Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2G reviewed two notices of intent (NOI) from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) involving two transportation changes in Shaw.
The first involved safety improvements to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and 10th Street NW. The intersection is considered dangerous, with a pedestrian fatality several years previously. The NOI removes parking on one side of 10th Street, adjusts lanes, moves the bike lane from the west side of the street to the east side and places a median in the middle of 10th Street. It also installs bollards at the corners of the intersection to protect pedestrians from cars turning onto the street. Comments to DDOT on the NOI are due in August, when the ANC does not meet.
A resident stated that he crosses at the intersection frequently and that it is dangerous, with cars speeding and some running red lights. He would at least want to extend the crossing signal time to provide time to cross the street. Another resident characterized the intersection as frightening.
Commissioner McCarty said that he had gotten more than a dozen messages in support of the NOI. Commissioner Berry, in whose single-member district (SMD) the intersection is located, said she hoped that the comment period would be extended so she could consult her constituents. There were other alternatives, such as a turn signal, that could improve safety that the NOI did not propose, she noted. She characterized the NOI as ineffective and sought a delay in its consideration. McCarty took exception to the request, saying that although the intersection was in Berry’s SMD, his constituents used it frequently and wanted action.
Berry moved to request that DDOT extend its comment deadline so the ANC could continue its evaluation of the NOI. The motion was defeated 2-3. McCarty moved to support the NOI but accepted an amendment recommending the installation of turn signals in both directions on Massachusetts Avenue. The motion passed 4-0-1.
The second DDOT NOI was intended to improve safety at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue, Seventh Street and R Street NW. It would move the bicycle lane on R Street from the north side of the street to the south side. Parking on R Street, which is currently unregulated, will be converted to paid parking. Turn restrictions from Rhode Island Avenue and Glick Court would also be added. A motion to support the NOI passed 4-1-1.
Public Safety
Third Police District Lieutenant Stanley Mark Rawls reported the PSA 308 crime statistics for the month. Thefts had gone up, while incidents of violence had remained steady. There was an assault with a deadly weapon June 19, a knife attack. A suspect was arrested. Robberies had gone down, with one robbery on the 400 block of R Street. There was a continuing problem with package thefts and thefts from autos.
Alcohol Licenses
The WildEast Club (1318 Ninth St. NW) is applying for a Retailer’s Class C Tavern license and asked the ANC to support a stipulated license. Commissioner McCarty said that work on a settlement agreement with the establishment was almost complete, with provisions for trash removal and entry through the Ninth Street entrance, not Naylor Court. Hours of operation were being discussed.
Commissioner Padro considered operating hours an important factor in determining whether the ANC supported the license. McCarty opened a discussion on operating hours. The commission decided to have the club close at midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and at 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday. The serving of alcohol would stop an hour before closing. A motion to support the stipulated and permanent licenses with the agreed-upon hours passed the commission unanimously.
Casa Majanos TexMex and Bar (1439 11th St. NW) is applying for a new Retailer’s Class C Restaurant license, with a sidewalk cafe endorsement. It would also like a stipulated license. Padro said that it has signed a settlement agreement with the ANC. A motion to support the license, its sidewalk cafe endorsement and a stipulated license passed unanimously. A separate motion to approve the settlement agreement with the establishment also passed unanimously.
Historic Preservation
An application is before the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) for a development project at 1323 10th St. NW, currently a church parking lot. Commissioner McCarty said there had been one meeting with the developer, but the residents of Naylor Court had not received the details of the project. The application was scheduled to be heard before the HPRB in July, but McCarty wanted the ANC to request that the HPRB defer consideration until its September meeting. A motion to ask the HPRB to delay consideration of the application until September passed unanimously.
Commissioner Padro noted that the HPRB calendar for July had an item related to the renovation of Seaton Elementary School. Padro, however, was unable to obtain information about what the HPRB would actually discuss. He asked the ANC to request that the HPRB defer the case until September to enable the commission to comment on it at its next meeting. Padro’s motion to request a deferment passed unanimously.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G met on July 9. It was called to order by Steven McCarty (2G04, chair). Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Nicole Shea (2G03, secretary), Sheena Berry (2G05) and Rachelle Nigro (2G06, treasurer) attended.
ANC 2G does not meet in August. The next ANC meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 10. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information.
