ANC3B

Meeting Reports for May, June and July 2019

May 2019.  The main agenda item of this meeting was a panel discussion on public school funding and other challenges faced by DCPS.  Panelists were Jorge Highland from the Stoddert PTO and Local School Advisory Team (LSAT), Marty Wells from the Hardy Middle School PTO and LSAT for two other schools, Ruth Wattenberg, Ward 3 representative to the DC School Board, and Paul Kihn, DC Deputy Mayor for Education.  The primary topics included discussion of Mayor Bowser’s FY 2020 Proposed DCPS budget which showed increases overall but possible decreases on a per pupil basis, overcrowding at Stoddert and other schools, proposed legislation to allow for a long term lease of the Old Hardy School to the Lab School of Washington, and the ANC’s concerns about adequate planning to meet capacity needs.  At the end of the meeting, Commissioners voted to write a letter to the DC Council expressing concerns about the FY 2020 proposed DCPS budget and a long-term lease to the Lab School for Old Hardy, and support for the continuation of the Filmore Arts program.

June 2019.  Highlights include a discussion with owner Bill Thomas on plans for Bourbon.  Structural changes are currently underway, and the restaurant will re-open as Rosebud with a whiskey-blending operation on the second floor.  He is requesting “substantial changes” in the liquor license, including provisions for outside alcohol service and entertainment until the 9 pm closing for meal service on the front and rear on both the first floor and second floor, as well as on a rooftop bar/eating area in good weather.  The plans include putting up walls around the decks and stairwell in order to minimize noise to nearby residences.  Commissioner Blumenthal will work with nearby residents to address any concerns they have with Mr. Thomas’ plans.  Other actions included supporting a special zoning exception for a rear deck at 3764 Benton St., approval of a grant request for $2500 to the Glover Park Alliance in support of their Main Street application, and a resolution to write a letter supporting continued funding for the Glover Park Clean Team in FY 2020.

July 2019.    Actions taken at this meeting include approval of a stipulated liquor license for Laliguras at 2334 Wisconsin Avenue so that when they apply for a license, the 45-day waiting period can be waived by ABRA so that the restaurant will not have to further delay its’ opening.  Support was also granted to owners of 2103 Huidekoper for a special zoning exception for a rear deck.  Local artist Janel Leppin requested and received support of her application for a public art building communities grant to the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities.  As her plans become more specific, she agreed to solicit community input.   Lauren Javins from Community Mediation DC briefed the Commission on free mediation services provided by her organization.  A grant was also approved for roughly $2500 to the Glover Park-Burleith Farmers Market to purchase new canopies, chairs, signage and other supplies. The Commission also voted to write a letter for the hearing record to DC Council supporting the idea of, but not the currently proposed legislation for, the On-site services bill.  This bill requires landlords of buildings of a specific size to provide office space for on-site social workers and other support services in buildings where roughly one-third of the residents are receiving housing assistance.