Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on July 15 via Zoom. Commissioners Bob Link (6DO1, vice chair), Ronald Collins (6D02, treasurer), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06, secretary) and Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, chair) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08) were in attendance.
DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) Planner Anne Welch presented her agency’s M Street Corridor Safety Project. The project’s southeast phase was completed last summer. The agency now proposes to extend it from South Capitol to Sixth Street SW. The project is designed to calm traffic, close gaps in the city’s network of protected bike lanes (PBLs) and create a bus priority corridor.
DDOT is currently engaged in analyzing existing conditions through a road safety audit, Welch stated. A final community safety walk is planned for the coming fall. The agency is paying attention to increasing pedestrian safety, particularly around schools.
Commissioner Fast pointed out the flaws in the project’s recently completed M Street section, which extends from First to 11 Streets SE. The road is completely congested during game days and at heavy commuting hours, she said.
The Wharf, Fast pointed out, draws as many as 40,000 visitors during events, many of whom drive. The proposed reconfiguration of M Street SW would complicate the already congested Maine Avenue SW, which has significant problems with visitor congestion and curbside deliveries, she said. Secretary Levine echoed her concerns.
When analyzing existing conditions, Vice President Link urged Welch to look at the entire Southwest transportation network up to the Fish Market, rather than excluding the Wharf and Maine Ave. The commission took no vote on the matter.
Broccoli City
The Broccoli Festival, a historically cannabis friendly event, took place on July 27 and 28 on Audi Field and adjacent Parcel B. Audi Field representatives and event organizers briefed commissioners on the event’s arrangements in hopes of securing their support for an event liquor license.
Organizers emailed Chair Krammer nearly 200 pages of production schedules, permits and festival and site security plans two minutes before she gaveled the meeting to order. Commissioners were apoplectic, given their inability to digest the materials in advance. They expressed concerns over transportation, sound levels, coordination with police and clean-up arrangements.
“What ANC 6D is doing right now is helping you understand what the laws are,” stated Commissioner Pawley. “You have not included our community in your planning in any way,” she continued. The number of tickets sold exceeds the facility’s occupancy, she pointed out.
Commissioner Hamilton echoed Pawley concerns. “It is inexcusable that we did not receive a heads up from DC United about this event,” she said.
Is cannabis consumption permitted at Audi Field and Parcel B? asked Commissioner Fast, since smoking is in general banned at the facility. Organizers had no real answer. Would organizers discourage event goers from consuming cannabis in adjacent residential areas, given the limitation at Audi Field?
Hamilton pointed out that Audi Field has no parking facility. This has imposed an enormous burden on the community in terms of trash and traffic.
Fast asked about cannabis consumption which is not permitted in Audi Field.
“To the gentle lady, this is a bunch of hogwash. Shame on Audi Field, DC United. Shame on all of you.” Treasurer Collins intoned.
The commission protested the event’s liquor license on the grounds of peace, order and quiet.
Other Matters
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Captain Paul Hrebenak briefed the commission on public safety. Hrebenak reported crime is down 67 percent. The statistics are the best in the last five years, he said. There was a recent shooting at Channel Square Apartments, he said, reporting the case is moving towards closure. Commissioner Fast expressed appreciation for MPD’s attention to the Duck Pond on July Fourth holiday. Commissioner Pawley asked the police to pay more attention to the new apartment next to CVS.
DC Zoning Commission has directed Merchant Marina to file an application for a Modification of Consequence for the bar lounge constructed in the middle of the green. Secretary Levine wants the construction stopped.
The commission voted to:
• support the SW BID’s application to the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) to install benches and sculptures;
• support the Nicholson Project’s application to DCCAH to fund an artistic projection on the exterior of 899 Maine Ave. SW;
• support the Cathenge Public Art Project’s application to DCCAH to fund an installation on the traffic circle on Maryland Avenue SW across from the Salamander Hotel, contingent on the artist securing letters of support from neighboring businesses and residences;
• support the 2024 DC Bike Ride on Sept. 7;
• protest a liquor license for Fish Shop DC, 610 Water Street, SW in absence of a community agreement on the grounds of peace, order and quiet;
• support the Paul Taylor Lansburg Park Annual Summer Community Picnic on Aug. 14
• approved a settlement agreement with American Cruise Lines
• approved the issuing of a Request for Proposals for a new website.
ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The commission does not meet in August. It will meet again on Sept. 9. For more information, visit www.anc6d.org.
