Good Libations Case Viewed as Precedent in Single-Sales Moratorium
Good Libations Liquor Store, located in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood, requested an exemption from the oft-debated single-sale alcohol ban. The liquor store’s owner, Ronny Green, immediately and repeatedly stated that his establishment fell outside of the confines of ANC 6C; however, he was in attendance to present because due to his store’s very close proximity to 6C, the 6C commissioners could request party status on the final ANC 2C vote. Green noted that he is currently in the process of drafting a voluntary agreement with ANC 2C and wishes to sell 22- and 24-ounce single beers, not large cans of fortified wine and malt liquors that Green claims cause most of the trouble associated with public drunkenness, urination, etc.

Two Mount Vernon Square residents presented their opposition to Good Libation’s request, referencing an uptick in public drinking since the single serving moratorium took effect in the nearby Chinatown area. ANC 6C commissioners also recognized that the Good Libations case should be treated with care and consideration given the impact it could have as a precedent for later cases of the same type.

Considering the testimony of residents living in close proximity to Good Libations and the impact any decision could have on similar cases going forward, ANC 6C commissioners voted to make a formal request to be included in the decision making process along with the neighboring ANC 2C.

Transportation News – 750 Third St. NW
Commissioner Anne Phelps presented an ongoing issue at the corner of Fifth, L, and New York Avenue NW, where pedestrians are given roughly 20 seconds to cross eight to 10 lanes of traffic. The intersection in question, near the City Vista area, presents what Phelps characterizes as an impossible crossing situation for parents with children or elderly citizens. She informed the ANC of her intention to submit a letter to the District Department of Transportation requesting extended crossing times.

PZ&E News: Removal of Elms on Second Street NE
Rob Amos, a citizen, is the newly appointed PZ&E chairman. Amos detailed plans from the Architect of the Capitol to remove 10 14-year-old elm trees from Second Street NE in order to make room for security bollards that are, according to the Architect of the Capitol, required by federal mandate. The planned bollards are 36 inches in height and would be installed in 4-foot increments. ANC 6C commissioners took issue with the AOC’s plans to replace the 10 existing trees, which have an average diameter of roughly 14 inches, with 10 trees with an average diameter of 2 to 3 inches. This appears to violate established law that requires trees removed for development projects to be replaced with trees of the same aggregate diameter. Additionally, commissioners and members of the public alike wondered how bollards would provide more security than such large trees, and as such, ruled unanimously to oppose the AOC’s plans.

More PZ&E News
ANC 6A Commissioner David Holmes was on hand to present a request for historic preservation for a block of houses on H Street NE. Holmes noted that the four houses in question are historically, ethnically and aesthetically significant within a corridor that continues to follow an increasingly commercial arc. ANC 6C commissioners approved the historic designation, which Holmes hopes will halt a raze order currently in place for the four structures.

Last on the PZ&E agenda was a hot-button issue regarding the sale of firearms in DC establishments. Currently, firearms cannot be sold within 600 feet of schools, places of worship, etc.; however, a request is being considered to lower that buffer to 300 feet. Proponents of the amendment claim that the 600-foot buffer rules out the majority of the city, but 6C commissioners nonetheless voted unanimously to require that each establishment wishing to sell firearms appear before the body to state their case and gain approval.

Ludlow-Taylor Uniform Storehouse
Commissioner Lena Brown introduced John Weaver, president of the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School PTA, who presented a request for a $1,000 grant to establish a storehouse of uniforms for Ludlow-Taylor students whose families could not afford the clothing required for a complete school uniform. All clothing would remain property of the PTA and would be returned to the storehouse once a student graduates or outgrows the clothing they’ve been given. ANC 6C commissioners noted their support for the project and granted unanimous support pending the ANC auditor’s approval.

Community Announcements: Ward 6 Literary Love Poetry Contest
The Gannon Center for Higher Achievement plans to sponsor the Ward 6 Achievement Center’s Love Poetry Contest, where local fifth- through eighth-graders will recite their own poems and haikus concerning love, a topic that the center characterizes as a “fundamental concept.” Jessica Thomas was on hand representing the Center’s Ward 6 contest, which will take place Feb. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ludlow Taylor Elementary School. Winners from the Ward 6 event will have a chance to perform at the Higher Achievement Center’s Regional Love Poetry Performance, taking place Feb. 18 at the Gala Theater at Tivoli Square (3333 14th St. NW) from 7-8 p.m. Any questions regarding either event should be directed to Ms. Thomas at 202-544-3633 x137.

Raymond Ho presented plans for the 2009 edition of the Chinese New Year Parade, slated to take place in Chinatown Feb. 1. The parade commemorates one of China’s most celebrated holidays and has taken place each year since 1989. Ho noted that the spectacle is set to include the traditional lion and dragon dances, as well as folk dancing and a firecracker display. Commissioner Tom Hamilton called the event “one of the best” that takes place in DC each year; the full commission voted unanimously to support the parade.

Finally, commissioners voted on 2009 officers and committee chairs. Commissioner Karen Wirt will continue as chair, while Commissioners Mark Dixon and Charles Docter continue as co vice-chairs. Commissioner Tony Richardson takes over as treasurer, and Commissioner Anne Phelps becomes secretary. Dixon also continues as Public Safety Committee chair, while Phelps assumes licensing chair responsibilities. Commissioner Lena Brown will chair the Grants Committee, while Jon Kelly and Joe McCann, two citizens from Commissioner Phelps’ single member district, will co-chair the Transportation Committee.

ANC 6C next meets Feb. 11, 7 p.m., at the Heritage Foundation located at 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Call 202-547-7168 or visit www.anc6c.org for more information and meeting agenda.