Petworth News March 22, 2015 at 10:58AM

A couple of residents, including ANC Commissioner Joe Martin, reported hearing more gunshots last night. PSA 407 Lt Van Crawford sent out an update via the MPD-4D listserv:

Last night at approximately 11:15pm, ShotSpotter detected multiple gun shots in the areas of 4th & New Hampshire Ave & the 4400 block of Illinois Ave., NW. MPD units responded and conducted a thorough canvass of surrounding areas and alleys with negative results.

So, of course, question is... Same shooter as the March 16th shooting on 3rd & Upshur?

from Petworth News March 22, 2015 at 10:58AM

Notes and thoughts on the Emergency PSA 407 Crime Brief Meeting

Here are my notes and thoughts on the Emergency PSA 407 Crime Brief Meeting from today (3/21). The turnout at the emergency PSA 407 meeting at 750 Park Road NW was very high, with more than 70 residents in the audience, including Councilmember Anita Bonds and representatives from two other Councilmember offices (Orange and Grosso). I saw several ANC 4C commissioners (John-Paul Hayworth, Timothy Jones and Joe Martin) and one ANC 4D commissioner (Krystal Branton). Khalil Thompson form the Mayor’s office also was there. No Ward 4 candidates attended (though there was a “representative” from one candidate).

Lieutenant Van Crawford ran the meeting (he’s the PSA 407 manager) and was relaxed and open to listening and responding to residents. I think the size of the crowd may have taken him by surprise, as did the presence of TV cameras and reporters (2 were there, one from Ch 9, WUSA) but he adjusted pretty well. (The cameraperson needs to learn how to use her zoom feature — she was disconcertingly close to the face of residents as they spoke.)

The stated topic of the meeting was the recent gun violence and shootings in Petworth, particularly the March 16th shooting at 3rd and Upshur / Varnum. (On a related note, there was another shooting this morning at 9th and Randolph, picked up by the ShotSpotter system, no shell casings or injured found.) Lt Crawford said it’s very common to respond to a shots fired call, only to find nothing (no shell casings, no injured).

Lt. Crawford started the meeting by asking the crowd of residents to ask questions and provide their thoughts, and for the next hour and a half, they did. Everyone was civil, and the meeting was focused almost exclusively on resident questions, with one question repeating itself:

“What is the comprehensive plan to deal with the shootings and crime in Petworth and Ward 4?”

The answer given by the Mayor’s office and MPD is: “A comprehensive plan is being developed and will be communicated.” This is the same answer given by DC for a few years now, through successive mayors, MPD commanders and council members. As background, one resident provided me with notes from an October 2013 Safety Meeting held at the 4D station on Georgia Ave, which included MPD Chief Diane Groomes, former 4D Commander Missouri, and former Councilmember Bowser (and some of her staff). It documents almost the exact same issues as today’s meeting, with Jefferson and 5th, 6th & 7th Streets being hot spots for shootings, along with 2nd & Upshur. Same as now. Attention needs to be paid to both enforcement and prevention through social programs. There has to be a way to interrupt the cycle of crime and lack of opportunity. According to MPD, it is a cycle, one that is passed down generationally in families who are active within the local crews (aka gangs) in the area.

Regarding the March 16th shooting on Upshur, Lt. Crawford said they believe it was 1 shooter, trying to fire at 2 other individuals and hitting cars instead. He said they have a number of “persons of interest” based on videos provided by residents in the area who have cameras in the alleys and in the back of their homes.

A resident mentioned that her children were playing in the street not less than an hour before the shootings, while another resident said she got out of her car only “a few minutes before the shooting started.”

Residents talked about “displacement” of crime from the Kennedy Street area, being pushed down toward Upshur and Varnum, as the crews are looking to stay away from the current increased police presence. Another resident from Jefferson St said that displacement seems temporary, as there’s been two homicides in front of his house in the last two months, and as soon as the police lights move away, the crime comes back.

There was a lot of discussion about the alleys around 2nd/3rd and Upshur / Varnum. Some are claiming it’s an open air drug market, others suggesting that something likely illegal is going on, as people are congregating in the alley, drinking, smoking and interacting with out-of-state cars. Lt Crawford said that while MPD can drive through, they can’t stop people without probable cause. He did add that one reason for patrol officers to get out of their cars to talk to people is that an initial conversation with someone loitering in an alley, etc, can start the process of obtaining probable cause, based on that person’s answers.

Residents wanted to know if a camera can be installed in the 7th & 8th Streets and Jefferson area (in fact, a request has already been made to move a camera there by 4D Commander Manlapaz).

Some residents asked for more police presence on foot patrols, and Lt Crawford said they were having patrol officers get out of their cars more often, and had positioned more bike patrols and Segway patrols along the Upshur corridor. One resident said she hasn’t seen the increase in patrols, but Lt Crawford assured her that the patrols have indeed increased and that there’s been an allocation of more resources to the area.

Another resident asked MPD to communicate more with residents through meetings, at which point several people reminded the crowd that MPD does PSA meetings, CAC (Citizen Advisory Council) meetings, local briefings and meet & greets at resident homes and more. There was some confusion on how to find out about these meetings. I recommended that people watch the listservs and Petworth News blog, and email me questions that they want addressed at the PSA meetings if they can’t make it. A number of residents wanted MPD to make sure they closed the communication loop on incidents, when possible (arrests made, preventative steps taken, etc.).

To which point, if you’re more likely to attend a Saturday morning PSA 407 meeting, please let Derek Staten (4D’s outreach coordinator) know by emailing him at derek.staten@dc.gov.

Lt Crawford was asked if MPD has enough resources, and personally, I think the answer is No. I’ve heard from other MPD leadership that MPD could use more officers and better morale (but that’s a discussion another day). However, Lt Crawford said while retirements and attrition are always an issue, the academies are full and that PSA 407 had the resources it needs. He said that 4D regularly works with 3D and 5D and other agencies (such as Park Police) and faith-based organizations.

Lt Crawford also asked a number of residents to contact him after the meeting to talk about problem properties, and for ways to submit videos of activities happening in the area. (By the way, if you have a camera pointed at your property or pointed at public property, you can record video, and if you see a crime committed or suspicious activity, MPD is happy to take the video.)

Lt Crawford repeated what we’ve heard as a consistent message from MPD: “If you see something suspicious, or you are concerned, call 911.” For example, if someone is sitting in a car in the alley behind your house, “I’d find that suspicious if it were my house,” he said. “Call 911 and let us deal with it.” He said MPD tracks the calls, even if nothing is discovered after the police arrive, to help them understand potential problem areas. He also asked residents to keep emailing MPD, reading the listservs and communicating with city leadership, “Citizens can show up, voice their opinions, send emails and be active,” he said. “We want to work with active, sincere residents who are looking for ways to improve the area.”

When asked what MPD would like to hear from residents, Lt Crawford smiled and said a “job well done” would be nice, which got laughs of appreciation from the residents. In fact, a number of residents complimented MPD for the speed of their response to calls and for their openness in communicating with residents (this meeting being a prime example).

Juan Thompson from Council member Grosso’s office, asked if residents would be interested in organizing an “Orange Hot Association” to help MPD, saying it proved very effective in his area of Ward 6. No one stepped up to say this type of program should be started, but I would suggest this is a good topic for a Ward 4 Candidate to champion.

The meeting ended and a number of residents spoke with Lt Crawford and amongst themselves. I think these types of meetings are important and desired in the community — the hard part is keeping them active when there aren’t spikes in crime.

Petworth News March 20, 2015 at 01:51PM

There's a community clean-up scheduled for this Saturday (tomorrow) from 11am-1pm at both the Petworth Library and Shepherd Elementary. The goal is to "freshen up our neightborhoods a little as we get ready for Spring and say by to Winter, especially after today."

They will provide bags, rakes, brooms, etc. and we will recycle properly.

Please SIGN UP on the Eventbrite:

http://bit.ly/1CEVgG5

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Petworth News March 18, 2015 at 08:09PM

Powell Elementary is hosting a Family Literacy Night tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th from 4-6pm. It's a celebration of reading, writing and stories of all kinds. You can enjoy some favorite stories and activities, snacks and take pictures with your favorite books.

Where: Powell Elementary School (different rooms will features different books and activities)

When: Thursday March 19th from 4:00pm – 6:00pm

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Petworth News March 18, 2015 at 07:55PM

Another successful Grant Circle Social tonight! This time, without the snow and in daylight -- hello Spring! Ok, it was a bit chilly, but the hot chocolate and the great group of people, dogs and kids running around having fun helped to keep everyone warm. Surely April's Social will be even warmer. Enjoy some pics, and feel free to tag yourself.

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Petworth News March 18, 2015 at 02:40PM

Last night I attended the ANC 4D Meeting, and here are my notes. As always, anything misquoted or opinionated is my fault, anything you dislike is the ANC’s fault. TL;DR (the short version): MPD talked about recent March 12th homicide (arrest made), gang-related activities and 8th & Jefferson issues. The upcoming Kennedy Street Improvements took up much of the meeting time, as did some odd commissioner / resident debate on moving the ANC office to a more affordable location. Georgia Line Convenience store took some heat (again) about an upcoming ABRA renewal, and the community decided they want a separate meeting to discuss the issue (March 24).

Longer version for your reading pleasure (emphasis on longer):

After the initial meeting needs (roll call, minutes, etc) the ANC did the treasurer’s report. Cash on hand for ANC 4D is $6,520.94, with $3,176.01 spent in February (telecom, rent, a beautification project and a small banking charge). Interestingly, ANC 4D’s budget is much less than 4C, a product of the number of residents in the ANC. ANCs get money from DC based on population (basically, a dollar a person annually).

MPD then kicked off the meeting with 4D Commander Wilfredo Manlapaz, Inspector Vendette Parker and PSA 403 Lieutenant Shane Lamond, who spoke about the March 12 homicide at 8th & Jefferson. There was an arrest of an adult male in the 3/12 shooting, who was the only suspect MPD had. Case is now closed and is going to trial.

This then turned into a rather long session of questions and answers, and clearly residents need to consider attending their local PSA meetings in order to meet their MPD leadership as well as ask questions. I think it’s also a good idea for big crime events like a homicide that MPD to hold a separate community meeting as an “after action report” to discuss the event (what they *can* discuss), and respond to valid resident concerns. Open communication is always a benefit.

The first question asked by a resident was about gang-related crime: is the local rise in crime related to gangs, and what role / what actions is MPD taking? Commander Manlapaz responded that “We have some intervention. There really is no law about being in a gang, but if they commit a crime in a gang, we can go after them." Cmdr Manlapaz continued that in most ways, it starts out not as a police issue, but as a societal issue. "It goes to the social issue of why did they join the gang in the first place?” he said. “It's a number of issues. It's a tough thing to tackle, especially by the police. It has be intervention before the police get involved."

Commissioner Quirk asked if MPD has any numbers on current gang members. Lt. Lamond said they don’t have that information. DC doesn’t call them gangs, but “crews.” The distinction, he said, is in how they think about larger, more organized gangs like the Crips and the Bloods, etc. DC doesn’t have those type of gangs, but smaller, more familial groups, with membership passed down with generations.

Lt. Lamond, who is the PSA 403 manager, said that more resources have been allocated for the 8th & Jefferson area, including more mountain bike patrols concentrated into the area. MPD’s Intel unit is gathering information as well on the gangs / crews. Lt Lamond went on to say that being in a gang isn't illegal so they can’t stop you or arrest you for being in a gang. Lt Lamond mentioned that MPD once tried to get a camera for the area, going back during Commander Missouri's time, but the camera was denied as the crime stats back then didn't support it. Now Cmdr Manlapaz has asked for one again, hoping to hear back.

A resident asked about the crime stats were low and that's why we can't have a camera? One person said, “So there is a number of crimes that have to happen to get a camera?” Someone else added, "How many people have to die to get a camera?" Cmdr Manlapaz said they're looking at moving existing cameras, as they can't buy a new one. It's take one, move it over. If Chief Groomes and Chief Lanier approve the transfer, it can take 15-30 days to move, he said.

Another resident raised issue about drinking / smoking weed at playground with children around. “Can't you stop and talk to adults hanging out at a playground,” he said. Lt Lamond replied that MPD gives “special attention to parks and playgrounds, like Emery Rec is a big one, young adults hang out on the playground and basketball courts at night. It's illegal to hang out there after dark." He said “if you see adults at night, call the police. We’ll identify them and send them on their way.” Another resident mentioned that he never sees police cars stop at the park (he lives across the street). Lt Lamond said that “Loitering isn't illegal, though it would make our job easier if it was.” So MPD can’t just stop a citizen standing on the corner, looking shady. There has to be a call into MPD, and to frisk the suspect there has to be probable cause. And smelling marijuana is not probable cause anymore. While it’s illegal to smoke in public, it’s not illegal to possess less than an ounce in public, or to smell like it.

Then Commissioner Nancy Roth raised her hand to ask a question (love that she raised her hand, so polite). She said that the recent “incidents are scary, and people are concerned.” She spoke about seeing a person with a mask over his face, just standing on the corner on a warm day. While suspicious to her, how can she know if it’s really a potential criminal or someone hanging out trying to be warm? Lt Lamond responded that “if you point it out, if you think it's suspicious, call 911. We’ll come by, talk to them and go on our way if we find everything is fine.”

Another resident mentioned that there was an open air drug market at 8th & Jefferson, "Why not watch it?" He said he sees people hanging out, selling drugs, and so on. Lt. Lamond responded that MPD needs to see criminal activity to take action, but they do drive bys. Tips are great, but MPD needs to see it.

An older resident asked for crime statistics for the area, as he wants to know what areas to avoid. Got a laugh from the public. Lt. Lamond mentioned the 4D listserv email that goes out daily, and Cmdr Manlapaz mentioned that residents can go to mpd.dc.gov and pull a report for local or Ward-wide information.

After that, the meeting went back on the agenda.

Lydia Vanderbilt, Development Associate from Byte Back, Training for Successful Futures, was postponed until April's meeting.

Paul Hoffman, the Program Manager for DDOT’s Infrastructure Management Administration, presented on the Kennedy Street Improvements (see pics of the PowerPoint. You can get a copy by emailing Mr Hoffman at paul.hoffman@dc.gov). This topic has been presented at the last several meetings, but now DDOT is set on a final proposal for improving safety, street design and the streetscape on Kennedy from Georgia to North Capitol Street (about a 1mile). Michelle Pourciau presented the plans, and said they’re in the final design phase, construction to begin Aug 2015, one year construction, completed by Fall 2016. Improvements will include new turning lanes to accommodate traffic backups, brick sidewalks, trees, good pedestrian crossings. On 5th Street will be a special area for “Playable Art,” a separate initiative from Dept of Parks & Recreation and DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities). They are adding a separate, protected left turn lane on Missiour onto 2nd Street. There was a lots of concern about left turn lane, traffic backups to Georgia Avenue. Lots of community questions.

Construction will done block by block, there will be parking restrictions but they will maintain open access for pedestrian traffic. All businesses will be able to remain open, and DDOT is keeping 2 lanes each way on Missouri as they do their off-peak, daytime construction. Ms. Pourciau said some short-term cross street closures and detours were possible (meaning that’ll be happening). 4th & 5th Street retaining walls will be moved back (owners compensated?) to accommodate larger sidewalks and trees.

There were concerns that widening Missouri Ave will make it seem like a highway, which may be good for PG County, but not for local residents. Some agreement in the crowd, but DDOT didn’t really agree. They felt it was already used for that purpose, and these enhancements created better safety for cars and pedestrians.

Next up was Douglas Stallworth (WMATA project manager, from their Office of Bus Planning) discussing the study going on for local bus routes. The rumor of the proposed elimination of 60 & 64 routes to Ft Totten, not happening, no route changes. WMATA did survey on Feb 12 and then followed up with a focus group studying 60, 62, 63 & 64 routes (the comprehensive study on service, traffic, equipment, facilities, bus stops, etc. runs from Jan - July, 7 month study). Similiar to other corridor studies they've done. Express bus? Will determine after the study is completed. WMATA will host 2 public meetings on the topic: Wed 4/15 at the Petworth Library; Sat 4/18 Takoma Comm Center.

Time was tight, so the ANC tried to zip through Old Business:

ANC office: Office is at 143 Kennedy St NW, rent is $550 a month for a space they don’t use much. Instead, they’re moving to Colony House at 939 Farragut St (GA & Farragut), where the rent will be $75 a month. The ANC plans on conducting executive meeting there once-a-month. A few people thought the ANC needs a real office with a phone line, copiers, for emergencies, etc. (It's really a place for storage and a exec meeting.) As pointed out by Chair Colbert, the ANC has a $14,000 budget, and spending $6,600 for rent doesn't make sense. Colony House would cost $900 instead. There was a ton of back and forth discussion on this topic with residents. I think residents may feel no office means lack of access (which by itself isn’t true). Chair Colbert took a vote by show of hands of the audience about their opinion. No one voted to keep the old space, most voted to move to Colony House, and a few undecided (with all due respect to 4D residents, why does this vote matter? This is clearly an ANC matter, doesn't impact the public, only that they need an office. Saving thousands dollars on what amounts to being a storage unit is a smart move.) Interestingly, Renee Bowser was the only commissioner to abstain and not vote on the move.

Then Commissioner David Sheon spoke about the Georgia Line Convenience Store ABRA protest hearing. Sheon made a motion to represent ANC4D at the March 25th at ABRA. As background, the 10-year old settlement agreement is out of date. In 2012, ANC 4D requested that the settlement agreement & liquor license be removed. GA Line kept their license but was fined $500 for various “fraudulent” activities. Now GA line wanted to renew their license but remove the agreement (again), saying that community members but won't meet with them; however, Sheon and other community members have been active. "Be honest with us," Sheon says to businesses, "we'll work with you and find solutions. But don't lie to us." There was a lot of community feedback and questions. Resident Ann Wallace spoke, speaking in favor of having Sheon represent the ANC and against GA Line. "We are concerned about this matter. We're not looking to put anyone out of business, but to work with the community” she said. Others were concerned that broad statements were being made.

A special ANC meeting will be held to discuss Georgia Line Convenience Store on Tuesday night, March 24th, from 6pm to 8pm, at Truesdell Elementary School, 800 Ingraham Street. The ANC voted unanimously to have Sheon represent the ANC at the ABRA hearing. (Note to ANC 4D: Robert’s Rules of Order, which ANCs are supposed to follow according to their by-laws, states that once a motion has been made and seconded, there needs to be a vote… last night, I think Robert would have been aggravated. At least ANC 1C05 Commissioner Alan Gambrell wasn’t there to yell at you, like he did ANC 4C last week!)

The Ward 4 liaison for the Mayor, Khalil Thompson, spoke on a few topics. The State of the District address is coming up at the Lincoln Theater on March 31, 5:30-7:30pm. Tickets are available for free at Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/1GXZXbz. There is also going to be a local litter clean up, starting at the Petworth Library, moving along Iowa Ave, details to come via listserv. Mr. Thompson will also offer Ward 4 Liaison office hours (Fri 1-3, Sat 10-12), starting dates to be announced.

This guy: (I think his name is Michael) got up and announced that "power corrupts absolutely." (He used to show up at ANC 4C meetings constantly and rant on and on about his condo fees, veterans’ needs, other personal financial issues, then continue his ranting from the back of the room, yelling at the commissioners. Exhausting to experience and disrespectful for the rest of the community.) His next comment after the power one was that he wants food at the ANC 4D meeting. Then he spoke about Veteran's Corp, jumped to wanting to get rid of the DC streetcar, and handed out copies of the Washington Post. Then he complained about the Northwest Current newspaper, “What gives with not covering 4D? They say it's an issue with generating revenue? What gives? I'm sure there's businesses that would ante up to make this worthwhile.” (As a person in the newspaper industry, I can commiserate with the NW Current, print is a hard industry right now and advertising revenue, subscriptions and pick-up rates are abysmal.) Then Michael complained about his condo. Lastly, he mentioned he wants food at the ANC meeting. I’ll spare you the rants in the future, and won’t be taking notes on his issues again unless they’re important to the community.

Turns out, it was Chair Lisa Colbert's birthday, and Commissioner Sheon brought cupcakes. Happy birthday!

Then, as the clock ticked down the last few minutes to the required 9pm end, Secretary Nancy Roth made a motion to have the ANC cover some funding needs: Funding of supplies, a table cloth with ANC logo for special events, post box, moving services, monthly for rent, security lock. Then they asked for community comment after a motion and 2nd was made, then a commissioner asked a question. Then they voted to approve. Robert would definitely tsk.

Then last minute updates on S&G Wines & Liquors coming up for an ABRA renewal (5421 GA Ave, between Jefferson & Kennedy & GA Ave). Will discuss at next meeting, April 21.

Commissioner Roth mentioned that ANC 4D was partnering with DC Water and Sewer (WASA) for a April 23rd townhall meeting at 744 Jefferson St NW, Brightwood Park United Methodist Church 6:30-8:30pm flyers coming soon.

Also coming up is Taste of Brightwood. Emery Beacon of Light is organizing, event at Emery Community Center. Restaurants & businesses gathered with residents (a la Celebrate Petworth?) is Sat May 9th, 10-3pm. More info to come on it. Oh, and "4D Day" coming on September 19th. More to come on that as well.

No motion to adjourn and we all got out of there just past 9.

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Petworth News March 16, 2015 at 10:10PM

Update from MPD Commander Manlapaz: Around 9:00 PM today, we were alerted to numerous sounds of gunshots in the area of the 300 block of Upshur Street, NW. Several vehicles were damaged. No one has reported being a victim of gun shots at this point. We are following up on a silver van possibly being involved.

If anyone has information regarding this event, they are asked to call the MPD CIC at 202-727-9099 or text at 50411.

Another resident reports:

"Three cars on the 4200 block of 3rd street were hit."

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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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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