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DUPONT CIRCLE ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION JANUARY 2004 MEETING SUMMARY

Below is a summary of the actions taken by the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission (Commission or ANC 2B) at the January 14, 2004, Regular Meeting. Please note that this summary does not constitute an official record of the meeting.  Contact the Executive Director or appropriate Commissioner for additional information.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

-- It was announced that Mayor Williams will deliver the State of the District address on Tuesday, February 3, 2004, at the Lincoln Theater, 1215 U Street, NW, at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Mayor Williams will also convene a Ward 2 Citizen’s Summit on Thursday, February 19, 2004, at the Kennedy Recreation Center, 1440 7th Street, NW, at 7 pm.

PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES

-- The Chairperson welcomed and acknowledged Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Charles Ramsey.  Chief Ramsey noted in his remarks to the Commission that the Mayor recently presented the proposed the Patrol Service Area restructuring plan to the DC Council, and anticipates an official rollout in April following Council review. The Chair noted that with the exception of a few blocks, the proposed Dupont Circle PSA boundaries are congruent with the boundaries of the Dupont Circle ANC. Chief Ramsey expressed concern with the discovery of a murder in the Dupont Circle underground trolley station, formerly known as Dupont Down Under. He expects the case will be closed in short order. He also noted a recent spike in street robberies in the Dupont Circle area. Commissioners expressed concerns about violence apparently related to clubs and gang activity near the intersection of 14th & U Streets, NW. The Chief allowed that the reported violence is often difficult to relate to a specific establishment. He noted that bike and foot patrols will become permanent under the restructuring plan. He also noted that MPD traffic cameras locations are posted on MPD’s website (www.mpdc.dc.gov) and that a number of cameras used during the recent heightened Orange Alert status have been turned off until further notice. The Chief also noted his strong support for US Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers, who has been placed on leave pending a US Department of Interior investigation.

-- The Commission recognized the recent promotions of Captain Diane Groomes and Captain Frank Hill. Captain Groomes will remain in the Third District. Captain Hill has been assigned to the Seventh District.

-- Assistant US Attorney Ted DiBiase expressed concern that there have been six unsolved murders in the Third District in the past 30 days. He compared this to the usual rate of 16 murders per year. He announced that Silvia Garza will soon replace Stephanie Bragg as his office’s community liaison for the Third District. Her telephone number is (202) 671-1892.

-- The Commission praised his exceptional work of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who respond to crime in our community.

GENERAL ISSUES

-- The Commission held its annual election.  The following officers were elected: Chairperson, Vince Micone; Vice Chairperson, Ramon Estrada; Secretary, Major Giese; and Treasurer, Bob Meehan. In addition, the Chair appointed the following Commissioners as liaisons to specific areas: Darren Bowie for Historic Preservation, Rob Halligan for Public Safety, Irv Morgan for Film and Television, Major Giese for the ANC Assembly, and himself as liaison to the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets.

-- ANC 2B heard public testimony on a resolution in support of Immigrant Voting Rights in local elections modeled on a resolution passed by ANC 1C. After considerable discussion and public testimony, the Commission tabled the resolution for consideration at a later date.

REGULATORY MATTERS

-- The Commission voted to support a new stipulated license for ABC service at Nirvana, a new restaurant located at 1810 K Street, NW. (2B06)

-- The Commission heard testimony from the property owner, counsel, and architect in support of a BZA application to convert the former Taiwanese Chancery located at 1701 18th Street, NW, to condominiums. The Commission voted to support the BZA application on the condition that the concrete parking pad in public space be returned to green space, and contingent on a re-hearing of the application by the Commission if the planned number of units (9) or the planned number of parking spaces (5) is changed at any time.  The property owner agreed to remove the concrete parking pad during the meeting. (2B03)

-- ANC 2B heard testimony from the applicant and the public on BZA Application #17075 for a special exception or a variance for Chef’s Express Carryout at 1417 17th Street, NW. Commissioner Mitten, in whose Single Member District this property is located, noted that the existing business at the location is not include compliance with the zoning regulations for the area.  The Chair read into the record a memo from Ward 2 Neighborhood Services Coordinator Clark Ray stating that his office has received several constituent complaints complaining of unsanitary conditions and rodent infestation. Commissioner Mitten reported that the establishment has been cited for non-compliance with its Certificate of Occupancy. The applicant was admonished for his unwillingness to address these concerns in the past.  The Commission voted to oppose the application noting that the current use is in violation of the zoning regulation and that removing the tenant establishment would enhance the value of the subject property and adjacent properties. (2B05)

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

-- It was announced that a status hearing on La Frontera Cantina’s ABC license application has been scheduled for the end of January.

-- The Commission adopted the 4th Quarter Financial Report, the December 2003 Minutes, and the 2004 budget as proposed by the Treasurer.

FEBRUARY MEETING

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B normally meets the second Wednesday of each month. There is an open forum at each meeting for discussion of issues not on the regular agenda. The next regular meeting of ANC 2B will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004; 7 p.m.; DC Jewish Community Center, Q & 16th Streets, NW.  For further information, call (202) 296-7333 or send a message to email@DupontCircleANC.net.

ANC 2B Commissioner Information

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