Police Report. Lt. Paul Johnson reported on local crimes from the previous month, including a carjacking of a delivery driver’s vehicle in the 2300 block of Wisconsin Avenue and an assault with a deadly weapon on Massachusetts Avenue. For the September 18 demonstration planned on the National Mall, he said all MPD officers and other police forces in the region would be fully activated, with the National Capitol Police taking the lead. Asked about how the MPD Chief is dealing with increases in crime, Lt. Johnson said that patrols are being sent to hot spots and more resources are being dedicated to getting perpetrators off the street. Lt. Johnson also advised residents to follow safe practices such as avoiding going to ATMs alone in the middle of the night.
Vote on request from Laliguras for an entertainment endorsement and full hours for alcohol service
Commissioner Blumenthal reported that Laliguras has applied to ABRA for permission to offer karaoke entertainment in its establishment at 2232 Wisconsin Avenue and to increase its hours of alcohol service to the maximum allowed. She introduced a proposed settlement agreement with ANC3B to allow music until 1 am Sunday through Thursday and until 2 am Friday and Saturday, and extend business hours and alcohol service one hour longer, like other restaurants and bars in the area. The Commission adopted a resolution supporting the proposed settlement agreement and the live entertainment endorsement.
Resolution supporting Clean Decisions to continue as “Clean Team” on Wisconsin Avenue commercial strip
Commissioner Blumenthal introduced a resolution to support Clean Decisions’ application for a grant from DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to continue serving our community as the Clean Team in the coming year.
DDOT Proposals for Bike Lanes on New Mexico/Tunlaw/37th Street Corridor
The Commissioners provided an update on the potential DDOT project to improve safety for bicyclists and other users of the corridor from Nebraska Avenue to Reservoir Road, through ANC3B, ANC3D in Wesley Heights, and ANC2E in Burleith. Several people spoke at the meeting, for and against options DDOT has presented. At the ANC3B July meeting, as part of DDOT’s Community Engagement process, agency representatives made a presentation outlining several alternatives they had reviewed over recent months to improve bike facilities on the corridor, and taking questions and comments. DDOT has been considering residents’ comments about the various alternatives, but told ANC3B that the staff will not be prepared to present any further options or details about the alternatives until October. The Commission adopted a letter to DDOT stating that ANC 3B has not seen any proposals for bike lanes on the Tunlaw/37th corridor south of Calvert that appear practical or feasible. The letter also noted residents’ calls for improving safety for bicyclists on Tunlaw north of Calvert, and recommended better signage alerting people to the presence of bike facilities, including south of Calvert Street, as well as improved safety for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. The Commission urged DDOT to come back to the ANC with options that respond to comments from the community, before the agency comes to a decision on a design to put forward as an official proposal.
Updates and Information
- Regarding the stop Sign Camera on 37th Street at Whitehaven, ANC Commissioners have been in touch with Councilmember Cheh, DDOT, and MPD about the increasing number of $100 citations and residents’ concerns that the camera may not be correctly calibrated. CM Cheh visited the site in September with DDOT officials, requested more and better signage, and urged DDOT to implement an advance warning or “grace” period after a traffic control device is activated.
- The Commission approved a letter to WMATA expressing concerns about the infrequent rush hour bus service on the D2 (over 40 minutes between buses in the morning peak) and elimination as of September 5 of the long-standing 30S and 30N cross-town bus routes that many local residents and workers have relied on. The Commissioners asked to meet with WMATA and DDOT planners to discuss future plans for bus service to the ANC3B community.
Next meeting: October 14