NEIGHBORHOOD
ANC 6E by Pleasant Mann
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E held its monthly meeting for June 2021 on Tuesday evening, June 1. The meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission Chair Rachelle Nigro (6E04) called the meeting to order with Michael Eichler (6E01, Vice Chair), Alex Lopez (6E02, Secretary), Frank Wiggins (6E03, Treasurer), Patrick Parlej (6E05) and Kevin Rogers (6E07) in attendance. Denise Blackmon (6E06) was not currently available since she had to deal with a fire in her area. There was a quorum to conduct official business.
Police Service Area (PSA) Reports
Captain Dorrough of the First District reported that there were four violent crimes over the previous 30 days, about the same as last year. However, property crimes were double for the month compared to 2020. The focus in 1D is to reduce violent crimes. There was a violent homicide at a shelter. They are also working on a problem with narcotic sales at the shelter on Fifth Street. There is still a problem with auto theft, despite repeated warnings to citizens. Some people have had their cars stolen twice. Lieutenant Daee of the Third District started his report by citing incidents including a robbery at 802 Rhode Island Avenue NW and an assault with a deadly weapon at 1207 Seventh Street NW. Commissioner Nigro mentioned a shooting on 10th Street NW involving a woman and child. Daee noted that the perpetrator of that crime has been apprehended. Commissioner Eichler wondered how a more visible police presence could be achieved. Daee stated that he had been a patrolman in PSA 307 for 10 years and that shootings in that area were rare. Eichler also said that drug activity had been reported at Eighth and Q Streets, and that there had been a vandalism incident at The Hodge on Seventh Street. Nigro reminded Daee that she had been asking for a foot patrol in ANC 6E. Third District Commander Kim joined the meeting
1 8 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
to say that he will look at a foot patrol and the deployment of more bike officers in the area. Alexander Padro, chair of the ANC’s Alcohol Beverage Control Committee, mentioned a problem with youth threatening customers at restaurants on Florida Avenue. The police have had an officer working with restaurants. Padro mentioned an incident where a private security guard held a youth but then was surrounded by adults who wanted him let go. Commander Kim urged closer coordination between MPD and private security. A resident mentioned a concern about people loitering in front of a liquor store at Ninth and P. Commissioner Wiggins brought up the problem of people urinating in front of the Subway sandwich shop at Seventh and M.
Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee (ABC)
512 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Electric CoolAid. The ANC voted in March to support a change in its liquor license, but the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board asked if the ANC wanted to have a settlement agreement that would include the entertainment endorsement. The endorsement calls for no live music. A motion to endorse the settlement agreement passed unanimously, including a vote from Commissioner Blackmon, who had joined the meeting. 1027 Seventh Street NW, Petite Cerise. Approval of settlement agreement with ANC. Commissioner Nigro said that the biggest issue involved hours of operation. The new restaurant’s hours now match the ones for neighboring Rumi’s Kitchen. The settlement agreement was approved unanimously by the commission. 1618 Eighth Street, ABT Liquor. Support for license renewal. ABC committee chair Padro introduced the request by saying the establishment has a new owner, who is trying to correct problems left by the previous owner. The new owner has retained a landscaper to improve the exterior and will install signage that is appropriate for the historic district. The
committee voted to recommend supporting the license renewal. A motion to support the renewal was approved by the commission with six yes votes, one abstention. 1201 Fifth Street NW, Sane Wine and Spirits. Support for a renewal of license. Nigro said that the only neighborhood concern she was aware of is a patch of grass with a tree that has attracted dumping. Nigro said that the Department of Public Works was trying to address the issue. A motion to support the renewal passed with six yeses, one abstention. 1000 S Street NW, 10th Street Market. Support for license renewal. Padro noted that this store also has new owners, noting that the previous owners had fallen short in their responsiveness to the community. The new owner made a presentation before the ABC committee, promising to work to reduce the problems of sales to minors after the store reopens following renovations.
Zoning and Planning Committee
1120 Sixth Street NW. Submission to Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). The project is a rowhouse next to the Galbraith AME Church, which owns it. The project got approval from the Zoning committee. The first floor will be the church’s outreach space. The second and third floors of the building will be living spaces managed by the church. All the improvements except for new outdoor stairs are being done as a matter of right under zoning regulations. Commissioner Nigro stressed the need to consult with the neighborhood as the project continues. She made a motion to support the project when it is submitted to the HPRB. The motion was approved unanimously. New L Street. The developers of Northwest One at North Capitol and O Streets gave an update on its effort on build a new L Street between North Capitol and First Place. Starting in the summer, the effort will not require any road closures, but there may be some disruptions.
