CRESTWOOD CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

	DC Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A

7820 Eastern Avenue, NW, Washington, DC  20012

MINUTES

September 3, 2013 ANC 4A MEETING

Fort Stevens Recreation Center, Van Buren and 13^th Streets, NW, Washington, DC

Meeting called to order by Chairman Toliver at 7:14pm.

Commissioners Anderson (4A01), Toliver (4A02), Whatley (4A03), Bennett (4A04), Mitchell (4A05), Braxton (4A06), Wilson (4A07), and Black (4A08) were in attendance.

Approximately 32 community members attended the meeting.

Commissioner Whatley moved to approve agenda, with amendments.  Seconded by Commissioner Anderson.  Motion unanimously approved.

I.      ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS

a.     Approval of June 2013 minutes.  Commissioner Toliver moved to  table approval of the June 2013 minutes to October 1, 2013 meeting.  Motion seconded by Commissioner Whatley.  Motion was unanimously approved.

b.     Chair’s Report.  Office of the DC Auditor approved the release of funds in the amount of $4,690.52 for Q3 of FY13 to ANC 4A.  Recommended that the Commission consider reinstituting ANC 4A’s community grant program to fund future community grants in the annual aggregate amount of $5,000/year, with individual grants of up to $550 each).  Several proposed projects abutting SMD 4A01, 4A02, and 4A03will impact the Commission area from the south Silver Spring border through Walter Reed Army Medial Center (“WRAMC”) that.  Chairman Toliver suggested that Commissioners  stay abreast of the matters and keep the community informed of the development progress. 

c.     Quarterly Report.  Commissioner Whatley reported that, as of June 30, 2013 ANC 4A’s bank accounts reflect that (1) the checking account balance was $22,158.58;  (2) ANC 4A receipts received in that quarter were $11,645.82 – bringing the total checking account balance to $33,804.44; and (3) ANC 4A’s savings account balance is $40,246.82.  Commissioner Whatley moved for acceptance of the quarterly report.  Motion seconded by Commissioner Wilson.  Motion passed with 6 (yes) and 2 (abstentions).

Roll call vote: Anderson (4A01)- abstain, Toliver (4A02) – yes, Whatley (4A03) – yes, Bennett (4A04) – yes, Mitchell (4A05) – yes, Braxton (4A06) – yes, Wilson (4A07) – yes, Black (4A08) – abstain.

Budget.  Commissioner Whatley moved to table the discussion of the budget to the October 1, 2013 meeting.  Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion was unanimously approved.

II.    COMMUNITY CONCERNS

a.     Resident at 6600 Luzon Avenue addressed question to Commissioner Whatley asking that he follow up about a lighting issue.

b.     Loretta Newman of 4B (Piney Branch and Blair Road) requested an ANC 4A resolution in support of Act to Establish Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park. Commissioner Braxton will follow up with her, because the park is located in Commissioner Braxton’s SMD.

c.     Daniel Lee and Victor of Ogelthorpe Flats (14^th and Ogelthorpe Streets).  Mr. Lee sent a letter to Commissioner Wilson regarding neighbor problems they’re experiencing regarding zoning. Commissioner Whatley will follow up with the residents.

d.     Michael Sindram.  Requested that ANC 4A weigh in on behalf of first responders (MPD and DCFD) on affordable housing. ANC 4A will take that request under advisement.

e.     Patience Singleton, of Tuckerman Street, want to get on record asking if the community can comment under Commissioner Discussion/Presentations. Whether a community member may comment on each discussion/presentation item depends upon the specific facts and circumstances, e.g., time limitations, the issue under discussion, whether the presentation is informational only, etc.

f.      Jamie Dunham, CEO of Paul Public Charter School (located in 4B).  This year, the school intends to expand to a charter high school. The school serves wards 4, 5, 7, and 8.  The school intends to launch a renovation project in 2014.  Residents and ANC members are asked to reach out to her regarding any issues of concern regarding the school and its students..  Community invited to a block party on September 14, 2013 on the corner of Peabody and 8^th Streets NW.

III.  PRESENTATIONS

a.     Athena Hernandez, Director of Communications for the DCOSSE.    This office is responsible for setting policy and direction for the public school system (including charters). A new initiative called LearnDC is a one-stop shop for all things education (e.g., common core standards and early childhood education) in Washington, DC. On Saturday, September 7, 2013,  www.LearnDC.org, will go live.  Colleagues, Chris Gibbons and Catherine Ward were also in attendance and provided an e-demo of the new site.

IV.  COMMISSIONER DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a.     Commissioner Black introduced the homeowner of 4226 Mathewson Drive NW (Mr. Murdoch) and  his architect, David Landsman, concerning a permit request for a curb cut for a brand new house Mr. Murdoch want to build.  Commissioner Black moved to grant approval contingent upon plans including an adequate erosion control plan/storm water management approved by required district agencies. Commissioner Whatley expressed concern over the lack of neighborhood engagement.  Commissioner Toliver moved that ANC 4A support the construction permit for paving a driveway at 4226 Mathewson at SMD 4A08 subject to the contingencies set forth. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Braxton.  Motion passed 7 (yes) to 1 (abstention).  Roll call vote: Anderson (4A01)- abstain, Toliver (4A02) – yes, Whatley (4A03) – yes, Bennett (4A04) – yes, Mitchell (4A05) – yes, Braxton (4A06) – yes, Wilson (4A07) – yes, Black (4A08) – yes.              

·      Walter Reed Update.  Commissioner Whatley reported that all comments are due to DMPED by close of business September 25, 2013, and recommended that ANC 4A hold a special meeting on September 16^th or 17^th to glean any final comments from the community and developers.  ANC 4B will hold a special meeting on September 12, 2013 at Emery Recreation Center (located on Georgia Avenue NW) that residents may attend. Commissioner Anderson announced that ANC4A01 will conduct a meeting for the citizens to vote for and recommend a master developer for the reuse of WRAMC at the WRAMC campus on September 21, 2013, with a rain date of September 28, 2013 as well as online.  Commissioner Whatley moved that ANC 4A hold a special meeting on either September 16 or 17, 2013 to discuss and consider the WRAMC developers being considered for selection by DMPED.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner Toliver. Motion passed with 6 (yes), 1 (opposed),  and 1 (abstention).  Roll call vote:  Anderson (4A01)- abstain, Toliver (4A02) – yes, Whatley (4A03) – yes, Bennett (4A04) – yes, Mitchell (4A05) – yes, Braxton (4A06) – yes, Wilson (4A07) – yes, Black (4A08) – opposed.

·      Pepco Rate Application discussion tabled to October 2013 meeting of ANC 4A.

·      Commissioner Toliver met with DDOT’s Paul Hoffman on August 12, 2013 to discuss the Kalmia Culvert project. Project duration is an estimated 60-90 days for the Kalmia Culvert, with a $50,000 bonus if the construction company can deliver at least 10 days earlier.  A temporary bridge will be installed prior to closure of the Culvert.  Work will not begin on the 16^th Street and Military Road project bridge until the Kalmia Culvert is completed.  DDOT will be organizing meetings to discuss the details of each of the sites. Commissioner Wilson will work with the Jewish Primary Day School on a car attendant program during construction. Schedule for this project is 100 days with a $150,000 bonus if the construction company for an early completion. Commissioner Anderson said she had spoken to Mr. Hoffman DDOT and the protest has been cancelled because the RFP was canceled.

 

Commissioner Whatley moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:44pm.  Commissioner Black seconded the motion.  Motion was unanimously approved.

 

ANC 4A COMMISSIONERS

 

ANC 4A01 Commissioner Acqunetta Anderson (North Portal Estates, Colonial Village, and portions of Shepherd Park)    

ANC 4A02   Commissioner Dwayne M. Toliver, Chair (Shepherd Park)

ANC 4A03   Commissioner Stephen A. Whatley, Treasurer (Portions of Shepherd Park and Brightwood)

ANC 4A04   Commissioner Marian C. Bennett, Secretary (Brightwood)

ANC 4A05   Commissioner Martha H. Mitchell (Brightwood)

ANC 4A06   Commissioner Karrye Braxton, Vice-Chair (Brightwood)

ANC 4A07   Commissioner Dave Wilson (16^th Street Heights)

ANC 4A08   Commissioner Gale Black (Crestwood and Crestwood North)

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Respectfully Submitted by,

Marian Bennett (ANC 4A04), Secretary

ANC 4A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FOR PAVING A DRIVE-WAYAT 4226 MATHEWSON DRIVE, NW (SMD 4A08).

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

 

Whereas, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are the body of government with the closest ties to the people and are expected to advise the city on issues including zoning, public health and safety, economic development, taxes, transportation, construction and infrastructure issues;

Whereas, the ANC 4A office and the ANC Commissioner for single-member district (SMD) 4A08 has received notice of a pending DC Department of Transportation Public Space Permit application (DDOT Tracking Number 84465) and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Permit Number B1306457, both for new construction at 4226 Mathewson Drive, NW, Lot 9, Square 2640, in Crestwood.  These matters are time-sensitive.

 

Whereas, the new owner (Murdock) wants to pave a driveway with the overall dimensions of 28 feet by 24 feet. The driveway would be ten feet at the entrance and 24 feet wide at the top. The property is located on a steep slope, and the lot may be directly over one of the hidden creeks in SMD 4A08.  Another house was built within the past year, right next to the proposed home.  A third house is under construction right above the proposed house and it is located at 2007 Trumbull Terrace. Consequently, there are concerns of a possible mudslide.

 

Our approval is contingent on DC government approval of the plans, including an adequate Erosion Control Plan, a Stormwater Management Plan, and specific approval of the plans by: 1) the DC Department of the Environment (DOE), 2) the Office of Planning (OP) with regard to set-backs and set-asides, and 3) the DC Office of Zoning (OZ) which sets the lot occupancy and uses.  Our ANC 4A approval is also contingent on adequate outreach to the adjacent neighbors on Mathewson Drive, 1900 block of Upshur Street, 1900 block of Shepherd Street and 2007 and 2025 Trumbull Terrace, and resolution of any community concerns. It is also expected that the final plans be acceptable to the Fine Arts Commission and eventually Washington Gas, PEPCO, and DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

 

Whereas ANC 4A Single-Member District 4A08 has many single-family, residential blocks; and compliance with the laws is of great importance to our safety and quality of life.

 

Whereas ANC 4A, with a quorum present, considered this matter at a duly noticed public ANC meeting on 9/3/2013;

 

THEREFORE, Chair Toliver made a motion that ANC 4A approve this request, contingent upon community support and the prior written approval by the DOE, DOT, OP, OZ and the Fine Arts Commission.  The motion was seconded.

 

The ANC 4A voted seven to one to approve the above – referenced resolution, with typographical corrections and necessary edits. One Commissioner abstained.

 

9/3/2013

 

 

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