Below is a summary of the actions taken by the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission (Commission or ANC 2B) at the April 9, 2003, meeting. Please note that this summary does not constitute an official record of the meeting. Contact the Staff Coordinator or appropriate Commissioner for additional information.

April 9, 2003 - Regular Meeting

Public Safety Committee and 911 Concerns:  (1) Lt. Claus of the U.S. Park Police stated that crime was down from last year, but that the higher national security alert had been affecting staffing levels in neighborhood areas.  Commissioner Halligan voiced concern that the excellent work done to stop drug dealing in Dupont Circle be continued to prevent dealing in areas around the area.  (2) Captain Thomas Thornhill of the Fire and Emergency Management Services Department, Truck Company 2, gave his impression of what occurred during the fire at 1617 21st Street, NW.  He explained that some 911 operators had been fired.  Chair Micone praised the Captain and other first responders for their courage.  ANC 2B voted to request an update on the status of the investigations from Deputy Mayor Kellums and Police Chief Ramsey.  (2B02)

General Agenda

- Proposed Expansion of the Hours of Operation of Metro:  The Commission considered a proposal for expanded hours of operation for the Metrorail system.  After significant discussion and public comment, the ANC 2B determined it would solicit additional background information on related budgetary impacts from the office Councilmember Jim Graham, who also serves as Chair of the Washington Metropolitan Area Mass Transit Authority Board of Directors.

- Police Service Area Boundaries in Dupont Circle:  The Commission voted to request a copy of the proposed Metropolitan Police Department Police Service Area (PSA) boundaries, as it has been brought to the public’s attention that the Chief is considering redrawing the PSA boundaries.  Those present briefly discussed the present boundaries and, as an alternative, the pros and cons of boundaries which are coterminous to the ANC boundaries.

- Update on the Recommendations of Dupont Circle Parking Task Force: Brett Roullier, of the Department of Transportation (DOT), acknowledged that the Departments of Transportation and Public Works had neglected to fully respond to the recommendations of the Dupont Circle Parking Task Force.  Mr., Roullier noted that the Ward 2 DOT Coordinator will be present at the May meeting of ANC 2B to more fully discuss follow-up to the report.  Commissioner Bowie inquired about new parking meters on the north side of Q Street, between 16th and 17th Streets, NW.  Mr. Roullier noted that DOT was installing the meters, as this area fronts commercial property.  The Commission voted to request that the new meters be removed and that the spaces be returned to residential parking program.

- Neighborhood Dog Parks:  The Commission considered extensive discussion about the value of neighborhood dog parks.  Much testimony focused on the “unofficial” dog parks which have developed at the S and T Street Parks.  Neighbors voiced concerns about noise, limited space, and competing demands for usage.  After debate, ANC 2B voted to adopt a resolution in favor of dog parks.  Commissioner Meehan was appointed to serve as the Commission’s point-of-contact on this matter.  The Chair noted that any proposal to place a dog park within in the boundaries of ANC 2B would come before the community at a future meeting.

Regulatory Agenda

- Update on Public Space Application 02-036 by Starbucks for a Sidewalk Café at 1600 U Street, NW:  Commissioner Giese noted that he was in negotiations with the applicant to resolve the ANC 2B’s concerns related to the trash receptacles on the public space at this location.  (2B08)

- Public Space Application by Carr America for Benches, Lighting, & Bollards at 1850 K Street, NW:  Commissioner Mitten announced that the applicant requested that this matter be delayed until the Commission’s May meeting.  (2B05)

- ABC Substantial Change Application #11679 by Hotel Madera for a 42-Seat Patio (Summer Garden) and Sidewalk Café at 1310 New Hampshire Avenue, NW:  Commissioner Dwyer noted that negotiations were underway between the applicant, neighbors, and ANC 2B to address issues of concern.  To maintain the Commission’s status on the matter, ANC 2B voted to protest this application pending the successful negotiation of a voluntary agreement.  (2B06)

- New ABC Application #41084 by Ben n' Mo for a CR License at 1225 Connecticut Ave., NW:  Newton Howard, an owner of Ben n’ Mo, presented an overview of the establishment’s request for ABC service.  Mr. Howard noted the owners would like to serve alcohol Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 am, Saturdays from 7 am to 3 am, and Sundays from 10 am to 2 am.  The applicant is also requesting live music and unspecific ABC service at a sidewalk café.  After lengthy discussion and questions regarding the proposed operations, ANC 2B voted to oppose the application and authorize negotiations to address the Commission’s concerns. (2B05)

- New ABC Application #50226 by Sette for a CR License at 1666 Connecticut Ave., NW:  The owner of Café Milano in Georgetown described his plans for a new restaurant in Dupont Circle.  The proposed hours of operation for the establishment are Saturday through Thursday from 11 am to 2 am, and Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 3 am.  The operator described his twelve years of experience as a restaurateur in Georgetown.  The building owner for the location noted that parking would be provided in its garage for restaurant patrons.  (2B02)

Commission Administrative Matters, Commissioner Reports, Old Business, New Business, and Public Forum:   (1) Commissioner Giese provided an update on the protest of the ABC license renewal for Lauriol Plaza.  He noted that he did not know if there would be room for negotiations, but was entering mediation.  Commissioner Giese requested that this be placed on the May agenda.  (2) ANC 2B voted to request that the brick sidewalk on the north side of the 1700 block of Riggs Place be replaced in-kind.  (3) The Commission approved a resolution in support of the Dupont Circle Farmer’s Market.

Next Meeting

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month. There is an open forum at each meeting for discussion of issues not on the regular agenda.  The next regular meeting of ANC 2B will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2003; 7 pm; St. Thomas Parish; 1772 Church St., NW.

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