Last night the ANC met for its February session (apparently they have a time machine that made last night actually February). GM couldn’t stay long due to his new paternal responsibilities, but the bits he caught are worth passing on.

DCRA

The ANC invited the Director of DCRA, Nicholas Majett, to speak about his agency. Majett took his time to describe all the ways in which DCRA touches on DC citizens’ lives. From building permits, to corporation licensing, to inspections, DCRA is likely the agency you need to call when you have a problem.

While Majett’s presentation was interesting, the main draw for Georgetown was the situation with 1424 Wisconsin Ave. This property, which until last year hosted Ashhik clothes, was undergoing construction to become a Z-Burger. But on Thanksgiving day, half the building collapsed. Some have suggested that the cause of the collapsed was unauthorized excavation. Majett, however, suggested that if it was excavation that caused the collapse, it wasn’t unauthorized since the owner had a permit to dig.

Right now the parties seems to be engaged in a blame-sorting exercise. The ANC was a bit alarmed to find out that the structural engineer hired to determine the cause of the collapse was to be hired by the building owner. Tom Birch wondered whether that wasn’t a huge conflict of interest and that won’t the engineer be inclined to say it’s not the fault of the guy who’s paying him. Majett responded that it was the opposite of a conflict of interest since it put the responsibility on the building owner, not the government, to determine the cause. GM’s not quite sure that counts as “the opposite of a conflict of interest”, and the ANC remained skeptical too. They asked Majett to consider using an independent engineer to evaluate the collapse (particularly considering that the building owner in question has a history of building collapses in Georgetown).

After wrapping up the discussion on 1424 Wisconsin Ave., the ANC noted that there was another item on their agenda that touched on DCRA: food trucks. DCRA has proposed regulations governing food trucks, which up to this point have operated under the rules for ice cream trucks. The new regulations would address food trucks more directly and allow them to operate in any legal parking spot, under certain restrictions.

Andrew Kline, who is one of the city’s biggest ABC lawyers, showed up at the ANC last night to push the case of his client, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. These brick-and-mortar restaurants hate food trucks because the trucks take a lot of the business away from the fixed restaurants and get to keep a lot more of their revenues since they don’t have any overhead and the city doesn’t make them pay sales tax (they just pay a flat $500$1500 fee every year [again, it's because the rules the operate under assume they're selling ice cream, not $15 lobster rolls]).

So the restaurants would like the food trucks to be lumped in with the hot dog vendors, which would mean sticking them in fixed locations, and at a very limited density. In other words, they want to kill vitality of the food truck business in DC.

Of course Kline swears up and down that squashing competition has absolutely nothing to do with it. “Restaurants don’t want to get rid of food trucks”, he asserts somehow with a straight face. They just really care about the public space of the city and don’t want the food trucks taking up too much of it. It’s aesthetics, not competition. (By the by, GM’s looking to unload an old stone bridge ideally located near Brooklyn, are you interested?)

Kline even threw out the horrible possibility that if these rules are adopted K St. could become a magnet for the food trucks. GM had to stand up and say, “God I hope so!” (in person, GM doesn’t speak in the third person).

But the ANC expressed concerns over food trucks being on the residential streets. GM doubts that’s likely, but the proposal to restrict food trucks from RPP spaces. GM thinks that’s probably a fair compromise, but it may be too late to change the proposed rule.

DCFDDCFEMS

Last year, the Chief of the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Kenneth Ellerbe, issued an order banning all firemen from wearing anything with the acronym “DCFD”. You see, the agency isn’t called the DC Fire Department anymore. And Ellerbe, who also spoke at the ANC meeting last night, seems to still be interested in this issue.

While we all still think of it as the fire department, putting out fires is a small part of the agency’s duties. According to Ellerbe, DCFEMS received 161,000 calls in 2011. Of those, 130,000 were medical related calls. Only 900 were fire related, and of those, only about 500 were house fires. So it’s probably more accurate to use the DCFEMS name. But GM still thinks it’s a bit of an overreaction to throw away the history of the DCFD name.

One of those interesting topics is 1424 Wisconsin Ave. This is that building that basically collapsed a while back. The building did house Aashik, a clothing store. But it was in the process of being converted into a Z-Burger. Whatever they were doing (and GM hears it was likely illegal excavation), it wasn’t done well. Now the back half of the building is gone, and the neighboring buildings are condemned.

At the ANC meeting, the DCRA Chief Building Official, Rabbiah Sabbakhanon, will be present to discuss the property. It should be an interesting story, both how it happened and what’s going to happen next.

Also on the agenda is our old friend the GU Campus Plan. But don’t get too excited; it’s just an update. And GM can give you a brief preview: the Zoning Commission is meeting to decide the school’s fate on February 9th at 6:30 pm. The meeting is open to the public, but there is no more opportunity for public input. Theoretically the commission is going to discuss the plan and come to a decision, but there is no requirement that they actually come to a final decision that night. But the discussion should at least shed light on the commission’s thinking and how it is likely to decide.

Other than that, it’s most your run of the mill private projects. The only retail news from the agenda is that Noodles & Co. is coming to the new building just south of the Safeway.

Here’s the agenda:

Approval of the Agenda

•       Approval of January 30, 2012, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

•       Approval of  January 3, 2012 Meeting Minutes
•       Public Safety and Police Report
•       Financial Report –  1st 2012 Quarter Financial Report
•       Transportation Report
•       Public Works Report

Community Comment

•       Update from the DCRA Chief Building Official, Mr. Rabbiah Sabbakhanon, about the building collapse at 1424 Wisconsin Avenue – causes, assuring safety and stability at the site, next steps toward reconstruction
•       Pepco to address frequent power outages in ANC 2E

New Business

•       GU Campus Plan Update

Zoning

•       1623 28th Street, NW (the “Evermay” property), BZA Application No. 18315, Application of Evermay Georgetown, LLC, on behalf of the S&R Foundation for a special exception to establish a non-profit use

Old Georgetown Board

PRIVATE PROJECTS:

1.      SMD 02, 1609 35th Street, NW, OG 12-070  (HPA 12-123) Residence, Alterations to rear, Concept
2.      SMD 03, 3700 O Street, NW (also known as 3522 N Street, NW), OG 12-090  (HPA 12-149) Residential, Generator for LXR – Nevils Hall, Permit
3.      SMD 05, 2910 M Street, NW, OG 12-099  (HPA 12-174) Retail, Awning and signs for “Charm” – existing, Permit
4.      SMD 05, 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW, OG 12-106  (HPA 12-181) Hotel, Rooftop addition and terrace, replacement windows, markee, Concept
5.      SMD 05, 3205 Prospect Street, NW, OG 12-092  (HPA 12-152) Restaurant, Internally-illuminated sign for “Georgetown Falafel & Koshary” – existing, Permit
6.      SMD 05, 1042 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-091 (HPA 12-151) Restaurant, Awnings, signs, lights – existing, Permit
7.      SMD 06, 1210 28th Street, NW, OG 12-103  (HPA 12-178) Residence, 3-story rear addition, Concept
8.      SMD 06, 3015 P Street, NW, OG 12-111  (HPA 12-186) Residence, Alterations to garage off Orchard Lane, Concept
9.      SMD 06, 3015 P Street, NW, OG 12-112  (HPA 12-187) Residence, Rear addition and alterations, Concept
10.     SMD 06, 3010 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 12-063  (HPA 12-108) Residence, Replacement windows, alterations, gas light fixtures, rooftop HVAC, excavation, Permit
11.     SMD 06, 1413 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-087  (HPA 12-148) Commercial, Alteration to stucco wall, Permit
12.     SMD 06, 1525 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-   (HPA 12-) Commercial/Residential, Alterations to rear, Permit
13.     SMD 07, 2500 Q Street, NW, OG 12-059  (HPA 12-099) Gateway Georgetown Condominiums, Replacement and new rooftop antennas and equipment for Sprint, Permit
14.     SMD 07, 1815 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-104  (HPA 12-179) Retail, Roof top addition and deck, sign scheme for “Noodles & Company,” Concept

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming February 2 agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time.  If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, January 27, 2012.

1.      SMD 01, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 12-102  (HPA 12-177)  Georgetown University – MedStar Hospital, Storage sheds within Oxygen Tank Courtyard, Permit
2.      SMD 02, 3219 Volta Place, NW, OG 12-052  (HPA 12-082) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit
3.      SMD 03, 1513 33rd Street, NW, OG 11-285 (HPA 11-495) Residence, Alterations, dormers, partial demolition, Permit
4.      SMD 03, 1408-10-12  36th Street, NW, OG 12-085  (HPA 12-139) Residences, Door surround, transom, window casing, Permit
5.      SMD 03, 3240 O Street, NW, OG 12-100  (HPA 12-175) Church, Replacement roof, Permit
6.      SMD 03, 3254 O Street, NW, OG 12-110  (HPA 12-185) Residence, Alterations to rear of main house, remove chimney, Permit
7.      SMD 03, 3240 P Street, NW, OG 12-061  (HPA 12-106) Commercial, Alterations to glass roof at rear, Permit – revised design
8.      SMD 03, 3417 P Street, NW, OG 12-107  (HPA 12-182) Residence, Alterations to window openings, skylights, Concept
9.      SMD 03, 3522 P Street, NW, OG 12-114  (HPA 12-189) Residence, Replacement windows, Concept
10.     SMD 03, 1432 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-025  (HPA 12-041) Retail, Sign for DC Jewelry Center, Permit
11.     SMD 03, 1436 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-096  (HPA 12-171) Commercial, Sign for “Express Alterations,” Permit
12.     SMD 03, 1510 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-082  (HPA 12-136) Commercial, Alterations to storefront, sign scheme for Luigi Parasmo Salon, Permit
13.     SMD 05, 1050 31st Street, NW, OG 12-116  (HPA 12-191) Office building to hotel, Site work along the C & O Canal, Permit – additional information
14.     SMD 05, 3111 K Street, NW, OG 12-109  (HPA 12-184) Theatre, Sign scheme for “AMC,” Permit (Loews sign reviewed : )
15.     SMD 05, 2934 M Street, NW, OG 12-098  (HPA 12-173) Commercial, Alterations to storefront and to rear, sign scheme for “Little Viet Garden,” Permit – revised design
16.     SMD 05, 3299 M Street, NW, OG 12-117  (HPA 12-192) Commercial, Alterations to fenestration, Concept – revised design
17.     SMD 05, 3248 N Street, NW, OG 12-108  (HPA 12-183) Residence, 2-story rear addition and alterations to rear, Concept – revised design
18.     SMD 05, 2810-12 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, OG 12-014  (HPA 12-014) Four Seasons Hotel – Eno Wine Bar, Rear addition with basement, window replacements, signs and awnings, Concept – additional information
19.     SMD 06, 1322 30th Street, NW, OG 12-093   (HPA 12-166) Residence, Alterations to rear, Permit
20.     SMD 06, 3047 N Street, NW, OG 12-115  (HPA 12-190) Residence, Alterations to windows, Concept
21.     SMD 06, 1239 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-101  (HPA 12-176) Commercial, Sign scheme for Loft, rooftop mechanical equipment, Permit – revised design
22.     SMD 06, 1267 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-118  (HPA 12-193) Retail, Alterations to storefront, sign scheme for “Jonathan Adler Furniture,” Concept
23.     SMD 06, 1329 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-054  (HPA 12-??) Retail, Sign scheme for “Comfort One Shoes” and “Mephisto,” Permit – revised design
24.     SMD 07, 2617 O Street, NW, OG 12-095  (HPA 12-170) Residence, Replacement roof at front, Permit
25.     SMD 07, 2617 O Street, NW, OG 12-094  (HPA 12-169) Residence, Replacement roof at rear, Permit
26.     SMD 07, 3052 R Street, NW (also known as 3050 R Street, NW), OG 12-105  (HPA 12-180) Residential, Alterations for condominiums, Permit
27.     SMD 07, 3120 R Street, NW, OG 12-065  (HPA 12-113) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit / concept
28.     SMD 07, 3210 R Street, NW, OG 12-097  (HPA 12-172) Residence, Rear porch, alterations, replacement windows, solar panels and HVAC on roof, Concept
29.     SMD 07, 3033 Dent Place, NW, OG 12-053  (HPA 12-084) Residence, Rooftop solar panels, Permit

Tonight the ANC is meeting for the first time in this futuristically sounding year of 2012. While there are a headache-inducing amount of private projects on the agenda, some more interesting items are near the front and worth coming to see if you’re interested.

The first among those issues is the West Heating Plant (seen above). This gigantic property is being surplused by the federal government and will soon be put out for bids. Some Georgetown-based developers, including Richard Levy, are preparing bids and are vying to take the lead with plans to convert the property to high-end condos. But GM has heard some rumors that the staff of the Old Georgetown Board have made it known that condo-conversion would not be acceptable. This doesn’t leave much in the way of economically viable options for the building, absent some mythical and extremely well-endowed museum that wants to use the cavernous space for art (like GM and others have suggested).

The ANC is not likely to take any particular position or approve any motion. It just likes to take the time to announce big projects like this in a public forum for those that don’t read totally awesome and informative websites…

Here’s the full agenda:

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E
3265 S Street, NW • Washington, DC  20007
(202) 724-7098  • anc2e@dc.gov • www.anc2e.com
ANC 2E Public Meeting
Tuesday, January 3, 2011
at 6:30 p.m.

We will be meeting this month at the Georgetown Visitation School, 35th and Volta Place, Heritage Room, first building on left by gatehouse, 2nd floor

Please note that ANC 2E Public Meetings usually meet on Monday but because of the New Year holiday, the meeting has been moved to Tuesday this month

Approval of the Agenda

•       Approval of the January 3, 2011, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

•       Approval of November 28, 2011 Meeting Minutes
•       Public Safety and Police Report
•       Financial Report
•       Transportation Report – O & P Street update
•       Public Works Report
•       Officers and areas of particular interest in 2012
•       2012 meeting dates
•       Standing resolutions
•       Security Trust Fund

Community Comment

New Business

•       West Power Plant update – GSA plans and procedures for disposition (This item will come up before 7:00 p.m.)
•       Friends of Volta Park designated as the official community representative for Volta Park
•       GU Campus plan update
•       Safeway traffic issue

Old Georgetown Board

PRIVATE PROJECTS:

1.      SMD 07, 2516 East Place, NW, OG 12-067 (HPA 12-120) Residence, Alterations to rear, retractable awning, shutters, Permit
2.      SMD 01, 1738 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-026  (HPA 12-053) Residence, 2-story rear addition, Concept – revised design
3.      SMD 02, 1609 35th Street, NW, OG 12-070 (HPA 12-123) Residence, Alterations to rear, remove 2-story rear porch, Concept
4.      SMD 03, 1408, -10, -12  36th Street, NW, OG 12—85  (HPA 12-139) Residences, Door surround, transom, window casing, Permit
5.      SMD 03, 3254 O Street, NW, OG 11-162  (HPA 11-255) Residence, Partial demolition, reconstruction of garage with enlarged footprint, Concept – revised design
6.      SMD 03, 3254 O Street, NW, OG 12-083  (HPA 12-137) Residence, Alterations to rear of main house, remove chimney, Concept
7.      SMD 03, 3240 P Street, NW, OG 12-061  (HPA 12-106) Commercial, Alterations to glass roof at rear yard, Permit / concept
8.      SMD 03, 1432 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-025  (HPA 12-041) Retail, Sign for “DC Jewelry Center”, rolling grille, Permit / Concept – revised design
9.      SMD 03, 1510 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-082  (HPA 12-136) Commercial, Alterations to storefront, sign scheme for “Luigi Parasmo Salon,” Permit
10.     SMD 05, 3288 M Street, NW, OG 12-073 (HPA 12-126) Retail, Deck, Permit
11.     SMD 05, 2810-12 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, OG 12-014 (HPA 12-014) Four Seasons Hotel – Eno Wine Bar, Rear addition with basement, window replacements, signs and awnings, Concept – revised design
12.     SMD 06, 2624 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 12-062  (HPA 12-107) Church, Handicapped access ramp, Concept
13.     SMD 06, 3010 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 12-063  (HPA 12-108) Residence, Replacement windows, alterations, gas light fixtures, rooftop HVAC, Permit

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming November 3 agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time.  If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, December 30, 2010.

1.      SMD 02, 1522 33rd Street, NW, OG 12-068  (HPA 12-121) Residence, Replacement rear fence, Permit
2.      SMD 02, 1615 34th Street, NW, OG 12-058  (HPA 12-097) Residence, Replace rear fence, Permit
3.      SMD 02, 1675 35th Street, NW, OG 12-081  (HPA 12-135) Residence, Rear additions and alterations to side, new window wells on front, Permit – revised design
4.      SMD 02, 3219 Volta Place, NW, OG 12-052  (HPA 12-082) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit
5.      SMD 03, 1513 33rd Street, NW,  OG 11-285  (HPA 11-495) Residence, Alterations, dormers, partial demolition, Permit
6.      SMD 03, 1525 34th Street, NW, OG 12-079  (HPA 12-133) Residence, Relocation of front door to side, alterations, Permit
7.      SMD 05, 1050 31st Street, NW, OG 12-076  (HPA 12-130) Office building to hotel, Alterations, Permit
8.      SMD 05, 1037 33rd Street, NW, OG 12-074  (HPA 12-127) Commercial, Sign scheme for “Flor,” Concept – options
9.      SMD 05,  3067 M Street, NW, OG 12-072  (HPA 12-125) Alterations to storefront, sign and banner for “Rag & Bone,” Permit – revised design
10.     SMD 05, 1059 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW,  OG 12-078  (HPA 12-132) Residence, Alterations to front and rear, deck, fence, Permit – revised design
11.     SMD 06, 1248 30th Street, NW,  OG 12-069  (HPA 12-122) Residence, Alterations to garage, Permit
12.     SMD 06, 1235 31st Street, NW (also known as 1231-35 31st St, NW),  OG 12-080  (HPA 12-134) Residence, Alterations and conservatory addition at rear, Permit
13.     SMD 06, 3043 N Street, NW, OG 12-055  (HPA 12-093) Residence, Replacement brick garden wall at rear, Permit
14.     SMD 06, 3130 O Street, NW, OG 12-056  (HPA 12-094) Church Parsonage, Replacement tin roof, Permit
15.     SMD 06, 3127 P Street, NW,  OG 12-077  (HPA 12-131) Residence, Alterations to front yard and light fixtures on side, Permit – revised design
16.     SMD 06, 2908 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 12-084  (HPA 12-138) Residence, 2-story rear addition, Permit
17.     SMD 06, 1329 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-054  (HPA 12-??) Retail, Sign scheme for “Comfort One Shoes” and “Mephisto”, awnings, Permit
18.     SMD 07, 1601 28th Street, NW, OG 12-057  (HPA 12-096) Residence, New opening for garage door at basement of historic house, Permit
19.     SMD 07, 2823 Q Street, NW,  OG 12-075  (HPA 12-128) Residence, Rear alterations, Permit
20.     SMD 07, 3120 R Street, NW, OG 12-065  (HPA 12-113) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit / concept
21.     SMD 07, 1669 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-071  (HPA 12-124) Commercial, Alterations to window, awning and blade sign for Macaron Bee, Permit – revised design

27 December 2011 – 3:30 pm

The ANC met for the final time in 2011 on Monday night (sorry for the delay in the report, but yesterday GM wanted to pump the CAG meeting). The agenda was short and the proceedings efficient, so there’s really not much to report, but here goes.

Glover Park

The biggest item on the agenda was the issue of Glover Park’s planned streetscape improvements. Part of those improvements call for lane reconfiguration, which frightens a lot of people. The fear is that by limiting lanes on Wisconsin Ave., the drivers will take the side streets instead.

As GM reported on Monday, the ANC is concerned about this. Glover Park, however, didn’t take too kindly to the possibility that ANC2E might derail the project. So Chair of the Glover Park ANC, Brian Cohen, showed up at the Georgetown ANC meeting to testify in favor of the changes and to argue that it would not negatively affect Georgetown (DDOT representatives were also at hand to make the same case, but the bureaucratese they used didn’t do a great job selling the project).

In the end the ANC (the Georgetown one, that is) passed a motion simply asking DDOT to keep in mind the possible effects this project could have on Georgetown and to include Georgetown in the discussions going forward. For the record, GM predicted Monday that Commissioner Bill Starrells wanted to “derail” the project; in fairness GM must report that Starrells since assured GM that he never intended to try to stop the project, and just wanted to air his concerns about the project.

Macaroon or Macaron?

So if you’re not “with it” you might not realize that cupcakes are totally done-zo. The new thing is macaroons. What’s a macaroon, you ask? It’s like a tiny hamburger made with sugar instead of meat. See, the prices will remain the same, it’s just they’ll keep convincing people to line up for smaller and smaller food items until tourists will be willing to wait hours to be served $5 puffs of scented air. Don’t believe GM? Fine, just don’t be surprised when the next big thing is artisanal pixie stix.

But DC is always a few years behind the trends, so the macaroon is only just starting to crest on these dowdy shores. And Georgetown is the site of the first macaroon shop in the city (as far as GM knows, at least). Or rather that should say the first macaron shop. In the space at 1669 Wisconsin Ave. (two doors up from the Bean Counter) a couple is going to open a shop called Macaron Bee. According to their architect, George Gordon, the couple plans to sell macaroons (or macarons, whatever) out of the front window of the shop.

The ANC commissioners expressed some reservations about the idea of selling food out of the front window. They feared the shop eventually turning into a pizza slice restaurant. In the end, the ANC decided to support the request with a (probably unenforceable) condition that the window not be used for any other type of food product.

GM’s prediction is that these sort of windows never work out. People would rather just come in to the store. GM hopes the store thrives and drives more foot traffic to upper Book Hill, but it’ll be because people like the food, not the convenience of sidewalk service.

Cady’s Alley II

The very last item on the agenda was the innocuous sounding request to make alterations to the rear of 3259 M St. (where the Coach is). This property is owned by EastBanc, and the neighbors to the rear believe that EastBanc is plucking up properties on the block with the intent to turn the small alley behind the M St. properties into a new Cady’s Alley. Intriguing theory.

Well EastBanc wasn’t on hand to confirm nor deny the conspiracy theory. And the ANC took a motion against the plan. But if EastBanc really does have grander plans than a simple rear alteration, expect this block to get a lot more attention in the future.

As you may have read in the Current, Glover Park has worked with DDOT to reconfigure Wisconsin Ave. through that neighborhood. These changes came in response to two recent pedestrian fatalities and a serious injury, all of which have come on the stretch of Wisconsin Ave. through Glover Park. And in particular, the stretch of Wisconsin south of W Pl. is very dangerous to pedestrians because it is unnecessarily wide, which encourages cars to drive unnecessary fast, and it has several crosswalks without crossing lights. While increased enforcement can make a minor difference in driver behavior, the most effective way to change drivers’ behavior is to change the road. This is the approach that Glover Park’s leaders took.

So they worked with DDOT to develop a plan to widen the sidewalks (which are way too narrow) and limit Wisconsin Ave. to one lane in each direction. Parking would be limited during rush hour to provide an extra traffic lane during those hours. (Update: The changes are even better. They’ll include a traffic median and some left turn lanes. Here are the plans: http://anc3b.org/issues/roadway-streetscape-pedestrian-safety/) These are changes that have been public and long discussed among Glover Park residents and leaders, and its perfectly reasonable for Glover Park to take these measures in response to the clear and present hazard created by the current situation.

So enter ANC2E, or more specifically, Commissioner Bill Starrells, who objects to these changes. The stated concern is that by limiting traffic on Wisconsin Ave. it will encourage more traffic in the side-streets. This is a baseless fear. Wisconsin Ave. is only one lane in each direction from R St. down to Q St. And the rest of Wisconsin Ave. through Georgetown has essentially the same traffic configuration that Glover Park is proposing to extend up through to their neighborhood: one travel and parking lane in each direction. Thus this change does not add a bottleneck, it simply moves the bottleneck up the road. If anything, this will smooth the flow of traffic since much of the congestion on Wisconsin Ave. in front of the Safeway is caused by the merging of two lanes down to one. Whatever congestion benefits arise from having four traffic lanes for a short stretch of road are eliminated by the delays caused by the merger.

Moreover, DDOT’s engineers looked specifically at the question of congestion and cut-through traffic and concluded that the change would not result in an material increase of either.

Yet nonetheless, Starrells wants the ANC to derail the process of how another neighborhood decides to deal with a hazardous problem in its own midst. One can just imagine how ANC2E would feel if the Glover Park ANC tried to do the same to Georgetown.

It’s worth mentioning, that the commissioners of the districts that would be most affected by an increase in cut-through traffic (Solomon and Lewis) won’t be at the meeting.

The meeting starts tonight at 6:30. Here’s the rest of the agenda:

To undercut this argument, the ANC just issued a supplemental submission to the Zoning Commission. The ANC writes:

GU’s grudging, small-scale responses to community concerns throughout this case have been  disappointing. Instead of responding meaningfully to Chairman Hood‟s suggestion to the  University that it propose truly new, large, and effective approaches to the neighborhood issues, GU has instead come back with small-scale tweaks to existing off campus student programs.

The ANC takes a particularly cynical view of GU’s quality of life measures:

GU reserves the right to modify any and all of its student conduct measures at any time… And GU certainly cannot expect us to believe that any 11th-hour clamp-down it may have attempted over the past several months – in the spotlight of an impending Zoning Commission decision – will or could be sustained by GU over the long run.

In the no-good-deed-goes-unpunished category, the ANC addresses GU’s new trash pick up program:

By the University’s own count, as GU has informed ANC 2E commissioners, a trash truck it sends around the student-centric areas of the community daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. has been picking up over one and a half tons of trash every day…The University, after years of turning a blind eye, has belatedly taken some remedial action. But the University does not seem to appreciate that during the 20 or so hours every day when the GU trash truck is not picking up the trash, another 1.5 tons of trash is dumped outside for all in the community to experience. The trash truck proves beyond a doubt the existence of a serious problem. It clearly does not sufficiently mitigate, let alone solve, the problem. In an odd way, it may even exacerbate the undisciplined seven-days-a-week strewing of GU-related trash in the community.

This echoes somewhat a comment GM made recently. By picking up the students’ trash in bags, the school fails to discourage students from leaving bags of trash out on the street. Residents often get fined for this since it encourages rats, so there’s no reason to treat students differently.

But one thing this complaint fails to do is to put the 1.5 tons into context. That’s 3,000 lbs. Or somewhere between 2-3 lbs. of trash per off-campus student. The EPA estimates that the average American produces 4.4 lbs of trash a day. Presumably some amount of trash the students are producing doesn’t end up in their houses’ trash (e.g., a cup of coffee they buy and throw out at a coffee shop) so it’s not like this is evidence that they’re big recyclers, but it doesn’t do much to say that 1.5 tons of trash is to be unexpected from so many people. It’s seems that the issue shouldn’t be how much trash students are producing, but rather how they are handling it.

Anyway, that’s just a couple of points they raise. Here’s the document:

Next Tuesday (NOTE THE DAY CHANGE DUE TO HALLOWEEN), ANC2E will meet for its November session. One thing you may not know about ANC meetings if you don’t attend them is that normally the most interesting stuff is right at the beginning. And this month, that rule continues to apply.

This month, in this slot are two developments that have grabbed attention recently: the 7-11 expansion and the West Heating Plant.

GM’s not sure what the ANC is going to have to say about either of the two items. The 7-11 doesn’t sell alcohol and isn’t subject to a voluntary agreement, so it’s not like it needs approval to expand into the P St. It will ultimately need OGB review for whatever signage or awnings they ask for, but that’s probably not what the ANC wants to talk about now. Either way, could be interesting.

As for the West Heating Plant, this is something a bit more in the ANC’s wheelhouse. They probably just want to make the public aware the the GSA is planning to sell it. GM’s heard nothing about any possible bidders, but it’s still early.

Another early treat: DC U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen and two of his AUSAs will speak. Last month: the Mayor. This month: the U.S. Attorney. How can they top this in December?

Among the other items, only one jumps out at GM as being potentially interesting. A new restaurant called M Cafe has applied for a liquor license. They propose to be located at 3236 Prospect St. Here’s what the application says:

Contemporary bistro serving Italian food and cuisine, including salads and desserts.  No Entertainment provided. Sidewalk Cafe with 50 seats. Seating capacity is 120. Total occupancy load is 140.

The outdoor cafe part of the plan sounds like it could be controversial, since Prospect street is one of those battleground streets where bars and neighbors are seemingly always battling each other. Look for round one to start at the meeting.

Here’s the rest:

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E
3265 S Street, NW • Washington, DC 20007
(202) 724-7098 • anc2e@dc.gov • www.anc2e.com
ANC 2E Public Meeting
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
at 6:30 p.m.

We will be meeting this month at the Georgetown Visitation School, 35th and Volta Place, Heritage Room, first building on left by gatehouse, 2nd floor

Please note that ANC 2E Public Meetings usually meet on Monday but because of Halloween, October 31, the meeting has been moved to Tuesday this month

Ronald C. Machen Jr., United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,
Vincent H. Cohen Jr., Principal Assistant United States Attorney,
Trena Carrington , Assistant United States Attorney, Second District Community Prosecutor
have kindly accepted our invitation
to join us at this meeting for a conversation with the community

followed by the regular meeting agenda -

Approval of the Agenda

• Approval of November 1, 2011, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

• Approval of October 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes
• Public Safety and Police Report
• Financial Report – Ratification of FY 2012 Budget
• Transportation Report
• Public Works Report

Community Comment

• GSA interest in selling the former power plant property at K Street and 29th Street
• 2617 P Street, NW, 7-Eleven Expansion
New Business

• Lawyers Have Heart 10K, American Heart Association
• Circulator stops – M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW
• Proposed legislation providing for periodic notification to property owners in historic districts

Zoning

• 1045 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, BZA Application No. 18285, Application for variance from the requirements of addition to non-conforming structure, building height, floor area ratio, lot occupancy and rear yard setback (Hearing date Nov. 29, 2011)
• 3127 P Street, NW, BZA Application No. 18288, Application for a special exception to allow and addition to an existing one-family semi-detached dwelling not meeting the lot dimensions, lot occupancy, side yard and nonconforming structure requirements (Approximate hearing date Dec. 13, 2011)
• Grace Street and Cecil Place, NW, BZA Application No. 18292, Application for special exception and variance relief to allow the construction of a 3 level plus mezzanine building (Hearing date Dec. 20, 2011)

ABC

• SMD 05, 3236 Prospect Street, NW, License No. ABRA-087240, M Café, applicant has applied for a license (Petition Date 11/7/11, Hearing Date 11/21/11)

The following businesses have applied to renew their ABC Licenses (Petition Date 11/14/11, Hearing Date 11/28/11) The ANC does not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, October 28, 2010.

• SMD 02, 1643 34th Street, NW, License No. ABRA-060593, Le Petite Corner Store
• SMD 05, 3276 M Street, NW, License No. ABRA-018083, Dean & Deluca
• SMD 06, 1331 29th Street, NW, License No. ABRA-017577, Scheele’s Market

The following businesses have applied to renew their ABC Licenses (Petition Date 11/28/11, Hearing Date 12/12/11) The ANC does not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, October 28, 2010.

• SMD 06, 3217 P Street, NW, License No. ABRA-079966, Marvelous Market
• SMD 06, 3008 Q Street, NW, License No. ABRA-086230, Sara’s Market
• SMD 07, 1855 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, License No. ABRA-075687, Safeway

Old Georgetown Board

LARGE-SCALE AND PUBLIC PROJECTS:

SMD 06, 1215 31st Street, NW, OG 12-022 (HPA 12-022) Georgetown Post Office, Rear addition at basement level, elevator, HVAC equipment, Concept – revised design
SMD 07, 1623 28th Street, NW, OG 12-005 (HPA 12-005) Residence – Evermay, New garage structure, Concept

PRIVATE PROJECTS:

1. SMD 05, 1050 31st Street, NW, OG 11-294 (HPA 11-503), Office building to hotel, Alterations, Concept
2. SMD 05, 3249 M Street, NW, OG 11-251 (HPA 11-431) Mixed-use: commercial / residential, 4-story rear addition, alterations to storefront, Concept – revised design
3. SMD 05, 3423 M Street, NW, OG 12-008 (HPA 12-008) Retail, Sign scheme for Pie Sisters Georgetown, Permit
4. SMD 06, 3009 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 12-011 (HPA 12-011)Residence, 1-story rear addition, deck, Concept
5. SMD 07, 1657 32nd Street, NW, OG 12-013 (HPA 12-013) Residence, Replacement shutters, Permit
6. SMD 07, 1685 32nd Street, NW, OG 11-300 (HPA 11-522) Residence, Brick garden wall, Permit
7. SMD 07, 3052 R Street, NW, OG 12-021 (HPA 12-021) Residence, Replacement windows, roof, HVAC, landscaping, Permit
8. SMD 02, 3528 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 12-006 (HPA 12-006) Residence, Rear deck and alterations, Permit To be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Review Board
9. SMD 03, 3254 O Street, NW, OG 11-162 (HPA 11-255), Residence, Addition of 2nd floor to garage off alley (theoretical subdivision) , Concept – revised design

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming November 3 agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, October 28, 2010.

1. SMD 01, 1726 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 11-157 (HPA 11-246), Retail, Awning and sign scheme for First Cash Jewelry and Loan, Concept / Permit – revised design
2. SMD 02, 1603 34th Street, NW, OG 12-012 (HPA 12-012) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit
3. SMD 02, 1675 35th Street, NW, OG 12-019 (HPA 12-019), Residence, Rear additions and alterations to side, Concept
4. SMD 02, 1675 35th Street, NW, OG 12-020 (HPA 12-020) Residence, Alterations to garage, Permit
5. SMD 02, 3323 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 11-265 (HPA 11-447), Residence, Alterations to front stairs – existing, Permit
6. SMD 02, 3600 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 11-297 (HPA 11-510) Residential – The Cloisters, Enclosure for mailboxes, Permit
7. SMD 02, 3639 Winfield Lane, NW, OG 12-015 (HPA 12-015) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit
8. SMD 05, 1050 30th Street, NW, OG 12-004 (HPA 12-004), The Foundry, Sign scheme for Carr Workplaces, Permit
9. SMD 05, 1207 34th Street, NW, OG 11-299 (HPA 11-521) Residence, Alterations to front door, repair brick steps, Permit
10. SMD 05, 3299 M Street, NW, OG 11-281 (HPA 11-491), Commercial, Alterations to fenestration, Concept
11. SMD 05, 3248 N Street, NW, OG 12-016 (HPA 12-016) Residence, Alterations to front, Permit
12. SMD 05, 3248 N Street, NW, OG 12-017 (HPA 12-017) Residence, Retaining wall at rear, Permit
13. SMD 05, 3250 N Street, NW, OG 12-018 (HPA 12-018) Residence, Demolition of rear apartment wing, Permit
14. SMD 05, 3219 Cherry Hill Lane, NW, OG 11-301 (HPA 11-528), Residence, Replacement windows, Permit
15. SMD 05, 2810-12 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, OG 12-014 (HPA 12-014) Four Seasons Hotel – Eno Wine Bar, Rear addition with basement, window replacements, signs and awnings, Concept – revised design
16. SMD 05, 1080 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 12-001 (HPA 12-001) Georgetown Park Condominiums, 12 antennas for AT&T behind screen wall, roof top equipment, Permit
17. SMD 06, 1343 27th Street, NW, OG 12-007 (HPA 12-007), Residence, Replacement windows, relocate gas meter, Permit
18. SMD 06, 1248 31st Street, NW, OG 12-003 (HPA 12-003) Residence, Replacement copper roof and metal trim at oriel window, Permit
19. SMD 06, 3057 M Street, NW, OG 11-298 (HPA 11-511) Commercial, Demolish chimney, re-pointing, Permit
20. SMD 06, 3132 O Street, NW, OG 12-002 (HPA 12-002) Residence, Replace tin roof at rear with copper standing seam metal roof, Permit
21. SMD 06, 3132 O Street, NW, OG 12-009 (HPA 12-009) Residence, Replace tin roof at front with copper standing seam metal roof, Permit
22. SMD 06, 2726 N Street, NW, OG 12-010 (HPA 12-010) Residence, Alterations to porch and to dormer for HVAC equipment, Permit
23. SMD 06, 2908 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 11-235 (HPA 11-388), Residence, 2-story rear addition and third floor addition, Concept
24. SMD 07, 1513 26th Street, NW, OG 11-259 (HPA 11-440), Residence, Remove chimney, standing seam metal roof, Permit / concept

Last year, Georgetown voted overwhelmingly for Adrian Fenty (84%) over Vincent Gray (14%) for mayor. And by most accounts, Jack Evans is somewhat on the outs with Gray for supporting Fenty. But you wouldn’t know either of those two things by attending last night’s ANC meeting.

In a rare occurrence, the mayor stopped by ANC2E’s meeting last night. He was introduced as some length by Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans (who does stop by ANC meetings once or twice a year). Despite the reported chilliness between the two politicians, last night it was all warmth.

And maybe it was simply out of respect for the office, but the crowd was similarly warm to Gray despite not voting for him, even giving him two standing ovations. Bygones were bygones last night.

As for the substance, GM posted the audio below if you want to listen, but in summation it was basically a typical stump-like speech touting the budget that was passed and some of his accomplishments in expanding universal pre-K and limiting special education costs, among other things.

But this being ANC2E, it wouldn’t be a community event without the issue of students being put to the forefront. But on this occasion, it was actually the students doing the pushing. Two students stood and asked a question during the mayor’s Q&A. The first asked him to weigh in on the controversial ANC redistricting. Gray punted, but then Evans stood up and basically explained the process that occurred and how it was open to everyone who wanted to participate. The message between the lines was “hey, you didn’t get enough people on the committee to draw the map as you wanted, so that’s why you’re disappointed.”

A second student rose and asked the Mayor to expand upon some doubts he had earlier expressed over student enrollment caps. The mayor responded pretty quickly that he said that before he even took office and has since decided that enrollment caps are appropriate.

GM would be remiss not to mention that while most of the Mayor’s speech was pretty dry, he got downright electric talking about DC voting rights and encouraged the crowd to show some backbone and stand up for our rights. Listen below (the voting rights stuff starts at about 20 minutes) it’s fun to hear him get into it so much, even digging a little at Obama for selling us out.

But there were actual ANC review matters on the agenda to, and once the Mayor and company left, the ANC finally turned to them. But like the meeting itself, GM is going to give them a little short shrift ’cause it’s late:

• Despite objections about pedestrian safety, the ANC voted to support widening the curb cut at the Hurt Home.
• There are new owners of the Friendly Estate at 1645 31st St. But the city is punishing them with a vacant property tax penalty for the fact that the previous owner left the property half built and interminably empty. The ANC voted to support moving it back to a normal tax rate in recognition that the new owners are genuinely trying to sell it.
• The ANC voted to object to cutting back late night bus service on the G2 and the D2.
• The ANC voted to support the scaled back designs for the Washington Harbour. The upshot is that it looks like the ice rink is still going forward.
• Finally, the design long promised hotel for 31st st. was revealed. It will be pretty modest and sleek, although they may run into some problems with the planned roof deck and pool:

North east Georgetown (which was historically called Georgetown Heights) doesn’t get talked about a whole lot at ANC meetings. There aren’t any bars there. There are hardly any students. And those two issues alone account for a large percentage of most ANC discussions.

Well next meeting that changes. Northeast Georgetown is the subject of each one of the New Business items on the agenda (well, 4 out of 5 if you don’t count Rose Park as northeast Georgetown, which it isn’t quite).

Here’s what they are:

• The Hurt Home is on the agenda to discuss widening the curb cut to the alley. Some neighbors think this is essential since the alley itself will be widened. DDOT, however, has said widening the curb cut isn’t appropriate.
• The Friendly Estate was deemed to be vacant and blighted by the city, resulting in a gigantic tax bill. The new owner wants it reclassified back to occupied and not blighted. It’s not clear whether they will either: A) occupy it or B) make it not actually blighted, before they want the reclassification.
• Proposed changes to late night bus schedules for D2 and G2 (OK G2 isn’t really northeast Georgetown either). The ANC has successful prevented cutbacks in the past, but GM’s not sure they can do that now.
• 3029 Q St. apparently wants a curb cut, which both the ANC and DDOT has generally opposed.
• Rose Park Master Plan

And that’s all just the new business! MRP Realty will be back with modified plans for their overhaul of Washington Harbour. That long promised boutique hotel on 31st St. will present its first plans. And, as always, plenty more.

Here’s the draft agenda:
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E
3265 S Street, NW • Washington, DC 20007
(202) 724-7098 • anc2e@dc.gov • www.anc2e.com
ANC 2E Public Meeting
Monday, October 3, 2011
at 6:30 p.m.

We will be meeting this month at the Georgetown Visitation School, 35th and Volta Place, Heritage Room, first building on left by gatehouse, 2nd floor

Mayor Vincent C. Gray
has kindly accepted our invitation
to join us at this meeting

Approval of the Agenda

• Approval of October 3, 2011, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

• Approval of August 29, 2011 Meeting Minutes
• Public Safety and Police Report
• Financial Report – Approval of FY 2012 Budget
• Transportation Report
• Public Works Report

Community Comment

• Taste of Georgetown – October 15, 2011, Georgetown BID

New Business

• 3050 R Street, NW, Hurt Home – widening of curb cut
• 1645 31st Street, NW, Friendly/Williams- Addison property – request by new owner to redesignate the tax class from “vacant” to “residential”
• Proposed adjustments to G2 and D2 Metrobus schedules
• Rose Park Phase II Masterplan – Friends of Rose Park
• 3029 Q Street, NW, Request for emergency hearing for application for curb cut
Zoning and Planning

• 1045 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, BZA Application No. 18285, Application for variance from the requirements of addition to non-conforming structure, building height, floor area ratio, lot occupancy and rear yard setback (Approximate hearing date Dec. 2011)
• 2805 M Street, NW, BZA Application No. 18252, change in application from “area” variance to “use” variance

Old Georgetown Board

LARGE-SCALE AND PUBLIC PROJECTS:

SMD 05, 3000-3050 K Street, NW, OG 11-284 (HPA 11-494), Mixed-use complex, Alterations to upper plaza, Permit
SMD 05, 3000 K Street, NW, OG 11-252 (HPA 11-433), Mixed-use complex, Alterations to lower plaza, Concept
SMD 05, 3000 K Street, NW, OG 11-283 (HPA 11-493), Mixed-use complex, Alterations to lower plaza, fountain, ice rink, storefronts, bars, Permit

PRIVATE PROJECTS:

1. SMD 03, 3254 O Street, NW, OG 11-162 (HPA 11-255), Residence, Addition of 2nd floor to garage off alley (theoretical subdivision) , Concept – revised design
2. SMD 05, 1050 31st Street, NW, OG 11-294 (HPA 11-503), Office building to hotel, Alterations, Concept
3. SMD 05, 2934 M Street, NW OG 11-263 (HPA 11-444), Commercial, Awning and sign for Vietnam Georgetown – existing, Permit
4. SMD 06, 1310 28th Street, NW, OG 11-287 (HPA 11-461), Residence, Alterations to rear, Concept
5. SMD 06, 1310 28th Street, NW, OG 11-288 (HPA 11-497), Residence, Alterations to rear, Concept
6. SMD 06, 1335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 11-267 (HPA 11-449), Commercial, Sign scheme and awning for Five Guys, Permit – revised design

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming October 6 agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, September 30, 2010.

1. SMD 01, 1726 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 11-157 (HPA 11-246), Retail, Awning and sign scheme for First Cash Jewelry and Loan, Concept / Permit – revised design
2. SMD 02, 3323 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 11-265 (HPA 11-447), Residence, Alterations to front stairs – existing, Permit
3. SMD 02, 1566 33rd Street, NW, OG 11-280 (HPA 11-490), Residence, Vinyl replacement windows – existing, Permit
4. SMD 03, 1513 33rd Street, NW, OG 11-285 (HPA 11-495), Residence, Alterations, dormers, partial demolition, Concept – revised design
5. SMD 03, 1321 35th Street, NW, OG 11-291 (HPA 11-500), Residence, Replacement windows, Permit
6. SMD 04, 3700 O Street, NW, OG 11-282 (HPO 11-492), Georgetown University – Athletic Training Facility, New construction, Concept – revised design
7. SMD 05, 3288 M Street, NW, OG 11-258 (HPA 11-439), Retail, Alterations to storefront, sign scheme for Pinkberry, Permit – revised design
8. SMD 05, 1045 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 11-286 (HPA 11-496), Office, Alterations to façade, Permit
9. SMD 05, 3150 M Street, NW, OG 11-257 (HPA 11-438), Commercial, Sign scheme for Serendipity 3, Permit/concept
10. SMD 05, 3249 M Street, NW, OG 11-251 (HPA 11-431), Mixed-use: commercial / residential, 4-story rear addition, alterations to storefront, Concept – revised design
11. SMD 05, 3276 M Street, NW, OG 11-279 (HPA 11-489), Commercial, Alterations for metal flue – in progress, Permit
12. SMD 05, 3299 M Street, NW, OG 11-281 (HPA 11-491), Commercial, Alterations to fenestration, Concept
13. SMD 05, 1043 Cecil Place, NW, OG 11-277 (HPA 11-462), Residence, Replacement windows, Concept
14. SMD 05, 3300 Prospect Street, NW, OG 11-278 (HPA 11-487), Residence, Partial demolition of CMU wall, wood board fence – existing, Permit
15. SMD 06, 1423 28th Street, NW, OG 11-248 (HPA 11-427), Residence, Replacement stucco – in progress, Permit
16. SMD 06, 1235 31st Street, NW, OG 11-271 (HPA 11-453), Residence, Alterations to openings and new conservatory at third floor at rear, Concept – revised design
17. SMD 06, 2908 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 11-235 (HPA 11-388), Residence, 2-story rear addition and third floor addition, Concept
18. SMD 06, 2921 Olive Street, NW, OG 11-290 (HPA 11-499), Residence, Metal post for front stairs, Permit – revised design
19. SMD 06, 1409 28th Street, NW, OG 11-293 (HPA 11-502), Residence, Replacement windows at rear, Permit
20. SMD 06, 1339 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 11-295 (HPA 11-504), Bank, Replace cornice and brick on parapet, Permit
21. SMD 07, 1513 26th Street, NW, OG 11-259 (HPA 11-440), Residence, Remove chimney, standing seam metal roof, Permit / concept
22. SMD 07, 2723 Q Street, NW, OG 11-130 (HPA 11-205), Residence, Site alterations, new front porch, new window at side, alterations to garage, Permit
23. SMD 07, 2730 P Street, NW, OG 11-292 (HPA 11-501), Residence, Replacement windows and front door, Permit

36 October 2011 – 7:00 pm

Melanie Gisler
Executive Director
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E
3265 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

202-724-7098
www.anc2e.com

Join Mayor Gray’s One City • One Hire – 10,000 Jobs Campaign
“Putting District Residents Back to Work – One Hire at a Time”

The building has actually been on the drawing board for quite a while. It was even included in Georgetown’s 2000 campus plan. It is included again in GU’s most recent proposed plan. The proposal calls for the building to be constructed where the tennis courts now stand:

GM has heard that GU intends to rebuild the tennis courts on top of the new building.

GU is coming before the Old Georgetown Board next month for approvals. Which means they’ll be stopping by the ANC a few days before. And it wouldn’t be a GU matter before the ANC if it didn’t somehow get wrapped up in the campus plan. But this time it’s actually not a stretch!

Neighbors opposed to the proposed campus plan argue that GU ought to build more dorms on campus. GU has repeatedly said it has no space to build dorms on campus. But they’re proposing to build a new 125,000 square foot building. So obviously there’s room. It’s just that they’d prefer to build an athletic center to improve sports recruitment. And since this has been on the drawing board for so long, they likely never seriously considered changing this project to address the neighbors. Which is fine, but it gives ammunition to those opposed to the plan to say that it’s not that GU can’t build new dorms on campus, they just don’t want to.

The best solution would obviously be to build the new facility as a mixed use building, with several floors of dorms above the athletics part. They could be dorms specifically for the athletes perhaps.

If the ANC does bring up this point, it’s nearly certain that GU will say that they absolutely need this facility and that building dorms just doesn’t work with this project. And frankly, the OGB process is not really the appropriate venue for this discussion (and maybe the ANC realizes this, and GM will be wrong that it’ll even come up). But this building has not been the focus of much discussion during the Zoning Commission hearings over the proposed campus plan, but GM wonders whether GU moving forward with it now might change that.