 On Thursday, June 11, 2009, at 7 pm, the U Street Neighborhood Association held its regular meeting at Source, 1435 14th Street, NW. Topics included updates on community projects, discussion of a license change for Duffy's Irish Restaurant and Pub, and an update on JBG's proposed U Street Hotel project.
Read more for the complete meeting minutes.
June 2009 · Regular Meeting - Agenda
Thursday, 11 June 2009 · 7 PM
Source • 1435 14th Street, NW • 2nd Floor
www.ustreet-dc.org Welcome and Introductions President’s Remarks, Bryan Martin Firvida,
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- Bryan discussed the proposed Bylaws amendment to change the membership period from a calendar year to a 12 month period from the start of each membership, with the last day of the 12 month membership occurring on the last day of the month of the 12th month from the start of the membership. This proposed amendment was raised at the May 14, 2009 meeting. As exact language of the bylaw change was unavailable, the vote was tabled. Phil Spalding recommended that while considering this amendment, also should consider having varying tiers of membership, allowing people to join as households and not just as individuals, and encouraging donations in excess of the nominal membership dues.
- On Saturday, June 13, from 8 am – 12 pm, at Harrison Recreation Center, the Department of Parks and Recreation will be hosting a cleanup of the park as part of DPR Beautification Day. Volunteers are welcome to attend.
- The City Living Magazine Wine Club will be hosting a wine tasting and fundraising event on Wednesday, June 17 from 7 to 9 pm at Vinoteca , 1940 11th Street, NW. Tickets are only $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Vinoteca or by calling them at 202-332-WINE (9463). $5 of each ticket sold will be donated to the U Street Neighborhood Association. Ticket includes wine, cheese, and a raffle entry to win one of many door prizes from local greater U Street neighborhood businesses.
Committee Business Reports and Discussion Public Safety - Brian Card, Chair:
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Bryan offer congratulations to Brian for his leadership of the Public Safety Committee and his recent assistance to MPD in identifying a suspect during a MPD Ride-Along. - Volunteers to join the Public Safety Committee are welcome. Please contact Brian Card to become involved with the Public Safety Committee.
- The PSA 305 Meeting Notes are posted on the website in the Committee - Public Safety section.
- In regards to the 9th and T Street incidents that occurred in January, Councilmember Graham arranged a meeting with MPD and ABRA. It appears that there were actually two separate incidents, one originating at Axum, and the other at 9th and T Streets. The incidents are still under investigation.
- MPD Third District Commander Cusick is sharing the PSA 305 plan and roll call data with the public
Treasurer’s Report - Chuck Baxter,
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There is a total of $16,683.94 in the account. $12,042.70 is available for general use, $4,482.24 is available for Dog Days, and $159 is available for the Vermont Ave. planting project.
Membership Report - Lynn Coffin,
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- As of tonight's meeting, there are 115 members.
- Lynn recommended that we focus on awareness building and recruitment efforts to increase membership.
- Voted unanimously to participate in Midcity ads, 2 in the Citypaper and 2 in the Blade for a total of $420.
- Voted by clear majority to do business as “The U Street Neighborhood Association”
Transportation and Parking - Cheryl Cort,
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- DDOT is 65% complete wsith their U Street Transportation Management Plan for the area along U Street from 9th to 18th Streets. The work would be bid out in 2011 for construction to start in 2012. Information on the upgrade project can be found at http://www.ustreetnwupgrade.com. The project includes upgraded modifications and safety improvements for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic such as:
- Reconstruction of Pavement between 14th and Florida Avenue; Resurfacing between 9th and 14th Street.
- Reconstruct / relocate wheelchair ramps to meet ADA guidelines
- Provide special higher visibility pedestrian crosswalks
- Streetscaping and landscaping throughout project limits
- Upgrading traffic signals and street lighting
- Modifications to on-street parking meter, pavement marking, and signing
- It is expected that DDOT will host a neighborhood-wide public meeting later this year
Business Development and ABC - Phil Spalding –
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- The next Business Development Committee meeting will be scheduled for Thursday, June 30, 2009 at 7:30 pm (following the Dog Days Committee Meeting).
- Andy Duffy of Duffy’s Irish Restaurant presented his application to change from a CR to CT license, stating that the establishment is right around 40% of food sales as a percentage of revenue – sometimes it is at 35%, sometimes at 50%. He expressed that he has been a good business owner and a great neighbor over the past 3 years. CSNA voted unanimously to support the substantial change of Duffy’s Irish Restaurant from a CR to CT license.
- Eatonville, at 14th and V Streets, is applying for a liquor license for a summer garden. This application will be discussed at the Business Development Committee meeting on June 30.
- Voted unanimously to support Fred Moosally at his confirmation hearing on June 26 as the new Director of the DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.
- Phil Spalding and Peter Raia provided updates on Mazza 14, St. Ex, and Bar Pilar liquor license applications, and they stated that each of them are nearly finalized and just need to get signed off on by the Chair.
- Recently, a meeting was held with the DC Housing Finance Agency to discuss the use of the facility as a public parking garage. The Director of DC HFA said that the risk, liability, and security concerns of the use of the garage outweighed any benefit to HFA, and that it is not DC HFA’s responsibility to solve the neighborhood’s parking concerns. Bryan Martin Firvida asked David from Councilmember Graham’s office to follow up with Councilmember Graham on the parking issue. Voted unanimously to write a letter stating our disappointment about DC HFA’s position on the use of their parking garage.
- Italian Pizza Kitchen opened at 1110 U Street
Historic Preservation: Sheryl Walters –
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- The DC Historic Preservation Review Board decided to put off their input on the 13th & U Hotel project and asked JBG to go through the PUD process and then return to HPRB. CSNA will continue to be involved and engaged in this process.
- Dukem, at 12th and U Streetes, seeks to add a floor to their building. It is a non-contributing structure in the Greater U Street Historic District. Steve Calcott has advised that the HPRB staff generally supports these plans.
- 1819 11th Street – a rowhouse is seeking an additional floor
- Room & Board has announced that it is purchasing 1840 14th Street, and will open in 2010.
Councilmember Jim Graham Update - http://www.grahamwone.com
The Ward One Democrats held a meeting on the marriage equality bill, and voted 137-4 in favor of the bill.
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