ANC3D MINUTES – DECEMBER 5, 2007

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of ANC3D was called to order at 7:10 p.m. December 5, 2007 by the Chair, Rachel Thompson.  Commissioners present: Gates, Haas, Heuer and Sandza.  Commissioner Smith was absent with notice and Commissioner Wells had given previous notice she would arrive late.  Lee P. Minichiello was introduced as the new Commissioner for ANC3D08 pending his final confirmation by the BOEE.  There were approximately 25 people in the audience.

Application to occupy public space to install new driveway at 4340 Cathedral Avenue, NW

The owners wish to construct a new curb cut to provide access to a new two car garage to be accessed at grade level from the front of the house which faces Cathedral Avenue. Their architect said that the new driveway cut is needed because on-street parking is extremely difficult for the resident as nearby apartment dwellers take up the space in front of their home. Commissioner Sandza moved to approve this request with one condition: that the new driveway be constructed with a semi-pervious material. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gates, and passed 5-0-0.

Application to occupy public space for the purpose of installing pavers, sidewalks, benches, trash containers, trees, shrubs, access paths, retaining wall and street lights at 1801 Foxhall Road. 

Mr. James Perry of Elm Street Development presented plans for public space improvements to this project.  After discussion, the Commissioners approved: sidewalk locations, the proposed benches and trash containers, an access path, a short portion of an over-height retaining wall and street lights similar to those installed in the Colony Hill Development. Commissioner Haas moved to approve this application with the condition that brick pavers be used rather than concrete for the new sidewalk only if agreed by the Colony Hill neighbors.  Commissioner Sandza seconded the motion and it passed 5-0-0.

Commissioner Wells arrived at 9: PM

First presentation of application for modification of approved planned unit development at 4460 MacArthur Blvd – The Athena Group.

For purposes of presentation, this project is being called “MacArthur Court”.  However, there already exists another MacArthur Court, so the name will be amended.

The Athena Group presented its proposal for the development of 41 townhouses with an interior courtyard.  After considerable discussion that included comments by neighbors, the Commissioners had the following concerns: density – too many homes too close together; not enough light, air and green space.  The height of the townhouses is also a concern.  Currently the property, which most recently was used by Riverside Hospital, is zoned as a PUD for that purpose.  The developer's proposal for 41 townhouses is based on that PUD remaining in place rather than the property reverting to its original zoning.

Commission Business

The Annual ANC Security Fund Agreement for 2008 (a bonding required by the DC Auditor for the Chair and Secretary) was approved by the Commission 6-0-0.

The treasurer’s report was given:  There is a balance of $29,640.68 in the Bank of America checking account. 

Commissioner Heuer, treasurer, moved to put $10,000 of this balance into a certificate of deposit if the rate of interest was good enough.  Seconded by Chair Thompson, passed 6-0-0.

Commissioner Heuer moved acceptance of the Minutes from the November 7, 2007 meeting. That motion was seconded by Commissioner Haas and the motion carried 6-0-0.

A majority of the Commissioners expressed the view that there should be a January meeting, but not on January 2, 2007, the first Wednesday of the month when ANC3D meetings are normally held.  The administrator will poll commissioners as to the best date, and it will be set in time to adequately publicize the meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth (Betsy) Sandza

Secretary