ANC 2C Recap

Here is a brief recap of tonight's Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C meeting.

• Inspector Jacob Kishter of the Third District described MPD's efforts to address rampant shootings in our neighborhood.  Residents expressed their frustration, raised questions as to why the police presence has not deterred continued gang violence, and offered suggestions. 
• DCRA Director Linda Argo discussed the agency's progress in enforcing the city's billboard moratorium and seeking removal of illegal signs.  The District's sign regulations are long and complex and they have been altered several times, which makes determining the legality of a particular sign a challenge.  With respect to the four billboards at New Jersey Avenue and P Street NW, Director Argo had the legal department do an analysis and they have determined that DCRA may have them removed, though it is possible that the owner, Clear Channel, will challenge their authority to do so.  DCRA has informed Clear Channel of their legal opinion and will be meeting with the company to determine whether it will voluntarily take down the billboards.  The land, which either Clear Channel or an affiliated company owns, can be put to other valuable use.
• DCRA Inspector Nick Majett discussed DCRA's progress in addressing vacant property since the neighborhood brought 116 properties to their attention.  The number of vacant properties has been cut by about half.  He will provide a list of the changes in status.  The higher vacant property tax has been a big motivator.  The DC Council, however, has decided to roll back the property tax from 10% to 5%.  The Council is considering restoring the higher rate for the most blight properties.  Director Argo also suggested that legislation might impose higher penalties on vacant property owners who do not maintain their land.
• Gale Hazelwood and Robert Parker of the National Park Service introduced themselves and expressed their desire to work with the community to address the Woodson House and park.  They have taken steps to remove grafitti immediately, will be placing barb wire to secure the back of the property, and have made some improvements to the property.  If you witness illegal activity on the site, call the park police nonemergency number at 202-610-7505.  For emergencies, call 202-610-7500.  They will return to the ANC's October meeting to provide a full report on their progress with respect to the site.
• There was a presentation on the Mount Vernon Square District Project by Emily Yates of the Office of Planning -- to make the area a transportation hub.  You can find out more about this at the next MVSNA meeting.  There will also be a meeting specifically on the project on October 1, 6-8pm, at the Carnegie Library.
• The ANC approved, contingent on MVSNA's support, a very basic conceptual design for 447 Ridge Street NW presented by the owner, Daryl Adair.  It is a 2-story, flat-front, brick 2-family condo.  Mr. Adair is considering adding a set back third story.  He will share his plans with the community at the next MVSNA meeting.
• There was also a brief presentation on improvements in Chinatown and a letter of support authorized for the annual help the homeless walkathon downtown.

At its conclusion, the Commissioners were bickering over whether they will hold an October meeting.  Since Commissioners Chapple and Padro will be out of town on the regularly scheduled date, they offered (and made a motion and seconded) rescheduling the meeting for the following Wednesday since the Commission would be unable to conduct business without a quorum.  Chairwoman Brooks objected and accused Commissioner's Chapple and Padro of attempting to run the Commission.  Commissioner Sule attempted to mediate and explain that a new date was needed if the Commission was to be able to take any action on behalf of the neighborhood it is elected to serve.  After listening to several minutes of this back and forth, I decided to go home and have dinner.  Stay tuned as to whether there will be an ANC meeting in October.