Minutes
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D
September 6, 2006
The September meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chair Alma Gates. Other commissioners present: Heuer, Haas, Mullane, Thompson and Wells. Commissioner Shapley was absent with notice.
Police Report
With the summer over, the Police Department has begun a program called Operation School’s Open – Slow Down. They will be policing blocks of MacArthur near Key School and also along Arizona between Loughboro and MacArthur.
There were 20 crimes in PS 201 in August. Most were thefts from auto and some at American University. There was a “fear assault” in front of 5250 MacArthur Boulevard near Citibank. A man threatened to use a weapon on a woman who had just been to the bank if she did not give him her money. This was August 6th at about 12p.m. There was also a robbery/pickpocket at Sibley Hospital.
Application to occupy public space for the purpose of constructing a circular driveway at premise 4840 Dexter Street, N.W.
Michael Banks, owner of 4840 Dexter Street, N.W., has applied to Public Space for a permit for a circular driveway (two cuts into the street). It would take up 1/3 of the front yard and be the same width as the old driveway. There is plenty of parking available on the street.
The house sits uphill from a steeply-sloped lot. The house is not connected to the one-story two car garage. Banks said that partly to address the existing run-off problem vis-à-vis the next door property he wants to build a retaining wall that would climb from one foot up to four feet along the rear right corner of the lot and then reduce in size as it returned toward Dexter Street.
Mr. Banks is a builder and this will be the family home. He said that he counted about 40 houses in Wesley Heights with circular driveways and it would visually complement his house. Also, the Banks’ have a large family and this would enable guests to park off-street for family gatherings. Mr. Banks’ wife attended the previous ANC meeting and testified that she wanted to begin a flower business at their house. Mr. Banks said there were no such plans at this time.
Richard Brown, speaking on behalf of the neighbor immediately downhill on Dexter Street, Mrs. Brown, stated that he has reviewed the plans and believes the runoff problem would increase if the Banks are permitted to increase the paved area on their lot.
Jonathan Gottleib, of 4610 Dexter Street, said there is no need for big development at this site and that the retaining wall would help but not eliminate storm water run off.
Commissioner Mullane moved that the application be disapproved because of the potential impact the driveway would have on the neighbors and the fact that Mr. Banks could not demonstrate the overall support of neighbors for his proposal. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 6-0-0. Chair Gates will notify the public space commission of the decision.
Consideration of retaining wall redesign at 4815 Dexter Street
Cynthia Wilcox, owner of 4815 Dexter Street, presented plans to cut back a concrete retaining wall that was constructed without proper permits. Ms. Wilcox does not now reside at the property. Ms. Wilcox said the new plans had been approved by “water and construction.” After questions it became clear she was talking about Muhammed Khalid of DDOT’s Infrastructure Project Management Administration. However Ms. Wilcox had no documentation and the Commission had received no such notice.
A neighbor across the street said she does not like the wall. Ms. Wilcox said the house is now for sale but she may end up moving back in. Another neighbor, Mrs. Kingham, said she wants the wall as presently constructed to be removed and the slope returned to its prior condition.
Commissioner Mullane recommended that the Public Space Committee be notified that approvals appeared to be missing and that the committee should therefore delay any vote until after Ms. Wilcox could come before the ANC again in October. Mullane moved to postpone consideration of the application. Commissioner Heuer seconded. The vote was 6-0-0.
Application to occupy public space for a driveway at 5024 MacArthur Blvd, NW
Denise Douglas representing 5024 MacArthur Boulevard, applied for a parking apron. This is a new house and the previous house relied on on-street parking so there was no driveway. The new house has a driveway and the owner, Mr. Ambris, testified that without permission for an apron he will not be able to drive into his garage. Chair Gates made a motion to approve the application which was seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Vote: 6-0-0.
Zoning Commission Case No. 05-42 (Sibley Memorial Hospital – Consolidated Planned Unit Development and Related Zoning Map Amendment)
Sibley Hospital COO Jerry Price presented additional information on the hospital’s proposed medical office building and parking garage (copies of his slides were later delivered to commission members). The presentation was geared toward an outline provided to the hospital ahead of the meeting by the Chair and Commissioner Thompson (in whose district the hospital lies).
The first question concerned the results of an initial marketing survey to gauge doctors’ interest. Mr. Price said the hospital mailed a brochure to roughly 900 doctors with privileges at the hospital and received interest in 92,000 square feet.
Regarding plans to proceed with the larger Master Plan, he said there are currently no plans to proceed, however they had been encouraged by the response to the medical office building. He said the building will fill quickly.
Regarding the process by which the hospital would move ahead on the Master Plan, when it does, he said they would likely go to the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The hospital has an additional 15,000 sq ft. of unused square footage before it would need a variance. The FAR would be 0.89 and 0.9 is permitted.
In terms of how the new building would be used, and which existing functions would be moved in from other buildings, Mr. Price said the surgery center and the data center would migrate to the new building. The employees slated to move total 52 full-time employees. He said the hospital has no plans to backfill empty space at Hayes Hall and might leave it vacant. Asked how many people are on the payroll currently – not based on full-time employees but actual people who come and go – Mr. Price said he would obtain that information.
Mr. Price was asked to update the commission on plans for retail space and signage. He said there will be a cafeteria, pharmacy, durable medical equipment and optical shop on the first floor of the new MOB.
Concerning the proposed shuttle bus service, Mr. Price said the hospital will operate a shuttle bus from 6 AM-5 PM. These will be available for employees, patients and possibly neighbors. They will run all day between either Tenley Metro or Friendship Heights and the hospital. Sibley will own or lease the buses. There will be no charge for this service.
Sibley’s business development director, Christine Stuppy, presented the results of an employee commuter survey which was completed by 511 people. The survey found high interest among hospital employees in combining public transportation with the shuttle. The hospital estimated that 100 vehicle trips daily might be eliminated through use of the shuttle.
The hospital will wrap the cost of employee parking into office leases. Commissioner Mullane asked about free parking for patients and visitors, as his experience living near Foxhall Square is that no matter how low the hourly fees are, people will still drive around area streets looking for a way to park free of charge. Sibley has said it will not offer free parking. Commissioner Mullane urged the hospital to reconsider.
The hospital plans to file its Certificate of Need application with the Department of Health by October 20th.
Sibley’s architect, Dwight Fincher, presented a site plan and said the intersection of Dalecarlia Parkway and Little Falls Road is “still a study in progress.” The required 195 of sight distance is there if the hospital chooses to move the entrance 100 feet north, as proposed. This will create the greatest distance between the entrance and the intersection of Dalecarlia Parkway and Loughboro Road.
Commissioner Wells raised concerns about the tree removals needed to improve sight lines and establish a deceleration lane for the entrance. This could create an unattractive appearance and impose a more industrial view on neighbors. Also, she said, the hospital should not assume ordinary traffic speeds in calculating safety along Dalecarlia because the traffic is often traveling at higher than the posted speed limits.
Regarding landscaping, Mr. Fincher said that any tree over 9’ must be replaced. All holly trees now in front of hospital were transplanted from where Great Oaks now stands so this can be done.
Commissioner Wells asked to be provided with a diagram of the proposed intersection showing all lane markings. Mr. Price agreed to provide this.
Regarding lights and noise, the hospital has hired an acoustical engineer to work with the mechanical engineers to ensure the medical office building complies with the required 60 dB maximum. A landscaping firm, Lewis Sculley Gimet, has been hired to develop screening, to mitigate environmental impacts and to strengthen “the portal” appearances (presumably meaning entrances/exits).
In terms of the storm water plan, Sibley will use sand filters and extensive landscaping. Some areas have been identified as potential sites for rain gardens, for instance in front of the parking garage to help absorb storm water from the roof.
The garage will be lighted but lights will be turned off by 8 PM. There will be a gate and no one will be able to enter after a certain time. The buildings will be constructed with brick to match existing buildings in style.
The proposal is to house 100 doctors. There will be an imaging department with CT scan; also prep, surgery and all surgery on an outpatient basis. If longer stay is required, a patient would be sent to the main hospital.
Gorove Slade traffic engineers then made a presentation that addressed some of the outstanding traffic mitigation issues including a possible change in the location of a new proposed main entrance for the hospital on Dalecarlia Parkway and Little Falls Road; the shuttle bus; and additional information on traffic impacts on local streets.
When Sibley’s presentation concluded, Commissioner Rachel Thompson read four letters – two in favor of MOB, two against. Commissioner Thompson pointed out that Sibley’s application is for SP-1 designation but in response to a recommendation by the Office of Planning, the Zoning Commission set it down for hearing as SP-2. Thompson said the commission has no obligation to consider SP-2 but may instead consider SP-1.
There will be a special meeting on Sept 20th to discuss these and other issues. Sibley will provide more information that was requested concerning traffic patterns.
Resolution on Charter Schools
Chair Gates offered a resolution on charter schools. The Zoning Commission will consider an amendment to the zoning code that would redefine charter schools to be public schools, and permit charter schools with fewer than 16 students to locate in most zoning districts as a matter of right. The resolution was to oppose matter-of-right location of such facilities.
Commissioner Mullane asked whether matter-of-right may be needed in this case so that the new schools are not delayed or obstructed by neighborhood opposition. Commissioner Haas said it was important to retain public involvement in the decision process when the proposed action would affect a residential neighborhood. After further discussion the resolution was offered for vote by Chair Gates. Ann Heuer seconded and the resolution passed 5-0-1. Hugh Mullane abstained.
Commission Business
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from July meeting were read and approved with changes offered by Commissioners Wells and Haas. Commissioner Thompson, as the secretary, asked that corrections be sent to her ahead of the meeting so they could be reflected in Notices were sent out with the draft minutes making this request.
Treasurer’s report: There is currently a balance of $23,276.27 in the Bank of America account. A deposit was made in the amount of $6,390.12 from the DC auditor for the quarterly allotment.
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2006-2007 Budget: The initial draft budget for 2006-2007 (FY2007- October l, 2006-September 30, 2007), was presented by Commissioner Haas. Additional proposed items should be submitted after the meeting to enable a final presentation and vote at the regular October meeting. The new budget cycle begins October 1st.
There will be a special meeting on Sibley’s medical office building on Wednesday, September 20th at 7 PM in Ernst Auditorium.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on October 4th at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachel W. Thompson.
Secretary