ANC 6A's March Meeting

ANC 6A had a relatively light agenda for March.  The meeting began with approvals for a number of recommendations by the ANC’s committees.  First was a grant for $1,767 to the Maury Elementary PTA for the purchase of 3 overhead projectors that are otherwise out of scope for what is available to purchase through regular DCPS channels.  That was followed by a letter of support for the Capitol Hill Classic 10k.

On the recommendation of the Economic Development & Zoning Committee (ED&Z), the ANC sent a letter to DCRA asking that they publish guidelines for assessing “reasonable accommodation” requests by homeowners.  There are some in the community and at the Capitol Hill Restoration Society that think more clarity in these rules is needed, particularly when they are used to circumvent the more stringent rules for making modifications to homes in historic districts.  The ANC also took the ED&Z’s recommendation to send a letter to request that any entity applying for a building permit application within the H Street Zoning Overlay be required to fill out a questionnaire to determine compliance with the Overlay’s requirements. The overlay has many requirements, so the questionnaire is intended to simplify the process by consolidating them all into a single document.

To wrap up the letter writing for the month, 6A also  voted to send a letter of support for a NIF grant applied for by H Street Main Street and CHAMPS – Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce.  The request is for $40,000 to provide a series of business development and technical trainings for merchants, a series of training and awareness seminars conducted by Gallaudet University, and to provide funding for arts-related projects.

Under new business, Commissioner Nick Alberti asked that we add to the agenda a vote on opposing the most recent building permits issued for 138 12th St, NE (the AppleTree property).  Alberti outlined concerns with how the permits have been issued — since the original permits have expired and, under the new zoning laws, the property can no longer be used for the purpose for which AppleTree intends without first obtaining a variance, which they have not done.

As commissioner, I made a motion that this matter be referred to the ED&Z Committee because it has been quite controversial, but we were not made aware of the new permits in time to put it on the agenda and, therefore, give the community notice that it would be discussed.  Also, half the commission has changed since the last time the issue was discussed in 2010, so discussing the issue in committee would give new commissioners a chance to learn about the background and current status of the project.

After additional discussion, Commissioner Alberti himself made the motion to refer the matter for discussion at ED&Z’s meeting the following week.

UPDATE:  The ED&Z Chair, Commissioner Ronneberg, invited a DCRA representative to attend and answer questions during the March ED&Z meeting.  DCRA declined to attend.  However, committee members and meeting attendees were able to hear from several neighbors and people who have been involved with past litigation on this matter.  A number of commissioners were also able to attend to participate in and learn from the discussion.  After hearing more about the timeline regarding past building permits and renewals, along with better understanding the players, their actions and the current law, the ED&Z voted to recommend that the ANC move to oppose the most recent action regarding the issuance of building permits for this property.  This recommendation will be taken up at the April ANC meeting.

The next ANC 6A meeting will be April 14th, 7PM at Miner Elementary.

Sharee Lawler is Commissioner for ANC 6A05 and is also a member of 6A’s Economic Development & Zoning Committee.