Police Report.
Lt. Paul Johnson, Second District MPD, reported no violent crimes but 14 property crimes in ANC 3B in the last 30-day period. Among the property crimes were 4 thefts from auto and 1 stolen auto (same as last year) plus 9 general thefts, up from 2 in the same period a year ago. Lt. Johnson noted MPD had gotten many complaints about dogs on Stoddert field, including unleashed dogs. He reminded everyone that dogs are not allowed on D.C. school property, and officers have been issuing warnings and tickets.
Resolution in Support of Stipulated Entertainment License for Laliguras.
Commissioner Blumenthal explained that in September the ANC voted to approve a Settlement Agreement setting open hours and hours of entertainment for Laliguras and in the same resolution supported a stipulated license to allow Laliguras to operate under the new terms immediately, but the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration requires a separate resolution from the ANC supporting the stipulated license. The Commission approved a resolution to support a stipulated license for Laliguras, which the ABC Board was expected to issue.
Grant Request from Stoddert PTO for Tent for Outdoor Learning.
Marie O’Hara, a Stoddert parent representing the PTO, requested a grant of $2,500 to help purchase a heavy-duty tent to provide protection so students can have lunch outdoors, teachers can conduct outdoor learning, and students can be under cover morning line-ups and afternoon dismissals. In the future, the tent could also provide potential event space when in the past Stoddert has had to rent a tent at considerable expense. The tent would accommodate 60 to 70 students for lunch and would have side flaps for added protection during severe weather. The Commission approved the grant, to be purchased before the end of the fall.
DDOT presentation of new traffic analysis and updated preliminary concept designs for potential improvements to bike lanes on New Mexico/Tunlaw/37th Street corridor.
Mike Goodno, George Branyan and Gilberto Solano from DDOT gave a presentation on the findings of consultants’ traffic analysis on the segments of the corridor in ANC 3B, ANC 3D, and ANC 2E. The work included some potential safety measures at intersections including Tunlaw and Davis and some implications for various alternatives for adding bike lanes on Tunlaw north of Calvert. To conduct the analysis, the consultants evaluated two basic concepts: a two-way bike lane on the south/west side of Tunlaw and a two-way bike lane on the north/east side, with one lane of parking lane on the opposite side of the street. The analysis showed significant safety issues with locating a two-way bike lane on the north/east side of Tunlaw north of Calvert, so DDOT stated that placing bike lanes on the south/west side would be the preferred alternative. In September, ANC3B also advised DDOT against locating a two-way bike lane on the north/east side and stated that none of the alternatives for bike lanes south of Calvert would be practical or feasible. All the proposals DDOT has evaluated would remove all 91 on-street parking spaces on Tunlaw and 37th Street within ANC 3B. North of Calvert, the alternatives in the consultants’ analysis would remove about half the current 106 parking spaces between Calvert and 39th Street. Several residents expressed their thoughts about the proposals they have seen, including some in support and others in opposition, particularly over the elimination of on-street parking spaces.
DDOT representatives asked that ANC 3B send them a formal resolution saying the Commission would not support the proposals bike south of Calvert and what the Commission could support or not support north of Calvert. The DDOT representatives indicated that with the ANC resolution in hand, they could consider ending the bike lane project at Calvert and work with the ANC on further designs north of Calvert. DDOT’s timetable is to continue Community Engagement and Design through the fall and put out a call for public comment in the second quarter of FY 2022, with the earliest date for installation at the end of FY 2022. The Commissioners asked DDOT to provide additional drawings to illustrate several options that are still on the table, for the ANC and community to review. DDOT also committed to provide the slides from the meeting for the ANC to post.
Updates and Information
- After the September 10 site visit to the Stop Sign Camera at 37th St and Whitehaven Parkway, DDOT installed new signs alerting drivers as they are approaching the intersection. Also, at the urging of Councilmember Cheh, DDOT committed to providing the community 2-week notice that an automated traffic enforcement device is being activated, before any citations are issued. Cole Wogoman from the Councilmember’s office announced she will be holding a virtual roundtable discussion at 2 pm on November 15 about the District’s automated traffic devices. All are invited to submit written or oral testimony, including how they have been affected by the Stop Sign Camera and what improvements DDOT could make in the camera program. Contact Mary Cheh’s office for details.
- The 2020 Annual Visitor Parking effective date has been extended until January 15, 2022, at Councilmember Cheh’s request, while DDOT continues to work out problems with the new ParkDC permit program.
- The deadline for seniors to apply for exemption from DPW snow shoveling requirement and fines for the 2021-22 winter seasion was October 15. Requests could be made to DC 311 or DC DPW’s website.
- The COVID-19 public health emergency expired October 12 which means local utilities will be able to resume disconnections. The utilities must give a 60-day notice before a disconnection and there are other protections for ratepayers. A utility cannot disconnect service if a customer has entered a payment plan to catch up on overdue bills. Residents should be in touch with OPC for details: opc-dc.gov or 202-727-3071.
Open Forum
- One resident described unsafe conditions at the intersection at Tunlaw and 42nd Street and suggested a stop sign camera. Commissioner Mladinov suggested she make a 311 service request for a traffic safety investigation at that location. DDOT is changing the process for requesting traffic safety assessments and the ANC will provide more information when the details are available.
Next meeting: Thursday, November 18