Minutes – Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B
May 20, 2014 Regular Public Meeting
Approved at the June 23, 2014 Public Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM, Commissioner Ronald Austin, Chair (and ANC 4B06) presiding. It was held at the MPD’s 4thDistrict Community Room, 6001 Georgia Avenue, NW. Also present were Commissioners 4B01 Sara Green, 4B02 Faith Wheeler, 4B03 Fred Grant, 4B04 Brenda Parks, 4B05 Brenda Speaks, 4B07 Judi Jones, 4B08 Yvonne Jefferson, and 4B09 Douglass Sloan. A quorum was present for all votes.
1)Approval of the Agenda
The agenda as presented was revised.
(A) Commissioner Jones moved to add consideration of a resolution advocating #bringbackourgirls and #realmendon’tbuygirls. Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.
(B) Commissioner Austin moved that consideration of a Ward 4 Mayoral Candidates Forum be added to the agenda. Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.
2)Support Vote: Voluntary Agreement Between RAI Dialysis Center and ANC 4B07
Commissioner Jones moved that the Commission support the voluntary agreement being renewed between ANC 4B07/Commissioner Jones and RAI Dialysis Center. Commissioner Grant seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously by roll call vote, 9 yes, 0 no.
The roll call vote:
YES NO ABSTAIN
Green
Wheeler
Grant
Parks
Speaks
Austin
Jones
Jefferson
Sloan
The adopted resolution:
RESOLVED:
That Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B expresses its support for the voluntary agreement negotiated between Renal Advantage, Inc. and Commissioner Judi Jones, ANC 4B07.
3) Presentation and Recommendation Vote: Application for New Class C Tavern Liquor license – The VIP Room, 6201 Third Street N.W., ABRA 094561
Following a presentation by the owners of the business and questions, comments and discussion from Commissioners and the audience, Commissioner Austin moved that the Commission adopt a resolution protesting the license application. Commissioner Green seconded the motion. Commissioner Wheeler moved to amend the motion to include in the resolution the Commission’s intent to negotiate a settlement agreement with the applicant. Commissioner Jefferson seconded the motion. Following further discussion, Commissioner Wheeler withdrew her motion to amend. On the main motion, the resolution was adopted by roll call vote, 8 yes, 1 no.
The roll call vote:
YES NO ABSTAIN
Green Jones
Wheeler
Grant
Parks
Speaks
Austin
Jefferson
Sloan
Commissioner Wheeler moved that the Commission reconsider the vote on the VIP Room Protest. Commissioner Grant seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9 yes, 0 no.
The second roll call vote on the motion to adopt a resolution protesting the VIP Room application for a Class C Tavern liquor license:
YES NO ABSTAIN
Green
Wheeler
Grant
Parks
Speaks
Austin
Jones
Jefferson
Sloan
The adopted resolution:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B has heard a presentation from the applicant, The V.I.P. Room LLC, ABRA-094561, and has also heard the comments and concerns of constituents regarding this application.
RESOLVED:
That Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B protests the application of the V.I.P. Room, 6201 Third Street N.W., for a new Class C Tavern liquor license on the basis of concerns about adverse effects on the peace, order, and quiet of the community.
4) Presentation and Recommendation Vote: Application for New Class C Restaurant License – La Villa Restaurant, 6115 Georgia Avenue N.W., ABRA 094826
Mr. Isidore Amaya presented his application for a new Class C Restaurant liquor license for La Villa Restaurant. Following discussion and questions, Commissioner Parks moved that the Commission adopt a resolution supporting the application. Commissioner Grant seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
RESOLVED:
That Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B recommends that the application of the La Villa Restaurant, 6115 Georgia Avenue N.W., for a new Class C Restaurant liquor license be approved.
5) Approval Vote: Grant Application from Kids and Culture Camp
Ms. Jania Otey, director of Kids and Culture Camp, presented her application for a grant of $1,050 from the Commission. She stated that the funds would be used to provide scholarships to children of residents within the boundaries of ANC 4B. Following questions and discussion, Commissioner Green moved that the Commission approve the grant application. Commissioner Sloan seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9 yes, 0 no.
6) Presentation and Recommendation Vote: BZA 18791, Application for Special Exception, 5422 Blair Road N.E. – Community Residential Facility and DDOT Public Space Permit Application for Curb Cut
Following a presentation by Community Connections, Inc., the applicant, and extended questions and comments from the Commission and the public, Commissioner Jefferson moved that consideration of this application be postponed to the Commission’s June 23, 2014 public meeting. Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9 yes, 0 no.
7) Presentation and Recommendation Vote: Recommendations Regarding Transit Services at the Takoma Metro Station
Following comments from members of the public and discussion, Commissioner Green moved that the Commission adopt a resolution making recommendations regarding changes in transit services at the Takoma Metro Station. Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9 yes, 0 no.
8)Presentation and Recommendation Vote: Resolution Recommending Actions to Ensure Quality Neighborhood Schools
Mr. Pedro Rubio, representing Commissioner Stephanie Maltz, ANC 2B03, presented a proposed resolution regarding quality neighborhood schools. Following question and discussion, Commissioner Jefferson moved that the Commission adopt a resolution making recommendations. Commissioner Sloan seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
WHEREAS Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) were created to “advise the Council of the District of Columbia, the Mayor, and each executive agency…with respect to all proposed matters of District government policy,” including to education;
WHEREAS the government of the District of Columbia by law is required to give “great weight” to comments from ANCs;
WHEREAS the purpose of the District of Columbia Public Schools’ (DCPS) is “to ensure that every student attends a great school, and that every school meets high standards in all areas that affect student achievement;”
WHEREAS the Deputy Mayor of Education (DME) is currently leading “a comprehensive review of its (the District’s) student assignment policies, including school attendance boundaries and feeder patterns” and is considering student assignment policies that may harm DCPS schools in each community;
WHEREAS ANC 4B recognizes the importance of a quality public education to the health and vitality of to Lamond-Riggs, Manor Park, Riggs Park, Takoma, Fort Stevens Ridge, and to all communities in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS ANC 4B values quality matter-of-right public schools from pre-school through high school and will work to ensure that all residents have access to this option throughout the city;
WHEREAS ANC 4B’s schools at LaSalle Backus, Whittier and Takoma are growing unevenly and changing in line with rapid growth throughout Washington, DC;
WHEREAS DCPS middle grades options are extremely limited in ANC 4B, breaking natural links from elementary to middle to high school in ANC 4B and starving our students of needed public resources;
WHEREAS ANC 4B recognizes that many parents desire clear and predictable pathways through the public school system and would prefer a school within the community;
WHEREAS ANC 4B recognizes that many community schools serve not only students residing within the community but also from other wards.
RESOLVED:
That ANC 4B, along with its ANC colleagues in ANC 1B, ANC 2B, ANC 2F, ANC 3B, ANC 3E, ANC 6E, and other ANCs recommends that DCPS provide access to a system of quality matter-of-right public schools from Pre-Kindergarten (three years old) through Grade 12 for all students.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That ANC 4B recommends that Coolidge High School be the next DCPS high school modernized and given highly effective programs to attract and graduate the college and career-ready students of ANC 4B; and
That the Chair or his designee be authorized to represent ANC 4B on this matter.
9) Recommendation Vote: Application of Appelles, LLC to Establish a Medical Marijuana Cultivation Center at 6523 Chillum Place N.E.
Following extended discussion of the application and the Department of Health’s deadline for comments, Commissioner Sloan moved that the Commission adopt a resolution asking for an extension of the deadline to June 24, 2014. Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (the Commission) takes note of the following:
On May 13, 2014, the Commission received notice from the Department of Health of a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Application from Apelles, LLC, for establishment of a facility at 6523 Chillum Place N.W. The letter providing notice, from Ms. Patricia D’Antonio, Program Manager, Pharmaceutical Control, was dated May 9, 2014 and gave a deadline for comments from the Commission regarding this application of June 9, 2014.
A deadline based on thirty calendar days is inadequate to provide proper review of the application, to hear community comments and concerns, and is contrary to provisions of the D.C. Code governing Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
The Commission’s next public meeting is June 23, 2014.
Commissioner Ron Austin, Chair, addressed a request for an extension of this deadline to June 24, 2014 to Ms. D’Antonio. No response has been received to this request.
In addition, the Applicant has not met with the residents of the affected Single-Member District, ANC 4B07, or Commissioner Judi Jones, who represents that District.
RESOLVED:
That Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B repeats its request for an extension of the deadline for Commission comments on this application to June 24, 2014 for the following reasons:
DC Code §1-309.10(b) provides that “thirty days written notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays of such District government actions or proposed actions. . .” shall be provided to the Commission. The deadline stipulated by Ms. D’Antonio does not comply with this requirement. Thirty days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays in this case would provide a deadline of Monday, June 23, which is the day of the Commission’s June public meeting.
The application is 479 pages. The Commission did not have sufficient time to review it, solicit community comments and concerns, and consider the three points listed in Ms. D’Antonio’s letter (attached) before the May 20th public meeting.
It is in the best interest of the residents represented by the Commission and the Department of Health that the Commission have sufficient time to carefully review and consider this application, receive input from our constituents, and formulate a thoughtful response.
The Commission also requests that the Department of Health provide contact information to us for a representative of Apelles, LLC (Names, phone number(s) and email address) so that we can invite that representative to present their application to the affected Single-Member District and to the Commission at our public meeting. Full consideration of the application requires that the Commission hear the applicant’s presentation of their plans and provide Commissioners and the public a reasonable opportunity to make comments and ask questions.
10) Recommendation Vote: Proposed Construction Loan ($7,990,000.00) from DC Department of Housing and Community Development to Metro Village Apartments, 7052 Spring Place N.W.
Following a presentation by the developer of the project, Commissioner Green moved that the Commission adopt a resolution opposing the proposed construction loan. The motion failed for lack of a second. Following further discussion, Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. Following further discussion and suggested changes, the Commission approved the resolution, 6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain.
The adopted resolution:
RESOLVED:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B reaffirms its support for affordable housing in our community.
The $7,990,000 construction loan requested by the developers of the Metro Village Apartments, to be located at 7051 Spring Place, NW, has the potential to help provide much needed affordable housing.
We are concerned that this project will do very little to address the critical need for housing for families. As currently proposed, 80 percent of Metro Village’s units are studio and one-bedroom apartments, with the remainder, two bedrooms. There are no three-bedroom units.
Therefore, we recommend that the developer provides three-bedroom units equal to ten percent of the total affordable housing units in the project.
Thank you for your consideration.
11) Proposed Mayoral Candidates Forum
Commissioner Sloan advised the Commission that the other Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in Ward Four were very interested in and supportive of organizing a forum for the candidates for Mayor of the District. He moved that the Commission adopt a resolution supporting the forum and authorizing him to work with other ANCs to organize it. Commissioner Green seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
RESOLVED:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B authorizes Commissioner Douglass Sloan, ANC 4B09, to work with a joint committee of all Ward Four Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to plan, organize and stage a Mayoral Forum of candidates for the office of Mayor of the District of Columbia.
Community Concerns
Nineteen people addressed the Commission with concerns or questions:
1) Ms. Linda Gray, ANC 4B07, appealed to the Commission to take a stand against businesses operating on Chillum Place N.E. that do not comply with laws and regulations regarding blight and graffiti.
2) Mr. Joe Radzievich, ANC 4B01,. urged the Commission to vote for proposed resolution 14-0506, which makes recommendations regarding the design of the project.
3) Ms. Mary Sanford, ANC 4B04, expressed concern about the application of Kids and Culture Camp for a grant from the Commission.
4) Minister Chi Mauuso said that there was graffiti on the wall of a building next to her residence that should be removed.
5) Mr. Michael Cotton, ANC 4B06, said he opposed the liquor license application for the VIP Room because it is located in a residential area.
6) [Name inaudible] said she too opposed the VIP room liquor license.
7) Ms. Holly Oliver and her husband, ANC 4B06, stated their opposition to the VIP Room liquor license application.
8) Mr. Charles Osel, ANC 4B08, opposed their application to expand the number of residents in the group home at 5422 Blair Road N.E. to ten because he was concerned about the safety of his family and his neighborhood.
9) Rev. Graylan Hagler, ANC 4B08, expressed his opposition to the application of Community Connections to increase the number of residents in their home at 5422 Blair Road N.E. to ten.
10) Mr. Michael Sindram, ANC 4B02, objected to the scheduling of the Commission’s meeting in conflict with the meeting of ANC 4D because it prevented community input at one or the other meeting.
11) Mr. Clive Kavanaugh, ANC 4B06, stated that he supported the VIP Room liquor license application.
12) Mr. David Hamilton said he supported the VIP Room liquor license application.
13) Ms. Phyllis Staley, ANC 4B06, stated her opposition to the VIP Room liquor license application.
14) Ms. _____ Kavanaugh supported the VIP Room liquor license application.
15) Mr. Calvin Gurley said he supported the VIP Room application.
16) Mr. Jay Ferrari, ANC 4B06, opposed the VIP Room application
17) Ms. Jill Peck, ANC 4B06, opposed the VIP Room liquor license application.
18) [Name inaudible] supported the liquor license application.
19) Ms. Pamela Ellison, ANC 4B06, supported the liquor license application.
Presentations and Reports
1) Commissioner Grant, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s Report
ANC 4B Treasurer’s Report – May 20, 2014
As of April 30, 2014 the Industrial Bank checking account balance was $8,478.92.
Balance – 3/31/14 $ 10,587.25
Income – 4/1/14-4/30/14
Interest $ 0.41
Expenditures – 4/1/14-4/30/14 $ 2,108.74
Ending balance – 4/30/14 $ 8,478.92
The following checks were cashed between 4/1/14 and 4/30/14:
|
Check # |
Amount |
Date Cashed |
Name |
Purpose |
Meeting Approval Date |
|
4898 |
461.70 |
4/4/14 |
James H. Irwin |
Net salary & wages |
2014 budget 2/24/14 |
|
4899 |
461.70 |
4/18/14 |
James H. Irwin |
Net salary & wages |
2014 budget 2/24/14 |
|
4897 |
123.64 |
4/30/14 |
Konica Minolta |
Printing & Copying |
2014 budget 2/24/14 |
|
4902 |
461.70 |
4/30/14 |
James H. Irwin |
Net salary & wages |
2014 budget 2/24/14 |
|
4894 |
600.00 |
4/30/14 |
Jamal’s Takoma Park LLC |
Office rent |
2014 budget 2/24/14 |
2)Approval Vote: FY 2014 Second Quarter Report
Commissioner Green moved that the FY 2014 Second Quarter Financial Report be approved. Commissioner Jefferson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.
3) Commissioner Jefferson, Secretary, presented the draft minutes of the April 28, 2014 regular public meeting. Commissioner Grant moved that the minutes as presented be approved. Commissioner Green seconded the motion. The minutes were adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:48 PM.