Bloomingdale Civic Association
St George’s Episcopal Church, 160 U Street NW
Monday, 06/15/2015
BCA officers in attendance: Teri Janine Quinn, Angela Prentice, Derick Jones, Austin Pearl, Robert Brannum, Serita Sanders, Bertha Holliday, Sherry Howard, Scott Roberts
President Teri Janine Quinn called the meeting to order at 7pm.
Public Safety (MPD 5D Update)
Lieutenant Carlos Mejia, new head for PSA 501 and several of his officers from MPD gathered at the front of the room. Lt. Mejia reported that Lt. Timothy Haselden was transferred to PSA 504. He reported that he had spoken to head of security for DC Water about ways to abate crime as a result of FST project.
A brief report was provided of the recent neighborhood crimes. Ms. Quinn asked about an app that is a universal car door unlocker.
Community Updates/Information
DC Water First Street Tunnel Update
Ms. Quinn mentioned that DC Water has advised some small diameter work on Adams and nearby. It was suggested from the DC Water First Street Tunnel Forum that this small project get added to the end of the existing DC Water project.
DC Department of the Environment Watershed Protection
DDOE employee and Bloomingdale resident Lauren Linville promoted the DDOE pervious pavers rebate program with incentives valid through the end of September. She distributed her business cards. The work must be performed by an ICPI-licensed contractor. Rain barrels are still available through the RiverSmart Homes program, but the wait list is about eight months. A stormwater audit must be performed first to measure for the rain barrel. The wait list for an audit is 3 1/2 – 4 months long.
LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale Heritage Trail
Ms. Quinn announced a neighborhood kick-off event. Because of the extreme heat, a possible date might be in September. The celebration might be held at Howard Theatre. Stay tuned!
Voting Items
Street Naming in Honor of Mr. William H. Jackson
Dr. Holliday introduced Ms. Latasha Jackson XX, daughter of William Jackson, founder of the Jak & Co, Hairdressers, 108 Rhode Island Avenue NW. The street that would undergo ceremonial renaming would be the 100 block of Rhode Island Avenue NW. She clarified that a street renaming is ceremonial. The ceremonial name would appear beneath the official street sign. She described Mr. Jackson’s accomplishments – and referenced the recent MidCityDC article on Mr. Jackson. A motion to accept the request for the ceremonial renaming. A vote of 18 votes in support, no abstentions, no votes of opposition.
BZA for 2026 North Capitol Street NW
Marty Sullivan, land use attorney, introduced himself as representing the developer of 2026 North Capitol Street NW two-unit condominium and now one of the two new condo owners, Colleen Slattery.
Mr. Sullivan advised that the developer built beyond what was approved by DCRA. The lot occupancy is 78%, while the house covers approximately 63% of the lot. Statements that he made is his defense:
- Everyone gets “Stop Work” orders
- It is very hard to follow all the rules
- The house that was built is similar to a couple other houses
- They made a mistake by going above what was approved
- The developer, not the owner, will cover associated costs if the variance is not approved.
He said that DCRA came back after the decks were constructed — and that the decks should not have been approved. The contractor built beyond the DCRA permits that he did receive. Mr. Sullivan is asking relief to allow the decks to stand.
Colleen Slattery introduced herself and asked for support for the pursued variance. She advised that an offer made in January 2015. The offer was accepted in February 2015. The sale closed in late April 2015.
Dr. Holliday asked who would bear the cost of removing the decks. Mr. Sullivan said that the developer would pay for the removal, per an agreement.
Mark Mueller said that he, as a former ANC 5E commissioner, has heard stories of developers who are able to get away with violating DCRA regulations.
Mr. Mueller’s statements:
We want to welcome the owners to the neighborhood. This is not an issue between the owners and the community. This is an issue between the owners and the developer. This is not a new problem in our community. Other owners have come to the ANC with the same issue. Our community is being hit hard by developers who break the rules for maximum profits and leave the owners to deal with the mess. This developer has caused issues for at least a year. Any Civic Association or ANC vote against this variance is just part of the process by which the developers will hopefully be held responsible. Understand, that to allow these variances out of pity for the owners, gives the developers a green light to continue causing these problems in our community. The owners should be aiming at the culprit who caused this problem — the developer–not the community.
Scott Jones, the other condo owner at 2026 North Capitol Street NW, introduced himself and expressed concern “do we want to put our foot down? It does not impact any other houses. No one is harmed by the deck.”
Mr. Sullivan said that no one is harmed by the decks He said that everyone on the block exceeds the 60% lot occupancy – and therefore 2026 North Capitol St NW is not an exception on the block.
Mr. Austin advised that he is the next neighbor to 2026 North Capitol St NW. He read off a set of issues. The four houses to the south are less than 60% lot occupancy. He said that the decks have no impact. Mr. Austin advised that he personally spent has $2000 on the renovation at 2026 North Capitol St NW. There are now four decks now overlooking his property.
A motion was made to not support the BZA relief pursued. The motion was seconded. 17 votes in support, 1 in opposition.
Introduction of Acting Fifth District (5D) Commander
William Fitzgerald introduced himself as the Acting Fifth District Commander. His #1 priority is reducing crime in 5D. His Email address is William.Fitzgerald@dc.gov. His contact phone number is (202)-698-0111. Commander Fitzgerald clarified that ATVs cannot be chased. Mr. Brannum mentioned that tomorrow was the 5D Appreciation Picnic being held at 1805 Bladensburg Road NE.
2015 BCA Scholarships
Ms. Linville said the BCA Scholarship fund is funded by the BCA House Tour. There are two awards of $1,500 each. She said that the Scholarship Committee consists of four residents: Jo Bond, Horacio Sierra, Tamara Henry and herself. This year there were seven applicants; 2 men and 5 women. Four of the applicants were high school senior matriculating to college; 3 were current college students. She described the requirements: 3 short essays, a 2.5 GPA or above, high school and college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an application form. The committee recommended Ms. Rica Spiggs, a rising junior at East Carolina University, and Ms. Miranda Woods, a senior at School without Walls planning to attend Miami University of Ohio, to receive the scholarship awards.
A motion to receive the report from the BCA Scholarship Committee and accept the committee’s recommendations. 21 votes in support, 1 in opposition.
BCA members can get involved with the committee by volunteering when work resumes next year and by participating in the BCA House Tour.
DC Humanities Council Grant Application re: Bloomingdale Village enter: Research & Planning
Dr, Holliday reported that the Humanities Council has awarded a grant of $2500. She described the village center idea. Perhaps oral histories of about 40 people.
Zach Sherif described a Bloomingdale heritage and community board with a signature centerpiece like a clock. The grant would require a contribution of $300 from the BCA. Blueprints will be available and will be used for exhibits for future grant application and to present to the community.
A motion was made that the BCA something.
19 votes in support, no votes in opposition.
BCA Administrative Matters
House Tour Committee
Dr. Holliday described to features of this year’s house tour. <obtain from Bertha> She solicited volunteers for houses to be on the tour, for social media, preparing architectural history for the program guide. She advised that the financial goal this year is greater than the last tour.
Membership Committee
Mr. Jones reminded on about the BCA Summer Membership Happy Hour this Wednesday at Costa Brava.
Historic Preservation Committee
Ms. Sanders announced a historic district meeting is scheduled Tuesday, June 23rd. Michelle Webster is on the committee. A representative of the Washington Firehouse Restaurant offered one of the two meeting spaces in the firehouse.
DC Federation of Civic Associations
Mr. Brannum advised that the DCAC meets every 4th Thursday at 441 4th Street NW,
Shawn Hilgendorf, Legislative Counsel of Ward 5 CM McDuffie’s Office
Mr. Hilgendorf reported that the DC budget is now being finalized. Hearings on legislation coming up – roundtable on 21st-century policing on Tuesday, July 14th.
Other
Ms. Quinn mentioned the new effort to address synthetic drugs. She described the Mayor’s emergency proposed legislation.
Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
Meeting commenced at 08:49 pm.