Miles Groves presented the concerns of community members on the border between ANC’s 6C and 2C. Framed within the context of redistricting, Groves noted that nearly two thousand downtown residents are currently unrepresented due to unprecedented and unplanned-for growth in the area. Under current legislation, redistricting to ensure full representation cannot occur until well after the 2010 census, an issue that the ANC voiced concern over.

Furthermore, several commissioners noted that despite good relationships with 2C commissioners, ANC 2C as a whole continues to be undermanned and largely unhelpful. ANC 2C Chair Doris Brooks’ shutting down of two consecutive full ANC meetings because they were being recorded via video camera was highly publicized. Several media outlets quoted Brooks stating, ‘This is not a public meeting’ in reference to full ANC 2C meetings. ANC 6C voiced their concern over the situation with ANC 2C, and noted that they would continue to be vigilant about the matter.

1251-1253 Fourth Street N.E.
Sherry Woods was in attendance to present a request for a BZA application for the Unique Learning Center. Woods stated that a variance from court requirements and a special exception to operate a community center in R-4 and C-2-A districts was needed in order to accommodate a number of children in the Center’s after-school programs. ULC provides a safe haven and learning opportunities for at-risk youth from all over the District. The ANC voted to support the request. The Unique Learning Center’s BZA hearing is set for April 1, 2008.

Update on 510 8th St. NE
Sassan Gharai, the architect for 510 8th St. NE, noted that his client has agreed to all of the neighbor’s demands; one neighbor expressed a concern that a formal, signed resolution detailing agreements between neighbors and the structure’s owner, David Sadoff, had still not been presented. The ANC noted the good faith and effort on the part of Gharai, but approved a motion to delay the structure’s HPRB hearing until April to allow the signed resolution to be executed.

Other Development News
The applicant for 17 Second St. NE was not in attendance to present his case. Additionally, the applicant did not attend the CHRS meeting, prompting an ANC vote to oppose development at the site. Commissioners also voted to send a letter to HPRB asking that the item regarding the Second St. NE development be removed from their agenda as well.

The ANC voted to approve landscaping changes at the Northeast Branch Library, a matter current being addressed by the HPRB.

Next, commissioners voted unanimously to approve BZA application 17739 for ‘construction of deck and stairs; variance from rear yard requirements, variance from court requirements, variance for nonconforming structure,’ for a residence at 663 K St. NE. A BZA hearing for the matter is set for April 1, 2008.

Finally, Commissioner Velasco presented a special parking exception was granted to Walker Jones Health Center, located at 1100 1st St. NW. At March’s PZ&E meeting, a proviso that stated that the approved exception would expire after five years was added to the Committee’s approval. The full ANC voted to support the exception without the proviso, and was encourage by the presence of Jason Whillock from the Mayor’s Office. Whillock noted that the potential exists in the future for the conversion of Walk Jones’ parking area to a green space or other public space.

Transportation News
Commissioner Phelps began proceedings by presenting the Public Safety Committee’s support for the Irish Channel, an establishment located at 500 H St. NW. The ANC voted unanimously to support the restaurant and pub’s application to extend its outdoor usage arrangement from 6 to 12 months.

Next on the agenda was a presentation from Grainger Store, whose Public Space application met with some resistance from the Council. The establishment continues to experience problems with theft and vagrancy on their property, and sought to erect a 6-foot tall wrought iron fence. While most of the fence itself would be on private property, a portion of the barrier near the sidewalk enters into publicly owned space. Commissioner Kimber noted that such a fence would run counter to the image the surrounding community is trying to foster. The ANC voted 7-2 to oppose the application, with a motion stating that Grainger Store consider other barrier options to secure their property.

Another hot issue on the agenda addressed valet parking on the Hill. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) issued notice that all establishments must now seek and hold licenses for the service, in addition to using and maintaining off-street parking for customer vehicles. Several commissioners voiced their support and noted that the District currently makes no money from privately-operated valet parking. The Commission designated Commissioner Phelps to compile and submit comments and edits to DDOT’s notice on behalf of the ANC.

Finally, Commissioner Phelps reported on a traffic calming presentation conducted on the area outside of the Northeast library, which is notorious for traffic violations. The Transportation Committee will continue to compile research and solicit the feedback of experts and members of the surrounding community alike.

Public Safety News
Metro Police Department Sergeant Weaver of PSA 101 reported that crime in the Capitol Hill area is down, but also noted that the advent of warmer weather often leads to increased criminal activity. In relation to car break-ins, Weaver emphasized the importance of removing or hiding items of value from vehicles.

Also, PSA 101 Lieutenant Kimberley Williams stated that additional foot patrols and beat officers would be added when possible during the coming months. Williams also referenced MPD’s ‘Street Smarts’ program, a regional initiative implemented within DC, Virginia, and Maryland that centers around increased vigilance for pedestrian and motorist traffic violations.

Finally, Commissioner Ryan Velasco stated that U.S. Capitol Police continue to direct tour buses down East Capitol, where they park on the busy thoroughfare in addition to parking on the traffic circle around Union Station. Lieutenant Williams noted that MPD Commander Cameron could begin a dialogue with his counterpart with U.S. Capitol Police to address the ongoing problem.

Community Announcements
Representatives from the Capitol Hill Village were present to answer questions regarding the growing organization. The Village is a “new non-profit organization created to provide support for residents of the Capitol Hill community who wish to stay in their homes as they grow older.” A few examples of services offered are transportation around the neighborhood, help with home maintenance, and social outlets. For more information, visit www.capitolhillvillage.org.

Next on the announcements agenda was an update from the DC Historic Homeowner’s Grants Program. Targeted towards households with mid-to-low level income, the Program grants up to $25,000 for external repairs to historic houses on the Hill. The Program’s representative noted that she was unsure whether or not awarded grant money was taxable, but said she would find out.

Nicole Vaden of the DC Office of Federal Grants Programs explained portions of the No Child Left Behind Act. She noted that parents must be provided with the resources needed to understand their and their children’s rights within the context of Act itself, and encouraged parents with questions or concerns about No Child Left Behind to call the Office of Federal Grants Programs at 202-741-6401.

Roll Call
Commissioners present: Chair Karen Wirt (6C08); Co-Vice Chair and Public Safety Committee Chair Mark Dixon (6C02); Transportation Committee Chair Anne Phelps (6C04); Secretary Alan Kimber (6C05); Tom Hamilton (6C06); Planning, Zoning and the Environment Committee Chair Ryan Velasco (6C07); and Co-Vice Chair Charles Docter (6C09); Keith Silver (6C01); Treasurer and Grants Committee Chair Lena Brown (6C03).

Absent: None.