Neighbors,
Please indulge an overdue update on a few matters, and pardon the terse prose–there’s much to cover and the hour is late:
Hine Development
* The Hine Planned Unit Development (PUD) process is underway. The PUD process is essentially a negotiation between the project developer, Stanton-Eastbanc, and the community. In exchange for benefits and amenities, the DC Zoning Commission grants the developers zoning exemptions and variances. The process should last into the late Spring or early Summer. ANC6B has formed a sub-committee consisting of various community groups and stakeholders tasked with crafting a community negotiating position. The sub-committee has met three times and conducted several meetings with the DC agencies and interested parties. For a detailed update on the process and the latest on the efforts of the sub-committee, go to http://hineschoolpud.wordpress.com.
* On Monday, 30 January at 7PM, the sub-committee will convene at Brent Elementary to discuss desired benefits and amenities. In my opinion, this is the most important meeting of the subcommittee to date. If you have an opinion on what you’d like to see at the development, or, conversely, what you don’t want to see, come to the meeting or feel free to share your feedback with me. Additionally, a survey to assess desired benefits and amenities will be available on the Hine PUD blog in the next 24-48 hours.
Crime & Punishment
* Much thanks to the two residents who provided Community Impact Statements (CIS) in support of the pending sentencing of Robert Vines, a chronic offender arrested for Theft From Auto during the string of car break-ins last October. We could use a few more statements. If you’re interested, send your statement (an e-mail is fine) to the case prosecutor, Assistant US Attorney Thomas Bednar (thomas.bednar@usdoj.gov). I’ve included my CIS as a reference. If you decide to send a statement, please CC me if you don’t mind.
* MPD’s redistricting went into effect on 1 January. The boundaries of our old Police Service Area, PSA 106, have changed a little, extending north almost to H St NE while the southern boundary receded to G St SE. Our PSA has also been renumbered. We are now PSA 107. Lt. Fowler remains in charge of our PSA, and has been incredibly responsive to requests for support and information. It’s too early to assess staffing reallocation across PSAs, but I’m keeping an eye open.
Medical Marijuana
* In February, the ANC will be wielding its great weight in one of the City’s first permitting actions for medical marijuana dispensaries. An application to place a dispensary on the 400 block of 8th St made it past the City’s first round of reviews (one of only 6 to make it), and now comes to the ANC for review and an opinion. I’m interested in your thoughts on this.
Pizza
* We’ll also be reviewing IMA Pizza’s application for a fast food exemption at 415th 8th St (the old China Wall). I’ve met with the owner, Steve Solis, and am impressed with the concept. It’s innovative, affordable and healthy. I’m sensitive to some concerns about the proliferation of restaurants on 8th St, but feel like the trade-up from a China Wall to this establishment is a net gain for the block and the community.
SMD05 Meeting
*I will host an SMD05 meeting Thursday, March 1st from 7PM to 8:30PM at the SE Library. In addition to providing an opportunity for face-to-face interaction, the meeting will focus on possible expansion of the Performance Parking Pilot and will feature information on the program. Hope to see you there!
That’s all for now. Look for part 2 in the next few days, which will cover:
*Sidewalks and Alleys
*ANC resident member volunteers
*Eastern Market legislation
*Reservation 13
Feel free to contact me with your thoughts and questions.
Regards,
Brian
