MINUTES – ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3D MEETING

MAY 7, 2008

 

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

 

The meeting was called to order by the Chair Betsy Sandza.  Commissioners present: Sandza, Alma Gates, Ann Heuer, Lee Minichiello, Tom Smith and Nan Wells. Commissioner Haas was absent due to illness.  There were approximately 16 people in the audience.

 

Community Concerns – Al Gillespie, George Regovis, and Emily Andrews, residents of V Street, NW, addressed the meeting. They presented a petition for the 4800 block of V Street for Residential Permit Parking. The petition had the required percentage of resident signatures. Jeff Jennings, DDOT Ward 3 Transportation Planner, who was present, stated that DDOT was already aware of the petition and would be working with the neighbors to implement it.  A discussion followed concerning the days and hours that would be covered on the signage. The petition was given directly to DDOT through Jeff Jennings and no Commission action was taken.  A copy of the petition is filed with the Secretary. 

 

Police Report, Second District – Officer Tony McElwee gave a brief report stating that crime was down by 44% from last year.  He reported that there were two daytime burglaries recently in the Charleston Terrace area which may have been committed by the same person.  It appears that the suspect may target wealthy elderly couples. 

 

4838 Rockwood Parkway – John Richardson, contractor for this property, had filed an application to relocate the existing driveway in public space and sought the approval of the ANC for a new curb cut in order to move the driveway. The homeowners modified their original plans in order to save a healthy oak tree on the property. Also they will restore the previous curb cut. A permit to remove a second oak tree, which is unhealthy, has been granted by the Urban Forestry Department. Commissioner Wells moved to approve this application. Commissioner Smith seconded and it passed 6-0-0.

 

5045 Loughboro Road NW – Glenn Gerstell, owner of this property, applied for approval to install in public space a new 6 foot high metal fence. The new fence, to be located in his side yard, would be similar to, but higher than, an existing fence in front of the house.  Mr. Gerstell stated that the proposed additional fencing is needed to enclose a new pool complex and side yard.  There was discussion which indicated that there is sufficient existing space on the Gerstell property to install a fence without the need to use public space.  Commissioner Wells moved to disapprove this request and Commissioner Gates seconded the motion. It passed 5-1-0. 

 

Marine Corps Marathon - Bret Schmidt outlined plans for the Sunday, October 28, 2008, Marine Corps Marathon.  In previous years, the Marathon has been run through Rock Creek Park. However, last year and again this year, the Park is under construction so the route will take the runners through streets in the Foxhall and Palisades areas. The race will start in Arlington at 7:00 AM for wheelchair and cyclists and at 8:00 AM for regular runners.  All participants should clear the Foxhall/Palisades area by 10:45 AM.  Over 30,000 racers are expected. Commissioner Gates noted that the race is widely supported by area residents and she moved approval of the request. Commissioner Wells seconded and it passed 5-1-0.

 

Georgetown University Boathouse EIS - Peter May, Associate Regional Director, National Capital Region, National Park Service, and Alan Harwood, EDAW, told the Commissioners that a detailed analysis of the scoping comments is almost complete and discussions are underway with stakeholders and focus groups as the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed GU Boathouse is prepared. Commissioners were shown a map of the seven different sites proposed by the National Park Service.

 

The next steps involve evaluation of the different sites and the advantages offered by the each. A “Choosing by Advantages” workshop is planned for NPS staff in May. The draft EIS will be available in early July. The comment period will last 60 days, extending into September. It was requested that the speakers return and present the options for the site when available.  ANC 3D requested a copy of the EIS. 

 

Palisades Farmers Market – Chris Baer, who appeared at last month’s ANC meeting on this issue, provided an update.  He reviewed his meetings with the V Street neighbors. He noted that two residents were opposed to the location of the market; one was neutral, but cited traffic concerns; and two felt the market would not affect existing traffic. Wachovia Bank has not responded to his inquiry regarding the use of their parking lot. Safeway is somewhat supportive, but they won’t make a formal response. Chris noted that the Safeway will not allow the use of their parking lot. However, CVS will allow the use of their parking lot.

 

The Palisades Citizens’ Association filed an application with the Public Space Office at DDOT for a permit to close 48th Place on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the market.  The Fire Marshal has approved the closing of the street. Mr. Baer noted that further information and updates are available on the new website: PalisadesFarmersMarket.com.

 

Commissioner Smith proposed a resolution of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Heuer. Commissioner Gates proposed an amendment to the motion. The motion passed 6-0-0. The final resolution is attached to the minutes.

 

Commission Business:

 

Commissioner Sandza reported that Sibley Hospital has requested that a member of the Commission appear and present testimony at the Certificate of Need hearing on May 13.  She recommended the Commission submit to the State Health Planning and Development Agency a copy of ANC3D’s letter to the Zoning Commission which outlines the Commission’s position on the proposed medical office building.  Commissioner Sandza will notify Sibley of this recommendation.

 

Commissioner Gates discussed proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) legislation. There was concern regarding the impact on the neighborhood of 48 additional flights into Reagan National Airport to accommodate a filing by Jet Blue for landing rights.  It was agreed Commissioner Wells would notify Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton of the community’s concern.

 

Commission Gates discussed her interest in applying for a DDOT Transportation Enhancement grant to repair the wall that runs along Canal Road between Foxhall Road and Whitehurst Freeway bordering the canal.  She was encouraged to pursue the grant.

 

A second reading of the proposed Bylaws change to ARTICLE 6. Section 3. Proxy Voting, was tabled and will be taken up at the June meeting.

 

Election of Secretary – Chair Sandza moved to elect Commissioner Wells as Commission Secretary.  Commissioner Gates seconded the motion.  Approved 6-0-0.

 

The minutes from the March 2008 and April 2008 meetings were approved 5-0-1.  Commissioner Heuer abstained since she had not attended those meetings.

 

The Second quarterly report was presented.  Commissioner Heuer moved to accept

And it was seconded by Commissioner Gates. Approved 6-0-0.

 

The Treasurer’s Report was given and accepted.  There is a balance of $33,880.69 in the Bank of America checking account.  This includes a recent deposit of the quarterly allotment of $6,636.40.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Nan S. Wells

Secretary