ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3D MINUTES

June 4, 2008

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of ANC3D was held in Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Ernst Auditorium. Notice of the meeting was provided in The Northwest Current, on the website, and through postings in the neighborhood.

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by the Vice Chair Alma Gates in the absence of the Chair. Commissioners present: Alma Gates, Lee Minichiellio, Tom Smith, and Nan Wells. Absent with notice: Ann Heuer, Ann Haas, and the Chair, Elizabeth Sandza.

Police Report, Second District, PSA 203: Officer Tony McElwee gave a brief report noting that in the past week there have been an unusual number (7) of stolen cars in the Palisades and Foxhall Village neighborhoods. Also there was a burglary during the day reported in the 5700 block of Sherier. Officer McElwee reminded everyone that valuables should not be visible in parked cars and urged citizens to use anti-theft devices.

Community Concerns: Kent Slowinski stated his concern that construction companies working in a housing development on Foxhall Road were parking their trucks on W Street. He noted that this use of W Street would violate the DCRA restrictions regarding construction activities. Commissioner Gates volunteered to review the situation.

New Business:

Et Voila! Restaurant Request for Extended Hours - 5120 MacArthur Blvd, Liquor License #78332 – Mickael Cornu, co-owner, requested approval of a Voluntary Agreement that would include extended hours of operation for the restaurant and sidewalk café. The new hours are Sunday 11AM - 10:30PM, Monday through Thursday 11AM – 11PM, Friday and Saturday 11AM – 12AM. Commissioner Gates moved to accept the voluntary agreement and approve the extended hours. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion and it passed 4-0-0. (Attachment A)

BZA Special Exception # 17803 – The special exception is sought to allow an addition to an existing single family home at 4831 Foxhall Crescents. Cary Kadlecek and Christine Roddy, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, and Outerbridge Horsey, architect, appeared before the Commissioners representing the owners. The Aiellos own two lots which have been combined to form a single tax assessment lot. A special exception is needed for the proposed 808 square foot addition because the BZA Order under which the theoretical lot subdivision originally occurred expired in 2001. The owners have the support of their neighbors and the Home Owners Association. Commissioner Smith moved to accept the application and Commissioner Gates seconded the motion which passed 4-0-0. (Attachment B)

Public Space Application #37497 – Application by Sprint to install a steel platform supported by concrete piers adjacent to a utility pole at 2401 Foxhall Road, NW, in order to hold a micro sound communication tower. Hillorie S. Morrison, Network Building & Construction, presented the plans for the applicant. The tower equipment would be placed behind an existing stone wall, parallel to Foxhall Road, and enclosed within a fence located on the property of the Kreeger Museum. The fence would not be visible from the street. In addition, two antennae would be placed on a telephone pole. The antennae, conduit, and a small edge of the platform would be placed in public space. Commissioner Wells raised questions regarding the impact on birds and provided information on bird friendly guidelines for tower construction. Ms. Morrison said that the installation meets NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act requirements). After discussion, it was felt more information was needed before deciding on the request. Ms. Morrison was asked to return for the July meeting. Commissioner Smith moved to postpone the vote until that time and asked that a letter be sent to the Public Space Committee requesting that the item be removed from their June agenda to allow discussion at the July ANC meeting. Commissioner Wells seconded the motion and it passed 4-0-0. (Attachment C)

Public Space Application for 2946 Chain Bridge Road NW – Approval was sought in order to build a new and relocated driveway with apron as per plans and DC standards. Jeff Chown, of Merle Thorpe Architects, appeared representing the owners, who seek to relocate the existing driveway to the south. They would install a new curb to prevent erosion of the property edge. They feel the new location would also be safer. A letter from an adjacent owner was presented. Commissioner Minichiello moved to accept this application, Commissioner Smith seconded and the approval passed 4-0-0.

DDOT Proposed Gateway Signs – DDOT sought the opinion of the Commission on the design and placement of “Welcome to DC” signs in the 5900 block of MacArthur Boulevard and at the intersection of Western and Massachusetts Avenues. As designed, the signs would not have the mayor’s name and could be used for many years. Commissioner Smith and others felt that this was not a good use of DDOT funds. Smith recommended that the money could be better used for road repairs and/or stop signs. It was also suggested that the design should be improved and that DDOT could provide other proposals for use of the funds. Commissioner Gates agreed to notify Jeff Jennings of DDOT of the Commissioners’ recommendations.

Palisades Park – Report of Working Group and Review of Concept Drawings for Entrance – Commissioner Gates, a member of the stakeholders group, reported that there had been two very productive meetings and that the group unanimously approved the plans presented. She stated that the designs shown provide balance between green space and parking. Commissioner Smith suggested that this issue be tabled until July following the PCA vote and that the PCA President be invited to the meeting. Commissioner Smith stated that the ANC should follow the lead of the PCA and ask how the ANC can help. Following the discussion, it was agreed that the issue would be postponed to the July meeting.

Commissioner Updates/Reports:

Commissioner Smith reported that there are a number of important issues with American University including the preparation of the new campus plan and parking restrictions and ticketing neighbors.

Commissioner Wells reported that there was a May meeting of the “Partnering Group” composed of DC and federal groups that review and advise the Army Corps of Engineers on the Spring Valley Project. She noted that the Corps has recently released budget figures for the next 3 fiscal years (2009 - 2011) and said that the Corps estimates that most of the cleanup activities will be completed by 2010. She encouraged people to become involved and noted that there will be meeting of the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), a joint community and Army Corps group, at 7:00 PM, June 10.

Commissioner Gates reported that the Gerstell Public Space application was denied by the Public Space Committee.

May 7 Minutes - Approved with changes. First amendment to the Police Report - There were two, not three, robberies on Charleston Terrace and the description of the suspect should be removed. Second amendment to the Palisades Farmers Market – Correction should read: Commissioner Smith made the original motion which was seconded by Commissioner Heuer.

Commissioner Gates introduced a resolution. In minutes from now on it should show who voted yea, who voted nay and who abstained.

Commissioner Smith moved to approve the minutes with these changes. Commissioner Gates seconded and the amended motion on the minutes passed 4-0-0.

The treasurer’s report was presented and accepted.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM

The next meeting will be 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 2^nd.

Respectfully submitted,

Nan S. Wells

Secretary