Petworth News March 16, 2015 at 08:55PM

Just heard five shots or so. Police are headed up to 4th and Taylor / Upshur area. Hope no one is injured.

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Petworth News March 15, 2015 at 09:57PM

If you drive along 16th Street toward Military Road, you might want to find a new way to travel tomorrow. DDOT will begin construction on the new 16th Street bridge over Military Road. They are planning several rolling closures, and expect people to use Georgia Avenue. I agree with Commissioner Uqdah: look for 14th and 13th to be crowded during rush hour as people look for alternative routes. From the Mayor's office:

Construction of the 16th Street NW Bridge will require significant closures on 16th Street NW and Military Road NW. Starting March 27 for up to four months, weather permitting, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and eastbound and westbound Military Road NW. One lane will be maintained in each direction on these two roadways, except for several weekends when there will be full closures of Military Road NW to replace the 16th Street NW Bridge.

DDOT will inform the public in advance of these closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use Georgia Avenue as an alternate route to bypass construction on 16th Street NW. Additionally at this time, the 16th Street NW ramp to westbound Military Road NW will be closed. A detour will be posted. Drivers can expect turn restrictions at 16th Street ramp intersections; and they are urged to obey posted signs.

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Petworth News March 14, 2015 at 11:01PM

ANC 4D meets next week on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Draft agenda is below!

1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call, Determination of Quorum 3. Addition/Deletion to Agenda, Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes 5. Treasurer’s Report` 6. Guest Speakers:

a. Commander Wilfredo Manlapaz, Captain Brian Bray, Lieutenant Shane Lamond DC Metropolitan Police Department

b. Paul Hoffman, Program Manager Team 2 Infrastructure Management Administration, DDOT

c. Dr. John M. Thompson, Executive Director DC Office on Aging

d. Douglas Stallworth, Office of Bus Planning Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

e. Lydia Vanderbilt, Development Associate Byte Back, Training for Successful Futures

7. Old Business: a. ANC office move (vote) b. Georgia Line protest hearing (vote)

8. Community Comments (3 minutes)

9. New Business: Funding of basic ANC supplies and services (vote)

10. Announcements a. DC Water & Sewer Town Hall Meeting April 23

b. Taste of Brightwood, May 9

c. Tentative plans for 4D Day in September in Gallatin pocket park

11. Adjournment

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Petworth News March 13, 2015 at 04:49PM

Here's an update on yesterday's shooting at 8th and Jefferson from 4D Commander Manlapaz: "On Thursday, March 12, 2015, Christopher Adams was fatally shot at 8th and Jeffferson Streets, NW. Today, homicide detectives obtained an arrest warrant and arrested 24 year old Glenn Walker of Washington, DC, charging him with First Degree Murder While Armed."

Nice, quick work from MPD. Condolences to Mr. Adams family.

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Petworth News March 13, 2015 at 12:44PM

Do you think ANC 4C should change how they run their meetings? Former ANC 4C Commissioner Zach Hartman asked me to share his thoughts on ANC 4C, with the hope that it will provoke thoughtful discussion among residents AND commissioners (see his article below).

I'll add my two cents prior to his message, and say that I've previously gone on record saying that the ANC 4C meeting is run pretty efficiently, but the format and tone prevents community input that I believe commissioners should be soliciting in order to be effective representatives of their constituents and neighbors. One solution offered by a current ANC 4C commissioner was that commissioners should have regular SMD meetings to present ideas to -- and listen to -- their constituents. I don't believe those meetings are currently happening.

The Community Comments period during the mid-point of the meeting provides 2 minutes per person to speak on topics, but it does not enable residents to weigh in on matters that directly affect them, as most of those important issues are presented AFTER that comment section and residents are not allowed to ask questions.

From my experience, ANC 4D follows a more open process that allows for both commissioner and community questions and input during presentations. I think it's a better format, even if it is a bit chaotic. It feels like a discussion, not a spectator event.

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments at the bottom.

With that, here is Zach's open letter to the community and to ANC 4C : . . "Soft Tyranny in ANC 4C…"

by Zachary Hartman

Not really, but seriously – there is a problem. Let me begin by saying that, as someone who served as an officer on the ANC for three years, I am grateful for every single one of our neighbors that chooses to serve. The ANC is a thankless job, it pays terrible (that is a joke, ANC commissioners don’t get paid), and hardly anyone knows who you are or what you do unless they have a problem with their neighbors or the city government. So a resounding - Thank You - to all of our volunteer officials, whose sincerity and commitment to make our community a better place to live cannot be questioned.

Let’s be clear, running an ANC meeting is a difficult job. I have done it, so I know. There is a limited amount of time and an amazing cast of neighbors and characters who like to use the ANC meetings as a soapbox for whatever their issue de jour seems to be. Staying on topic and moving through the agenda is challenging to say the least.

During the ANC 4C March community meeting, admittedly the first of which I have been able to attend since stepping down from the ANC, I was impressed at the level of professionalism and order with which the meeting proceeded. Discussions focused on topic and the meeting proceeded expeditiously. Furthermore, they were judicious in their adherence to procedural order which is always a challenge for ANCs. All steps in the right direction.

At the same time, there was one change to the meeting in particular that greatly offended me and any sense of a community driven process – the elimination of community views regarding issues on which the commission is voting. It seems as though the commission, or its leadership, has opted to cut out the opportunity for neighbors to speak up on agenda items that will be voted on for the sake of expediency.

Chairman Galloway defended this practice with two arguments during the meeting: 1) The meeting is not for the community, it is for the commission and we – the body politic – are spectators to the process, and 2) There is no way to conduct all of the business if residents, or their designee, are allowed to share their opinions on issues directly affecting them. This may not be Chairman Galloway's personal opinion and just a commission policy, but with all due respect that is total hogwash. I was informed that the January meeting, which I did not attend, included a robust discussion of the Pepco-Exelon merger, where viewpoints on both sides were considered and heard in a very professional and efficient format - so it can be done.

When I served on the commission, I seldom heard an opinion on public policy with which I fully agreed. However, it was the responsibility of the commission to represent the diversity of views within the community, so I fought rigorously for a free and open debate. There were many issues that came before the ANC that would have been decided differently had neighbors not stood up and let their voices be heard, and rightfully so. How can commissioners possibly make informed decisions and be held accountable in the court of public opinion if they and the community are only hearing one side of the story? They can’t!

Last night the commission voted on several very consequential issues that will have significant impact on financial investments and property rights. The community received presentations from the advocates of the proposed actions, fielded questions, and yet those wishing to express counterarguments were told that it was not the forum for dissenting opinions. One gentleman was denied the opportunity to speak on his issue. If it were not for Commissioner Standish insisting on hearing the gentleman’s views, he never would have had the opportunity to share his views in the public forum prior to the second vote as well.

If you don’t think this is important, just wait until you show up for an ANC meeting to find that someone in your community is seeking the commission's support for an idea with which you disagree. The ANC will hear one side of the story and then vote, while you are forced to “spectate” as the commission lends its support to an issue or policy after only hearing one side of the story.

Shutting out all public debate is a lazy way to address the challenges associated with running a public meeting – Period. Furthermore, the idea that the commission should be able to pick and choose which views are worthy of inclusion in any given debate is unconscionable. It is unacceptable for our community to accept the idea that this is the only way in which the commission can conduct business in an efficient manner. I have no problem with the commission limiting debate to germane views from those who are directly impacted, but if the leadership of the commission is incapable of that, perhaps they should step aside and let other commissioners lead that have a better track record of openness and inclusiveness of ideas.

This is a problem that can easily be remedied, and I encourage the commission to reexamine this policy and for the community to speak out.

** Zachary Hartman was ANC 4C-09 commissioner from 2010-2013. During that time he served as Secretary and later Vice-Chairman. He also serves on the board of the Friends of the Soldier's Home organization **

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Don't see every Petworth News post (do you see this one??) That's because Facebook only puts some of my posts into your daily feed. Be sure to visit this page to keep up with news and events. I publish several posts a day about things happening in Petworth, in the Ward 4 race and more.

Oh, and do me a favor and share this page with your neighbors and local friends who want to keep up with news from Petworth. from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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Here’s my long but eloquent notes from the ANC 4C meeting held on Tuesday, March 11. As always, if I missed anything or misquote, that’s my fault. If you disagree with the ANC, that’s their fault. TL;DR:

Tonight was a longer meeting for ANC 4C. Prolly should have called it a Zoning meeting, as most of the items on the agenda were requests for support of zoning exceptions or requests for support to appeal zoning permits. Historic Landmark status for Grant Circle was proposed. Visiting ANC 1C Commissioner Gambrell got all uppity and disrespectful and two new Upshur St restaurants had their settlement agreements approved. And tonight was Commissioner Jeff Standish’s last ANC meeting. Good luck, Jeff!

The really longer view of the meeting (get comfy with your favorite snack and read on, there was a lot discussed):

It was a long meeting of mainly zoning issues. But up first was treasury issues. ANC 4C has $11,622.58 in checking and $16,732.70 in savings. (Anyone need a grant?) Due to timing issues (start of the meeting zipped right along), they moved to Community Comments.

Local Grant Circle resident John Barber, Sr got up to speak against the Historic District / Landmark designation for Grant Circle. He felt it would be bad for his property value, as his house is his investment. “Every block has houses from 1919, are you going to make every street ‘historic’?”

I spoke about the http://bit.ly/17jDEC2 website. You’ve visited, right? You should, the site is amazing.

Commissioner Taalib-Din Uqdah talked about the upcoming bridge work at Military Road and 16th Street. He said while DDOT thinks traffic will reroute to Georgia Avenue, he cautioned residents to watch out for 13th and 14th streets to become gnarled in traffic.

Commissioner Joe Maloney gave everyone a head’s up about an upcoming DC Humane Society Walk for Animals. It’s a 1 mile walk through 16th Street Heights and “the beautiful SMD of 4C02.” The Adopt-a-Pet mobile van will be there (“Adopt Force One”). Thing is, it’s September 26, 2015. So consider yourself forewarned.

Tonight was Commissioner Jeff Standish’s last ANC meeting, as he’s resigning effective tomorrow (3/12/15). He and his family are moving to sunny Minnesota. He advises residents to contact Commission Chair Vann-Di Galloway with any issues, or any other ANC 4C commissioner.

Commissioner Timothy Jones is having an SMD meeting on Monday, March 16th at 801 Shepherd St to talk about the redevelopment of the funeral home at 3831 Georgia Avenue. (Is this his first SMD meeting??)

Khalil Thompson, the Ward 4 liaison for Mayor Bowser, came by to ask people to volunteer to shovel snow for seniors and elderly (next season, it’s like spring now, right?). You can get more info and sign up with the DC Citizen Snow Team at http://1.usa.gov/1C7JyCa.

The Mayor is doing a neighborhood walk through in 6 areas to look for graffiti and blight soon. And they’re organizing neighborhood cleanups, starting March 21st in Shepherd Park and Petworth (look for an email on the listservs soon). Khalil is also starting office hours, and he’ll announce them officially, but should be Fridays 1-3pm and a time on Saturdays (this guy seriously has no down time).

Commissioner Joe Martin asked Khalil if the city had any plans to survey and fix the “axle-breaking potholes” in the area. Khalil said the Mayor’s office is “very well aware of the problems and looking into it.”

Commissioner Maloney said that he and the Mayor “deserved real credit for trash pickup during the recent snow.” Granted there had been a lot of complaints, but Maloney felt the city stepped up and tried to clean up the trash. (Now, a longer term solution would be nice…)

Commissioner Martin mentioned the upcoming book reading by George Pelecanos at the Petworth Library on March 30th.

Wendy Shenk-Evans, the School Director from the Christian Family Montessori School, located on the grounds of the bucolic Rock Creek Cemetery requested a letter of support for a renewal of their zoning exception (mainly due to traffic and cars). There was a lot of talk about whether or not to write a letter of support now, as the school hasn’t submitted their renewal request yet, and many of the commissioners felt the letter was premature. They decided to hold off until the exception extension is submitted.

Inspector Vendette Parker came by to represent MPD, introduce herself and talk a bit about the new marijuana rules. Inspector Parker has 22 years on the force and is originally from Ward 4, and is happy to be back. She said she’s the assistant 4D Commander. While I’ve covered the rules surrounding pot usage before, I’ll bullet the points here:

- 21 or older to smoke or possess (2 ounces or less) - can have up to max 12 plants growing at home (6 per adult) - no smoking in public or front yard (yet according to Parker and a bunch of young guys I saw today, front steps seems ok) - Renters have to have the landlord’s permission. If landlord says no, then you can’t smoke in your rental. - Same with condos, if condo association says no, then you can’t toke up in your expensive new condo. - You can’t sell it, but you can give or receive it as a gift (my birthday is in two months, FYI). - You can possess more than 2 ounces at home if you can prove you grew all of it.

Commissioner Zach Deutsch asked Inspector Parker about pedestrian safety issues at 14th & Randolph. Parker had no info but said that she could have the enforcement teams look into it.

Then Commissioner John-Paul has the Neighborhood Development Company present their request for 2 parking variances for their upcoming condo building at 4326 Georgia Ave. They don’t have room for the required 5 spots, and so want to do 4 smaller “compact car” size spots. Building should be completed by winter 2016. ANC voted to support their request.

Ok, zoning fun.

A lot of time was taken up discussing 1521 Varnum St NW. Local resident (and Department of Parks and Recreation Chief of Staff) John Stokes was asking for the ANC’s support in appealing the permits granted to the developers of a very large condo unit going up at 1521 Varnum. Long story short, if the ANC joins the appeal, then Stokes doesn’t have to pay the $1,040 fee to submit his appeal. (Wha? Yeah, a thousand bucks to appeal a $100 permit. But if you think about it, it kinda makes sense. The fee is so high that it prevents nuisance appeals, and if the ANC gets involved it shows real community concern and wipes out the fee. Still. Ouch for the little guy fighting the well-funded developers.) Lots of discussion and commissioner questions, but in the end the ANC voted to approve his request to join in the appeal, and voted to designate Mr. Stokes the ANC’s representative. Lots of clapping from the crowd. After that, a fellow jumped up in the back and asked if the ANC wanted to hear from the owner. Some confusion then occurred and Commissioner Maloney and Chair Galloway told him he can come back in April’s meeting to talk. Lots of grumbling from the fellow.

Then since he was up there, Mr. Stokes spoke as a representative of DPR about the Upshur Pool. Commissioner Teutsch wanted to know why the pools open so late, why the kiddie pools are often closed and why people have to get out of the pool for 15 minutes every hour. Basically, the answer is lack of budget. Mr Stokes did say that DPR was looking to hire lifeguards, so if you’re interested, check out dpr.dc.gov. Commissioner Standish said “isn’t there a budget surplus?” to which Mr. Stokes replied “uh, no. In fact, there’s a deficit and the Mayor has asked all agencies to make cuts to their budgets.”

Back to zoning issues. Ms Abrams got up to speak about the condo development happening at 1117 Allison Street NW and it’s negative impact on her and neighbors. In interest of time (yours and mine), suffice it to say the ANC voted to support her appeal to the zoning board.

Then that fellow got up again and wanted to speak about 1117 Allison St NW. More confusion ensued as he claimed to now represent both owners (1521 Varnum and 1117 Allison). Turns out, shocker, he’s the attorney.

Then, whoowhee, as they were figuring out whether or not to allow this guy to, a different man sitting in the first row got rather loud that “this ANC meeting is poorly run, it’s a public meeting” and then “I don’t appreciate how this meeting is run.” (Lots of loud clapping in agreement to this comment from former ANC 4C commissioner Zach Hartman, who was sitting next to me.) Then the man identified himself as a commissioner from ANC 1C. Hmm. (I looked him up, it was Alan Gambrell, Commissioner for SMD 1C05 in Adams Morgan).

Now, whether you agree with Chair Galloway that the ANC 4C meeting is pretty much a spectator sport for residents, or with ANC 4D which makes their meetings a fully participatory experience with lots of resident questions and chatter, it was really rude and inappropriate for another Commissioner to so loudly shout out during another Commission’s meeting. If Commissioner Gambrell had concerns, he could have raised them after the meeting. Commissioners Maloney and Chair Galloway asked to be invited to *his* next ANC meeting. (heh)

Anyway, Chair Galloway let the developer’s attorney speak for a few minutes. Basically, he said he agreed with some of Ms Abrams issues that she should have been notified about the work before permits were issues but “this is a really common issue with developers not sending out notices.” To be honest, I’m not sure why he spoke. He would have been better off coming to the ANC prepared to speak. In any case, he left right after that.

Then Commissioner Hayworth introduced Paul Ruppert and requested the ANC approve a settlement agreement with Slim’s Diner, coming to 4201 Georgia Avenue (in the red Murrell building at the corner of Georgia and Upshur St NW). The ANC approved.

Slim’s Diner will open in July and have about 40 seats inside and 40 seats outside on a patio on Upshur and 9th Streets. Hours will be 7am - midnight 7 days a week. A diner. In Petworth. Please be awesome please be awesome please be awesome.

Commissioner Hayworth also introduced Jamie Leeds and requested the ANC support the settlement agreement with the Twisted Horn cocktail bar / lounge, opening at 819 Upshur St NW. The ANC approved. There will be 34 seats inside and 40 seats outside on a back patio. Ms Leeds lives in Petworth and owns three locations of Hank’s Oyster Bar.

Odd moment — before the vote for the settlement agreement, Commissioner Timothy Jones started to ask Ms Leeds if they would contribute money to Upshur Park, to which Commissioner Hayworth interrupted to say that the ANC can’t ask for a quid-pro-quo contribution when they’re about to vote on a settlement agreement. Ah politics!

Oy, I told you this was a long meeting.

Then in the last half hour, a group of Petworth residents got up to talk about their push to have Grant Circle designated as a Historic Landmark. Long story short here… there are a couple of developers looking to tear down some homes on Grant Circle and build larger condos. The residents around the circle and really unhappy and were told that their only real hope to stop this process for permits get issues is to get the area designated as Historic. Resident Oscar Beisert discussed how Petworth was the first outside area to be developed following the L’Enfant plan (hence the big circle and grid streets). Residents Paul Logan and Steve Wright also spoke about their desire to have the Circle designated as a Historic Landmark, and the crowd did a lot of clapping in agreement.

Commissioner Maloney ended the conversation by saying, with some passion, that at first he “didn’t want to support the effort for Historic Landmark consideration,” but that after listening to the problems that John Stokes and Ms Abrams were experiencing with developers, and the lack of power citizens had against bigger, more well-funded companies, and how ANCs were so easily brushed aside, he wants ANC 4C to stand up and be a voice for residents. (Booyah Joe, well said.)

The ANC voted to support the application for Historic Landmark status. Only Taalib-Din Uqdah opposed the vote.

Then the librarians came down and kicked us out for over-staying our welcome.

If you made it down to the bottom, let me know and I’ll buy you a beer sometime.

Cheers. from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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If you want to learn how to keep an eye on your neighborhood, there's local crime prevention training happening on Monday, March 16th. A Neighborhood Watch Crime Prevention Training will be conducted on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the 4th District Police Station, 6001 Georgia Ave NW.

If you want to learn ways to prevent crime and reduce your likelihood of becoming a crime victim, please attend the training. You will see pictures of actual crime scenes and learn how to avoid becoming a victim of the crimes. More than 80% of crime in DC is preventable (Crime of Opportunity). By reducing these crimes, the police can concentrate on preventing and solving more violent crimes.

This is a free training open to anyone interested in reducing crime. Please RSVP so they know you are coming.

Contact Samantha Nolan by email at NolanTutor@yahoo.com or by phone at 202 244-2620. from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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A reminder that the ANC 4C meeting is tonight at 6:30pm at the Petworth Library. Hope to see you there! from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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Looks like Pedro Rubio has withdrawn as a candidate from the Ward 4 Council race. I know Pedro to be a passionate activist for Ward 4 and DC and I'm sure we'll see him continue to work to benefit his neighbors and community. from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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ANC 4C03 Commissioner Jeff Standish is resigning as of this Thursday, March 12, 2015. He and his family are moving to Minneapolis / St. Paul area of Minnesota. If you live in Single Member District (SMD) 4C03, looks like they need a new Commissioner. I've included a map of the area -- you must live in the SMD to run for ANC Commissioner for that SMD.

I wish Jeff and his family the best of luck with the move and their future endeavors. His email about his stepping down as Commissioner is below:

Fellow Community Members,

As of Thursday March 12, 2015, I will be stepping down as the ANC Commissioner for 4C03. For both professional and personal reasons, my family has decided to relocate to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota.

I have very much enjoyed the 2+ years that I have served the residents of ANC 4C. Specifically it is the many outstanding colleagues and individuals that I have had the privilege of meeting and working with that has made my time with the ANC so memorable. So thank you to my fellow ANC Commissioners (both present and past), the constituents of my single member district, and the wonderful residents of the greater Petworth and 16th St. Heights community.

There are many important issues facing Ward 4 and our own ANC, so I hope that an individual from single member district 4C03 steps up to continue the work that my predecessors and myself initiated. In the interim between my stepping down and the filling of my seat, I know my fellow Commissioners in 4C will serve the 4C03 constituents well.

**If you have an interest in serving on the ANC as the 4C03 Commissioner, please contact the Chair of ANC 4C, Commissioner Galloway (4C06@anc.dc.gov)

I thank you all for the support you have offered during my tenure, and for the opportunity to make ANC 4C and Ward 4 a better community in which to live.

Respectfully,

Jeff Standish ANC 4C03 from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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Just came back from the sing-along at Upshur Street Books. The store puts these on every two weeks (on Thursdays and Sundays at 11am). There was a nice crowd of neighbors and lots of kids. Singer John Ray has a nice melodic voice and engages the children with books, songs and eye contact with each of the kids (and parents). John has been singing for young audiences for years, and does children's music activities around the city. John is an interfaith minister and does weddings and other needs.

He also does private story hours and parties. You can get a hold of John at http://on.fb.me/1aVgbbz or bearsongmusic@gmail.com.

Next story hour / sing-along at Upshur St Books is Sunday, March 22nd at 11am and Thursday, March 26th at 11am.

(And don't forget, Petworth Citizen and Domku are both open for brunch and lunch!) from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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Street cleaning has been postponed until March 16th (shocker, I know). This means starting the 16th, alternate side of the street parking goes into affect (also known as "honey, did you move the car?")

If you leave your car on the side of the street they're planning on cleaning, the city will provide you with a $45 reminder fee. You can thank them for the reminder with a check or money order.

Of course, if we get another deluge of snow, dates might change again. from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus

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If you're hungry and bored of what's in your fridge, I understand that the Hitching Post restaurant (200 Upshur St NW) is open today and ready to cook up some hot food on this cold day. Others may be open as well -- call around and you might be surprised. from Petworth News http://on.fb.me/1BVZwus