District Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Neil Albert appeared before ANC 6D to speak about the many projects in Southwest/Near Southeast for which his office is responsible, particularly the large developments that previously were being handled by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation (AWC) and the National Capital Revitalization Corporation (NCRC) that were recently absorbed by the deputy mayor’s office.

He began by saying that all the projects to be undertaken around the waterfront areas will maintain the environmental standards put into place by the AWC, and they will be included in any requests for proposals issued by his office. Albert said the waterfront redevelopment buildings would be LEED Silver certified, and he emphasized that the job development and training programs put into place by AWC to train and employ Southwest residents would continue to move forward.

Albert stated his priority is to maintain an affordable housing goal of 30 percent for all local housing developments, including Southwest waterfront projects and the residential buildings at waterfront (the former Waterfront Mall). He also assured the commission that the affordable units will be distributed throughout mixed-income buildings, rather than segregated into separate structures; and the residential buildings at waterfront that were to be developed by NCRC will be built by a private developer through an RFP issued by his office.

While construction will begin at the waterfront project within four months, Albert reported that the waterfront redevelopment will not get under way until the first quarter of 2010, beginning with the Fish Market and Seventh Street SW, and will be completed by 2015. Until that time, his office will be involved in completing a Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) necessary before a planned unit development (PUD) can be granted for the massive project. Albert’s office is currently negotiating with the restaurants and hotel that now line the waterfront about their futures, as the massive structures now cutting off access to the channel will be removed. The master developers of the waterfront area are in the design phase of the project and are discussing the option of having a separate marina to house the current “live-aboards” at the Gangplank Marina.

Albert addressed concerns by residents of the three public housing developments in the area – Greenleaf Gardens, Syphax Houses and James Creek – assuring them that they would not be displaced in the course of the area’s redevelopment, and said he wanted to meet with neighborhood residents to talk about the future of low-income and affordable housing in Southwest/Near Southeast.

Albert also discussed the relocation of the First District Police headquarters, which is to be displaced by the construction of MPD’s Consolidated Forensic Laboratory. Albert said that the mayor is committed to keeping the station in Southwest, and an announcement of its proposed location should be made before the end of the year.

He also reported that the Shuttle Bug, the bus that will circulate around the Waterfront construction area, is currently in negotiation with the project’s developers over its cost, which is projected to be $500,000 over the five years until the project is complete. While the District is willing to pay its share, Albert believes the developers also have a responsibility to the community as well.

He said he was anxious to participate in discussions about baseball parking and to meet with local residents to discuss, as well as public and affordable housing, such key issues as neighborhood-serving retail and the disruption that will be caused by the new stadium.

National Marathon
Representatives of the National Marathon, which will be held March 29, appeared before the commission to ask for ANC support for the event.  Because last year’s race route, through M Street in two directions, disrupted the community, the organizers presented a new route which comes across the Frederick Douglass Bridge, down Potomac Avenue and P Street to Water Street. They also presented information on a youth running program, which will be organized through local recreation centers, including King-Greenleaf in Southwest. Concern was expressed that the race route still goes through residential streets, denying access and egress to local residents for the three hours the race will be taking place. The commission voted, however, by a narrow margin—3-2-2—to support the race, and will work to mitigate the problems with the route.

Baseball Stadium Liquor License
Volume Services Inc., which will provide food and drink for the new baseball stadium through CenterPlate, has applied for a CX Arena license to cover its service of alcoholic beverages at the stadium. The license covers everything from the stadium’s two restaurants to food and drink kiosks to service in boxes and individual seats. The hearing will be Jan. 2. The attorney for Volume Services explained that the hours on the application, which extend from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., are meant to cover all eventualities, and no event would probably extend to the early morning. The commission requested that the applicant return to the December meeting with a Nationals representative to clarify the ramifications of the license application.

Resolution on Rezoning
The ANC unanimously passed a resolution urging the mayor, the Office of Planning and the deputy mayor for economic development to include the participation of ANC commissioners in any task force or commission organized to work on the development of a new zoning map for the District. The rezoning, which is scheduled to take place as a result of the District’s recently passed new comprehensive plan, will have significant impact on the future of the Southwest/Near Southeast community. The resolution points out that the input of local commissioners is vital to the success of the project.

Other Items
The Commission heard the following reports:

1. The Zoning Commission hearing on the Corcoran Gallery/Randall School project has been continued to Dec. 6, when ANC 6C will testify, as the original hearing was taken up with a discussion of problems with the development’s design.

2. As an early result of the community benefits package the ANC negotiated with the Corcoran Gallery, it was announced that the Corcoran will hold a Randall Neighbors’ Day Dec. 28, with free admission to the gallery for local residents. The Corcoran School is also seeking Southwest/Near Southeast applicants – and donors – for scholarships to its art program.

3. The attorney for H2O unsuccessfully attempted to have the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board dismiss the protests of both the ANC and a group of local residents, but the ABC voted to give both groups status and go forward with the hearing, which will be held Dec. 19.

4. ANC protests against Zanzibar and Jenny’s are moving forward. Both establishments are seeking changes in their license – Zanzibar to a nightclub from a restaurant, in order to eliminate a requirement that 45 percent of its revenue come from food; and Jenny’s to enable the restaurant to provide entertainment. The ANC is hoping to negotiate voluntary agreements with the two establishments.

ANC 6D is soliciting applications for grants of up to $1,000 from nonprofit organizations in Southwest/Near Southeast that provide programs and/or services for local residents. For criteria and more information on how to apply, visit the library section of the ANC website, anc6d.org.

Roll Call
Commissioners present: Treasurer Max Skolnik (6D01); David Sobelsohn (6D02), Ron McBee (6D03), Vice Chair Andy Litsky (6D04); Roger Moffatt (6D05), Secretary Rhonda Hamilton (6D06), Bob Siegel (6D07).

The next ANC meeting will be a presentation meeting Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. at 25 M St. SW. The next business meeting of the commission will be Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, M and Sixth streets SW.