MINUTES - ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3D MEETING, APRIL 9, 2008

The April 9, 2008, meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D was held at 7:00 PM, in Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Ernst Auditorium.  Notice of this meeting was given in the Northwest Current, on the website, and through postings in the neighborhoods.

The meeting was called to order by the Chair Betsy Sandza: Commissioners present: Sandza, Alma Gates, Lee Minichiello and Nan Wells.  Commissioners absent with notice:  Ann Haas, Ann Heuer, Tom Smith and Rachel Thompson.  Lacking a quorum of 5 members, Commissioners were unable to vote on any official business before the Commission.

Police Report, Second District - Officer Tony McElwee: Officer McElwee noted that crime was down in 2D and that theft from parked cars is the principal concern. In response to a question regarding recent animal rights protests in a Spring Valley neighborhood, he also discussed the DC laws regarding the rights of protestors. On April 4, Commissioner Tom Smith organized a meeting to discuss the protests. The meeting included Council Member Mary Cheh, Lt. Hayes from the 2^nd District, ANC Commissioner Nan Wells, and the residents of the affected neighborhood.

Community Concerns: Kent Slowinski discussed housing developments underway at 2101 and 1801 Foxhall Road. A Stop Work Order is in place at 2101 Foxhall (Phillips Park) and the developer has been repeatedly fined for erosion control failures and storm water impacts to adjacent Federal parkland.  Mr. Slowinski asked that the ANC write a letter to DDOE requesting the plans for 2101 be scanned onto CD and made available to the ANC.

Chlorine Replacement Facility at Washington Aqueduct: Tom Jacobus, General Manager, Washington Aqueduct presented drawings and plans for a chlorine replacement facility that will be presented for approval in the near future to the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission on Fine Arts.  An Environmental Assessment was completed last year.  The project involves constructing a new building next to the existing chlorine storage building.

This new facility is necessary to accommodate the storage of a new form of Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite) that the Aqueduct will be using to replace the current liquid chlorine.  The shift to the new disinfectant will make transport and storage of chemicals safer and more in line with current homeland security guidelines.

In response to a question from Commissioner Sandza, he noted that ANC approval of the plans is not required. Jacobus said that a meeting with the community is planned to discuss the dewatering facility. He noted that the construction of the dewatering facility will overlap with the new chlorine facility construction. The planned September start date will be coordinated with Sibley Hospital’s proposed Medical Office Building construction plans.

There was a discussion of traffic issues and Commissioner Gates asked that if the Aqueduct would work with the DDOT on these issues and asked to review the traffic plans. 

There was also discussion of the water quality including testing for pharmaceuticals and perchlorate in the reservoir water. In response to a question, Jacobus stated that the reservoir is permeable to ground water.  He noted that the water quality is tested weekly and that the drinking water supply is safe. Jacobus invited all commissioners for a tour of the Washington Aqueduct and further review of plans for the new facility. 

New Farmer’s Market in Palisades: Chris Baer presented a proposal to close 48^th Place, NW, on Sundays from 8AM to 2PM, May through February. The proposal to provide for a farmers’ market has been filed with the Public Space Office at DDOT. The market will be managed by Tuscarora Organic Growers. This project is still in the planning stages, but it has received written support from the Palisades Citizens Association, Bassins Liquor, and Black Salt. In addition, the Regional Manager of Safeway has provided verbal support. Three neighbors residing on V Street appeared and objected because they were unaware of the proposal until the morning of the ANC meeting. They expressed concern regarding parking and traffic that will be generated on their narrow street, which already has considerable parking issues.

Commissioners suggested that Mr. Baer return to the May meeting and requested that he investigate alternative market locations, whether parking would be available in the back of the Safeway lot, and how impacts on immediate neighbors might be lessened.  The Commission has not received any official notice regarding this proposal from the Public Space Office.

Commissioner Concerns: Commissioner Minichiello reported on a house on Klingle Street that was the subject of a recent condemnation hearing. He also noted that most neighbors in his area support the DDOT Visitor Pass proposal. However, they want the number of passes restricted.

Commissioner Wells discussed the April 8, RAB meeting, the planned project completion date for the Army Corps Spring Valley project, and the current status of the Spring Valley Health Study.

Commission Business: The March meeting minutes were deferred to the May meeting for a vote.  Commissioner Gates stated that the amendment to Article VI of the Bylaws needs to be on the agenda for a second reading and vote at the next meeting, which is scheduled for May 7, at 7:00 PM.

The treasurer’s report was accepted. There is a balance of $29,106.07 in the Bank of America checking account. This includes a direct deposit of the Quarterly allotment of $6,636.40 on March 26, 2008

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Nan Wells

Acting Secretary