-- New Regulations Regarding Special Signs and Billboards and Proposed Regulations Regarding Standards for Artwork for Special Signs:  In January, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs published new rules in the DC Register to change the city's regulations on special signs and billboards.  The changes are less restrictive than the prior regulations and allow larger, billboard type advertisements.  The DC Council voted to suspend these regulations while considering its position on the matter.  Michael Gould, President of the Kalorama Citizens Association, and community activist Ann Hargrove presented detailed background information on the potential impact of the regulations.  It was noted that the new regulations provide for a ban on special signs and billboards in historic districts.  After discussion, ANC 2B voted unanimously to support a resolution sponsored by the Association of Neighborhood Associations which calls upon the Mayor to reverse the new regulations.

 

-- Term Limits Legislation Proposed by the DC Council:  In 1994, the citizens of the District voted to impose term limits on the DC Council, School Board, and Mayor.  These restrictions, becoming fully effective in 2004, limit office holders to two consecutive terms of service.  The DC Council is currently considering legislation (Bill 14-125) that would repeal the term limits established by District voters.  Paul Dionne, term limits advocate, provided further details on the opposition to this bill.  Mr. Dionne noted that eight of the ten largest U.S. cities have municipal term limits.  He said that 83,865 citizens voted in favor of the measure - more District citizens approved term limits for local elected officials than voted for the recent School Board Charter Amendment.  No one present spoke in favor of the DC Council repealing the existing term limits.  During Commissioner discussion on the matter, several Commissioners noted their personal opposition to term limits, but indicated that the matter should be returned to the voters.  ANC 2B voted unanimously to oppose Bill 14-125 and supports returning the issue of term limits to District voters by referendum.

-- Dupont Circle Parking Task Force Update:  Gwen Mitchell, Administrator of the Bureau of Parking Services, provided an update on the Bureau's efforts to implement the recommendations of the Dupont Circle Parking Task Force.  Ms. Mitchell reported that she expected the recommendations which provide for additional curbside parking spaces and the placement of street markings to delineate where legal parking begins on blocks would likely be completed in 2-3 months.  She agreed to inform ANC 2B if the schedule needs to be extended.  Ms. Mitchell addressed questions on a variety of parking enforcement issues.  Several neighbors reported the need for enforcement to allow for proper street cleaning and others discussed the need for additional evening enforcement.  Ms. Mitchell noted that the consensus budget before the DC Council calls for an additional 138 Parking Enforcement Officers, which would greatly improve the Bureau's enforcement ability.  During discussion, one resident suggested that the Task Force Report should have had greater emphasis on alternatives to reduce demand such as user fees.  During Ms. Mitchell's presentation, ANC 2B voted unanimously to send a letter to the DC Council's Committee on Public Works in support of the additional 138 Parking Enforcement Officers.

 

-- BZA Application #16688, A Special Exception Request from Rear Yard Set-Back Requirements to Allow an Accessory Building Abutting an Alley to be Connected to the Principal Building, 1619 Connecticut Avenue:  Michael Kain, owner of the properties at corner of Connecticut Avenue and Q Streets, described his plans to expand these buildings in the rear for additional retail space.  Mr. Kain noted that a new tenant will be Ann Taylor.  The architect working on the project, John Wiebenson, provided specific details on the scope of the expansion.  Mr. Wiebenson reported that the only BZA relief required for the project is an exception which would allow a carriage house on the property to be connected to the expanded retail area.  He said that the Historic Preservation Review Board had reviewed and supported the project.  Neighbors present asked questions about the extent of the project and noted concern that the neighborhood had not been briefed on the project until this time.  Several neighbors registered their concern about the noise caused by air conditioning units located at the ground level of Mr. Kain's property in the alley, suggesting that the expansion will make the problem worse.  Other neighbors shared concerns about trash and trash pick-up.  Neighbors requested that construction be started later that 7:00 a.m.  After discussion, ANC 2B voted unanimously to protest BZA Application #16688 subject to the negotiation of a voluntary agreement which addresses resolution of the air conditioning noise complaints, defines trash storage and pick-up, and requires construction to begin at 7:30 a.m.  It was noted by the Chair that the neighborhood generally favors the improvements proposed by this project and that he was hopeful a voluntary agreement could be negotiated expeditiously.  (2B02)

 

-- ABC License Renewals and New License:  ANC 2B considered renewal of 2 ABC licenses (Pan Asian Noodles and Barmy Wine & Liquor) and 1 new ABC license (Homewood Suites by Hilton).  ANC 2B voted to protest the following license subject to the negotiation of a voluntary agreement on trash and sanitation issues:  Pan Asian Noodles (2B02).  ANC 2B took no action on the other licenses.