ANC Meeting Recap 11.12.08

Last night's meeting was jam-packed, and there wasn't much to discuss of particular note. A couple of things:

I made points of order on Commissioner Stephens' resolutions/letters on the Hilton Hotel and 18th Street DDOT/WASA issues. It's not that I don't support my fellow Commissioner, but he knew these issues were of concern ahead of time and it was unclear as to what the Commission was indeed voting on. I made a point that, moving forward, I would only be able to vote for language that was set, and not simply granting carte blanche to a Commissioner to write a letter expressing what may be a viewpoint that isn't shared by the majority of the Commissioners. We need to be clear and speak with one voice when we approve or disapprove issues, and I was glad to hear many of my fellow Commissioners in agreement.

On the new redevelopment along 14th Street, I was entirely in agreement with Chairman Estrada's original motion, which would have approved the parking reduction, approved the height increase for elevators, approved the variance for lot occupancy, and not approved the excemption for liquor licensed establishment increases. Unfortunately, the applicant had not worked with the Commission in good faith ahead of time, and we were not able to have a full dialogue and discussion on the issue. Had they worked with us, I'm sure we would have given full support to three of their requests, and that's unfortunate.

Finally, on the request to put in a permenant awning at the property on 1666 Connecticut, I was not able to support what I'm sure would eventually become a permanent structure enclosing an outdoor sidewalk cafe. The charm of sidewalk cafes are that they are open and lend life to the street and neighborhood. I'm fearful of more Annie's on our streets. I love Annie's and they're a great neighbor, but the enclosed front of the building impedes the sidewalk and doesn't fit with the charming character of the rest of 17th Street. It's grandfathered in, however, and I must say I eat and drink there frequently, and shall continue to do so!

11.15.08 Protest Against Prop 8

I hope you can make this protest, starting at the Capitol Reflecting Pool and ending at Layfette Park on Saturday. Make your voice heard!

This Saturday will be National Protests Against the Passage of California's Prop 8.

Please consider joining the protestors in DC.

For more info, please see http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/District+of+Columbia

Today 11.11.08

Things are going well in 2B04, but there's a lot going on.

This morning I had breakfast with Mike Feldstein, an incomming Commissioner in Dupont Circle. He's replacing Curt Farrar on the Commission. The other 8 of us were reelected by large margins last week. I'm excited to have Mike on the Commission, and look forward to working with him on behalf of the neighborhood.

I'm also getting ready for a community meeting on crime on Thursday that I'm helping organize. This is to help communications across 15th Street - the "Borderstan" neighborhood. To the east of 15th Street is the 3rd Police District, and to the west of 15th (my district) is the 2nd Police District. 2D has dedicated officers to the 15th Street neighborhood, but it's my understanding that 3D has not held up its side of things, which has led to increased crime on both sides of 15th. I'm hoping this meeting will help keep us on track.

Last night I attended the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club meeting and election of officers. None of the positions were contested. On Saturday night I attended the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, which was exciting as well.

I'm still working on some crime issues, including trying to find out what happened to a constituent's stolen car when it was located and then lost again, trying to get a lawn mowed by DCRA (this has been pending for months), and getting to know Councilmember Evans' new director of constituent services, so that I can help get better constituent services for the neighborhood.

15th Street Traffic Reconfiguration Progress

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has held meetings and conducted extensive research about changing traffic flows on 15th Street. As many of you know, 15th Street serves as a 1-way, 4-lane thoroughfare to shunt commuters and residents from downtown DC to upper 16th Street and into Maryland. Along 15th Street, particularly between Massachusetts and Florida Avenues, traffic frequently speeds, and DDOT is working to slow traffic and make the area more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

DDOT presented 4 alternative plans to 15th Street, including turning the street into a 2-way street. None of the 4 alternatives recieved overwhelming support from the community, so DDOT decided on a 5th, hybrid version that is now open for public comment.

The version DDOT has under consideration at this time is to keep the street 1-way traveling north, and adding a northbound bicycle lane. Additionally, there will be a southbound "contraflow" bike lane that is shielded from the main roadway by a divider.

More information on the proposal can be found HERE, and comments on the proposal can be sent to christopher.ziemann@dc.gov, or can be sent to me at jack@friendsofjack.com, and I can forward them to Mr. Ziemann.

Molostky Career Shift Party

Last week the owners of Mark & Orlando's hosted a party for Michele Molotsky, who resigned her post as constituent services director for Councilmember Jack Evans to take a position with DC Parks and Recreation. Though we are sad to see Michele go, we look forward to working with her at P&R.

Me and Commissioner Victor Wexler. Photo copywrite & courtesy of Phil Carney.

Nov. 13: Public Safety Meeting

The next Borderstan Neighbors public safety meeting is this Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. Location is the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church at the northeast corner of 15th and R Streets NW.

This is a follow up to the first Borderstan meeting on August 6. Ward 2 Council Member Jack Evans and representatives of the Washington MPD will attend.

Remember that Borderstan is split between two MPD districts and two PSAs: West Borderstan (west of 15th Street NW) is in the Second District and PSA 208; and East Borderstan (east of 15th Street NW)is in the Third District and PSA 307.

Visit www.Borderstan.com for more information and/or send an email to borderstan@gmail.com.

Crime Report 11.07.08

Theft - 1600 B/O 17th St NW, 10/24/08, 10AM - Unknown. Employee reports he sold porperty to a person that didn't pay the full value.

Theft f/ Auto - 1700 B/O n St NW, 11/5/08 10PM - 1AM. Citizen reports that someone stole property from his vehicle.

Theft - 1600 B/O K St NW, 115PM - 130PM. Citizen reports someone stole his bike.

Stolen Auto - 1700 B/O Willard St NW, 8/9/08, 5AM - 9AM. Citizen reports someone attempted to steal her vehicle.