Police Report. Lt. Johnson reported that only three crimes, all property, in 3B in the last 30 days. Two were thefts and one was a theft from auto. One theft was at the Walgreen’s where merchandise was taken. The second was a package theft at 2255 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Video has been obtained for that theft and MPD believes the case will be closed soon. The theft from auto was from an unlocked vehicle in front of 2111 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Regarding the recent ICE operations nearby including at Chef Geoff’s, Commissioner Howie asked about MPD’s involvement. Lt. Johnson said that MPD does not cooperate in any way with these ICE operations and is not involved at all. DC Code prohibits cooperation with Federal immigration agencies.
Resolution on the Current Washington Gas Light Proposal, “District SAFE” (update of Project Pipes). Commissioner Lavezzo introduced a resolution opposing the current Washington Gas Light Proposal, District Safe. The primary reasons for opposition are a) WGL was directed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop a new plan that only addressed the most leak prone, highest risk natural gas pipes. In response, WGL’s new plan was even more costly than the initial plan and included fewer pipes in highest need and b) WGL has not been replacing the highest need pipes in any comprehensive manner. For these reasons, the Office of People’s Counsel wants WGL to develop that meets the guidelines for replacing the highest risk, leak prone pipes in accordance with the District of Columbia’s climate goals and laws. The resolution was seconded and passed unanimously.
Discussion and Resolution in Support of Continuing Streateries on Wisconsin Avenue in Glover Park. Michele Keegan from Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Co. spoke about the importance of keeping streateries in Glover Park. For Rocklands, not only does it significantly increase business by adding outdoor space but their streatery also brings a much-needed vibe to the commercial area that would only increase with the addition of more streateries. Also, the current deadline for removing streateries comes in the middle of the busiest, most profitable summer season for Glover Park restaurants. Commissioner Turmail said that the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) is set to come out with new guidelines for streateries at the end of July. In anticipation of those guidelines, he introduced a resolution urging the Mayor and DDOT to preserve the streateries along the commercial stretch of Wisconsin Avenue in Glover Park and also allow the opportunity for new ones to be established. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. It passed 5-0.
Briefing by Robert Becker, DC Open Government Coalition, on DC Council Proposal for Closed Meetings. Mr. Becker explained that the Open Meetings Act applies to every public body in the executive branch. All agencies, offices and the Council have to give notice when they’re going to hold meetings. Even if holding a meeting that’s closed, they have to come meet in public with an agenda and take a vote to close the meeting. They have to explain what the issue is that they are going into closed session for, and the exemptions that apply. Chairman Mendelson introduced a bill in late March that would have created two very large loopholes for open meetings. They excluded any meeting that was deemed or labeled a field trip, or a retreat, by any government agency from the definition of a meeting. Mr. Becker believes the Council already has the ability to close meetings under the current rules and does not need further legislation because the Council has reserved to itself the right to make its own rules for how it complies with the Open Meetings Act. So it has a set of rules that roughly parallel what the requirements are in the statute. There are a couple of things that they do not have clear rules on. One is meeting with the Mayor, particularly on issues like finance and negotiating with Congress. In that case, they could pass a rule that would say, “We reserve for ourselves an exemption that says we can meet with the Mayor to talk about how we’re negotiating with Congress and explain to her what we think she should do.” Mr. Becker believes the current legislation is both unnecessary and dangerous in that it provides no public accountability for some actions of DC agencies, offices and the Council.
Zoning Request of Special Exception for 2219 Observatory Place, NW. Commissioner Turmail introduced Brynn and Robert Kurtzman to explain their request for a special zoning exception. Their plan is to add a three-story addition to the back of the house which includes the basement, and the first and second levels. It does not change the height of the structure. The special exception is because the addition would be 12 feet 6 inches which exceeds the 10-foot limitation. Ms. Kurtzman has letters of support from adjacent neighbors. A motion was made to support the zoning request. It was seconded and passed unanimously.
Update on Stoddert Elementary School Current Classroom Renovation Project and FY 2026 Cafeteria Addition Project. Commissioner Howie said the contractor is finishing phase one of the Stoddert addition, the classroom addition on the east side of the building that’s set to be delivered August-September 2025. Now they will then turn their attention to the west side where the cafeteria will be built above the teacher parking lot, and above where the current trailers are. They’re going to start the staging in June. They will keep some of the parking on the field for their construction vehicles for the west side. But a lot of the construction workers will be encouraged to park at a parking garage on Wisconsin so they are not taking up parking spots on Davis, 39th, 40th Street, so they’re not competing with fellow residents.
Reminder About Implementation of WMATA Better Bus Network Starting on June 29, 2025. Commissioner Lane reminded everyone about the major change in bus routes, bus schedules and bus numbers coming at the end of June. As information becomes available, it will be posted on the ANC 3B website.