Photo by María Helena Carey
The ANC 6B meeting was held Tuesday night at 7 pm, with all commissioners in attendance, albeit ANC 6B-11 still being a vacant seat. The following are highlights:
Chair David Garrison called the meeting into order a few minutes after 7 pm, with about 15 members of the community and a few guest speakers, including Councilmember At-Large David Catania.
During the first part of the agenda, Ward 6 neighbor Michael McEleney spoke on behalf of the Virginia Avenue neighbors regarding the CSX development (you can learn more about it through THIH coverage). He urged the ANC to oppose the CSX project and specifically the granting of TIGER grant money.
A representative from DDOT invited the community to a safety study for the intersection of Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues, SE, to take place on December 16, 2009, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Old Naval Hospital.
Councilmember Catania took the floor to provide some highlights on the District’s Health Committee, for which he’s been a chair for the last four-and-a-half years. During this time, the uninsured population in DC has dropped from 13.5% to 8%, among other hopeful information. He discussed the gains in the District as they pertain to better and more efficient health and dental care and urged the public to contact him with questions regarding health care at dcatania [at] dc.gov. More highlights after the jump…
Next, DC WASA representatives took the floor, covering two major topics: the long-term combined sewer overflow control plan for the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, and the issue of galvanized pipes which may still leach lead into DC households’ water. The first topic covered in brief the scope of the control plan which, although is mandated by court order and set to go soon, is still open to concerns and questions from the public. There will be a meeting in April 2010, as follow-up to the September 17, 2009, meeting. Information on this plan is available on the DC WASA website, as well as at the Northeast Library in hard copy. The second topic addressed galvanized pipes installed in the District prior to the 1960s, their potential lead release –even in pipes that have since been removed– and their identification. If you have any questions regarding this topic, DC WASA urges the public to call the Quality Division line at 202-612-3440 or email waterquality [at] dcwasa.com. DC WASA will take samples of the home’s tap water and the nearest hydrant for analysis.
The Planning and Zoning Committee covered three items: 1) Construction set to be completed on South Carolina Avenue, SE was given the green light. 2) A lengthy discussion on whether car-sharing vehicles have a right to park in private homeowners’ spaces culminated unsatisfactorily, and the Committee is to remain silent on the issue for now. 3) Finally, there was agreement on the need to rewrite zoning regulations for parking on the waterfront/Boathouse row area.
The ABC committee has granted Dulce Café & Lounge an alcohol license, with a few provisions in place.
The resolution regarding guest parking permits as a follow-up to the Residential Parking Protection Pilot of 2009 was a controversial and heatedly-discussed late addition to the agenda. Although many neighbors voiced their concerns, opinions, and off-topic discussions regarding the hot Capitol Hill parking topic, Naomi Mitchell, from Councilmember Tommy Wells’s office, was quick to explain that parking status is decided on a block-by-block opt-in basis. There will be a hearing on December 10th on this issue. (UPDATE: You can watch the hearing live right now on Channel 13) The ANC voted unanimously to support it, but making sure they convey the public’s misgivings when it comes to excessive parking fees and lack of prompt information on the details.
An item not included in the agenda regarding the payphone outside Roland’s of Capitol Hill and its missing permit lightened the mood.
The Eastern Market report conveyed that the city will no longer manage the market and that they are seeking new vendors to lease space outside. There are also two physical aspects of the Market post-renovation that need to be addressed: windows that let too much light stream in and damage the goods, and the problems soon to be faced with blinds as a temporary solution; and the lowering of deli cases so the vendors and public can actually see each other, item which will be helped financially by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. It was resolved to address these items accordingly.
If you would like to know more about your particular Advisory Neighborhood Commission, please visit the DC.gov website. The ANC 6B meets at 7 pm the second Tuesday of every month at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.