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SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008, 10:15 AM at the Cleveland Park Library At-Large Councilmember KWAME BROWN
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You are invited to a meeting of The Cleveland Park Citizens Association
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 10:30 am Cleveland Park Library, Connecticut Avenue and Newark Street, NW
Speaker:
At-Large Councilmember KWAME R. BROWN
Councilmember Brown is nearing completion of his first term on the DC Council. Though he chairs the Committee on Economic Development, he has defended neighborhoods against inappropriate development and excessive density. He has been the conscience of the city on the need to bring back vocational education at the high school level – and has focused attention on the link between the lack of vocational education and the shortage of DC skilled workers in the local building trades. These and other topics, along with your questions and discussion, ensure an interesting and provocative meeting.
Also on the Agenda:
Ratification of a Resolution: “Neighborhood Commercial Overlay and McLean Bible Church”
Proposed 2008-09 Officer Slate for The Cleveland Park Citizens Association By the Nominating Committee (Voting will take place at the June meeting.)
Cleveland Park Citizens Association, P.O. Box 11444, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 362-4279 ClevelandParkIsUs.org ____________________________________________________________ 080413 CPCA MINUTES MINUTES CLEVELAND PARK CITIZENS ASSOCIATION Thursday, March 13, 20008 “Are Our Schools Ready for Our Students?”
CPCA President George Idelson convened the meeting of over 60 participants at 6:30 pm and advised that DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee would be the major speaker. Pending Rhee’s arrival, Idelson introduced Jeff Smith and Erika Landberg of DC VOICE, an independent non-profit organization for school reform
Smith and Landberg reported on the 2007 Ready Schools Project Community Audit, an volunteer initiative that collected data from 137 schools about a range of conditions: teacher recruitment and hiring (66% by the first day of school), training and professional development (86%); teaching and learning conditions – textbooks (78%), instructional supplies (86%), computers, ( 67%), internet access (76%), and safety and security equipment (82%) and personnel (93%); and basic maintenance of facilities (71%). Smith and Landberg noted that trends were up for hiring music and art teachers and librarians. Audience members expressed interest in having access to data on student and teacher populations at each school.
Rhee opened her remarks by acknowledging the mayor’s leadership in school reform and in deploying funding, staff, and other resources from most cabinet-level agencies. She also commended the general public’s will and support for change. She noted that public education should be a social equalizer and that children should be the first priority in all decision-making regarding the schools.
Rhee then agreed to answer questions from the audience. She acknowledged that textbook procurement remains a complex problem that will take time to resolve. In response to questions about the interaction between Federal “No Child” requirements and the proposed restructuring of high schools to begin with 9th grade, she noted that she is considering student interventions, including summer transitional programs for students moving from 8th to 9th grades. While elementary school libraries are generally good, this is not the case in middle and high school and she is interested in developing a long-term alignment between school and public libraries. In response to a Murch parent’s question about the future of that school’s interim principal, Rhee advised that the school system is now in the process of principal recruitment, with all candidates undergoing screening at the local level before she gets involved. Initial decisions are slated for the end of April. She agreed that she has personally been overly involved in decision-making, but advised that once schools have proven their capacity, she will give them autonomy. In response to a question about school closing decisions, Rhee stated that the process had been open and that she had had to make hard decisions, based on community feedback, that couldn’t make everyone happy. In response to questions regarding special education, Rhee agreed that the system is broken and advised that she is focusing long term on DC-based capacity building and other incentives to solve this ongoing problem. She is working to develop partnerships with the DC arts community to strengthen arts education. Concern was expressed about Wilson High School (recent violence and the addition of 350 9th graders) and Rhee advised that her office is developing a plan to deal with the underlying as well as the on-site problems at Wilson. One Alice Deale parent asked about reductions in classrooms and students from feeder schools; Rhee advised that she will look into this and encouraged the audience to contact her (michelle.rhee@dc.gov) if they have questions. Idelson ended the Q and A session with the statement that many Cleveland Park parents are ambivalent about sending their kids to public schools. Rhee stated that parents should never forsake their children’s interests, but noted that her job is to make sure that DC public schools are a compelling option in the future.
Idelson introduced Lindsey Williams, who introduced a proposed CPCA resolution (see attachment 1) regarding the Cleveland Park fire station on Connecticut Avenue, NW. CPCA members voted to approve the resolution.
Idelson adjourned the meeting at 8:15pm
Respectfully Submitted, Joan Buchanan, CPCA Recording Secretary
ATTACHMENT 1
WHEREAS the Cleveland Park Citizens Association (“CPCA”) exists in part to bring attention to community needs and opportunities to address these (and has been doing so since 1911); and
WHEREAS the fire station located along Connecticut Avenue NW in the midst of CPCA’s community has many failings owing to deferred maintenance; and
WHEREAS the fire station also lacks adequate parking for First Responders stationed there as it lots has very little open area and is unable to expand; and
WHEREAS the station is located within the Cleveland Park historic district; and
WHEREAS there is an area located to the rear of the station that is about one story above the grade of the station’s ground floor that abuts a public alley of a depth corresponding to the length of most passenger cars; and
WHEREAS the station is slated for long overdue and essential refurbishment; and
WHEREAS the First Responders cannot park their vehicles on area streets weekdays and weekday evenings as that conflicts with zones where Residential Permit Parking restrictions apply; and
WHEREAS a structural deck that could support automobiles of these First Responders, if found feasible by the Chief and those reporting to him on such matters and if approved by the Historic Preservation Board in concept, could greatly reduce or resolve the lack of parking for these First Responders; and
WHEREAS such a structure would be well behind any façade visible from Connecticut Avenue and would also cover an unattractive “pit” and would not appear to adversely impact the contributing elements of this building station to the historic district of which it is a part—
THEREFORE, the Cleveland Park Citizens Association requests the Fire Chief, those in his facilities management program, and others to evaluate the prospect of including such a feature in the renovation and rehabilitation that is to be undertaken in the near future; and
FURTHER, that the CPCA convey copies of this RESOLUTION to the Fire Chief, Councilmembers At Large and Those Representing Wards 1 and 3 (both of which wards are in CPCA’s overall area), Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3-C and the Cleveland Park Historical Society requesting that they work to achieve the ends herein identified.
(Note: Minutes are posted as soon as they are available and are subject to correction.)
MINUTES CLEVELAND PARK CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (CPCA) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 “PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD”
CPCA President George Idelson convened the meeting of 43 participants at 6:30 pm. He introduced Joanne Capper, who advised that the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place will hold a seminar and wine-tasting event on February 24. CPCA members will shortly receive an announcement with further details via the Cleveland Park listserv.
Idelson advised the audience that the evening’s agenda on pedestrian safety would focus on local issues, preferably those that could be resolved readily. He introduced George Branyan, Pedestrian Safety Coordinator for the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), Jeff Jennings, Ward 3 Liaison for DDOT, Mary Cheh, Ward 3 Councilmember, Andrew Solberg, Commander of the MPD 2nd District, and David Baker, Traffic Officer for Police Service Area (PSA) 204 of the MPD 2nd District.
Branyan and Jennings made brief opening remarks, noting that driving speed is, perhaps, the critical factor in pedestrian safety. Solberg and Baker advised that the MDP is concerned with both driver and pedestrian issues, noting that both should be safety conscious. For instance, pedestrians should never attempt to cross an intersection when the light is flashing orange or if they judge that the driver cannot yield. Solberg noted that each PSA has a committee that monitors and targets potential problem areas. Cheh suggested that more funds be allocated for expanded pedestrian safety campaigns.
It was generally agreed that there is a need to change the culture of DC drivers and pedestrians. This can be done through a combination of education campaigns (for both adults and children), enforcement, and fines. There will be an outdoor advertising campaign (“Cross like you life depends on it” and “Drive like their life depends on it”) starting in March. Licensing laws can also be a factor. In the UK, where accidents are significantly lower, the licensing requirements are extremely strict.
In response to audience question, the speakers advised that several speed reduction measures are in place (speed cameras, smart machines, and the photo radar car on Porter Street) and have had varying impact. New methods are planned (several pedestrian-activated HAWK signals and, on lower volume roads, rapid flash beacons).
The audience cited a number of dangerous intersections (Rodman and Connecticut, where a bus stop blocks the view, the crosswalk for the service road/Ordway/ Connecticut, the crossing time at the Macomb and Connecticut intersection, and problems crossing Wisconsin at Van Ness. Audience members also cited sight-line problems at bus stops at un-signaled intersections, the need for more crossing guards at schools, and pedestrian sings that can be misinterpreted. For help with MPD issues, contact Officer Baker (410-610-5166, david.baker@dc.gov, ofcbaqker@yahoo.com). For issues related to DDOT, call the control center (202-727 1000).
Idelson adjourned the meeting at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Joan Buchanan, Recording Secretqary Meeting Minutes Cleveland Park Citizens Association Cleveland Park Library, Downstairs Meeting Room
Saturday, January 5, 2008
“AGING IN PLACE”: Is this an idea whose time has come for Cleveland Park?
CPCA President convened the meeting of approximately 110 people at 10:15 am, opening with announcements. The next CPCA meeting will take place February 7 on the subject of Pedestrian Safety. Jill Bogard, president of the “Friends of the Library” announced that her group will hold its annual meeting on January 19 at the Library and will feature Chief Librarian, Ginnie Cooper. Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh announced that she will convene a hearing on the quality of utility services in DC on February 9.
Idelson noted that the Aging in Place (AIP) movement probably began in 2001 in Boston’s Beacon Hill, where the community formed a nonprofit organization (Beacon Hill Village) designed to provide an array of services that members said, when surveyed, they would need to remain in their homes (e.g., home repair and adaptation, transportation, home health, social services) as they age. Idelson introduced the presidents of two DC AIP “villages,” Geoff Lewis of Capitol Hill Village (capitolhillvillage.org) and Tibby Ford of Kalorama Village (kaloramavillage.org). Both projects are modeled on the Beacon Hill project but structured to accommodate local needs and realities. Capitol Hill members are mostly private homeowners, while Kalorama’s members are mostly apartment dwellers. Both organizations are volunteer-operated (though Capitol Hill has recently hired one staff person), with funding provided by donations and annual membership dues (in the case of Capitol Hill, $500 per person and $750 per household).
Idelson then introduced Mimi Castaldi, DC Director for AARP, and Deborah Peeples, Executive Director of Iona Senior Services. Idelson noted that a recent AARP study shows that almost 40% of Cleveland Park residents are age 50 and over. AARP recently held an area meeting on AIPs and serves as an information resource for AIPs in DC and elsewhere. Peeples advised that Iona has, for years been providing senior services in the greater Washington area, including volunteer casework training, social work, transportation and more. Iona has been assisting the newly formed Palisades Village and is available to help other groups.
Clarence Brown, Director of the DC Office on Aging, and Councilmember Cheh also spoke. Brown applauded the AIP movement and said he would like to see it expand to cover all neighborhoods. Cheh advised that she had arranged for a start-up grant for Palisades Village and has asked the Mayor to provide the Office on Aging with $150,000 as seed money for other fledgling villages.
Several audience members questioned whether the AIP concept was limited to higher income seniors. Lewis advised that Capitol Hill has a new means-tested subsidized program. If such programs are expanded, he thought they might help people from becoming homeless. It was agreed that AIP programs are of limited service to some seniors, for example, those who develop Alzheimer’s, and that such people may be better served by Iona, or eventually by nursing homes.
A number of audience members reported on voluntary neighborhood services for seniors. These include a “cradle to crutches” program at the Broadmoor (sissiecoy@yahoo.com), an array of activities at the Van Ness North coop, and exercise and lifelong learning classes at UDC (mpgaffney@starpower.net). A volunteer working with a new Dupont AIP, suggested that AARP, the Office on Aging, or Iona develop a central listing of all AIP organizations in DC. Such a website would provide contact data, as well as information on how to organize and operate an AIP village.
The audience agreed that it would be timely to establish an AIP program for Cleveland Park. Idelson called for volunteers and asked interested individuals to sign up before leaving the meeting. Judy Hubbard agreed to contact the individuals who signed the interest sheet and to do preliminary legwork to explore this possibility.
Idelson adjourned the meeting at 12:15 pm.
Respectfully Submitted, Joan Buchanan, Recording Secretary
Meeting Minutes Cleveland Park Citizens Association Cleveland Park Library, Downstairs Meeting Room Tuesday, December 4, 2007
CPCA President George Idelson convened the meeting of 56 people at 6:30pm. Before introducing the evening’s major speakers (DC Council Chair Vincent Gray and Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh), Idelson invited updates from the audience. Board member Susan Lynner briefed the group on restoration progress at the Tregaron Conservancy and invited end of year contributions to the nonprofit organization. Lynner noted that a newsletter describing the effort would be mailed out shortly to interested parties. Sgt. Chris Liveley, a reserve officer in the Second Police District briefed the audience on the recent merger of Police Service Areas in Districts 2 and 3 and advised on a temporary expansion of force to prevent stealing of packages during the holiday season. In response to an audience query, it was reported that the Klingle Bridge construction is due to be completed by Christmas.
Idelson then introduce the featured speakers, noting that it had been a year since Gray and Cheh had last addressed CPCA.
Cheh reported that her attention during her first year in office has been focused on both legislative and Ward concerns. In the legislative arena, she has been working on environmental reforms to set emissions and energy appliance standards and to establish green schools that meet Leed (sustainability) certification requirements. She has introduced a comprehensive energy bill to provide assistance to low-income residents, increase efficiency, and reduce energy needs. In the Ward, Cheh has focused on moving long stalled projects, such as: the Wilson Pool; installing all-weather playing fields; construction projects at Alice Deale and the Rose schools; road paving projects; and fixing problems at recreation centers and other community anchors. Cheh advised that even though there are no Ward 3 schools slated for closure, she is hoping to schedule a Ward hearing on the issue. In response to a query from the floor and later from the chair, Cheh said she would report on the status of the restoration of the Cleveland Park Fire Station.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Gray, reported that over the last year, the Council has adopted 226 acts. The most significant were education reforms, which transferred authority for the schools to the Mayor’s office. Other major issues during 2007 have been DC voting rights, the sale of the Greater Southeast Community Hospital, payday lending, HPV education and immunization, and investigating the scandal in the Office of Tax and Revenue. Council has also worked to enhance their effectiveness by creating new Offices of Communications and Policy Analysis, increasing financial analysis, adopting a three-year strategic business plan, and by expanding technology in Council chambers. The Council is holding youth hearings each Saturday and is planning a page program for DC youth. The FY08 budget includes funds to restore Eastern Market and the Georgetown Library, commercial tax relief for small businesses, funding for a force of 4,250 police officers, and increased funding for health and human services. The Council’s prospective 2008 agenda will include school closings, universal pre-kindergarten education, special education, workforce development, Medicaid/health care finance, procurement reform, housing, libraries, and small business property tax relief. Idelson noted that small business property tax relief will not help merchants who rent their facilities. Gray asked CPCA to review the proposed bill and advise him on ways to help the small business community.
Other audience reactions included questions and comments regarding transparency, the status of the Planning Commission, the school system central office, charter schools, and the outcome of the Rosenbaum Task Force on emergency medical services.
Idelson adjourned the meeting at 8:30pm
Respectfully submitted, Joan Buchanan, CPCA Recording Secretary. 071103 CPCA Minutes Meeting Minutes Call to Order and IntroductionsPresident George Idelson called the well-attended meeting to order at approximately 10:20 am. He introduced Tersh Boasberg, Chairman of the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (“HPRB”), who in turn introduced Anne Lewis, a member of HPRB, and Jonathan Mellon, an Historic Preservation Office staff member with responsibility for Cleveland Park. Also recognized were Joan Habib, President of the Cleveland Park Historical Society (“CPHS”), and Nancy MacWood, ANC 3C Chair. Tersh Boasberg – re HPRBMr. Boasberg provided an overview of the HPRB’s functions and the procedures for approval of construction in an historic district. The Historic Preservation Office (“HPO”) staff engages in both enforcement and research, headed by DC’s State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), David Maloney. While most permit applications can be approved “at the counter,” larger or more controversial projects require hearing by the HPRB. Such projects are first reviewed both by the CPHS’ Architecture Review Committee (“ARC”) and the ANC. The HPRB is required to “give great weight” to the ANC’s recommendation, and as a practical matter gives careful consideration to the ARC’s as well. The HPRB’s decisions may be appealed to the Mayor’s Agent, and ultimately to the courts. Mr. Boasberg recommends that Cleveland Park residents contemplating work on a house meet first with staff member Jonathan Mellon – even before hiring an architect. Homeowners should determine whether their plans are “within the ballpark” before investing in professional fees. In addition to the federal Interior Department preservation guidelines and the 10 city-wide DC guidelines governing issues such as roofs, fenestration, driveways and materials, some historic districts (e.g., Capital Hill, Mt. Pleasant, Georgetown) have formulated neighborhood-specific guidelines. Mr. Boasberg proposes that the Cleveland Park neighborhood organizations form a group to define features distinctive to Cleveland Park and formulate guidelines tailored to the neighborhood. These guidelines would not have the legal status of regulations (which would require formal notice and administrative hearings for every change) and could be applied flexibly. In response to subsequent questions, Mr. Boasberg elaborated on some of the issues the Cleveland Park guidelines might address, including: the relationship of construction to the ravines that characterize Cleveland Park; preservation of park-like open space; the size and subordination of additions; fences and retaining walls; and cladding materials. He suggested reviewing the Mt. Pleasant and Capitol Hill guidelines and then developing something more attuned to Cleveland Park. While cautioning against a degree of specificity that excludes too much, Mr. Boasberg also suggested that it would be useful to hear not only what people wish to preserve in the neighborhood, but also what they think should not be repeated (“If you never want to see a copper house again, say so.”). Joan Habib & Nancy MacWood – re ARC & ANC ProceduresCPHS’s ARC consists of architects and other neighborhood residents. It meets monthly to review proposed changes to structures within the Cleveland Park Historic District. After it makes its recommendations on an application, it goes to the ANC. The ANC always asks applicants to file first with the HPRB. The ANC’s Historic Preservation Committee meets the first Monday of each month, and applicants or their architects are urged to present the project first to that Committee. It is important that applicants have shared their plans with their immediate neighbors, to work out any objections in advance. If the project appears minimal and the neighbors have signed off, then it will be placed on the ANC’s consent calendar for the public meeting on the third Monday of the month. If anyone objects at the public meeting, the project will be pulled from the consent calendar. For projects not handled through the consent calendar, the ANC hears comments at its public meeting and takes a formal vote. According to Ms. MacWood, the ANC tries to stick to global issues such as mass, roof lines, and setback, while leaving suggestions for more specific changes to the HPO and HPRB. Because the ARC and ANC have a 30-day review timetable and the HPRB an additional 30 days, the total timeline for review in an historic district is 60 days. Anne Lewis – re Features to Consider in a Renovation ProjectCleveland Park was built primarily from 1890-1930, which Ms. Lewis considers the peak period for construction quality in the US. In general, a house built in this era is likely to feel stiffer and stronger than a house built in 1810, because the engineering was better understood, and materials such as steel had come into use. Materials quality deteriorated after this period: e.g., wallboard replaced plaster, nominal board dimensions replaced actual dimensions (i.e., a “2x4” became less than 2” wide and 4” deep), and the stronger, denser wood from old-growth forests was no longer available. Accordingly, homeowners should “plan tightly,” so as to use their existing space more efficiently and minimize the need for new construction. For example, instead of adding a new great room sized for a large gathering that may happen only every five years, homeowners should consider whether circulation changes can open up traffic flow to existing, more intimate spaces that are under-utilized. They should also consider use of existing basement and attic space to minimize new square footage, and should include a basement for storage under any new space. Dormers and cathedral ceilings in attic spaces also present creative options. The HPRB pays special attention to fenestration. In Cleveland Park, windows are generally higher than they are wide, and double-hung. Awning- or casement-style windows, and windows of a horizontal character are unlikely to be sympathetic to the original style of the house. Other important factors are the arrangement of muntins, the ganging of windows on a façade and the replication of original materials (but the HPRB is increasing sensitive to energy conservation issues and recent developments in synthetic window materials). Jonathan Mellon – re Historic District PermittingMr. Mellon is a preservation specialist who worked most recently in Montclair, NJ, a community similar to Cleveland Park in character. He encouraged residents to contact him at 442-8843. He summarized the permitting process, emphasizing that the preservation guidelines the staff follows are broad and applied flexibly for particular conditions. The staff is also interested in adjusting to new building materials on the market, and is currently investigating Fibrex for replacement windows and faux slate for replacement roofs. In contrast to vinyl and aluminum windows, which cannot match the profile of historic windows, builders may be able to reproduce historic profiles with the newer materials, which last longer than many current wood products. A question and answer period followed the formal presentations, and the meeting adjourned at approximately [11:45am].
Respectfully submitted by John Buchanan, Acting Secretary
071013 CPCA Minutes
MINUTES CLEVELAND PARK CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (CPCA) WOODLEY PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (WPCA) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
CPCA President George Idelson convened the meeting of 32 people at 10:15am, introduced WPCA President John Goodwin, and announced that Councilmember Jim Graham would not attend the meeting, due to the last-minute convening of an all-day Council meeting. Idelson then turned the meeting over to Peter Espenschied, Chair of the ANC3c Transportation Committee, who introduced Karina Ricks, the Director of Transportation Policy and Planning for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
Ricks advised that, effective August 1, DDOT reorganized to create a more efficient system that balances traffic and community needs and focuses on public transportation.
The audience raised a number of issues related to pedestrian safety. Ricks observed that there is a need for public education about such issues and advised that DDOT had begun training bus drivers, but agreed that driver education and police training are also necessary. It was suggested that CPCA might play a role in such education efforts. DDOT is seeking permission from the federal government to establish “beacons” at key mid-block crossing spots. It was generally agreed that there is a need to change the cultural mind-set, so that everyone respects laws to protect pedestrians. Ricks suggested that further inquiries on pedestrian issues be directed to George Branyon (george.branyon@dc.gov) or to 727-1000.
There followed a discussion on parking issues, including complaints about enforcement of residential parking and dumpster permits, valet parking policy (new regulations are under review), and a new Georgetown pilot program that enables residents with parking permits to park across their driveways. It was suggested that Cleveland Park apply to become part of this pilot program.
Ricks advised that the DDOT Mass Transit Administration is looking at ways to facilitate use of public transportation. Under consideration are potential free transit areas, creating more surface transport, and possibly limiting stops.
Idelson presented the treasurer’s report and noted that the next CPCA meeting will be on November 3. The meeting adjourned at 12:15pm.
Respectfully Submitted, Joan Buchanan, CPCA Recording Secretary 070915 CPCA Minutes
Cleveland Park Citizens Association Cleveland Park Library, Upstairs Meeting Room Saturday, September 15, 2007
Call to Order President George Idelson called the well-attended meeting to order at 10:20 am. Announcements Roz Beltler, a board member of the Cleveland Park Historical Society, discussed a project to restore non-working fire boxes in Cleveland Park and invited interested persons to a meeting at the Cleveland Park Congregational Church on October 16. Details to come on the CP listserv. Resolutions First Vice President Peter Espenschied introduced two resolutions for ratification by the members that had been adopted on June 11, 2007 by the CP Executive Committee:
A third resolution was introduced by Ann Loikow, opposing the Council’s recent emergency legislation granting the city’s right to transfer city property to private developers without due notice and community input. The resolution was ratified without objection by a quorum of the membership.
Mr. Idelson introduced DC Office of Planning Director, Harriet Tregoning, to address the subject of the meeting: “Can a neighborhood Control its own destiny?” He noted that Ms.Tregoning, who formerly headed a Smart Growth Policy Group in Maryland, has been a 15-year resident of DC. Ms. Tregoning arrived by bicycle, her usual mode of commuting. Also introduced were three respondents, all experts in the field of zoning: Barbara Zartman, Nancy MacWood, and Dorn McGrath.
Ms. Tregoning noted that the new Comprehensive Plan, passed in the last session of the Council, provided a long overdue opportunity to modernize the Zoning laws of the city. The plan, she said, was just the beginning, however. What matters, she added, was the quality of life of residents. Outcomes matter more than plans. Speaking about development, Ms. Tregoning said we have a right to be demanding. Developers should not come to Washington expecting to make a “quick buck.” 50 percent of development is now occurring in Ward 6. She reported that a Request For Proposal (RFP) had been issued to study implementation of a Planning Commission as well as a Zoning rewrite.
Barbara Zartman charged that a new zoning order allowing an existing dwelling to occupy as much as 90 percent of lot area was inconsistent with Ms. Tregoning’s statement that there would be no upzoning. Ms. Tregoning said that, in practice, owners were allowed to build connecting breezeways, and that the new order simply legitimized the practice.
Nancy MacWood questioned the administration’s disposition of public land in Foggy Bottom for a public/private partnership as emergency legislation without competition. Ms. Tregoning said the administration is aware of the objection and hopes to find a way to expedite this and other projects with the help of public input. Ms. MacWood questioned why the new planning task force had no slots for ANC Commissioners, but did for architects and other professions that lack the “great weight” accorded ANCs. In response, Ms. Tregoning pledged to assign at least one ANC commissioner to the new planning task force.
Dorn McGrath questioned why new zoning regulation was assigned to the Office of Planning rather than the Zoning Commission. Told that the Zoning Commission lacks the staff, Mr. McGrath argued that they should be given more staff.
Additional questions were taken from the floor.
Mr. Idelson adjourned the meeting at 12:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted, George Idelson, President Gregory New, Acting Secretary
(CPCA Minutes, June 7, 2007) POLICE CHIEF CATHY LANIER DISCUSSES HI-TECH CRIME-PREVENTION PLAN
Len Oliver, Chair of the CPCA Nominating Committee, asked CPCA members in the audience to vote on the ballots for the election of the 2007-2008 CPCA Officers.
Idelson then introduced the evening’s major speaker, MPD Chief Cathy Lanier. Lanier advised that she has 17 years of operational experience with the MPD and reviewed some of the changes she has made since assuming the job in early April. The Department, under her direction is increasing their use of computer technology, both to increase MPD efficiency and to provide more data on potential crime areas. A summer special deployments program is working with five years of May-August data on crime trends by time and location in an effort to prevent crime.
Matthew Cella, Washington Times reporter, served as respondent, asking Lanier questions about the sufficiency of the police manpower on the streets. Lanier advised that extra officers will routinely be deployed city-wide all summer, that the force will work 12-hour shifts this summer, that the MPD attrition rate has slowed down, and that the new automated system will cut down on the time officers need to spend on paperwork. There will also be an increase in CCTV surveillance, with 72 cameras in place city-wide by the end of June. Lanier acknowledged that there have been delays in hiring for the new slots approved by Council last year and that the MPD needs to implement marketing campaign to draw applicants, but she advised that she will not lower hiring standards.
In response to questions from the audience regarding traffic problems, Lanier advised that the MPD’s first priority is responding to emergency situations (e.g., 911 calls) and that many traffic problems (e.g., lights) fall within the jurisdiction of the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT). The MPD is working with DDOT and other city agencies to improve inter-departmental coordination. And, the Department is beginning to implement a federally-funded “smooth operator” program targeted toward unsafe driving.
Lanier also responded to a number of other audience questions, including queries about response times to emergency calls (the situation is improving, as evidenced in the response to the recent Unifest tragedy), domestic violence (there is a pilot program that will ultimately become city-wide), women in the MPD (28% of the current force is female), and enforcement of the law prohibiting drivers, including police, from using cell phones (Lanier advised that citizens should report officers observed to be breaking this law).
Lanier then introduced Assistant Chief Peter Newsham and Inspector Andrew Solberg, who in turn introduced Matthew Earls, who will be working on foot in Cleveland Park from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily. Participants were encouraged to contact Earls (matthew.earls@dc.gov) with any questions or concerns. Newsham and Solberg reminded the audience to call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.
Idelson introduced At-Large Council Member Phil Mendelson, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. Mendelson reported on Committee hearings on EMS and a bill to establish an auto theft prevention fund and advised that he is monitoring the development of a new forensic laboratory and a proposed bill to ban under-age persons from bars and nightclubs.
Idelson adjourned the meeting, which was attended by nearly 60 people, at 8:30pm and advised the next CPCA meeting will be in September.
Respectfully Submitted, Joan Buchanan, CPCA Recording Secretary (Photos by Yasmin David and George Idelson)
(CPCA Minutes: May 15, 2007) TREGARON RESTORATION MAKING GOOD PROGRESS, LEPARD TELLS CPCA MEETING George Idelson, CPCA President, opened the meeting shortly after 6:30pm and introduced co-sponsor John Goodman, WPCA President. Idelson noted that much of CPCA’s agenda is focused on land use issues. Notable among such issues is the twenty-acre Tregaron estate, located between Macomb Street and Klingle Road. After years of neighborhood controversy, the threat of development has been contained and plans are underway to restore and preserve Tregaron’s gardens and grounds. Idelson introduced Richard Hall and Tom Alexander, of the 6-acre Washington International School (WIS), and Bonnie LePard, Chair of the Tregaron Conservancy Board.  Richard Hall, retiring Head of Washington International School, reports on expansion developments. Hall and Alexander presented plans for the WIS expansion project (to include a new theatre, library, classrooms, soccer field, and basketball court). WIS worked closely with CPCA, the Tregaron Conservancy, Friends of Tregaron, and the Cleveland Park Historical Society to get project approval from the ANC, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), and the Board of Zoning Adjustment.  Bonnie LePard, chair of Tregaron Conservancy, describes restoration and funding progress for the historic landscape. LePard advised that the HPRB agreed to designate thirteen acres as open space, which the Conservancy will restore and maintain. The remaining acre will be developed into up to 6 houses (2 on Macomb Street, 5 on the currently closed part of Klingle Road, and one – the largest lot – on “open” Klingle). LePard noted that a recent volunteer clean-up day was highly successful, with some 50 participants. The Conservancy is seeking funding for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the gardens and grounds. Gregory New, vice chair of the Nominating Committee, then presented the proposed 2007-2008 CPCA Officers slate, to be voted on at the June 7 CPCA meeting. Idelson announced that Cathy Lanier, DC’s new police chief will be the speaker at the meeting. Kristen Barden, the Mayor’s Ward 3 Outreach Coordinator, reported on the Wilson High School pool renovation project, scheduled for completion by fall 2009, and on plans for the Tenleytown Library and Janney School renovations.  Peggy Robin and Bill Adler answer questions about their popular Cleveland Park Listserv. Bill Adler and Peggy Robin, co-owners and administrators of the Cleveland Park Listserv, responded to audience questions about the Listserv (www.cleveland-park.com). All submissions to the Listerv are reviewed by 6 moderators, who decide whether or not to run them based on rules outlined in the “FAQs” provided on the website. Adler and Robin talked about their latest project, Now Public, a citizen journalist web site: (http://www.nowpublic.com/clevelandpark). A meeting on this new initiative will be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday, May 29 at the Cleveland Park Library. Idelson adjourned the meeting at 8:40pm. Respectfully submitted,
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