The DC Department of Parks and Recreation has notified the ANC and a few community leaders that, due again to the rain that DC has been recieving, the opening of the S & T Street triangle parks, including the neighborhood dog park, will be delayed at least until the end of July.
Unfortunately, I think that this date could slip even further. There is still much work to be done. I surveyed the site this weekend and took some photos.
It looks like some existing trees still need to be cut back as they are impacting pedestrians on the sidewalk, and the sign that DPR put up still claims that the park will open in Spring 2009. I'm working to get that changed as well. Wish me luck!
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 24: Dana Beyer for MD House
On Wednesday evening, I have the distinct honor of cohosting a great event for Dr. Dana Beyer, who is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010. This early event will help her raise the money she needs to be competitive as a great Democrat and effective addition to the Maryland House of Delegates. Email me at jack@friendsofjack.com if you're interested in attending!
Please Join
Lane Hudson, Mary Snider & John P. Isa
and
Host Committee (in formation):
Joseph Solmonese & Jed Hastings • Ambassador Michael Guest • Hilary Rosen • Babak Movahedi • Elizabeth Birch • Donald Hitchcock & Paul Yandura • Peter Rosenstein • Joseph A. Racalto • Dr. Jim D'Orta • Margaret Murray • Bob Summersgill • Ernest Hopkins • Anna Ekindjian • Hans Johnson • Stuart S. Kurlander & David L. Martin • Mitchell Gold & Tim Scofield • Mark Bromley • Jack Jacobson • Bob Witeck • Colte Suggs • Marjorie Chorlins • Ken Sugarman • Martha McQuade & Marni Byrum • Todd Metcalf • Joseph Palacios • Mara Kiesling • Philip Gallbreath & Michael Buie • Charles Merrill • Drs. Juan & Ken Ahonen-Jover • Barbra “Babs” Casbar Siperstein • Andy Szekeres • Lisa Turner • Lisa Polyak & Gita Deane • Joe Falk • Joanne Herman
To Celebrate and Support
Dr. Dana Beyer’s
Historic 2010 Campaign for
Maryland State Delegate
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
~ John P. Isa’s Home ~
Rainbow Autobody & Paint Shop
1445 Church Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lane Hudson, Mary Snider & John P. Isa
and
Host Committee (in formation):
Joseph Solmonese & Jed Hastings • Ambassador Michael Guest • Hilary Rosen • Babak Movahedi • Elizabeth Birch • Donald Hitchcock & Paul Yandura • Peter Rosenstein • Joseph A. Racalto • Dr. Jim D'Orta • Margaret Murray • Bob Summersgill • Ernest Hopkins • Anna Ekindjian • Hans Johnson • Stuart S. Kurlander & David L. Martin • Mitchell Gold & Tim Scofield • Mark Bromley • Jack Jacobson • Bob Witeck • Colte Suggs • Marjorie Chorlins • Ken Sugarman • Martha McQuade & Marni Byrum • Todd Metcalf • Joseph Palacios • Mara Kiesling • Philip Gallbreath & Michael Buie • Charles Merrill • Drs. Juan & Ken Ahonen-Jover • Barbra “Babs” Casbar Siperstein • Andy Szekeres • Lisa Turner • Lisa Polyak & Gita Deane • Joe Falk • Joanne Herman
To Celebrate and Support
Dr. Dana Beyer’s
Historic 2010 Campaign for
Maryland State Delegate
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
~ John P. Isa’s Home ~
Rainbow Autobody & Paint Shop
1445 Church Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
More Hollywood in Dupont!
From Commissioner Mike Feldstein, but I thought it was neat:
I have just been informed by the Mayor's Office that Columbia Pictures will be filming in the Dupont area this week. The bulk of the filming will take place on Friday, June 19 (with Jack Nicholson and Paul Rudd).
Locations:
East side of Connecticut Avenue, NW between S & R Streets (6/19/09, 4am until 10pm)
East side of Connecticut Avenue, NW between R & Q Streets (6/19/09, 4am until 10pm)
Both sides of R Street, NW between 20th and 19th Streets (6/16/09, 7am until 10pm)
Both sides of 20th Street, NW (only a little over half of the block) between S and R Streets (6/16/09, 7am until 10pm)
South side of S Street, NW between Connecticut Avenue and 20th Street (Condor parking - 7am on 6/18/09 until 7am on 6/19/09).
The production will also park their condor (a crane used to raise lights) on the south side of S Street, NW between Connecticut Avenue and 20th Street (7am on 6/18/09 until 7am on 6/19/09). These will be the metered spaces close to the corner of Connecticut Avenue and S Street. On the morning of 6/19 this piece of equipment will be moved into it’s position (see map) on 20th Street.
Further questions should be directed to the Film Office at 727-6608.
I have just been informed by the Mayor's Office that Columbia Pictures will be filming in the Dupont area this week. The bulk of the filming will take place on Friday, June 19 (with Jack Nicholson and Paul Rudd).
Locations:
East side of Connecticut Avenue, NW between S & R Streets (6/19/09, 4am until 10pm)
East side of Connecticut Avenue, NW between R & Q Streets (6/19/09, 4am until 10pm)
Both sides of R Street, NW between 20th and 19th Streets (6/16/09, 7am until 10pm)
Both sides of 20th Street, NW (only a little over half of the block) between S and R Streets (6/16/09, 7am until 10pm)
South side of S Street, NW between Connecticut Avenue and 20th Street (Condor parking - 7am on 6/18/09 until 7am on 6/19/09).
The production will also park their condor (a crane used to raise lights) on the south side of S Street, NW between Connecticut Avenue and 20th Street (7am on 6/18/09 until 7am on 6/19/09). These will be the metered spaces close to the corner of Connecticut Avenue and S Street. On the morning of 6/19 this piece of equipment will be moved into it’s position (see map) on 20th Street.
Further questions should be directed to the Film Office at 727-6608.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Real Answers on the Real World
Below are answers, from the Mayor's office, to the various questions asked at our last meeting about "Real World". Commissioner Mike Feldstein and I would like to thank Andrew Huff for the first rate job he did at last Wednesday ANC meeting and the quick turn around on these questions.
1) How many total crew members make up the production and what percentage of them are local?35 crew members have been hired locally for this production. In addition, for the next four months, all of the crew is local - renting apartments, living in the neighborhood, and eating in local restaurants.
2) Where can interested parties look for employment information as it relates to the production?The production is currently “crewed-up” and not hiring additional people at this time.
3) Why doesn't MTV use the parking facility across the street from the house instead of taking metered spots?Currently, due to construction, vehicles are needed next to the house to unload materials, equipment, etc. Once production begins, these vehicles will need to be as close to the house as possible and easily accessed 24/7. Also, certain vehicles are too tall to fit into the garage across the street.
4) What will be done to address the issue of tour buses traveling down S Street to show people the house?These issues will be addressed by the Mayor’s office, DDOT, and MPD. Residents are encouraged to report any violations to these offices (including license pl ate #s and vehicle descriptions).
5) Is there any chance that the total # of parking spaces lost can be reduced from 6 to 4?This production will not take away any RPP parking from the neighborhood. The spaces being occupied are for commercial purposes and the production company is paying the District for their use. At most, 6 metered parking spots will be used over the course of the production.
6) What is the plan for reaching out to the charter school across the street to inform them of the production?The District will reach out to the charter school about the production.
7) Will MTV offer any kind of “amenities” to the community (i.e. donations to area non-profits or causes)? If so, is there an avenue for residents to contribute ideas for where time/money should be donated?This possibility will be explored with the production company. Studies have shown that this production generates substantial tourism dollars in the communities they film after the show airs. Also, local crew members are hired, injecting revenue into the local economy (construction companies, restaurants, hotels, bars, etc.).
June 15: Rally to Save Historic Building
Tonight, the ANC, Dupont Circle Conservancy, residents and other preservation groups will be holding a rally at 16th & T St., NW, to attempt to save a building at that location that is crumbling. The rally starts at 7:00 pm.
This is a classic case of "demolition by neglect", which basically means that an owner doesn't take care of his or her property and allows it to deteriorate - to the point it needs to be torn down. The owner may actually be enriched through this process, as he or she may be able to allow an old building to fall apart, then sell the vacant property or, alternately, build a newer, more expensive building that is easier to take care of and maintain.
There are strict laws against this in historic neighborhoods, such as Dupont Circle. The city can put a lien against the property and shore up the structure, which is what the Conservancy is attempting to get the city to do.
I have a work dinner this evening so cannot attend, but voted in favor of a resolution/letter on this issue at last week's ANC meeting.
This is a classic case of "demolition by neglect", which basically means that an owner doesn't take care of his or her property and allows it to deteriorate - to the point it needs to be torn down. The owner may actually be enriched through this process, as he or she may be able to allow an old building to fall apart, then sell the vacant property or, alternately, build a newer, more expensive building that is easier to take care of and maintain.
There are strict laws against this in historic neighborhoods, such as Dupont Circle. The city can put a lien against the property and shore up the structure, which is what the Conservancy is attempting to get the city to do.
I have a work dinner this evening so cannot attend, but voted in favor of a resolution/letter on this issue at last week's ANC meeting.
June 16: PSA 208 Public Safety Meeting
At this meeting, we'll welcome Acting Lt. John McDonald, who will be replacing former Lt. Erich Miller on PSA 208's leadership team.
We’ve been trying to vary the location of the Dupont/Kalorama Public Safety Meeting every other month. April’s meeting at Stead Playground resulted in some good conflict resolution and DPR/DDoT help on lighting and facilities in Stead. That, again, validated the worth of moving meetings around. We get new people to come out when we move the meetings as well.
On Tuesday June 16th, we’ll meet from 7 to 7:30pm at MPD 3D station (1620 V St.) and then proceed down 17th Street to P. MPD, other DC gov staff, concerned neighbors, Block Captains, and activists hope to meet up with citizens and business people on the way down 17th to learn about issues – kind of like Orange Hat patrols. (So if you live or work at 17th and P, you should plan to start looking for us at about 8:10 to 8:30 if you want to get to know your foot beat officers and their leadership.)
Please come up with a location for the August meeting (always the 3rd Tuesday of the month) if you have some issues in a particular area. We’ll also be trying to pull together a National Night Out event for August 4th.
We’ve been trying to vary the location of the Dupont/Kalorama Public Safety Meeting every other month. April’s meeting at Stead Playground resulted in some good conflict resolution and DPR/DDoT help on lighting and facilities in Stead. That, again, validated the worth of moving meetings around. We get new people to come out when we move the meetings as well.
On Tuesday June 16th, we’ll meet from 7 to 7:30pm at MPD 3D station (1620 V St.) and then proceed down 17th Street to P. MPD, other DC gov staff, concerned neighbors, Block Captains, and activists hope to meet up with citizens and business people on the way down 17th to learn about issues – kind of like Orange Hat patrols. (So if you live or work at 17th and P, you should plan to start looking for us at about 8:10 to 8:30 if you want to get to know your foot beat officers and their leadership.)
Please come up with a location for the August meeting (always the 3rd Tuesday of the month) if you have some issues in a particular area. We’ll also be trying to pull together a National Night Out event for August 4th.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Washington Post: Lisa de Moraes
The Washington Post today ran an article about "The Real World: DC". I was able to speak briefly with the reporter, and was happy to be quoted here!!
As MTV started to make itself at home in our fair city by officially announcing its intention to begin production on "The Real World: D.C.," it forgot about one crucial step: meeting the neighbors.
MTV suits were a no-show at a Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting Wednesday night. Instead, area residents lobbed questions at various city officials, though the Q&A was made more difficult by small details, like the fact that no one could officially confirm where the show will be taping or when -- even though The Post's Reliable Source has reported the binge-drinking, friends-with-benefits HQ will be 2000 S St. NW. One rumor has the start date at June 20.
Instead, mayor's office representative Andrew Huff, D.C. film office director Kathy Hollinger and D.C. police Acting Lt. John McDonald fielded "Real World" questions, like "Where are we going to park?" and "What about the noise?" Turns out, four to six precious metered parking spaces will go to "Real World" crew, government reps told attendees -- some of whom spoke yesterday to The Post's Emily Yahr. And police officers are about to receive noise dosimeter training to prepare for possible violations, though McDonald told Yahr it's not specifically because of the "Real World" house moving in. Uh-huh.
A sort of Hatfields vs. McCoys thing is already brewing over Dupont Circle's new made-for-TV neighbors, including the creation of rival blogs: Anti-Real World D.C. and Pro Real World DC.
Said ANC Commissioner Jack Jacobson of "The Real World: D.C.": "It comes with a certain amount of heartache and heartburn, but it's a little bit of Hollywood right in our back yard."
As MTV started to make itself at home in our fair city by officially announcing its intention to begin production on "The Real World: D.C.," it forgot about one crucial step: meeting the neighbors.
MTV suits were a no-show at a Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting Wednesday night. Instead, area residents lobbed questions at various city officials, though the Q&A was made more difficult by small details, like the fact that no one could officially confirm where the show will be taping or when -- even though The Post's Reliable Source has reported the binge-drinking, friends-with-benefits HQ will be 2000 S St. NW. One rumor has the start date at June 20.
Instead, mayor's office representative Andrew Huff, D.C. film office director Kathy Hollinger and D.C. police Acting Lt. John McDonald fielded "Real World" questions, like "Where are we going to park?" and "What about the noise?" Turns out, four to six precious metered parking spaces will go to "Real World" crew, government reps told attendees -- some of whom spoke yesterday to The Post's Emily Yahr. And police officers are about to receive noise dosimeter training to prepare for possible violations, though McDonald told Yahr it's not specifically because of the "Real World" house moving in. Uh-huh.
A sort of Hatfields vs. McCoys thing is already brewing over Dupont Circle's new made-for-TV neighbors, including the creation of rival blogs: Anti-Real World D.C. and Pro Real World DC.
Said ANC Commissioner Jack Jacobson of "The Real World: D.C.": "It comes with a certain amount of heartache and heartburn, but it's a little bit of Hollywood right in our back yard."
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Real World Coming to Dupont Circle!
As most of the world already knows, the longest-running reality TV show in history is coming to Washington, DC - right in Dupont Circle!
At last night's ANC meeting, a representative from the Mayor's office filled us in on some of the details:
At last night's ANC meeting, a representative from the Mayor's office filled us in on some of the details:
- Filming could begin within weeks, with a wrap by Thanksgiving.
- Half of the film crew will be local.
- Half of the 12 parking spaces reserved for construction of the home will come back during production for neighborhood parking.
- The location cannot be revealed, so you should not assume it's at 2000 S Street, NW.
- MPD will be involved at keeping neighborhood order.
The MPD issue is one that I raised last night. Though MPD's Special Operations division normally works on movie and TV filming projects, the Second District's office should have been looped in much sooner. When I spoke with Acting Lt. John McDonald on Monday and invited him to the ANC meeting to talk about this issue, he had no knowledge of anything. And when I asked about MPD meetings with the Mayor's office and production company, the Mayor's office reponded affirmatively, until I corrected him, with Lt. McDonald's input. The Second District needs to be wrapped in to all of these discussions as this will undoubtely have a major impact on the neighborhood.
Commissioner Will Stephens asked another very good question about the permitting process. In particular, almost all other permits need to go through the ANC so that we can provide "great weight" before they are issued. This permit did not, and in fact the ANC was not briefed until the day that everything was made "official". For something this disruptive, the neighborhood should be involved to the maximum extent possible.
Finally, it's not all doom and gloom. This is a great opportunity to showcase our neighborhood and the diversity of our community. I'm so thrilled to have MTV coming here, and the economic benefits that will follow will help us all in a time where it's difficult for so many people to make ends meet.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Green Door June 2009 Wish List
Green Door prepares women and men with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses to work and live in the Washington, D.C. community. For information, visit us at www.greendoor.org.
Items should be fully functioning, gently used, and new items that are only on the wish list. Please contact Megan Butler at Megan.Butler@greendoor.org or 202-408-1977 x2 before donating.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for Guest Chefs/Servers and Speakers for our monthly Education and Employment dinners. Please contact Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977 x1 or Ashawnda.fleming@greendoor.org for more information.
We need volunteers for the Learning Center at the Clubhouse to tutor members in GED preparation, Monday through Friday from 3pm-5pm.
Have you always wanted to see what’s behind the Green Door?
Come take a one-hour tour of our Clubhouse, which is changing the way people with mental illness recover, live, and work in the community. You are welcome to bring a friend (s). Please RSVP with Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977.
Thursday June 11, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday June 24, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday July 9, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday July 22, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday August 13, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday August 26, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday September 10, 2009 at 8:30am
Metro cards for members without income to get to their doctors, jobs, or school. Please send all metro card donations to the attention of the Development Office at the address listed below.
Toiletries, especially deodorant and toothpaste, for our men’s and women’s emergency closets.
Safeway/Giant cards for members without income that are awaiting approval of their benefits.
Green Door housing needs five vacuums for the five housing units. The vacuums consistently break from the constant use. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy home. Gail Chow
Melvin currently moved and has a limited income. He needs twin size sheets, towels, wash cloths, dishes, and pots and pans to help him get started with learning to live independently.
Pamela is in need of a bed (mattress, box spring, and frame-full size or larger) for her new apartment. She has very limited income and currently has no bed to sleep on.
Kim is in need of pots and pans. She just started a diet and will need to cook most of her meals.
Nancy needs an iron. She has limited income and is unable to purchase an iron.
Kenneth recently gained custody of his teenage daughter and would like a few things to make their apartment more comfortable. He needs king size sheets, bath towels, wash cloths, a vacuum cleaner, and a 27-36” television (one that is cable-ready).
Piney Branch, Minnesota House, and Pennsylvania House are housing units of Green Door. The members would really appreciate exterior table and chairs (3 sets that seat six people). This will allow them to socialize with roommates and to have comfortable furniture to sit outside.
Steven just moved in to his new apartments and could really use pots and pans.
Jessica has limited income and really needs a bra (size 36B).
The Green Door Clubhouse is starting to have their monthly summer cookouts. The members would really appreciate to have horse shoes (metal), a kickball, a volley ball and net at the cookouts.
Cidney has been homeless for several years and just moved into a new apartment. She is in need of dishes, pots and pans, queen size sheets, queen size comforter, pillows, silverware, towels, and shower curtain.
Ricky is a hard-working member of the communications unit and he is in need of an iron. Ricky interns at a small firm, and having an iron would benefit him in his effort to portray himself in business appropriate attire.
Items should be fully functioning, gently used, and new items that are only on the wish list. Please contact Megan Butler at Megan.Butler@greendoor.org or 202-408-1977 x2 before donating.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for Guest Chefs/Servers and Speakers for our monthly Education and Employment dinners. Please contact Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977 x1 or Ashawnda.fleming@greendoor.org for more information.
We need volunteers for the Learning Center at the Clubhouse to tutor members in GED preparation, Monday through Friday from 3pm-5pm.
Have you always wanted to see what’s behind the Green Door?
Come take a one-hour tour of our Clubhouse, which is changing the way people with mental illness recover, live, and work in the community. You are welcome to bring a friend (s). Please RSVP with Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977.
Thursday June 11, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday June 24, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday July 9, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday July 22, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday August 13, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday August 26, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday September 10, 2009 at 8:30am
Metro cards for members without income to get to their doctors, jobs, or school. Please send all metro card donations to the attention of the Development Office at the address listed below.
Toiletries, especially deodorant and toothpaste, for our men’s and women’s emergency closets.
Safeway/Giant cards for members without income that are awaiting approval of their benefits.
Green Door housing needs five vacuums for the five housing units. The vacuums consistently break from the constant use. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy home. Gail Chow
Melvin currently moved and has a limited income. He needs twin size sheets, towels, wash cloths, dishes, and pots and pans to help him get started with learning to live independently.
Pamela is in need of a bed (mattress, box spring, and frame-full size or larger) for her new apartment. She has very limited income and currently has no bed to sleep on.
Kim is in need of pots and pans. She just started a diet and will need to cook most of her meals.
Nancy needs an iron. She has limited income and is unable to purchase an iron.
Kenneth recently gained custody of his teenage daughter and would like a few things to make their apartment more comfortable. He needs king size sheets, bath towels, wash cloths, a vacuum cleaner, and a 27-36” television (one that is cable-ready).
Piney Branch, Minnesota House, and Pennsylvania House are housing units of Green Door. The members would really appreciate exterior table and chairs (3 sets that seat six people). This will allow them to socialize with roommates and to have comfortable furniture to sit outside.
Steven just moved in to his new apartments and could really use pots and pans.
Jessica has limited income and really needs a bra (size 36B).
The Green Door Clubhouse is starting to have their monthly summer cookouts. The members would really appreciate to have horse shoes (metal), a kickball, a volley ball and net at the cookouts.
Cidney has been homeless for several years and just moved into a new apartment. She is in need of dishes, pots and pans, queen size sheets, queen size comforter, pillows, silverware, towels, and shower curtain.
Ricky is a hard-working member of the communications unit and he is in need of an iron. Ricky interns at a small firm, and having an iron would benefit him in his effort to portray himself in business appropriate attire.
Third Church Wins Major Victory
The Dupont Circle ANC has been a fierce advocate for the Third Church of Christ, Scientist in its efforts to worship at a facility of its choosing that allows the church to serve its congregation and the community. The church is currently housed in a deteriorating Brutalist structure at the corner of 16th and I Streets, NW. For a decade now, the church has sought to tear down the building and rebuild a new structure that is more environmentally friendly, more inviting to the community, and which could house both worship services and a reading room for the church.
Preservationists in DC have actively sought to keep the structure intact, when its crumbling concrete and rusting steel have imposted a financial burden on the church that would literally have bankrupted the church.
On July 24, 2008, I represented the ANC before the Mayor's Agent hearing on whether the church could build a new structure on its land at 16th & I, NW. On May 13, the Mayor's Agent issued its decision, allowing the church to raze the existing structure and rebuild a new facility of its choosing, with advice and consent from the Office of Historic Preservation.
In issuing its decision, the Mayor's Agent relied heavily on the testimony I provided on behalf of the ANC. In part, the decision stated, "The Mayor’s Agent is required by D.C. Official Code §1.309(10) (2001) to give “great weight” to the issues and concerns of the affected Advisory Neighborhood Commission. In this case, ANC 2B submitted a written resolution in support of the Applicant’s request for a demolition permit on grounds that the church building did not meet HPA No. 08-141 the needs of the Applicant in fulfilling its religious mission and that maintenance of the building imposed an undue financial burden and hardship on the congregation. The Mayor’s Agent concurs with the ANC that the Applicant faces an undue economic hardship. As previously noted, the Mayor’s Agent is authorized in this proceeding only to make a determination on the application for a demolition permit and therefore declined to address the Applicant’s First Amendment claims also raised by the ANC."
This is the second time I've provided testimony on historic preservation issues that has resulted in a ruling adopting the ANC's position. Unfortunately, both of these instances have been adverse to preservation issues. I look forward, in the future, to working to preserve historic structures to the benefit of the entire community.
Preservationists in DC have actively sought to keep the structure intact, when its crumbling concrete and rusting steel have imposted a financial burden on the church that would literally have bankrupted the church.
On July 24, 2008, I represented the ANC before the Mayor's Agent hearing on whether the church could build a new structure on its land at 16th & I, NW. On May 13, the Mayor's Agent issued its decision, allowing the church to raze the existing structure and rebuild a new facility of its choosing, with advice and consent from the Office of Historic Preservation.
In issuing its decision, the Mayor's Agent relied heavily on the testimony I provided on behalf of the ANC. In part, the decision stated, "The Mayor’s Agent is required by D.C. Official Code §1.309(10) (2001) to give “great weight” to the issues and concerns of the affected Advisory Neighborhood Commission. In this case, ANC 2B submitted a written resolution in support of the Applicant’s request for a demolition permit on grounds that the church building did not meet HPA No. 08-141 the needs of the Applicant in fulfilling its religious mission and that maintenance of the building imposed an undue financial burden and hardship on the congregation. The Mayor’s Agent concurs with the ANC that the Applicant faces an undue economic hardship. As previously noted, the Mayor’s Agent is authorized in this proceeding only to make a determination on the application for a demolition permit and therefore declined to address the Applicant’s First Amendment claims also raised by the ANC."
This is the second time I've provided testimony on historic preservation issues that has resulted in a ruling adopting the ANC's position. Unfortunately, both of these instances have been adverse to preservation issues. I look forward, in the future, to working to preserve historic structures to the benefit of the entire community.
June 20: Third Church Symposium
Third Church: A Hard Building To Love
Join nationally-known architects Hugh Newell Jacobsen and Arthur Cotton Moore, Boston landscape architect Carol Johnson and Boston preservation architect David Fixler, former DC Historic Preservation Review Board member Denise Johnson, Washington landscape architect and planner Charles Trace and preservation consultant Sally Berk as they discuss key strategies for renovation and adaptive use of this controversial mid-century modernist landmark and how these strategies can serve as a prototype for similar buildings.
Space is limited! Please go to this website for more information and to find out how to RSVP.
Friday, June 5, 2009
DC Employees May Not Longer be "Hatched"
For decades now, federal employees have been restricted from participating in partisan events, including hosting fundraisers for political parties and running for political office as a partisan (Republican or Democrat, generally). Oddly enough, employees of the DC government - including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners - are covered by the Hatch Act (apologies to anyone who hates Wikipedia). This is generally referred to as being "Hatched"... (not like an egg).
Yesterday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee reported out a bill, sponsored by Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton, to allow DC government employees to participate in partisan events by removing their coverage by the Hatch Act. Norton noted that since DC was allowed Home Rule in 1974, we should be able to make our own laws and decisions regarding DC government employees participating in partisan events.
This becomes important in issues like running for or participating in the State Democratic Committee and DC Republican and Democratic party activities. ANC Commissioners generally already participate in partisan activities if they choose, but it would just be nice for this to be legal. Hopefully, since the bill was approved in Committee by voice vote, this can be done quickly and in time for any referendum on marriage!
Yesterday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee reported out a bill, sponsored by Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton, to allow DC government employees to participate in partisan events by removing their coverage by the Hatch Act. Norton noted that since DC was allowed Home Rule in 1974, we should be able to make our own laws and decisions regarding DC government employees participating in partisan events.
This becomes important in issues like running for or participating in the State Democratic Committee and DC Republican and Democratic party activities. ANC Commissioners generally already participate in partisan activities if they choose, but it would just be nice for this to be legal. Hopefully, since the bill was approved in Committee by voice vote, this can be done quickly and in time for any referendum on marriage!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
June 10: ANC 2B Meeting
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2B REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
DC Jewish Community Center, 16th at Q Streets NW
Call to Order and Introduction of Commissioners
- Polls open for Special Election to fill vacancy for SMD 2B02. Pollswill be open from 7pm-9pm
Approval of Minutes
Public Announcements
Public Safety
Committee Reports
Commissioner Reports
General
- Representative of ACLU will speak on anti-gang legislation pending before Council.
- Resolution re ANC 2B’s objectives for possible amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and changes in zoning regulations that may affect Dupont Circle
Regulatory
- Discussion of two-part application by Jack’s Restaurant: one: to construct a Summer Garden facing Stead Park and, two: to expand laterally (vertically) to include second floor seating (2B05)
- Discussion of possible request that ABRA carve the west side of the 1400 block of Connecticut Ave out of the West Dupont Moratorium Zone (2B02)
- Resolution to ask DDOT to allow metered parking on the north side of the 2100 block of M Street (2B06)
- Request for stipulated license (CR) for Zodiac Restaurant Group t/a Scion Restaurant, 2100 P Street NW (Joanne Liu), hoping to open July 1 with license transfer from Cafe Trope. (2B02)
- Request for CT license for Barcode Corporation, t/a Barcode, 1101 17th St NW. (2B05)
- Request for CR license for Capitello, Inc t/a Cities, 1875 I St NW. Includes summer garden and sidewalk cafe. (2B06)
- Request for CR license for Cafe Chopsticks, 1020 19th St NW. (2B06)
Administrative/Financial Matters
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tonight's Adams Morgan ANC Meeting
This evening I had the pleasure of attending the Adams Morgan ANC monthly meeting. Commissioner Stacey Moye asked that I attend as she was introducing a resolution in support of marriage equality in the District. I had reached out to many of the ANC Commissioners I've had the pleasure of working with throughout the city to promote similar resolutions following the Dupont Circle ANC's unanimous adoption of a similar resolution in February, and the Adams Morgan ANC was the most recent one to move forward with a resolution on the subject.
Stacey spoke briefly but eloquently on her motion, and had spoken to her colleagues about the initiative prior to the meeting to garner their support for the initiative. The motion called for marriage equality in the District as soon as practicable, and urged Congress to reject legislation introduced two weeks ago to quash marriage equality efforts in the District.
Her resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote - 8 to 0. I'm so excited that marriage equality resolutions continue to march across the District. I believe at this ANCs in half of the wards have passed marriage equality resolutions, and I'll continue to work in other wards and other Commissions to help push this important initiative.
As an aside, today I helped organize a luncheon with Q Street on marriage equality, where Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Councilmember David Catania spoke. It was terrific and the over 250 Q Street members stand ready to help engage Congress on DC's marriage equality battle. I feel fortunate that I have the opportunity to work on such a great and important project with so many fantastic people. It's humbling.
Stacey spoke briefly but eloquently on her motion, and had spoken to her colleagues about the initiative prior to the meeting to garner their support for the initiative. The motion called for marriage equality in the District as soon as practicable, and urged Congress to reject legislation introduced two weeks ago to quash marriage equality efforts in the District.
Her resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote - 8 to 0. I'm so excited that marriage equality resolutions continue to march across the District. I believe at this ANCs in half of the wards have passed marriage equality resolutions, and I'll continue to work in other wards and other Commissions to help push this important initiative.
As an aside, today I helped organize a luncheon with Q Street on marriage equality, where Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Councilmember David Catania spoke. It was terrific and the over 250 Q Street members stand ready to help engage Congress on DC's marriage equality battle. I feel fortunate that I have the opportunity to work on such a great and important project with so many fantastic people. It's humbling.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
GLOV Community Forum with Chief Lanier
This evening I attended a community forum sponsored by GLOV - Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence - DC's LGBT Anti-Violence Task Force. Chief of Police Cathy Lanier was on hand, along with Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) Sgt. Brett Parson.
It was a great back and forth and some important things came out of it.
1) The GLLU will still stay a centralized unit, but GLLU officers will be dispursed throughout all 7 police districts and will hopefully be on rotation so that eventually, an officer in each district on each shift will be fully trained and equipped to handle GLLU cases.
2) GLOV will meet with the chiefs of police of Metro Transit Police, the U.S. Park Police and other policing agencies who process reports to ensure that officers for those other agencies are fully trained on GLBT issues.
3) Sgt. Parson is going to work with GLOV and community members to develop comprehensive curriculum for the GLLU so that they understand the challenges "on the street" in DC, particularly if the new GLLU officers are not gay or lesbian.
There remain many challenges, of course. The relationship between the police and the transgendered community remains very strained. Also, the community forum was held in Ward 2, who's residents understand gay issues as well as or better than any other Ward; it might be helpful to have more outreach and community meetings in Wards 6, 7 and 8 in the future. Hopefully this conversation will continue.
It was a great back and forth and some important things came out of it.
1) The GLLU will still stay a centralized unit, but GLLU officers will be dispursed throughout all 7 police districts and will hopefully be on rotation so that eventually, an officer in each district on each shift will be fully trained and equipped to handle GLLU cases.
2) GLOV will meet with the chiefs of police of Metro Transit Police, the U.S. Park Police and other policing agencies who process reports to ensure that officers for those other agencies are fully trained on GLBT issues.
3) Sgt. Parson is going to work with GLOV and community members to develop comprehensive curriculum for the GLLU so that they understand the challenges "on the street" in DC, particularly if the new GLLU officers are not gay or lesbian.
There remain many challenges, of course. The relationship between the police and the transgendered community remains very strained. Also, the community forum was held in Ward 2, who's residents understand gay issues as well as or better than any other Ward; it might be helpful to have more outreach and community meetings in Wards 6, 7 and 8 in the future. Hopefully this conversation will continue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
