Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Feb. 18 via Zoom. Commissioners Marquell Washington (6DO1), Gottlieb Simon (6D02, chair), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, treasurer) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08, secretary) were in attendance. Bruce Levine (6D06) was absent.
The commission debated reauthorizing its Transportation Committee. During its last term, the committee consisted of members appointed by each commissioner and the chair appointed by the commission. It was charted with examining issues related to transportation and the management of public space. Commissioners could not agree on whether the committee’s new mandate should include the management of public space. A vote to reauthorize the committee failed.
Secretary Hamilton related her personal experiences with dangerous food delivery drivers. The commission voted to request DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT), the DC Dept. of For Hire Vehicles (DFHV) and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) to increase their regulation of food delivery drivers. The letter suggested the agencies require driver’s education and new licensing requirements to increase safety.
The commission debated writing a letter to DDOT criticizing the agency’s Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP). The TOPP is the District plan that governs traffic management for the stadiums and The Wharf.
The commissioners expressed concerns over several Buzzard Point and Wharf-related issues. First, DDOT has never properly addressed traffic congestion created by events at The Wharf, stated several. Events there can draw as many as 50,000 people, which is larger than a sold-out game at Nationals Stadium. Yet, the TOPP is largely silent on this topic, Treasurer Kramer stated, particularly on the issue of concurrent events. Several commissioner decried the plan’s focus on visitors. The TOPP should focus on the needs of residents, stated Secretary Hamilton. Both she and Kramer demanded a reevaluation of the residential placard system and bus rerouting on game days. Along with Commissioner Fast, they demanded greater parking enforcement. In addition, a request for periodic stakeholder meetings was added to the letter at Fast’s request.
The commission voted to send the letter.
Other Matters
• ANC 6D Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee (ABCA Committee) members Laura Diangelo and A. Chase briefed the commission on the Settlement Agreement negotiated with Brisa, which is located at 2121 First St. SW. On the committee’s recommendation, the commission approved the agreement authorize Treasurer Krammer and Chase to testify.
• The commission resolved to request DC Public School System (DCPS) leadership work in good faith with the Amidon-Bowen Elementary School Swing Space Committee and Councilmember Charles Allen’s office to identify and secure appropriate space in Southwest DC ahead of the Amidon-Bowen Elementary School modernization.
• Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Donahoe briefed the commission on public safety. In the last 30 days, there were two assaults involving dangerous weapons, six robberies and two shootings, which have been closed, he said. There has been a pickup in robberies involving high-end jackets, he added, as well as an uptick in car thefts related to hop ins.
• The commission voted to write to the DC Dept. of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) about the agency’s failure to provide an updated permit for Vulcan Properties, which operates a concrete plant on Buzzard Point.
• The commission voted to support the Purple Strive 5K on April 26, the Race on Hope on May 4 and the Pride Run on June 1.
• On behalf of the Southwest Neighborhood Foundation, former Commissioner Marjorie Lightman briefed the commission the Public Buildings Reform Board, a GSA board, considering privatizing 260 acres of government land in DC. The board has no community participation, Lightman said. A new chair has been appointed by the new administration.
• The US General Services Administration (GSA) and SW Business Improvement District (SWBID) have agreed to decorate the Jersey barriers that circle the Wilbur Right Building, said Chair Simon. 17 artists applied and the competition is down to three.
• Virginia Rail Express (VRE) is planning to renovate its SW station including better lighting. The construction will require street closings, said Simon.
• Sixth Street in front of Arena Stage will be renamed Zelda Fichandler Way, said Commissioner Fast. Arena is planning a big event.
• 51 Noodles has opened on Fourth Street, said Commissioner Pawley.
• DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is doing a good job especially with senior programing and repairs, said Commissioner Phelps-El.
• The first phase of The Stacks has opened, stated Treasurer Kramer.
ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is March. 18. For more information visit www.anc6d.org.
