- Lieutenant Johnson reported 23 crimes over the past 30-day period, up from 14 the year before. One incident was a robbery at the gas station by an assailant with a hammer. Other crimes include 6 thefts from auto, 10 general thefts and 6 auto thefts. Retail theft is driving the increase in crime in Glover Park with both CVS and Trader Joe’s among the businesses hit. Lt. Johnson also reported on an initiative by the newly nominated Chief, Pam Smith. Once every two months, officers will do community walks in their PSAs. The next walkthrough in PSA 204 will start at the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue on October 8th at 5 pm.
- Two requests for zoning special exceptions were presented by Garima Gupta and colleagues from the R. Michael Cross Design Group. One was for 2606 41st Street and the other for 2610 41st Street. The project proposes renovating two existing four-unit structures to seven-unit three story structures. The plans are on the ANC 3B website. The developer sent out information on the project to all nearby neighbors. They received two letters of support in response and no complaints. ANC 3B voted unanimously to support special exceptions for both projects.
- Commissioner Blumenthal introduced a resolution in support of one-day entertainment licenses and other relevant permits for ABCA-licensed businesses participating in Glover Park Main Streets’ (GPMS) Art All Night celebration on Friday, September 29. It passed unanimously.
- Commissioner Lavezzo gave a status report on the new bike lanes installed on Tunlaw Road and New Mexico Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and Calvert Street. The new bike lanes bring with them new parking arrangements. Some major changes are that almost all parking on the Russian Embassy side of Tunlaw has been moved to southbound parking only, new spaces will be installed on the north side of Tunlaw in front of the Colonade, and parking on the northbound side of New Mexico in front of 3201 has been eliminated. A serious concern was raised about the crosswalk at Newark Street on New Mexico that is across from Horace Mann. The travel lane is now next to the curb and the site line for north bound drivers is blocked by utility poles causing a hazardous situation for adults and children trying to cross. Another problem is the new left turn lane on north bound New Mexico on to Macomb Street. Because cars and delivery trucks are continuing to park in what is now the travel lane, traffic is being snarled. Commissioners Bergmann and Lavezzo will talk to DDOT about these issues.
- Emir Gur-Ravantab from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs gave some legislative updates. On October 1, the Cashless Retailers Prohibition Act goes into effect which prohibits retail establishments from discriminating against cash as a form of payment including charging different prices depending on payment method or not accepting cash. Another law going into effect is the Street Vendor Amendment Act which decriminalizes not having a license or a criminal background check. These infractions are now civil and only punishable with a fine. The hours of operation for street vendors have also been extended to 5 am-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 5 am to 1 am on Saturday and Sunday.
- Commissioner Howie gave an update on Stoddert renovation plans. DCPS is wrapping up their site survey which includes building a new cafeteria on the west side of the school and additional classrooms on the eastside. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for October when more detailed information may become available.
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2023