetes
research, advocacy, education, and prevention programs. Ms. Jilani said that the Tour de Cure
has been a successful community event for over 25 years and that the ADA decided to bring the
ride to DC this year. Ms. Jilani said the ADA has gotten approval from the Mayor’s Task Force.
Ms. Jilani said she works for the ADA and that generally 86% of the proceeds from the bike ride
go back to ADA. The ANC3D routes include road blockages on Canal Road and Clara Barton
Parkway and that Clara Barton will be open by 9:00 am. Commissioner Pagano suggested that
the ADA do a lot of advance work with the public on this event.
Commissioner Wisniewski moved to support temporary road closures in ANC3D for the
America's Ride to Stop Diabetes on September 27, 2014. Commissioner Pagano seconded, and
the vote in favor of the motion was 8-2-0, Commissioners Smith and Thomas opposed
(Attachment 3).
PSA 89526 for 2715 49th St NW – Alan Field, Saltbox Architecture, made a presentation on
behalf of applicants Mark and Kristin Handwerger for the applicant to install a new driveway
apron constructed of permeable pavers. The applicants intend to relocate the driveway
because they plan to build a garage into the hillside of their front yard placing a flat lawn on
top. The applicant is proposing to remove 18,000 square feet of imperious paving and install
11,000 square feet of permeable paving. The existing curb cut would be closed when the new
driveway was complete.
Commissioner Slowinski moved to support PSA 89526 for 2715 49 th St NW. Commissioner Smith
seconded, and the vote was 9-0-1 in favor of the motion, Commissioner Pagano abstained
(Attachment 4).
BZA Application 18733 for 5009 Weaver Terrace, NW – applicant Viva K. Goettinger presented
information about her application for a special exception for an addition to a one-family
detached dwelling. The application is to build into the 8 feet side yard set-back requirement;
the addition would be 3.2 feet from the property line instead of the required 8 feet. A letter
from the neighbor directly impacted says they are not opposed to the addition contingent on
the fact that the plans are the same as the January 12, 2013 plans presented to them. The
addition is on the northeastern side of the house.
Commissioner Ross moved to support BZA Application 18733 for 5009 Weaver Terrace, NW,
Commissioner Wisniewski seconded, and the vote in favor of the motion was 9-0-0,
Commissioner Slatko was not present for the vote (Attachment 5).
Commission Business:
ANC3D Minutes format – Commissioners discussed that the minutes should reflect an
appropriate balance of the Commissioner input and discussion as well as a record of the vote
on issues.
February Minutes – Commissioner Ross moved to approve the February 2014 minutes.
Commissioner Thomas seconded, and the vote was 10-0-0 with the amendment to add
Commissioner Pagano as in attendance at the meeting (Attachment 6).
ANC Security Fund – Commissioner Slatko reported that ANC3D needs to approve a pre-written
resolution for the ANC Security Fund. This resolution should have been passed in January 2014
and Commissioner Slatko is waiting to hear from the DC Auditor if ANC3D will be penalized for
any checks written after the end of January.
Resolution to participate in ANC Security Fund - Commissioner Slatko moved to pay the $25 fee
and support the resolution to participate in the Security Fund; Commissioner Ross seconded;
and the vote was unanimous 10-0-0.
Commissioner Smith said that he is concerned that we are spending very liberally on copying
expenses and suggested that ANC3D conduct an analysis of budget for copying and whether
any budget adjustments may be required. Commissioner Slatko said that he would review the
copying fees and what is being copied.
Treasurer’s Report – As of February 28, 2014 there is a balance of $18,227.45 in the Bank of
America account.
Committee Reports:
Voting Rights Committee – Commissioner Gold said that the committee is in touch with a
partner at Hogan Lovells who is interested in potential pro-bono support to examine the issue
of litigating for DC citizens voting rights. Commissioner Gold also said that Councilmember
Evans is going to move forward shortly with open primary legislation and the committee will
look into how ANC3D can be supportive of the legislation.
Communications Committee – Commissioner Pagano said she has been working with
Committee-member Chuck Elkins and that they have drafted a mission statement for the
Committee which she will distribute.
Education Committee – Commissioner Thomas said that a school boundaries discussion will be
held on March 12, 2014 at the Wilson High School auditorium.
Public Safety Committee - Commissioner Slowinski announced that there is a Crime Prevention
Training session on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 7:00 pm, at Saint Columbus Church.
Commissioner Slowinski distributed a press release from Pete Ross, senatorial candidate, about
the effect the Zoning Rewrite will have on the ANC’s.
Zoning Committee – Commissioner Trotter asked for guidance from the other Commissioners
about defining the role of the Zoning Committee. Commissioner Smith said that originally the
Zoning Committee was intended to assist on the Zoning Rewrite but that work is now done.
Commissioner Smith said that he sees a role for the Committee in the future when large zoning
cases come before the ANC3D and that all ANC3D Committees need to be conscious of the
time-commitment of committee members and use their time judiciously.
Commissioner Slowinski asked that the Zoning Committee work with neighbors to consider
changes to the Wesley Heights Zoning Overlay.
ANC3D Records Storage – Commissioners discussed the need to find a place to store archival
records and will keep investigating storage options.
ANC3D Calendar of Proposed Meeting Dates – Commissioners selected the following meeting
dates for the remainder of 2014:
April 2
May 7
June 4
July 9
August 6
September 10
October 1
November 5
December 3
Commissioner Ross left the meeting.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Plans for a Monitoring Well in Small Park in Spring Valley –
Commissioner Wells said that she and Commissioner Smith have been trying to get the U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers to find an alternate location for a monitoring well slated for a small
park in Spring Valley. The monitoring well will check for perchlorate contamination in
groundwater. Commissioner Slowinski said that it is critical that a monitoring well be installed
and that there are alternate sites for the well in the street, that would not negatively impact
the root systems of the Poplar trees.
Commissioner Wells moved that the ANC3D express it support for the preservation of the small
park at the Glenbrook Road and Rockwood Parkway intersection and request that the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers identify an alternative location for a monitoring well outside the park.
Commissioner Smith seconded, and the vote was 9-0-0 in support of the motion. Commissioner
Slowinski recommended that Delegate Norton be included in this correspondence because it is
a federal issue; there was no objection to this recommendation (Attachment 7).
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stu Ross
Interim Secretary, ANC3D
Date of Approval: 7/6/14
Attachments:
1. ANC3D ltr re: 2014 Marine Corps Marathon
2. ANC3D ltr to WMATA re: Replacement Bus Shelters
3. ANC3D ltr re: 2014 American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Tour de Cure
4. ANC3D ltr re: PSA 89526 for 2715 49th St NW
5. ANC3D ltr re: BZA Application 18733 for 5009 Weaver Terrace, NW
6. February Minutes
7. ANC3D ltr to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers re: Plans for a Monitoring Well
ANC3D’s next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
at
The Lab School of Washington, The Commons,
4759 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007-1921
Free parking is available in the Lab School parking lot.
Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-D
P.O. Box 40486
Palisades Station
Washington, D.C. 20016
March 24, 2014
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Tara D. Morrison, Superintendent
U.S. National Park Service
3545 Williamsburg Lane, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-1207
RE: 2014 Marine Corps Marathon Course
Dear Superintendent Morrison:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D held its regular meeting on March 5th, 2014, at American University
School of International Service with a Quorum present at all times. Proper notice of the meeting was given on
the ANC 3D website, the Northwest Current, and community listservs.
Mark A. Williams, Operations and Security Coordinator, presented information about the 2014 Marine Corps
Marathon to be held on October 26, 2014.
ANC3D voted 10-0-0 to support the race conditional on the use of Rock Creek Parkway for the portion of the
race that affects ANC3D citing safety and security concerns. In addition, ANC3D requests that Delegate Norton
lend support to make the use of Rock Creek Parkway happen.
ANC3D hopes that you will grant its request so there will be a successful and safe Marine Corps Marathon in
2014.
Sincerely,
Gayle Trotter
Chair, ANC3D
Cc: Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton
Mark A. Williams
Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-D
P.O. Box 40486
Palisades Station
Washington, D.C. 20016
March 28, 2014
Mr. Terry Bellamy, Director
District Department of Transportation
55 M Street, SE, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20003
RE: Replacement bus shelters at MacArthur Boulevard and Cathedral Avenue NW and Massachusetts
Avenue NW before Fordham Road NW
Dear Director Bellamy:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D held its regular meeting on March 5th, 2014, at American University
School of International Service with a quorum present at all times. Proper notice of the meeting was given on
the ANC 3D website, the Northwest Current, and community listservs.
Mr. Anthony Foster, Citywide Transportation Planner at the District Department of Transportation, presented
information on two existing “narrow” bus shelters which will be replaced with larger “non-ad” regular
passenger bus shelter at two locations: 1) MacArthur Boulevard and Cathedral Avenue NW (by the Grand
Lodge) and 2) Massachusetts Avenue NW before Fordham Road NW (by the Crate and Barrel).
The Commissioners voted 9-0-1 to support the replacement of the non-ad shelters at these two locations with
the request that DDOT and WMATA explore options to include installation of digital capabilities to display bus
arrival time and other important ridership information. The ANC3D Commissioners believe that DDOT should
be make it possible for all new shelters being installed throughout the city to have current technology
regardless of ridership numbers.
Sincerely,
Gayle Trotter
Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D
Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-D
P.O. Box 40486
Palisades Station
Washington, D.C. 20016
Zahra Jilani
Associate Director, DC Tour De Cure
America's Ride to Stop Diabetes
March 29, 2014
RE: American Diabetes Association’s America's Ride to Stop Diabetes on September 27, 2014
Dear Ms. Jilani:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D held their regular meeting on March 5th, 2014, at the American
University School of International Service with a quorum presents at all times. Proper notice of the meeting
was given on the ANC 3D website, the Northwest Current, and community listservs.
Zahra Jilani, Associate Director, DC Tour De Cure, presented plans for America's Ride to Stop Diabetes on
September 27, 2014, for this cycling event which allows avid and recreational cyclist to raise money for
diabetes research, advocacy, education, and prevention programs. Ms. Jilani said that the Tour de Cure has
been a successful community event for over 25 years and that the ADA decided to bring the ride to DC this
year. Ms. Jilani said the ADA has gotten approval from the Mayor’s Task Force. The ANC3D routes include
road blockages on Canal Road and Clara Barton Parkway and that Clara Barton will be open by 9:00 am.
Commissioners voted to support temporary road closures in ANC3D for the America's Ride to Stop Diabetes on
September 27, 2014, 8-2-0.
ANC3D hopes that this request will be granted so there will be a successful and safe America's Ride to Stop
Diabetes event in 2014.
Sincerely,
Gayle Trotter
Chair
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D
Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-D
P.O. Box 40486
Palisades Station
Washington, D.C. 20016
March 29, 2014
Mr. Lloyd Jordan, Chair
Board of Zoning Adjustment
One Judiciary Square
441 Fourth Street, NW
Suite 210S
Washington, D.C. 20001
RE: BZA Application No. 18733 for 5009 Weaver Terrace, NW
Dear Mr. Jordan:
At its properly noticed public meeting on March 5, 2014, held at American University, School of International
Service, Founders Room, Washington, D.C. 20016, with a quorum present at all times, Advisory Neighborhood
Commission (ANC) 3D voted 9-0-0 to support the application of Viva K. Goettinger for a special exception for
an addition to a one-family detached dwelling. The application is to build into the 8 feet side yard set-back
requirement; the addition would be 3.2 feet from the property line instead of the required 8 feet. A letter from
the neighbors directly impacted says they are not opposed to the addition contingent on the fact that the plans
are the same as the January 12, 2013 presented to them. The addition is on the north-eastern side of the house.
Commissioner voted 9-0-0 in support of BZA Application 18733 for 5009 Weaver Terrace, NW
Sincerely,
Gayle Trotter
Chair, ANC3D
Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-D
P.O. Box 40486
Palisades Station
Washington, D.C. 20016
March 30, 2014
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Tara D. Morrison, Superintendent
U.S. National Park Service
3545 Williamsburg Lane, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-1207
RE: 2014 Marine Corps Marathon Course
Dear Superintendent Morrison:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D held its regular meeting on March 5th, 2014, at American University
School of International Service with a quorum present at all times. Proper notice of the meeting was given on
the ANC 3D website, the Northwest Current, and community listservs.
Mark A. Williams, Operations and Security Coordinator, presented information about the 2014 Marine Corps
Marathon to be held on October 26, 2014.
ANC3D voted 10-0-0 to support the race conditional on the use of Rock Creek Parkway for the portion of the
race that affects ANC3D citing safety and security concerns. In addition, ANC3D requests that Delegate Norton
lend support to make the use of Rock Creek Parkway happen.
ANC3D hopes that you will grant its request so there will be a successful and safe Marine Corps Marathon in
2014.
Sincerely,
Gayle Trotter
Chair, ANC3D
Cc: Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton
Mark A. Williams