District of Columbia Government
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Agenda for April 10, 2014
2nd Thursdays at 7pm, Miner Elementary, 601 15th St., NE
Public Meeting – All Are Welcome to Attend
7:00 pm Call to order
Call of the roll and announce the presence of a quorum
Approve Previous Meeting’s Minutes, Adopt Agenda
7:05 Community Comments (2 minutes each)
7:15 Community Presentation:
Anwar Saleem – H Street Main Street
Presentation on Starburst intersection programming
Presentation on H Street Festival
7:35 Officer Reports:
Chair (2 minutes)
Vice-Chair (2 minutes)
Secretary (2 minutes)
Treasurer (2 minutes) pg.
1. Approve Treasurer’s Report
7:45 Standing Committee Reports:
Community Outreach
1. No report – Committee did not meet.
2. Next meeting – 7 pm, April 21, 2014 (3rd Monday)
7:50 Alcohol Beverage Licensing
1. No report – Committee did not meet.
2. Next meeting – 7 pm, April 15, 2014 (3rd Tuesday)
7:55 Transportation and Public Space Committee
1. Approve committee report.
2. Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT in support of Chupacabra's
application for installation of a bike rack on public space upon receipt of
commitment in writing that the restaurant staff will dispel loiterers from the
location of the bike rack.
3. Recommendation: ANC6A withdraw its opposition to the sidewalk cafe application
by Nomad Hookah Bar upon receipt of written confirmation: 1) that the application
has been amended to reduce sidewalk café capacity to 44 patrons; 2) that the
owner will maintain the adjacent sidewalk area and any adjacent planted areas;
and 3) that the owner will limit hours to those stipulated in the settlement
agreement.
4. Next meeting - 7pm, April 21, 2014 (3rd Monday)
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 1
District of Columbia Government
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Agenda for April 10, 2014
2nd Thursdays at 7pm, Miner Elementary, 601 15th St., NE
Public Meeting – All Are Welcome to Attend
8:10 Economic Development and Zoning
1. Approve committee report.
2. 313 9th Street NE
3. 1511 A Street NE
4. Next meeting – 7 pm, April 16, 2014 (3rd Wednesday)
8:25 New Business
8:30 Single Member District reports (2 minutes each)
8:50 Community Comments Round II, time permitting (2 minutes each)
9:00 Adjourn
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2014
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Minutes
Regular Business Meeting
Miner Elementary School
March 13, 2014
Present: Commissioners Alberti, Holmes, Mahmud, Phillips-Gilbert, Ward, Williams
Absent: Commissioners Hysell, Nauden
The meeting was convened at 7:00 pm.
1. Agenda
The following additions to the agenda were proposed: under the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing
Committee (ABL) Committee: Approve revisions to the standard Settlement Agreement; under
Transportation and Public Space Committee (TPS): Approve Todd Sloves as new Committee Co-Chair;
approve Committee 2014 Mission and Goals. Under New Business: Sahra public space application.
The agenda, as amended, was agreed to without objection.
2. Minutes
The minutes were agreed to without objection.
3. Officers’ Reports
Chair
Mr. Alberti noted that the Rock and Roll Marathon would take place on the following Sunday (March
15, 2014).
He announced that Councilmember Vincent Orange, whose committee has jurisdiction over the
Department of Consumer and Regulation Affairs (DCRA), will hold a meeting with DCRA and the Ward
6 ANC’s to discuss ANC concerns.
He said that at the May 2014 ANC meeting there will be a discussion of the Anacostia River tunnel
storm runoff project.
Finally, he said that the Public Charter School Board (PCSB) had announced approval for eight new
schools, but has no information on which ones might be located in ANC 6A. The PCSB did not provide
the proposed locations which is their customary practice.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Holmes presented the Treasurer’s Report. He reported that the opening balance in the checking
account was $14,763.34 and the savings account balance was $13,717.82. There was a quarterly
allotment from the District of $4,607.82, and an interest payment of $.21 to the savings account.
There were disbursements of $200.00 to Irene Dworakowski for the February 2014 agenda package
(Check #1632); $23.42 for travel reimbursement for Jay Williams (Check #1636); $180.00 to Roberta
Weiner for transcription of the February 2014 ANC minutes (Check #1639); $30.00 for a stop check fee
for a lost check to WebHST; $15.00 for a wire transfer fee; and $169.47 for FedEx Office for February
2014 statement (Check #1634), leaving a balance of $19,371.16 in the checking account, and
$13,718.03 in the savings account.
Motion: Mr. Holmes moved/Mr. Williams seconded a motion to accept the disbursements. The motion
passed unanimously.
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2014
Motion: Mr. Holmes moved/Mr. Alberti seconded a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as
presented. The motion passed without objection.
4. Committee Reports
Alcoholic Beverage Licensing
The report of the Committee was accepted without objection.
The Committee met without a quorum. The resolutions below come from the Committee chair.
1427 H Street NE – Halftime Sports Bar
Motion: Mr. Williams moved/Mr. Holmes seconded a motion that ANC 6A formally protest the CT
license application for the Halftime Sports Bar, 1427 H Street NE, unless a signed Settlement
Agreement is submitted to the ANC prior to the protest date. Mr. Williams is given the authority to
sign the agreement in behalf of the ANC. The motion passed 5-0-1, with Mrs. Phillips-Gilbert
abstaining.
914 H Street NE - Andy Lee Liquor
Motion: Mr. Williams moved/Mr. Mahmud seconded a motion that ANC 6A formally protest the Class
A Retailer license application for Andy Lee Liquors, 914 H Street NE, unless a signed Settlement
Agreement is submitted to the ANC prior to the protest date. The motion passed 5-0-1, with Mrs.
Phillips-Gilbert abstaining.
Modifications to Settlement Agreement
Motion: Mr. Williams moved/Mr. Mahmud seconded a motion to accept certain deletions to the
standard Settlement Agreement. The motion passed unanimously 5-0-1 with Mrs. Phillips-Gilbert
abstaining.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Mr. Williams reported that ANC 6A had been notified that day that the Alcoholic Beverage Control
(ABC) Board had issued its decision on the ANC’s protest of Ben’s Chili Bowl’s license. The order
states that the outdoor areas (rooftop and Tenth (10th) Street sidewalk café) of this new H Street
establishment would be required to close at 11:00 pm during the week and at 12:00 am on Friday and
Saturday. He thanked Mr. Holmes and Mr. Mahmud for their exceptional efforts in accomplishing the
change.
XII
It was reported that someone was stabbed at about 2:00 am at XII on a recent Saturday morning. The
victim is okay, but the establishment was closed for 96 hours and the ABC Board will hold a Summary
Suspension hearing within the next week.
Transportation and Public Space
The report of the Committee was accepted without objection
Motion: Mr. Mahmud moved/Mr. Holmes seconded a motion to name Todd Sloves as co-chair of the
Transportation and Public Space Committee. The motion passed without objection.
Motion: The committee moved/Mr. Mahmud seconded a motion to accept the Goals of the Committee
for 2014. The motion passed without objection.
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2014
Economic Development and Zoning
The report of the Committee was accepted without objection.
819 D Street NE
Motion: The Committee moved/Mr. Alberti seconded a motion that the ANC accept its
recommendation to write a letter to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) in support of
design approval for the conversion of the church and two rowhouses at 819 D Street NE into a 30-unit
residential development (HPA 14-180), provided that the developer incorporates HPRB’s pending
comments into its design prior to its March 27, 2014 hearing.
Mr. Holmes moved that the motion be amended to list the specific points to be modified: 1) no new
window cuts are created on the Ninth (9th) Street or D Street sides of the building; 2) all stained glass
is preserved; 3) HVAC units are not visible from the street; 4) any new third levels added onto the row
houses are not visible from the street; 5) any roof deck structure or deck furniture on either the row
houses or the church building are not visible from the street; and 6) the interior space of the church
tower is not visible from the street if the existing louvers are modified. The amendment pass passed
6-0-0. The motion as amended passed 6-0-0.
Motion: Mr. Holmes moved/Mr. Alberti seconded a motion to include himself and Mr. Dan Golden as
designated representatives of the ANC on this matter. The motion as amended passed 6-0-0.
504 12th Street NE
Motion: The Committee moved/Mr. Alberti seconded a motion that the ANC accept the Committee’s
recommendation to send a letter to the BZA in support of special exceptions from the lot occupancy
and a variance to the court width requirements for 504 12th Street NE, in connection with a rear
addition to the existing structure (BZA 18755). The motion passed unanimously, 6-0-0.
5. New Business
Anacostia River Sediment Project
Dan Smith, of the Anacostia Watershed Society, reported on a study now being undertaken by the
District Department of the Environment (DDOE) to investigate contaminants in the river sediments
and determine a clean-up plan. Certain documents — a Work Plan for the project, and a Community
Involvement Plan — have been released, and the goal of the coalition supporting the study is now
urging that a Community Advisory Group (CAG) be appointed, and that plans be finalized by 2017.
Motion: Mr. Ward moved/Mr. Williams seconded a motion to send a letter to DDOE and the Mayor
urging the appointment of a Community Advisory Group (CAG), and that the clean-up be expedited
and be in process by 2017. The motion passed 6-0-0.
Sahra
Sahra has applied for a public space permit. They agreed to come to the Transportation and Public
Space Committee on March 16, 2014, which means that the issue will not come before the full ANC
until after the DDOT Public Space hearing on March 25, 2014. Mr. Williams stated that there should
be a letter from the ANC saying that if the owners do not agree to move the Public Space hearing
back a month, the Commission will oppose the application based on concerns that the size and
location will have a negative effect on the surrounding community.
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2014
Motion: Mr. Williams moved/Mr. Alberti seconded a motion to conditionally oppose Sahra’s Public
Space application unless it agrees to postpone its hearing, and to recommend that the café operate
no later than 11:00 pm on weekdays and 12:00 am on Saturday and Sunday and that the total
occupancy be limited to 44 patrons. The motion passed 5-1-0 with Ms. Phillips-Gilbert in opposition.
6. SMD Reports
Mrs. Phillips-Gilbert reported that she attended the Bureau of Zoning Authority (BZA) hearing for
1717 E Street NE in her Single Member District (SMD), and spoke with the BZA Chair about the
possibility of conducting training for ANC Commissioners. She attended a meeting of the Business
Advisory Council of the Eastern High School Health and Medical Academy, and provided them with an
ANC 6A grant application. She made phone calls for a broken sign pole, sidewalk repairs and to
request additional trash receptacles at the Rosedale Recreation Center. Finally, she is organizing a
Community Watch meeting in April 2014.
Mr. Holmes reported that the signs he requested for Tenth (10th) Street NE and Massachusetts Avenue
NE are being installed. He said that 700 Constitution Avenue NE has a new owner. It will be a 143-
unit building, and while it is a by-right project there will be historic preservation issues involved.
Finally, he said that the zoning rewrite is in deep trouble and may not be going anywhere.
Mr. Mahmud thanked Mr. Holmes and Mr. Williams again for their work on Ben’s Chili Bowl and
reported that bike lanes are on tap for G and I Streets NE and they will be striped as soon as it gets
warm.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
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Commission Letters of April 10, 2014 Meeting
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Commission Letters of April 10, 2014 Meeting
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Commission Letters of April 10, 2014 Meeting
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Commission Letters of April 10, 2014 Meeting
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Commission Letters of April 10, 2014 Meeting
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Officer Reports – Treasurer
ANC 6A Treasurer’s Report
Period Covered - 3/01/14 - 3/31/14
Checking Account, balance forwarded $14,197.53
Disbursements:
02/13/2014 Check 1638: DC Treasurer, security, not yet cashed $126.12
03/11/2014 Check 1641: I. Dworakowski, 3/14/14 $200.00
03/11/2014 Check 1642: E. Nelson, reimburse, 3/24/14 $178.20
03/13/2014 Check 1643: R. Weiner, transcript, 4/01/14 $180.00
03/13/2014 Check 1644: Blick, Maury Elem. art supplies, 3/31/14 $755.48
03/24/2014 Check 1645: FedEx printing, 3/31/14 $194.60
03/13/2014 Check 1646: USPS PO Box, 4/03/14 $342.00
Total disbursements $1,976.40
Balance on March 1 $14,197.53
Checks written -$1,976.40
Balance on March 31 $12,221.13
Receipts:
Transfer, quarterly allotment $4,607.82
1-2717169137: adjust erroneous wire charge $15.00
Total receipts $4,622.82
Total funds available (minus un-cashed check for $126.12) $16,843.95
Checking account balance (with un-cashed check for $126.12) $16,970.07
Savings Account
Balance on March 1 $13,718.03
03/31/2014 Interest Earned $0.23
Balance on March 31 $13,718.26
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Officer Reports – Treasurer
Petty Cash Summary
Balance forwarded, March 1 $25.00
Ending balance, March 31 $25.00
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Committee Reports
Community Outreach Committee (COC)
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee
No report. Committee did not meet in March 2014.
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
ANC 6A Alcohol Beverage and Licensing Committee
No report. Committee did not meet in March 2014.
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
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Committee Reports
Alcohol Beverage and Licensing (ABL)
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Committee Reports
Transportation and Public Space (TPS)
ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting Minutes
Sherwood Recreation Center (10th Street and G Street NE)
March 15, 2013 at 7:00 pm
I. Call meeting to order at 7:05 pm
II. Introductions
A. In attendance were committee members ANC6A Commissioner Omar Mahmud (Co-chair),
Todd Sloves (Co-chair), Benjamin Rosset, Lara Levison and Delania Hardy; ANC6A Chairman
Commissioner Nick Alberti, ANC6A Commissioner David Holmes. Of those with business
before the committee: Representatives for DC Streetcar; Jason Martin of Chupacabra; Mr.
Anise of Nomad Hookah Bar, Cynthia Sims on behalf of Nomad Hookah Bar (formerly Sahra);
residents of 1100 block of Maryland Avenue.
III. Community Comment
A. None
IV. Announcements
A. Co-chairman Mahmud announced an upcoming public meeting on the Florida Avenue Corridor
multimodal transportation study. Co-chairmen Mahmud and Sloves encouraged community
attendance. They explained the goals of the study and answered a few questions on the
scope of the study.
B. Update from DC Streetcar team
Mr. Thomas Perry, in charge of construction, thanked the Committee and ANC6A for
supporting extended quiet work hours to install overhead wires. It was key to meeting their
milestone. The project is now in functional acceptance testing, identifying any issues that
need to be addressed. The next phase will be systems integration testing. Afterward, they
will put out a Request for Quote (RFQ) for the rest of the twenty-two (22) mile system.
Commissioner Alberti asked when the streetcars will begin moving, anticipating complaints
from motorists.
Mr. Perry responded that streetcars will be going up and down the street for testing as early
as Friday, March 28, 2014.
Mr. Perry also said the Twelfth (12th) Street substation will be getting its brick façade by the
week of March 31, 2014.
Commissioner Alberti asked when traffic would revert to normal arrangement on the
Hopscotch bridge.
Mr. Perry indicated that will happen once testing is over.
With regard to revenue service, Mr. Perry would not commit to anything better than full
operations within 2014. He stated that winter weather set things back.
V. New Business
A. Request by Chupacabra Latin Kitchen/Taqueria (822 H Street NE) to install bike racks on
public space adjacent to sidewalk café
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Committee Reports
Transportation and Public Space (TPS)
1. Co-chairman Mahmud gave background on Chupacabra’s previous requests for public
space and concerns of neighbors.
2. Mr. Martin gave a presentation on the proposal to install the bike rack at the north
edge of his current sidewalk café.
3. Discussion: Mr. Mahmud indicated that a bike rack was not the Committee’s original
idea of a noise buffer. Commissioner Holmes asked if people were likely to congregate
near the bike rack. Mr. Martin responded no. Commissioner Holmes asked if Mr. Martin
would commit in writing that his staff will dispel any loiterers from that area, given its
proximity to neighbors. Mr. Martin agreed.
4. Co-chairman Mahmud offered a motion, seconded by Co-chairman Sloves, that the
Committee recommend that ANC6A send a letter of support to DDOT if Chupacabra
provides a written commitment that the restaurant staff will dispel loiterers from
the location of the bike rack. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Request by Nomad Hookah Bar (formerly Sahra Lounge) (1200 H Street NE) to install a
sidewalk café on public space adjacent to the property.
1. Mr. Mahmud provided background on the public space request process and explained
that the Committee and ANC6A would have to protest the request because the
Committee was not given enough time to formally weigh in and that Nomad would not
postpone their hearing with DDOT. He also explained history involving Sahra’s illegally-
operated sidewalk café.
2. Mr. Anise gave a presentation to the Committee on the public space proposal, the
designs for which were shared with others in attendance.
3. Discussion: Mr. Alberti asked if Nomad has signed an ABRA Settlement Agreement. Mr.
Anise and Ms. Sims confirmed that they had. Mr. Alberti asked if Nomad would consider
limiting their application to a maximum capacity of forty-four (44) patrons in the
sidewalk café. Mr. Anise consented. Mr. Tony Gray of Wylie Street voiced his opposition
to the proposal. Mr. Alberti recommended ANC6A send a follow-up letter if the owner
agrees to the stated concessions in writing.
4. Mr. Mahmoud offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Sloves, that ANC6A withdraw its
opposition to the application conditioned upon receipt in writing from Nomad a
promise to reduce sidewalk café capacity to 44 patrons, maintain the adjacent
sidewalk area and any tree boxes clean and limit hours to those stipulated in the
settlement agreement. Motion agreed to unanimously.
C. Request by residents for support concerning alley repair/repaving requests. 1100 block of
Maryland Avenue NE/1100 block of E Street NE.
1. Presentation by Nick Losurdo, joined by several other residents of the block. The alley
has not been repaved since sometime before 1978 (per neighbor Craig), and the
condition is terrible – “third world conditions.” The driveways are deteriorating into
the alley, trash isn’t collected properly, which attracts rats, holes full of water which
breed mosquitoes, and the overall poor condition which attract criminal activity. Mr
Losurdo and other neighbors have made many requests to the city government and
Councilmember Wells for repair, but to no avail. In 2011, Mr. Losurdo was told the
alley had been put on the list for repair in 2013. The repairs were then pushed to
2014, and again to 2015. Stacey Leavandosky of 1101 Maryland Avenue NE noted that
the branch of the alley from Eleventh (11th) Street doesn’t have a curb cut, has a
“grassy knoll,” and can’t be returned to functioning alley status. Commissioner Holmes
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Committee Reports
Transportation and Public Space (TPS)
2. stated that the City sets aside about $3 million per ward for alleys, which doesn’t go
very far.
3. Mr. Mahmud agreed to talk to the Ward 6 Coordinator in the Mayor’s office, ask him to
do a walk through, and see if the Mayor’s office can make a push.
D. Consideration of a new Capital Bikeshare station location originally planned for 12th Street
NE and H Street NE in the proximity of the streetcar electrical substation.
1. Neighbor Stacey Leavandosky proposed placing the station in the triangle at Maryland
Avenue NE, Tenth (10th) Street NE and D Street NE.
2. Commissioner Holmes stated that there is already partial funding for that
site. Discussion of ideas for locations will continue at the next TPS Committee
meeting.
VI. Additional Community Comment was omitted.
VII. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Next Scheduled TPS Committee Meeting
Monday, April 21, 2014
7:00-8:30 PM
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Economic Development and Zoning Committee
ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee
7:00-9:00 PM, Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Sherwood Recreation Center (640 10th Street, NE), Second (2nd) Floor Community Room
Present:
Members: Dan Golden (Chairman), Missy Boyette, Michael Hoenig, Stephanie Frang, Brian Carlson,
Charmaine Josiah.
Commissioners: David Holmes
Community Comment
There were no community comments at the beginning of the meeting.
Status Reports
Resolution of Previously Heard BZA/HPA Cases: ANC 6A voted to recommend Historic Preservation
Review Board (HPRB) approval of 819 D Street NE, contingent on the incorporation into the design of the
comments by the Historic Preservation Office (HPO). The owner of 819 D Street NE received comments
from one reviewer at the Office of Planning. Comments included: request for no new window cuts on D
or Ninth (9th) Streets; requirement for all stained glass to be preserved; request for HVAC units and
porches on the third (3rd) floor of townhomes to not be visible from the street, as well as the interior of
the church tower to not be visible from the street.
ANC voted to recommend BZA approval for 504 12th Street NE. Owner does need a variance for court
width, which ED&Z committee had noted in the February meeting.
Vacant Properties: Chairman Golden provided an update on 1737 F Street NE, which a resident had
complained about. Chairman Golden contacted the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
(DCRA) and determined that the property is presently classified as blighted.
Zoning Regulations Rewrite: No update
H Street Business Liaison Report/AIA Training Session: No update
Other: No additional items
Old Business
Murry's Redevelopment (616 H Street, N.E.): Trent Smith of Insight Property Group gave a brief
presentation on the current status. The Developer is closing on the Self Storage building within a week
and will ideally vacate Murry's late summer 2014 and start construction in fall 2014. The best case
scenario looks to be the delivery of the new building at the end of 2016. Mr. Smith provided an update of
the building elevation for the Whole Foods Market. He also stated that they are making some tweaks
with the Zoning Administrator related to setbacks and to the finalization of the penthouse sizes and
locations. To date, the Planned Unit Development (PUD) has been approved and the alley closure has
been approved.
1300 H Street, NE (R.L. Christian Library Site): Ben from Rise Development presented an update on the
parking issue. Last month he presented a proposal to the ED&Z Committee for developing off-site
parking locations, including a proposal to pave and utilize the vacant lot across 13th Street (where a
community garden is now located) for parking that was not well-received by the community members
present. The developer and City are now looking into limiting Residential Parking Permits (RPPs) and
contemplating that RPPs would be withheld from 18 to 20 units. Chairman Golden stated that the
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Economic Development and Zoning Committee
developer agrees that the goal would be a net neutral impact on neighborhood parking relative to what
Rise had originally proposed when their project was recommended to the Mayor’s office by the ANC.
Thus, RPPs would be withheld from a number of units that would account both for the reduction in on-
site parking resulting from the decision not to go forward with the underground parking garage and for
the additional units resulting from the developer’s new plan to go up to five stories.
New Business
313 9th Street, NE (HPA #14-224): Applicant is seeking HPRB approval for a rear addition. Owner
purchased the 1840's home 7 years ago. The proposal is for a 2-story addition which would bring the size
of the house from 700 sq ft to about 1400 sq ft. The existing porch off the back of the house is not
heated. The proposed design would remove the porch and add to the back of the home in a similar
configuration to the neighbor, with a standing seam tin roof and hardi-board parti wall. The home is 6
1/2 feet from the side property line. Owner stated that she is not seeking any variances and that the
neighbors have seen the proposed plans.
Committee member Missy Boyette asked whether the height of the proposed addition is to be the same as
the neighbor. Owner responded affirmatively. Owner also clarified that the existing house is clad in
stucco and that there is a grade change from front to back. Committee member Boyette asked whether
there is a full basement. Owner responded that there is a full basement and that there will be no
additional excavation at the addition.
The Committee made a motion to recommend that the ANC write a letter to HPRB expressing support for
the design of the proposed two (2) story addition. Motion was seconded. Motion was approved in vote
6:0.
1511 A Street NE: Chairman Golden explained that neighbors of this property have found records online
at DCRA’s website indicating that building plans have been filed at DCRA for a conversion of this building
into an 18-unit apartment building which would appear to exceed the minimum 900 square feet per
residential unit requirement for apartment conversions in an R-4 zone. However, the western half of the
subject block is zoned C-2-A, so it is not an R-4 zoned property and therefore the 900 square feet per
unit requirement does not apply. A search online for this address indicates two lots. The first lot
features an existing row house and fronts on the street. The second lot is located immediately behind it
and has a large garage structure. There does not appear to be a pending zoning application for the
project on file, and Chairman Golden has left phone messages for the property agent. The owner listed
is "57th Street Mews, Inc.". Chairman Golden stated that the zoning requirements for commercial use do
dictate a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.5 for residential uses. Chairman Golden stated that the
FAR requirement as well as the parking space requirement (one (1) space per two (2) units, which in this
case would be a requirement for nine (9) parking spaces) could come into play. Chairman Golden
suggested that a letter to the Zoning Administrator could be helpful in bringing this to the zoning office's
attention.
Community comments were heard. One community member asked whether, if one lot is zoned as a
garage, the owner is allowed to combine the lots. Chairman Golden responded that this could be
included in the letter. Community member expanded on this issue by asking about the process for
combining two lots and, specifically, whether that review goes before the BZA. Chairman Golden stated
that the process for combining lots is a subdivision and that, yes, BZA review would occur. Chairman
Golden suggested that the Zoning Administrator be asked to confirm that this is by-right.
Chairman Golden received an email from a neighbor requesting that ANC6A take a look at how this block
is zoned. Chairman Golden stated that this may be a long term goal for this block, to look at blocks
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Economic Development and Zoning Committee
throughout residential areas of the ANC zoned C-2-A that should be zoned R-4. Community member
asked about this process. Commissioner David Holmes stated that ANC6A has been through the rezoning
process before and can look into it. Chairman Golden suggested that those portions of the block not
fronting East Capitol Street could be moved out of C-2-A to R-4 (upzoned) and that the properties
fronting East Capitol Street could remain as C-2-A. Commissioner Holmes pointed out that rezoning from
C-2-A to R-4 can cause properties to lose value.
Additional questions were asked by Committee/Community members. One community member asked
whether the owner would be allowed to demolish the house. Chairman Golden responded that they could
and that the structure was not within the Historic District, but that the owner would not be able to
leverage the existing structure if it is razed (i.e., preventing the existing features of the structure from
being grandfathered). Committee member Boyette inquired as to whether there was a raze permit
application. Commissioner Holmes responded that there is no raze permit for the property. Committee
member Boyette asked whether the lot is interior to the block. Neighbor responded that the subject
property is along an alley at the side and is wider than typical lot at the side.
Regarding the lot, a neighbor explained that DC records have a distinction between tax lot and record
lot. This will likely need to be rectified at the level of the Office of the Surveyor. Chairman Golden
stated that the DC property search website references lots 0802 and 0803 as well as a reference to lot
0011 (both parcels), but that the tax records website only shows lots 0802 and 0803.
Commissioner Holmes explained that the existing permit on the property is for demolition and was a
postcard permit. He asked what is going on in terms of work on the property right now; neighbor
responded that scope of work that has been observed has been limited to interior demolition.
Regarding sending a letter, Commissioner Holmes stated that the Zoning Administrator has to respond.
Neighbor inquired as to whether the developer has to tell anyone about what they intend to do.
Chairman Golden responded by saying that they are not required to if it is by-right development, but that
if the owner/developer needs zoning relief, they would have to go through the BZA and that the BZA
would give great weight to an ANC recommendation. The BZA application process also involves
notification of neighbors.
Neighbors inquired as to the best way to know the status of tracking this project. Commissioner Holmes
stated that if the property goes through BZA, a neighborhood group should attend the hearing.
Committee member Boyette suggested calling 311 to report any activity that is illegal or suspicious.
Margaret Holwill suggested that neighbors keep diaries of activities that go on related to this property.
Commissioner Holmes suggested the Property Information Verification System (PIVS) of DC
(www.pivs.dcra.dc.gov) as a website that provides up-to=date records and photos of permits on DC
properties.
The committee made two motions:
1. Motion to recommend that the ANC write a letter to the Office of Planning to recommend that the
properties on the western half of the block not fronting on East Capitol Street be upzoned to R-4 from
C-2-A. Motion was seconded. Motion was approved in vote 6-0.
2. Motion to recommend that the ANC write a letter to the Zoning Administrator calling to his attention
that the proposed development at 1511 A Street NE contemplates eighteen (18) residential units,
expressing concern as to how the developer plans to achieve that level of density without zoning
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 27
Economic Development and Zoning Committee
relief with respect to FAR and on-site parking, and requesting that the Zoning Administrator
investigate. Motion was seconded. Motion was approved in vote 6-0.
H Street Signage Guidelines: Chairman Golden explained that Commissioner Omar Mahmud
recommended that the ED&Z Committee take on the issue of signage guidelines for H Street while the
application for zoning relief for 1362 H Street was before the ANC. Committee member Boyette
presented some draft ideas related to how to set up guidelines that encourage creativity for business
owners but that define a certain set of criteria that can help the Committee to review and either approve
or reject signage that is proposed. Committee member Boyette provided some examples of signage from
the Chinatown area, specifically different types of signage (building-mounted, painted, 3-D "standing"
letters, lighted, etc.) for consideration. The Committee discussed taking a survey of good examples of
signage that exists to date on H Street and expanding on the draft that was presented as a guideline
document.
Additional Community Comment
At the end of the meeting, Dana Wyckoff inquired about the recent application for a use variance by the
developer at 1717 E Street NE. Specifically, she was concerned about the conditions the ANC attached to
its recommendation of approval by BZA, that the property owner would hire local residents for
construction and grounds maintenance and make a donation to a youth organization. The woman felt
that the term "youth organization" is amorphous and that there is no way to be sure that local residents
will be hired. Chairman Golden stated that he attended the meeting between the developer and the
community and that the residents were willing to give some RPPs back but wanted local employment
opportunities and support for their youth group in return. The EDZ draft letter to the ANC for this
application identified these conditions for the ANC’s recommendation of its approval. The question was
raised as to whether this is a precedent that can be set. Chairman Golden stated that when the issue got
to the level of the BZA hearing, the BZA stated that these were not zoning-related conditions.
Committee member Michael Hoenig stated that the Committee can encourage the community to work
things out "on the side" with the developer in a manner that does not implicate ANC approval based on
non-zoning-related conditions. For example, this occurred with the Valor project, where a local
community group formed and dealt directly with the developer. Ms. Wyckoff stated that she wants to
see a legal and logical way that a community group can require hiring local workers and providing
donations to a 503(c)(3). Chairman Golden stated that there probably needs to be some reasonable
relationship between zoning concerns and the condition imposed. Commissioner Holmes said that there
is precedent for the labor agreement.
At the end of the meeting, community member inquired as to whether, in the case of 1300 H Street NE,
the ability to enforce RPPs exists. Chairman Golden stated that the BZA has started approving these
cases where limits on RPPs are set. Commissioner Holmes pointed out that we have no direct experience
with this issue in ANC 6A yet, and that the ED&Z Committee just heard the first case recently where this
was proposed (819 D St NE). Dan said he will look into the enforceability of limiting RPPs.
Next Scheduled ED&Z Committee Meeting:
Wednesday, April 23, 2013
7:00-9:00 PM
640 10th St NE
Sherwood Recreation Center, 2nd Floor
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 28
Economic Development and Zoning Committee
April XX, 2014
Ms. Gretchen Pfaehler, Chair
Historic Preservation Review Board
Office of Planning
1100 Fourth Street, SW, Suite E650
Washington, DC 20024
Re: HPA # 14-224 (313 9th Street, NE)
Dear Ms. Pfaehler,
At a regularly scheduled and properly noticed meeting1 on April 10, 2014, our Commission voted X-X-X
(with 5 Commissioners required for a quorum) to support the design of the proposed rear addition at 313
9th Street, NE.
The applicant proposes to construct a two-story addition at the rear of the existing building, removing
the existing back porch and building out the existing structure in a manner similar to the rear of a
neighboring property. There are no zoning issues with this proposal. The ANC supports the proposal and
believes it will provide an aesthetically pleasing fit with the remainder of the block.
Please be advised that Nicholas Alberti, Andrew Hysell, and Daniel Golden are authorized to act on behalf
On Behalf of the Commission,
Nicholas Alberti
Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
1
ANC 6A meetings are advertised electronically on the
[email protected], ANC-6A and NewHillEast
yahoogroups, on the Commission’s website, and through print advertisements in the Hill Rag.
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 29
Economic Development and Zoning Committee
April XX, 2014
Ms. Rosalynn Hughey, Interim Director
Office of Planning
1100 Fourth Street, SW, Suite E650
Washington, DC 20024
Re: Square 1070 (East Capitol, 15th, A, and 16th Streets, NE)
Dear Ms. Hughey,
At a regularly scheduled and properly noticed meeting2 on April 10, 2014, our Commission voted X-X-X
(with 5 Commissioners required for a quorum) to request that the Office of Planning consider rezoning
the majority of the western half of Square 1070, which is bounded by East Capitol Street to the south,
15th Street to the west, A Street to the north, and 16th Street to the east. Notwithstanding the fact that
the only commercial establishments contained in the Square are those fronting on East Capitol Street to
the south, the entirety of the western half of Square 1070 is currently zoned C-2-A. We request that
those portions of the Square not fronting on East Capitol Street be rezoned to R-4, so that the block may
maintain its residential character and remain in keeping with the surrounding area.
Several residents of this Square recently have expressed concern regarding the possibility of its
commercial development and resulting additional density and increased vehicle traffic. We note that
under the current C-2-A zoning regime, new construction may occur up to fifty feet in height by right and
there is no requirement that there be at least 900 square feet of lot size for each residential unit, as
would be the case in an R-4 zone. Such development would detract from the quiet, residential character
of the Square, which consists almost exclusively of traditional two-story row homes. We agree that this
action is warranted to secure the continued quiet, residential character of the neighborhood and to
prevent the increased vehicle traffic that will result from the type of development that is permitted in a
C-2-A zone.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. I can be contacted at
[email protected].
On Behalf of the Commission,
Nicholas Alberti
Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
2
ANC 6A meetings are advertised electronically on the
[email protected], ANC-6A and NewHillEast
yahoogroups, on the Commission’s website, and through print advertisements in the Hill Rag.
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 30
Economic Development and Zoning Committee
April XX, 2014
Mr. Matthew Le Grant
Zoning Administrator
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
1100 Fourth Street, SW, Room 3102
Washington, DC 20024
Re: Notice to ZA of Potential Zoning Violation (1511 A Street, NE)
Dear Mr. LeGrant,
At a regularly scheduled and properly noticed meeting3 on April 10, 2014, our Commission voted X-X-X
(with 5 Commissioners required for a quorum) to request that you investigate planned construction at
1511 A Street, NE that appears to have the potential to result in violations of the zoning code.
A search of the subject address at DCRA’s website lists building permit B1307755 as having been filed for
the property on June 12, 2013. Under the heading “Elevator Review,” the website states: “Elevator
Review Approved. New elevator in 18 unit APT bldg.” Under the heading “Fire Review,” the website
states “Fire Review Approved. Plans approved as noted. 18 unit APT.” It therefore appears that the
owner contemplates developing the property with an eighteen unit apartment building. In addition,
under the heading “Zoning Review,” the website states “Zoning Review – HFC. PREVIOUS COMMENTS NOT
ADDRESSED.” We are unaware of any zoning application having been filed in connection with this
address.
The D.C. real property assessment database indicates that the address in question, 1511 A Street, NE,
consists of two record lots. The first, Lot 1070 0802 (“Lot 1”), has a listed area of 3,784 square feet and
is improved with a rowhouse that fronts on A Street. The second, Lot 1070 0803 (“Lot 2”), has a listed
area of 2,152 square feet and is improved with a garage-like structure that fronts only on the interior
alley of the block. Lot 2 is located immediately at the rear of Lot 1. Both Lots are located in the
western half of square 1070, which is zoned C-2-A.
Several neighbors have contacted us expressing concerns regarding the density and impact on parking of
the proposed project. Although a FAR of 2.5 for residential projects is permitted for these lots under the
present zoning regime, it is unclear that the proposed project can comply with that limitation given that
it appears to contemplate 18 residential units on a total lot size of less than 6,000 square feet.
Moreover, the developer also will be responsible for locating no fewer than nine parking spots on site.
We therefore ask that you investigate the proposed construction at this address and determine whether
any zoning relief is required. I would appreciate a response regarding this issue at your earliest
On Behalf of the Commission,
Nicholas Alberti
Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A
Enclosure
3
ANC 6A meetings are advertised electronically on the
[email protected], ANC-6A and NewHillEast
yahoogroups, on the Commission’s website, and through print advertisements in the Hill Rag.
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 31
New Business
ANC 6A Agenda Package | April 2014 | For more information go to www.anc6a.org. 32