Minutes of the BANCA meeting April 18th 2013
Thursday 18 April 7:30-9:00 PM
Location: Supper Club
1225 10th Street Rear
The Association
acknowledged its deep appreciation to the Kehoe’s for graciously hosting the
April meeting. The space was very welcoming.
Agenda:
(1) Police Report
·
There were approximately
50 crimes reported in the past month many of which were related to “theft from
auto.” The importance of not leaving anything visible and “tempting” in the car
was stressed once again. This is especially important for people who are not
familiar with the area and visiting from outside the city.
·
Bicycle thefts continue
to plague the city. Thieves are accessing apartment buildings through parking
entrances and front doors by following others who inadvertently let them into
the building. There is no bicycle lock that they cannot break.
·
A woman was robbed on
Rhode Island around 10th Street. Her shoes were taken, however the
assailants were apprehended and this case is closed.
·
There were several arrests
for prostitution however this has not been as significant a problem as in
recent months.
·
Cell phones continue to
be stolen, particularly when the owners are not aware of their surroundings.
While some companies are “bricking” phones to make reported stolen phones
useless, there are still a couple of mechanisms whereby phones can be sold illegally
and shipped overseas.
(2) Jemal's Gang of Three project by Douglas
Development
·
Paul Milstein and an
architect from Douglas Development presented the plans for the properties on
1216, 1218, 1226 9th Street. You can review the details through this link:
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/another_new_development_for_blagden_alley/6850?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=Thursday+March+28th%2C+2013&utm_medium=keep_reading_link Their
presentation was well received and the Douglas Development group was applauded
for recognizing the value of the rear of their buildings and their contribution
to creating a lively alley side experience. The former stable and former auto
repair shop has been effortlessly incorporated into the plan.
(3) 1322 9th Street
·
The architect for this
property is expected to return with his latest concept plans. This is the
property with the Carriage House just saved from demolition. At the moment the
owner and the developer/architect are working with Brendan Meyer at the
Historic Preservation Office to develop a plan for presentation to the HPRB.
Mr. Meyer expects this to be fast tracked and be available for presentation and
public comment in May. Presently they are not in agreement with each other.
·
There has been much
interest in the development of this project and many are watching the progress
with great interest.
(3) The Marriott Proposal to Permanently Close
part of Shepherd’s Alley
· As part of the development of the second phase
of the Marriott project, the company has submitted a DDOT proposal to close a
section of Shepherd’s Alley and the public through way.
· There is almost nothing of historic interest
left in the alley because of past development so it’s hard to mount an argument
in opposition.
· Concern was raised (Jim Loucks) about the
vulnerability of the fence that surrounds the 10th Street community Park. Large
trucks turning the corner in the middle of the alley can easily damage the
fence. There are some bollards in place and perhaps the company can visit this
issue as they proceed with closure.
(4) Vita/Mood Lounge Closing
·
The Prince of Petworth
announced this week that the business at the Mood Lounge is for sale
($480,000). http://www.popville.com/2013/04/vita-lounge-for-sale-in-shaw/
·
It is likely that another
business will take over the space through the ownership of Mr. Tom Powers
however nothing has been confirmed at the moment
(5) Morrison Clark Hotel (1015 L Street – enter on 11th
Street)
·
Presentation on the
construction/renovation/expansion of the Morrison Clark will take place on
Tuesday April 30th at 5:30
·
This project is approved
and has completed all reviews required by the City, HPRB and ANC. As we
have not seen the plans since they came through the neighborhood/ANC in 2008 I
asked the developers if they would convene a meeting to present the final plans
for all to understand. They will bring a model of the new building and
will be able to walk all through what to expect during the coming months as
construction continues. Please come with any and all questions about the
new development and construction.
·
Present will be: RP
Properties, Forrester Construction, the Architect, and Morrison Clark General
Manage.
(6) The future role of the BANCA
·
This was discussed
briefly in the context of whether it was really necessary for every developer
to have to come before the BANCA group to present their plans. Since the voice
and opinion of the BANCA carries little weight at BZA and BPRB and since the
ANC opinion carries legal “great weight” the efforts seemed duplicative.
·
A suggestion was made to
have the material for discussion placed on a net-based platform so that the
community could weigh in. The precise vehicle for sharing the information was
uncertain (social network vs. blog vs. listerv etc.)
·
There is so much new
construction activity in the neighborhood that projects seem to fly under the
radar, whereas they have actually been presented ages ago. People forget.
·
There was a general
feeling that the neighborhood association members had opinions that mattered
because they lived in and understood the neighborhood. A good example of how
neighborhood opinion has influenced development is the Whitman building which
in its first iteration was rather pedestrian.
·
Developers seem to have
an ever improving sense of the neighborhood and the need for extremely
oversight is lessening.
(7) Tuesday 7 May
·
Tentative Joint Happy
Hour LCCA, at a 9th street location, TBD
When and where is the next meeting??
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