ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-C

government of the district of columbia

Cathedral Heights=Cleveland Park=Massachusetts Ave. Heights=McLean Gardens=Woodley Park

2737 DEVONSHIRE PLACE, NW

WASHINGTON, DC 20008

(202) 232-2232 FAX: 232-2232

Minutes

Regular Monthly Meeting

Sept 23, 2002

I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nancy MacWood called to order Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 3C’s regular monthly meeting for Sept. 23, 2002 at 7:36 p.m. The meeting was held at the Community Room, Second District Police Station, 3320 Idaho Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Other commissioners present were Richard Bartel, Rosalyn Doggett, Lars Hydle, Bob Martin, Cheryl Opacinch, Kurt Vorndran, and John Welsh.

II. VERIFICATION OF NOTICE: Chair MacWood verified that the proper notice was published in The Northwest Current and posted on the Cleveland Park email list and ANC3C website.

III. establishment of quorum: Chair MacWood acknowledged that a quorum (at least 5 members of the commission) was present.

IV. approval of agenda: With minor adjustments, the agenda was approved.

V. ANNOUncements: Chair MacWood introduced June Kress of St. Luke’s Shelter, who updated commissioners on plans to open up a kitchen. Ms. Kress encouraged participants in the Walk for the Homeless to designate St. Luke’s as their beneficiary.

Chair MacWood announced that the Cleveland Park Citizens Association will be hosting a forum for ANC3C and Ward 3 candidates at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Cleveland Park Library.

Chair MacWood announced that the Office of Zoning will hold its Compliance Review Program kick-off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1 Judiciary Square. Chair MacWood explained that the program allows citizens to identify zoning violations and register complaints with the BZA.

Chair MacWood introduced Metropolitan Police Department Commander Jeffery Moore, who stated that the department was expecting large numbers of demonstrators the weekend of Sept. 27-29 and that the department anticipated possible demonstrations to block intersections during the Friday, Sept. 27 rush hour.

VI. commUNITY FORUM:

A. Chair MacWood updated commissioners on Field School use of Metro stops along Connecticut Avenue as pick-up and drop-off zones. Chair MacWood stated that commissioners wished to ensure that the situation imposes as few problems during rush hour as possible.

B. Chair MacWood explained that the commission should designate two representatives to the new National Cathedral School for Girls Athletic Facilities Use Committee, as required by BZA order granting a special exception. Commissioner Martin moved that Chair MacWood and Commissioner Hydle continue representing ANC3C on the committee, and Commissioner Opacinch seconded. Commissioner Hydle mentioned that it might be more logical for Commissioner Doggett to serve on the committee, since her SMD has been redistricted to include the affected residents to the east of the athletic facilities.

A friendly amendment to that effect was made and accepted to the motion, and the motion was approved without objection.

C. Commissioner Welsh introduced and Commissioner Opacinch seconded a resolution requesting DCRA to rescind certificates of occupancy, building permits, and similar permits issued within the past 90 days for applicants intending to operate restricted-use establishments located in the Cleveland Park NCOD until the Zoning Commission releases its Order on the Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District. Commissioner Bartel stated that rescinding certificates of occupancy could be contentious. Commissioner Opacinch stated she doesn’t want to penalize existing businesses. After more discussion, Commissioner Welsh tabled the motion for later consideration.

VII. COMMISSION BUSINESS:

A. Commissioners discussed applications to the HPRB for renovation projects at three locations:

1. 2928 Macomb St. – Residents plan to fill in below back deck with a studio space. Chair MacWood recommended the application be supported. The commissioners elected to support the project without objection.

2. 3400 Newark St. – Architect Jeffrey Haines introduced the project at the residence of Ken and Judy Bacon. The project is comprised of an addition at the back of the home on an area currently not developed. The addition would include a brick veranda/terrace. Next door neighbors John and Susan O’Sullivan express concerns that they haven’t been informed of the project. Commissioner Opacinch stated that it was distressing that neighbors hadn’t been told of a project of that size. Mr. Haines stated that the HPRB told them they didn’t need to meet with the ANC. Chair MacWood asked the Bacons to talk with the O’Sullivans and the commission would revisit the issue later in the meeting.

3. 2902 Porter St – Architect Chris Morrison explained plans for a renovation of the five-story Monteray building at Porter Street and Connecticut Avenue. Morrison stated that the renovation would include no changes to the footprint of the building and that the masonry would be maintained. The roof would be altered, as would a rear courtyard. Chair MacWood made a motion that the project be approved without objection and commissioners agreed.

B. Jonathan Abrams showed commissioners plans for a proposed subdivision on the Rosedale property. Three existing buildings would be replaced with 11 lots (2 are developed and 8 could be developed). A farmhouse and cottage would be preserved. Chair MacWood introduced and Commissioner Opacinch seconded a resolution stating the plan would preserve the historic quality of Rosedale and urging HPRB to approve of the plan. After some discussion regarding language, Resolution 2002-36 passed unanimously.

C. Chair MacWood introduced and read a second resolution stating ANC3C finds no reasonable basis for the Director of the Office of Planning to find it necessary to subject the proposed Rosedale subdivision application to Large Tract Review and urges that the Director not call for the review. After some discussion regarding language, Resolution 2002-37 passed unanimously.

D. Chair MacWood introduced ground rules for an ensuing conversation regarding planned renovations at the National Child Research Center (NCRC). NCRC officials explained to the commission that the school board has agreed to delay its HPRB hearing to December if ANC3C will work with them on the planned renovation. Chair MacWood stated that the commission appreciated the delay, but had not been included in the planning process. NCRC board member Lexa Halaby and director Susan Piggett then explained the history of the project and the school’s need for more space. They also discussed measures taken to mitigate traffic flow problems during pick-up and drop-off times. Architect Chuck Anthony showed plans for a one-story addition to the main building, as well as a new new 2 story structure to be built into hillside. Mr. Anthony stated the total square footage would increase from 9,618 to 18,165.

Chair MacWood introduced Bruce Beckner, 3225 Highland Place, N.W., who stated he represented a group opposed to the project. Mr. Beckner suggested commissioners recommend to the Office of Planning and to the HPRB that zoning issues be addressed before historic preservation issues, due to severe traffic management and enrollment issues.

A total of 21 neighbors and NCRC parents then spoke on the issue. Chair MacWood thanked all those involved for their patience and for speaking on the issue.

E. Commissioners returned to 3400 Newark St., NW. Chair MacWood asked if commissioners should encourage the HPRB to delay the project, but Commissioner Bartel stated he was opposed to the delay and that the neighbors would have the opportunity to appear before the HPRB. Resident Ken Bacon stated they are willing to be flexible, and need to know what exactly to change about the project. Chair MacWood introduced and Commissioner Martin seconded a resolution stating that the HPRB should ensure the project not detract from the main house. After some discussion, Resolution 2002-38 passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Bartel opposing.

VIII. OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

A. Secretary’s Report – Commissioner Martin moved and Commissioner Hydle seconded acceptance of the August 19 meeting minutes. The minutes were passed unanimously.

IX. Commission Business (ContinueD):

A. Commissioners returned to the neighborhood commercial overlay district issue. With further discussion, Commissioner Welsh called the question. Resolution 2002-39 passed unanimously, with Commissioner Bartel abstaining.

X. adjournment: Without objection, the September 2002 meeting of ANC 3C adjourned at 12:45 a.m.