Police Report.
No violent crimes happened in the past 30 days in 3B but 20 property crimes were reported, twice as many as the same period last year. Most involved cars: 9 thefts from auto and 2 stolen cars. The remaining property crimes were thefts, e.g., stolen packages, etc. Lt Johnson noted that thefts generally increase around the holidays. Two robberies occurred in the 4200 block of Massachusetts Avenue (just west of the ANC 3B area). In response to a question about measures to address the crime rate in DC, he said that special patrols are being assigned and MPD officers will be more visible in areas with increased crime. Lt Johnson also reported that our area has a new Captain, Steve Andelman, who was not able to join the meeting but is looking forward to attending a future meeting
Presentation of Request for Zoning Variances at 2405 37th Street (BZA Case 20542).
The proposed project which would raze the existing detached home on the property and construct three new attached structures on the lot and adjacent yard. The structures would include two-story units, roof decks for each of the 3 top floor units, and underground parking for 9 vehicles. The zoning application requests variances for the project, since the R-3 zone does not allow two principal units in a residential structure, and the three new lots are slightly narrower than the required 20 foot width. The property owner was not able to attend the meeting but Stephen DuPont, the architect for the project, presented general details and showed illustrations of how the new structures would look. Several neighbors in a nearby condominium building had a few questions and voiced several concerns. Mr. DuPont thanked everyone for their comments asked Commissioners and community members to send him questions and said he would update plans based on the community concerns. Asked if the buildings would be condos or rentals, Mr. DuPont said that decision had not been made but that decision was not part of the zoning case.
Resolution on DDOT Proposals for Bicycle Lanes on New Mexico Avenue/Tunlaw Road/37h Street.
In the ANC3B meeting in October, DDOT asked the Commission to provide a statement of what it could and could not support for bicycle lanes on the corridor south of Calvert and north of Calvert before the agency goes ahead with developing additional drawings and other details on any options to share with the ANC and the community. Commissioner Turmail read the draft resolution saying ANC 3B a) does not support the installation of bike lanes south of Calvert St on Tunlaw/37th, b) does not support installation of two way bike lanes north of Calvert on the north/east side, c) will consider proposals for protected bike lanes north of Calvert on the south/west side as possible while also preserving existing where needed, d) needs to see detailed illustrations and renderings as well as impacts of different options and get feedback from the community before supporting any plan for bike lanes north of Calvert. The resolution also requests that DDOt prepare drawings and renderings of one specific option north of Calvert, showing potential location of parking spaces on Tunlaw between Calvert and 39th and between 39th and 42nd Street. To see the full resolution, go to https://anc3b.org/wp-content/uploads/ANC3B-bike-lane-resolution-signed-11-18-21-1.pdf. General comments supported the resolution with some reservations but felt it addressed community concerns. The resolution passed unanimously.
Resolution on DDOT Fast Tracking for “Vision Zero” Projects.
On October 8, DDOT Interim Director Everett Lott announced new policies to expedite traffic safety improvements, through adjustments in DDOT’s policy on handling service requests and supporting documents from residents and ANCs. Commissioner Mladinov discussed the potential ramifications of the new policy. An issue of concern is that traffic calming requests would not be fully evaluated by DDOT. Rather it would be incumbent on the ANCs to review and endorse or not endorse without the benefit of a traffic analysis. Additionally, requests would be accepted on a first come, first serve basis leading to a piecemeal approach rather than holistic approach to traffic calming. The Commission adopted a resolution recommending suspension of the new policy on traffic calming requests so DDOT and ANCs can discuss the proposed changes, and continuing the practice of DDOT conducting traffic analyses on requests before asking ANCs for a recommendation.
Updates and Information
- Glover Park and Cathedral Heights are scheduled for the first DPW leaf collection the week of Thanksgiving. For details, see dc.gov/es/service/leaf-collection.
- ANC 3B is awaiting a date to meet with WMATA on service changes that have affected our area.
- Declan Falls is a new Community Outreach Specialist in Councilmember Mendelson’s office.
- Ariel Ardura is the new 3B liaison with Councilmember Cheh’s office.