Hill Rag Magazine – July 2021

Page 56

Building Smart from the Start

Interior Renovation and Space Planning Whether remodeling, new construction or simply rearranging your current layout we handle complex and simple projects with equal care. We integrate the design and construction disciplines, so all your needs can be addressed with one point of contact. We keep costs in check and projects on time.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION

301 642 5182 o

o

derek@thomasdesignconsultants.com

CHECK OUR GALLERY AT: thomasdesignconsultants.com

St. SE, formerly Acqua Al 2). Commissioner for the area Gerald Sroufe (6B02) said that the ANC has signed a six-page SA with the applicant, which includes indoor trash storage. Appearing were Commissioners Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Gerald Sroufe (6B02), Brian Ready (6B03), Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Holtzman (6B05), Corey Holman (6B06), Edward Ryder (6B07), Peter Wright (6B08), Alison Horn (6B09) and Denise Krepp (6B10). The next meeting of ANC 6B is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021. ANCs do not meet in August. For the most up-to-date information on meetings and how to join a virtual meeting via Webex, visit anc6b.org. Learn about Commissioners and committees and subscribe to the ANC 6B newsletter by visiting anc6b. org or connect with the commission via email at 6b@ anc.dc.gov or via @ANC6B on Twitter. ◆

ANC Again Opposes I Street Zoning Relief ANC 6C REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Law Offices Of

James m LOOts, Pc Serving the Capitol Hill Community Since 1984 General Litigation and Arbitration Franchising and Business Organizations Commercial Leasing and Development Labor and Employment Issues Contract and Licensing Matters

TOP “AV” RATED BY MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

634 G Street SE, Suite 200 | Washington DC 20003 (202) 536-5650 • Fax: (202) 315-3515 www.lootslaw.com 56 ★ HILLRAG.COM

T

he ANC again opposed an application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for special exception and zoning relief to convert a residential building at 622 I St NE into a five-unit apartment. In Oct 27, 2020 ANC 6C opposed a special exception but supported variance relief from 900 sq ft per unit lot requirements. In the letter, the ANC noted that the property extends 81 feet from an adjacent structure, well over 10-ft by right permitted, and added that it was troubling that there was no support from adjacent neighbors. The applicant appeared before the ANC Planning Zoning and Economic (PZE) development committee earlier in the month, providing the committee with additional materials that made a substantial change regarding the setback from the cornice line, but that otherwise did not address concerns expressed by commissioners last October.

Request More Resources to Encampments The Commission gave unanimous support for a letter urging the Mayor, National Park Service (NPS) and other agencies to bring to bear all agencies to provide needed services—counselling, treatment, and housing—to encampments in the area. ANC 6B includes encampments under the L and M Street overpasses at First Street NE, as well as on NPS land near Massachusetts Avenue and Second Street NE. Commissioners said conditions have been exacerbated during the pandemic. “This really needs more attention; we’re not getting the job done,” said Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) during the discussion. “This isn’t just about the encampments; we’re trying to address the root causes of the encampment in the first place.” Drew Courtney (6C06) said outreach workers tell him that, on the ground, all the easy answers disappear, suggesting a balance in the letter between urgency and emphasizing the time commitment required. Outreach organizations spoke to the issue, and Courtney suggested they connect with the ANC grant committee.

Urge DDOT to Fund Parks at Dave Thomas Circle The ANC voted to send comments on the 65 percent design plans for Dave Thomas Circle to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). DDOT presented the plans during a May virtual meeting of the TPS committee. The ANC supported a letter to the project team and DDOT Director, noting the project has great potential to ensure community safety, “so getting it right is more important than getting it done fast,” said TPS Committee Chair Kristy Kwan. The letter also recommends DDOT: • Reduce the number of lanes on New York and Florida Avenues, especially on New York Avenue between Florida and First Street NW; these should be converted to bike lanes • Continue bike lanes on Florida Avenue beyond the circle • Alter the width of streets to better match speed limits • Add design elements to protect sidewalks and park areas • Enlarge pedestrian refuges and make them ADA accessible • Fully-fund park elements on the same schedule as other elements.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.