Meeting Report 

Meeting Agenda:

• USPP Update
• Check in with ANC Commissioners
• Food and Craft Market at 14th and W Streets
• Development at 15th and V Streets – Jair Lynch
• Fall Clean-Up
• U Street Movie Series
• Elections
• Tree on Florida Avenue

USPP Update:

The United States Park Police will present a Citizens’ Academy in the Fall of 2011.  The six-week course starts October 12th and concludes on November 16th.  The classes are planned from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesdays and will offer citizens the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about police procedures and the United States Park Police Organization. 

More information is available at:

http://www.nps.gov/uspp/citacad208.htm

The USPP Explorers Program takes candidates age 14-21 and develops their interest in law enforcement.  Candidates must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.  The USPP is looking for donations to help sponsor the kids to go to an upcoming competition. 

More information can be found at: 

http://www.nps.gov/uspp/Exploring1791.htm

The bathrooms are up and running in the park after a lengthy construction issue with sewer hook-up.  Since this year, there have been over 50 quality of life arrests in the park.  The Drum Circle permit continues to run on a 30-day basis until 9pm.  If there are complaints about the hours residents should contact: 

Nick Bartolomeo (Chief Ranger of Rock Creek Park) Nick_Bartolomeo@nps.gov 

ANC Check-in: 

Deborah Thomas:  Commissioner Thomas continues to work with Councilman Graham’s office to find solutions for drug use and loitering at the Coop’s on W Street. 

Commissioner Thomas requested a letter for support for expanded hours at Judy’s restaurant so that its operating hours would be consistent with those of similar neighborhood establishments, which she requested at MHNA’s June 21, 2011, meeting.  Brian stated that MHNA had agreed to such a letter in principle and was waiting to hear from Commissioner Thomas as to what those hours were.  Commissioner Thomas stated that she would provide the requested hours to the MHNA Board so that they can provide a letter for the October deadline.

Charlie Meisch (Via email): Commissioner Meisch has been active in dealing with the Nehemiah construction site on constituent concerns.  He has also been attempting to get the City to improve the flower boxes and trash situations on Chapin.

Food and Craft Market at 14th and W Streets, NW: 

Chef Ken came to present the food and craft market he started in the parking lot at 14th and W Streets, NW on August 20, 2011. Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association is a sponsor of the market.  Chef Ken relayed that the market provides a unique blend of pantry foods and people.  The market has been open on Saturdays and Sunday from 10 until 4 although Chef Ken plans to cut back to Saturdays only and will continue at the same location until at least the end of October.  He is exploring using the Douglas Lot for a holiday-type market and reaching out to View 14 to possibly use their indoor space during cold months. 

Chef Ken relayed that he needs more help getting the word out about the market.  He is looking for places to post flyers about the market and has requested funding from MHNA to help pay for advertising the market.  Brian requested a vote on a resolution for MHNA to contribute an amount of a couple hundred dollars to defray the costs of publicity for the market, with the amount to be set by the Board after conferring with the treasurer.  Those present who were MHNA members voted in favor of the resolution.  Brian stated that he will send out a press release.

Development at 15th and V Streets, NW – Jair Lynch:

Andrew H. Spencer of Jair Lynch Development Partners (JLD) provided an update on plans to construct a 95-unit 9-story apartment building on the southeast corner of 15th & V Streets, NW.  He stated that the DC Historic Preservation Office (HPO)recommended approval of the project but expressed reservations about the glass bays on the northwest corner. He relayed that while the project is proposed as a by-right development, it is in the U Street Historic District, which requires Historic Preservation Review Board approval and will be reviewed at the next HPRB meeting will be Thursday, September 22nd. 

Attendees noted that JLD had not contacted affected residents, including those in the 16 Victorian rowhouses on the west side of 2000 block of 15th Street, the seven historic rowhouses on the east side of the 2100 block of 15th Street, and the Wakefield Hall apartments at 2101 New Hampshire Avenue.   Andrew responded that contacting affected residents is not a normal part of the company's development process.   Deborah Thomas stated that rather than contacting individual residents, the developer went to MHNA.  Brian clarified that Jair Lynch’s presentation about the proposed construction project at the June 21, 2011, MHNA meeting was the first time those present had heard of the proposed project and that MHNA did not take a vote on whether to support the proposed new construction.

Andrew stated that JLD had made changes to the project, since its June 21, 2011, presentation to MHNA after consulting with the HPO, including increasing the brick to glass ratio and simplifying the design and that the footprint of the building remains the same as previously presented.

Andrew stated that following the HPRB review JLD will continue to refine the design.  He relayed that part of the reason for the scale of the building is that it allows them to fund other components of this project, including the renovations and extension of the HUD status for the adjacent Dunbar Senior Housing.

Attendees’ comments included:  

• While the design has added more brick, some adjacent residents felt that the glass to masonry ratio on the building does not fit in with the context of the historic rowhouses across 15th Street.
• The scale of the building still feels too large.
• Not enough quantified information is known about the proposed new construction, such as its exact height.
• The proposed new construction should be set back from 15th Street at the same distance as the front entrance to the adjacent Paul Laurence Dunbar apartments, to preserve green space and the view of historic St. Augustine’s church from U Street. Andrew responded that a specified amount of space must be allotted on the eastern side of the building to allow vehicular access to the Paul Laurence Dunbar apartments from V Street, JLD will look into a longer setback from 15th Street, which may require a reduction in the number of units, and that even if the new construction is not set back from the property line the trees along 15th Street will be preserved.
• Andrew produced a photograph of the Portner Flats hotel which once occupied the property and some agreed that the design consistent with the Portner Flats would be acceptable.
• Not enough time has been given to adjacent property owners to provide input.  One affected resident stated that she had learned of the proposed construction project over the weekend.  Christina requested that JLD seek to postpone HPRB review so that the affected residents would have time to review the renderings and provide comments. Andrew declined, stating that the process has already been initiated and they would like to move forward with the project.
• Bobby Barusefski stated that he liked the architecture of the proposed building and that it is an improvement over some of the other architecture in the surrounding neighborhood.  He also noted that one of the things he enjoys about this neighborhood is the many layers of architecture that are represented.

Brian proposed that MHNA submit a letter to the HPRB stating that MHNA has not taken a position on whether to support the proposed construction project.  Those present voted in favor, with a amendment that the letter note the existence of positive and negative aspects of the project.

Christina proposed that the June 2011 meeting minutes be amended to clarify that JLD’s presentation on June 21, 2011, was for informational purposes and that MHNA did not take a vote on whether to support the proposed new construction and that the meeting minutes reflect that they were being amended.  Those present voted in favor. 

Fall Clean-up:

MHNA will tentatively set the date for the MHNA Fall Clean-up on Saturday October 22nd.   Pete volunteered to coordinate with the city to make the necessary logistical arrangements.  

U Street Summer Movie Series:

The September U Street Summer Movie Series was cancelled because of the rain.  The October movie “Waiting for Superman” is scheduled tentatively for October 20th.

Elections:

Brian Levy relayed that he will step down as president effective 2012.  He requested that board members or any current Meridian Hill members consider if they will run for election for the next MHNA meeting.

Tree along Florida Avenue: 

Bobby relayed that there was a dying tree on the private property at 1421 Florida Avenue that had been affected by an adjacent construction project and was a risk of falling and possibly injuring someone.  Bobby reported that he had already sent an email to Commissioner Street and the Coop President for an adjacent building but had not received a response.  John DeTaeye of Councilmember Graham's office requested that Bobby forward the email and a picture to him to see if their office can be of assistance as this is a public safety issue.

• Check in U.S. Park Police
• U Street Summer Movie Series Update
• Commissioner Deborah Thomas Update (ANC)
• Jair Lynch RE; 15th and U Street Project
• Judy Restaurant RE: Amendment to their Voluntary Agreement
• MOVA RE: RE: Planned Upscale Martini Lounge at 2204 14th Street
• Pica Taco RE: Summer Garden
• Presentation from Living City Blocks
• Treasurer Update

Check in with U.S. Park Police:

Meridian Hill Park Update:  There are not a lot of new updates regarding crime.  There was an armed robbery last Friday and a possible suspect is in custody.  The new bathrooms are now open to the public.  A Park Police Officer is in the Park during the weekends and within an 8 block radius during weekdays.  The Drum Circle is operating on a 30-day permit and as of right now there have been no complaints from the neighbors.  Input from the neighbors is needed for the current hours to change.

U Street Summer Movie Series: 

The U Street Summer Movie Series needs volunteers to man the MHNA table.  Volunteers are needed at 6:30 the day of the event.  Posters have been printed as have advertising cards to distribute to area businesses and neighbors.  So far the U Street Summer Movie Series has raised $11,000 this year where as last year they raised $5,000.  The next movie will be on June 28^th.  The movie will be “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” and “The Poodle Trainer”.  The rain date is set for June 30^th.

Commissioner Deborah Thomas Update (ANC)

Palace 5ive hosted an event today, June 21^st that attracted an estimate 400-500 people without a permit.  Police shut down the event and a fine was issued.

Jair Lynch RE: Project at 15th and U Street NW: 

According to Jair Lynch, they have been working with the Campbell Heights Association for the past two years to develop a piece of their property into a new apartment building.  The goal of the project is to help keep affordable senior housing in the neighborhood while developing a piece of the Campbell Heights parcel so that it is at it’s max FAR (currently the parcel is under it’s max allowable FAR as it is developed today – this project will not exceed the current allowable FAR and is a by-right development).  Jair Lynch was able to acquire the property in 2010.

The project seeks to develop the part of the existing parking lot north of the Campbell Heights Building at the corner of 15th and V Streets with a 95-unit, 9-story building.  The architect has incorporated numerous elements found in the surrounding neighborhood and is proposed to have it’s entrance on 15th Street.  Two levels of underground parking are proposed , accessible in the rear on V Street.  If successful in the entitlement phase which includes a presentation to the Historic Review Board at the end of July, the project will move forward to design and construction would begin in the Summer of 2012 with a 15-18 month construction process.

According to Lynch, residents of the existing Campbell Heights Association have been involved from the beginning and endorse the project.  The existing building will have many interior upgrades including a new outdoor space.  The existing Campbell Heights building will also have their Section 8 HUD status extended for 20 years.

Jair Lynch has asked MHNA for a letter of support.  No objections were taken.  NOTE: On September 20, 2011, MHNA voted to correct the June 21, 2011, meeting report to state that Jair Lynch was informed that their presentation at the June 21, 2011, MHNA meeting was for informational purposes and that MHNA did not take a vote on whether to support the proposed new construction.  

Judy Restaurant RE: Amendment to their Voluntary Agreement:

Judy is requesting approval for an amendment to their voluntary agreement.  They would like to extend their entertainment endorsement from Thursday-Saturday to also include Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  They would also like to add outdoor seating.  Deborah Thomas is in support of the amendment because they are in good standing with the Community and have been there for 20 years.  Deborah would like to see them be able to keep up with the new surrounding businesses.  The outdoor seating will include 3 or 4 tables.  MHNA offers support to the amendment with contingent upon verifying what hours the outdoor seating will be allowed.  MHNA offers support if the hours are consistent with other businesses in the other including Eatonville and the proposed La Fonda at 14^th and V Street NW. 

MOVA:

MOVA presented their application for an upscale martini lounge at 2204 14^th Street.  They are applying for a liquor license and an entertainment endorsement that would be used for dj’s.   The application also requests outdoor seating on the rear roof of the building.  To mitigate sound, a 3’6 parapet wall and wooden latticework is proposed.  Commissioner Thomas has concerns about noise since the outdoor seating will be in the rear of the building on the roof.  Commissioner Thomas is going to reach out to neighboring condominium buildings to make them aware of the proposed project and build consensus before the presentation at the next ANC meeting.

Pica Taco: 

Pica Taco is proposing outdoor seating at 1406 Florida Avenue.  The application requests 4 tables that will be available to patrons until closing.  MHNA suggested reaching out to the neighbor which Pica Taco says they have already done.  MHNA also suggested contacting The Solea Condominium across Florida Avenue.  Bobby Barusefski will distribute the information to the Solea Condominium once Commisioner Thomas verifies whether or not alcohol will be able to be served outside and the hours of the proposed outdoor seating.

Living City Block:

Living City Block is using several city blocks within MHNA boundaries as part of a project that builds a model of what a sustainable city block could be.  The blocks include the blocks between 13^th Street to 15^th Street from U Street to V Street.  Those blocks were chosen because of the diverse income levels and mix of uses.  Some of the components of the project are composting from surrounding restaurants, community gardens, and green roofs.   Va Tech, Howard University, and American University are participating in the project.   More information can be found at www.livingcityblock.org

The next MHNA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

Meeting Agenda:

·      Update presentation from representatives of the 2400 14^th Street Project

(UDR Site)

·      ANC Commissioner Briefing

·      Finalize 2011 work plan and events

2400 14^th Street Presentation:  Representatives of the developer and Donahue Construction gave a brief presentation about the project then opened the floor for questions. 

 Quick facts from the presentation:  The project began construction in December of 2010.  Pile driving is complete and currently the project is in the sheeting and shoring stage of construction, which should be complete sometime in the Spring of 2011.  The project will start going vertical in the Summer of 2011 and the external skin of the project will be visible by April 2012.  UDR expects to be turning units in September 2012 with construction completion in the Spring of 2013. 

 Project Statistics:  The project will feature 255 apartment units with up to 2-5 retail spaces, depending on retail demand.  18 parking spaces will be dedicated to retail with 187 spaces dedicated to the residential units.  Additionally, parking for 85 bicycle spaces will be provided to residents.    There will be a space dedicated for an educational center or employment-training center.  The building will have a glass, brick, and metal panel facade with a roof deck that features a pool and kitchen spaces for residents.

 While UDR has other properties in the City, this is the first new construction project within the District of Columbia.

 2011 Work Plan:  The Association discussed events and ideas for the upcoming 2011 year including:

 ·      ANC Commissioner Outreach

·      Mixers

·      Volunteer Days with Martha’s Table

·      Harrison Field Movie Night

·      Block Parties (W-Street Block Party)

·      U Street Farmers Market Table

·      Dog Days Table

·      Key Speakers

·      Reaching out to Harrison School and the Boys and Girls Club on 14^th St.

·      Spring Clean Up

·      A Neighborhood History Walk and Section on the MHNA Website

·      Reaching out the Hispanic Population with a page on the MHNA Website

ANC Update:  Charlie Meisch, ANC Commissioner 1B06 gave a community briefing:

1. Update on the 2400 14^th Street Site.  Residents had raised concerns about noise, parking, and traffic and the ANC has been working with City Council to address issues.  The developer has been responsive.
2. Public Safety Concerns – Grafitti issue in the neighborhood concentrating on 15^th St.   Commissioner Meisch is working with the City to remove the graffiti but cold weather currently prohibits removal.  Also, along Belmont Street and Chapin Street there has been a problem with package theft.  MPD is engaged.

The next MHNA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2011.