CRESTWOOD CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Minutes – Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A

October 4, 2016 Regular Public Meeting

Approved January 3, 2017

The meeting was held in the community meeting room, MPD 4th District Headquarters, 6001 Georgia Avenue NW. Commissioner Gale Black, Chair (and ANC 4A08) called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. Also present were Commissioners 4A01 Acqunetta Anderson, 4A03 Stephen Whatley, 4A04 Patience Singleton, 4A06 Karrye Braxton, and 4A07 Dave Wilson. Commissioner 4A02 Dwayne Toliver was absent. A quorum was present for all votes.

1) Approval of the Agenda

Commissioner Black moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Braxton seconded the motion. The agenda was approved without objection.

2) Resolution: East Rock Creek Park Livability Study

Commissioner Black presented a resolution making recommendations regarding the East Rock Creek Park Livability Study. Commissioner Whatley moved that the Commission adopt the resolution. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 6 yes, 0 no.

The adopted resolution:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A (the Commission) takes note of the following:

The Commission has received notification by the District Department of Transportation of the final recommendations for the neighborhoods that were included in the DDOT Rock Creek East II Livability Study.

Areas with ANC 4A are included within the Study area.

The Commissioner for ANC SMD 4A08 received two Notices of Intent to add two sidewalks within Single-Member District ANC 4A08. One is on Mathewson Drive, NW. The other is on Blagden Avenue, from Mathewson Drive up to Allison Street, NW.

ANC 4A is an interested party.

The current proposal would promote traffic controls (signals) at 16th and Colorado; provide pedestrian crossing enhancements to allow safer pedestrian and bike access to Blagden Avenue at 16th Street; add a sidewalk to the 4200 block of Mathewson Drive NW between Upshur Street and Blagden Avenue and add a sidewalk to the 4300 block of Blagden Avenue NW from Mathewson Drive to Allison Street.

The plan proposes to add bike access along Blagden Avenue and along Upshur Street from Georgia Avenue to Blagden Avenue. These matters were presented at the ANC 4A SMD 4A08 meeting on September 20, 2016, at which 33 residents participated. The consensus seemed to be that a sidewalk (pedestrian path) was needed for public safety on Blagden Avenue between the 4200 and 4300 block. There is currently a gap in the sidewalk. Support was also expressed for a sidewalk on Mathewson, so long as the project was designed in a way that did not harm the mature trees in the project area.

Not everyone supports the sidewalks. Residents on the block have voiced objections, fearing that they will be responsible for storm removal and several of them are seniors.

Others raised similar concerns about the loss of mature trees and recommended that the sidewalk be carved out of the existing roadway. The downside to that is that it would diminish the space for vehicular flow and might cause the elimination of parking and the inability to add a bike “lane” in the future;

Another concern is that the recommended path on the south side would be near a slope and a retaining wall would have to be built;

Currently, this public right of way is used for two-way vehicular traffic, parking permitted on both sides. There is a suggestion to add a sidewalk on one side and possibly allow space for bike use;

The city owns sufficient land to add a sidewalk and the design phase would determine the feasibility and location of the sidewalk;

There is also concern that more needs to be done to address the infrastructure and the storm water runoff concerns along Mathewson Drive and Allison Street, NW.

The general consensus was supportive of the project for those two streets, but not for the Shepherd Street proposal.

We hope that the design of the projects will take our concerns into consideration. There should be no loss of mature trees and no loss of the current dedicated public use (two-way traffic flow and parking, while adding a pedestrian path.)

Although the recommendations were presented as “final recommendations,” the ANC 4A commission was informed that our comments would be welcomed and encouraged us to submit the comments as soon as was feasible. We also were provided with the Notice of Intent, which has a 30 day comment period. So, this matter is time-sensitive.

ANC 4A is an interested party and stakeholder. ANC 4A covers more than 16,000 DC residents and includes the Ward 4 neighborhoods of Brightwood, Colonial Village, North Portal Estates, Crestwood, Shepherd Park, and Sixteenth Street Heights;

The Commission 4A supports the effort to enhance the effectiveness and public safety within the city. We ask that DDOT and the Mayor for the District of Columbia consider this recommendation.

We also ask that efforts be put in place to deter cut-through traffic in the neighborhoods as this project progresses.

RESOLVED:

That the Commission recommends that, in designing and implementing this project, DDOT take into account and accommodate the concerns of residents as detailed above and ensure that current residential uses, especially residential parking, be continued;

That the Commission recommends that DDOT, in designing and implementing this project, takes into account the residents’ concerns about preserving mature trees and avoids any removal of such trees.

FURTHER RESOLVED:

That Commissioner Gale Black, ANC 4A08, is hereby authorized to serve as the Commission’s representative in all matters relating to this resolution.

3) Resolution: Recommendations Regarding Beach Drive Rehabilitation

Commissioner Black presented a resolution making recommendations regarding the Beach Drive rehabilitation project. Commissioner Whatley moved that the Commission adopt the resolution. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 6 yes, 0 no.

The adopted resolution:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A (the Commission) takes note of the following:

The Commission has received notification that the National Park Service has begun a three-year rehabilitation project to repair Beach Drive. The project is broken down into four segments. Segment 2 proposes construction on Beach Drive from Tilden Street Northwest to Broad Branch Road.

Within that segment is the intersection of Beach Drive and Blagden Avenue, NW. That intersection is in Single-Member District ANC 4A08.

ANC 4A is an interested party as the 4A area is adjacent to Beach Drive and residents and visitors use Beach Drive, by connecting from Blagden Avenue, NW.

The current proposal would repair the entire span from Beach Drive and Tilden Street to Beach and Broad Branch Road. That span crosses Blagden Avenue. If the intersection at Beach Drive and Blagden Avenue is blocked on both sides (for north and south travel), it would deprive the public of pedestrian, vehicular and bike access from Blagden Avenue, as we currently turn right to go north on Beach to connect to Broad Branch Road, which is a route to Albemarle Street or turn south to go over to Tilden or Park Road.

This would leave residents landlocked.

We recommend dividing the segment 2 into two parts. The first leg could go from Tilden up to the south side of the Blagden Avenue, Beach Drive intersection. By stopping short of the intersection, the public would still be able to turn right and proceed north or across the park without having to go onto 16th Street, NW or cut through the Carter Barron to access Morrow Drive, to get across Rock Creek Park.

Similarly, the second leg could go from the north side of the Blagden Avenue / Beach Drive intersection to Broad Branch Road. This would take effect after the first leg of Phase 2 was completed. This approach would allow the public to then make a left turn to go down to Tilden and points west.

Without these modifications, residents would unnecessarily lose an available access route that would allow us to bypass 16th Street, NW.

The ANC 4A commissioners were informed that our comments would be welcomed and encouraged us to submit the comments as soon as was feasible.

ANC 4A is an interested party and stakeholder. ANC 4A covers more than 16,000 DC residents and includes the Ward 4 neighborhoods of Brightwood, Colonial Village, North Portal Estates, Crestwood, Shepherd Park, and Sixteenth Street Heights;

The Commission 4A supports the effort to enhance the effectiveness and safety of Beach Drive. We ask that the National Park Service, Congresswoman Norton, and the Mayor for the District of Columbia consider this recommendation.

We also ask that efforts be put in place to deter cut-through traffic in the neighborhoods as this project progresses.

RESOLVED:

Ø That, given the above considerations and concerns, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A will provide these comments to the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, the National Park Service and the Honorable Muriel Bowser, DC Mayor, for their consideration.

Ø That the Commission strongly recommends that the recommendations be given great weight.

FURTHER RESOLVED:

That Commissioner Gale Black, ANC 4A08, is hereby authorized to serve as the Commission’s representative in all matters relating to this resolution.

4) Resolution: Residential Parking Permit Program Revisions

Commissioner Whatley moved that the Commission adopt a resolution introduced by Commissioner Singleton making recommendations regarding the Residential Parking Permit Program. Commissioner Braxton seconded the motion.

Commissioner Wilson moved that the motion be amended to recommend that DDOT do a study of the requirement that 70% of the parking spaces on a block be occupied during the day to qualify for the residential parking permit program. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 5 yes, 1 no.

The main motion, as amended, was adopted, 5 yes, 1 no.

The adopted resolution:

WHEREAS, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (“ANCs”) are the bodies of government with the closest ties to the people and they are expected to advise the city on issues, including fees, taxes, zoning, social services programs, health, emergency preparedness, economic development, transportation and infrastructure issues;

WHEREAS, the ANC 4A is an interested party and stakeholder. ANC 4A covers more than 16,000 DC residents and includes the Ward 4 neighborhoods of Brightwood, Colonial Village, Crestwood, North Portal Estates, Shepherd Park, and Sixteenth Street Heights;

WHEREAS, many neighborhoods in ANC 4A are experiencing parking pressures. Residents have voiced concerns about the difficulty in obtaining available street parking near their homes as well as the presence of many vehicles with out-of-state registrations parked on non-RPP blocks.

WHEREAS, the current District Department of Transportation (DDOT) process makes it difficult for many residents in ANC 4A to obtain Residential Permit Parking (RPP) for their blocks, modify RPP or secure resident-only parking on established blocks.

WHEREAS, the DDOT has proposed residential permit parking changes that seek to, among other revisions, establish clear criteria for the establishment and modification of RPP and for the creation of resident-only parking on established RPP blocks.

WHEREAS, the proposal seeks to revise the process for requesting resident- only parking and includes a public participation element at the ANC level.

WHEREAS, proposed Section 2437.1 of the Parking Regulations, 18 DCMR § 2437.1, would permit the DDOT Director to designate residential permit parking blocks as resident-only parking blocks if an ANC passes a resolution petitioning DDOT to designate all blocks participating in the RPP program within that ANC as resident-only parking blocks and other conditions outlined in the DCMR are met.

WHEREAS, the proposal seeks to establish a fine for parking unlawfully in a resident-only parking areas without a permit.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that ANC 4A supports many aspects of this proposal to alleviate parking pressures and make it easier for residents to obtain parking near their homes. Specifically, changes to obtaining resident-only parking on one side of each block within the ANC with RPP and modifying RPP hours. However, ANC 4A recommends that, in implementing this proposal, DDOT consider allowing specific SMDs or blocks within the ANC to opt-out of resident-only parking. In addition, ANC 4A recommends that DDOT implement policies for areas where there is parking only on one side of a block.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ANC 4A requests that DDOT consider revisions to the current and proposed process for approving petitions for residential permit parking which require DDOT to observe motor vehicles occupying 70% of the parking spaces during business hours (7 am to 6:30 pm) and determine that 10% percent of the vehicles are not registered in DC. Many residents in ANC 4A commute during the day. Consequently, there are few parking shortages during business hours. However, residents find it difficult to obtain parking near their homes between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. As such, ANC 4A recommends that any analysis of the parking conditions on a block should include observations taken between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. ANC 4A also recommends that DDOT undertake a study to evaluate whether the 70/10 rule is the appropriate criterion to use when determining whether RPP is appropriate and necessary for a particular block.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that DDOT take into consideration the presence of RPP on surrounding blocks when determining whether to approve residents’ petition for RPP on a block. Many residential blocks in ANC4A experience spillover impact when an adjacent block is approved for RPP.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Commissioner Patience Singleton, ANC 4A04, is hereby authorized to serve as the Commission’s representatives in all matters relating to this resolution.

5) Resolution: Liquor License Application - Champion Kitchen, 7730 Georgia Ave NW, Class C Restaurant License

Commissioner Black moved that consideration of this application be postponed indefinitely. Commissioner Whatley seconded the motion. The motion was not adopted, 3 yes, 3 no.

Following further discussion, the Commission took no action on this matter.

6) FY 2017 Budget

Commissioner Anderson moved that the Commission adopt a budget for FY 2017. Commissioner Braxton seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 6 yes, 0 no.

The adopted budget:

Personnel $18,200

Direct Office Cost $ 5,000

Communication $ 5,000

Office Supplies, Equipment, Printing $ 3,150

Grants $ 8,000

Local Transportation $ 200

Purchase of Services $ 2,200

Bank Charges, Transfers, Petty Cash 400

Other $ 1,000

7) Commissioner Braxton moved that the Commission approve a contract with James H. Irwin to serve as the Commission’s office manager for the period October 16, 2016 and September 30, 2017. The contract provides for Mr. Irwin to be employed twenty hours per week at $16.50 per hour. Commissioner Black seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 5 yes, 1 no.

Community Concerns

1. Ms. Stella Dawson spoke in favor of the Death with Dignity bill currently before the City Council.

2. Rev. David Jefferson asked for meeting information and documentation to be transmitted electronically rather than on paper.

3. Mr. Michael Sindram stated that he opposes the Death with Dignify Bill. He requested that ANC 4A support the Veterans Court Treatment Program with a resolution.

4. Mr. Sam Washington complained that he and others have great difficulty getting information on meeting agenda items and they feel under-represented.

Presentations and Reports

1) Councilmember Brandon Todd gave an update on issues of concern to Ward 4, including a proposed recreation center at the Walter Reed site, an update on D.C. City Council actions and Ward 4 crime statistics.

2) Ms. Beverly Perry, Executive Office of the Mayor, gave a presentation on the D.C. Statehood Initiative.

3) Ms. Shannon Cockett, East Rock Creek Village, gave an update on its work and accomplishments.

4) Commissioner Braxton moved that the minutes of the June 7, 2016 and September 6, 2016 meeting be approved. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously, 6 yes, 0 no.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.