ANC3B

Advisory Neighborhood Commission for Glover Park and Cathedral Heights Washington DC

Upcoming ANC3B Meeting

Thursday, September 12, 2024
Zoom Link

February 2023 Meeting Report

  • Lt. Johnson gave details of a robbery at 42nd and Beecher St. on Sunday, 2/5.  The victim, a 14 year old male was robbed of personal property by 3 other juveniles.  Asked if a gun was involved, the Lt said that the victim could only say that he felt something “hard.”  In addition to this offense, there were 9 thefts and 7 thefts from auto in the past 30 days.
  • Commissioner Blumenthal described the settlement agreement with Good Guys.  The agreement, which strengthens security and noise control measures, was approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Security will be enhanced in response to recent gun incidents inside Good Guys. ABRA will also make its own upgraded security requirements. Residents who live closest to Good Guys are not protected by noise ordinances pertaining to ABRA licensed establishments because they live in a mixed-use zone (MU-27). The Settlement Agreement protects their interests in peace, order and quiet with a provision stating that no noise from inside Good Guys shall be heard beyond the immediate vicinity of Good Guys’ front door. This Agreement is enforceable by ABRA and violations can result in sanctions and/or fines. Residents who are disturbed by noise beyond that perimeter can call either Manager Mike Aloupis (301-641-3344), Manager Jenna Gross (610-730-5453), Owner Mahesh Patel (304-731-5859) or the ABRA Complaint Line (7 pm to 4 am) (202-329-6347).
  • The Commission unanimously approved a letter to Councilmember Frumin that calls for public bus transportation to the new high school on MacArthur Boulevard which opens next school year (August 2023) and will be the designated public high school for Glover Park students. Currently there is no public transportation with a reasonable travel time available for most of the boundary area assigned to the new high school.
  • Commissioner Howie gave a report on the status of the plans for Stoddert School expansion and the status of the boundary issues, DCPS’ initial plan called for a new cafeteria and four classrooms to be added to the east side of the school (the side with the field).  Problems have been raised with that plan including having a cafeteria far from the main classroom areas, potential damage to the heritage tree between the athletic field and the school, and loss of athletic space on the field.  DCPS will re-consider the plan and look at the option of putting the cafeteria at least on the west side of the school.   Per the boundary issues, DCPS will not make any decisions until the Foxhall Elementary School is built.
  • Commissioner Bluimenthal gave an update on the neighborhood walkthrough on 2/8 to assess dark areas identified by residents.  It included representatives from ANC 3B, 2nd District MPD, and DDOT.  In general, the neighborhood is well lit but there are problems areas including 37th Street and Tunlaw Road where the lights are high, and the light distribution is uneven.  Dark areas also include Benton between Huidekoper and 39th and along the parkside on 42nd Street.  NPS is reluctant to add lights along the park because of the potential damage to plant and wildlife.  Commissioner Howie mentioned the DC program that offers rebates for installation of outside cameras for homeowners that register the cameras with MPD.  The link to the program is https://ovsjg.dc.gov/page/private-security-camera-rebate-program
  • Sophie Cohen, Constituent Liaison in the Office of Congresswomen Eleanor Holmes Norton gave a presentation on the services available from their office.  They are able to help with an issue involving a federal agency.  Walk-in hours are 9 am-5 pm Monday through Thursday or inquiries can be submitted online at https://digitalprf.house.gov/AddressAuthentication?id=DC00 or constituents may call the office at 202 408 9041.
  • Belinda Perry from the Office of Campaign Finance shared information about both traditional and public financing Fair Elections programs.  Public financing is funded by DC residents only.  It allows candidates more time to meet directly with constituents without the burden of fundraising.  In the 2020 campaigns in DC, 31 candidates used the fair elections program in the primaries and 11 in the general election.
  • Janelle Williams from the Department of Buildings gave an overview of the office services.  DCDOB used to be part of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs until October 2022 when it was split into two departments:  Department of Buildings and Department of Licensing.  DCDOB handles permitting and vacant and blighted buildings as their main focus. The Department of Licensing will present its services to the ANC in April.