December 2, 2018

December Membership Meeting

Monday, December 3

7:30 PM

International Student House

1825 R Street NW

Reports from Local Nonprofit Homeless Service Providers

We will hear the latest news from Charlie's Place, Miriam's Kitchen, Street Sense, Friendship Place and others about their programs. Learn how to take advantage of opportunities to volunteer with or donate to these essential local organizations.

Masonic Development Update

On Thursday November 29, the DC Historic Preservation Review Board heard testimony about the residential development project planned by the Masonic Temple for its rear lot at S and 15th Streets directly behind the Temple. Public sentiment reflected by those who gave testimony was critical of the massing and size of the design by architectural firm Hickok Cole for developer Perseus, and found overall compatibility with the historic neighborhood lacking. Witnesses noted that the project as now planned will block views of the Temple from 15th Street. Designed by architect John Russell Pope, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Temple was intended to be seen from all sides, and features a dramatic rounded apse on the back. HPRB asked the developer to look for a way to preserve views and consider allowing public access to the entire exterior.

Witnesses also raised questions about two below-grade levels planned for habitation, another two levels of underground parking, the effect of traffic on the highly used two-way 15th Street bike lane, infrastructure pressures, underground water issues, and loss of green space.

No witness spoke in favor. Developer Perseus said many were in support of the project but did not attend due to "emotion" in the case. Several comments on Twitter seemed to find notable that many witnesses were apparently age 65+.

HPRB member Chris Landis commiserated with the community about the loss of green space but seemed to indicate the opportunity for "designation" had passed. HPRB members concurred with witnesses about some of the shortcomings of design. They asked for lowering the floor heights by one foot each, modifications to the window bays, and alternative treatment of the building's corners. HPRB Chair Marnique Heath instructed developer Perseus to refine the design, return to ANC2B and HPRB for approval, and to respond to the issues raised by the public.

HPRB also noted that some of the issues raised were political in nature and beyond its purview. DCCA had written to HPRB prior to the hearing requesting a postponement in view of conflicting information received regarding the need for and status of legislation pending before DC Council for a $22 million tax abatement for the project. Former Councilmember John Ray of Manatt Law representing the Temple told DCCA members at our November meeting the project as planned could not move forward without the abatement, while Adam Peters for developer Perseus said the abatement was not needed for the project to proceed. Communications Director Joe Florio of Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans' office (the Temple is located in Ward 2), told me that his office knows of no intention to move the legislation forward, and time is running out for the 15 days notice required of a hearing. Mr. Florio also said there were no grounds for last minunte emergency legislation. Sponsor of the legislation, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie, was quoted in the Washington Post saying the bill is dead. It expires on Dec 31, but can be reintroduced thereafter.

Robin Diener, President 

Click here Watch the HPRB hearing. Read DCCA testimony by board member Lance Salonia on our website and review the WashPost article about project and the article about below grade dwelling by GGW.

Shaw Middle School Redevelopment

For many years now, the former Shaw Middle School site on Rhode Island Avenue has been slated for redevelopment as a high school. Recently, out of the blue, Mayor Bowser announced plans for a public/private partnership to relocate Benjamin Banneker High School to the Shaw site. Meanwhile, plans of longstanding had also been on the books for an historic restoration and full modernization of Banneker which is a public magnet school in Columbia Heights with high academic standing. Parents from both wards are upset and resentful that plans on which they may have made life decisions were summarily changed. Many parents who might have relocated have stayed in Dupont, Logan and Shaw with the promise of a Ward 2 high school in the works. 

Read more

Immigrant Justice Listening Session with AG

Sunday December 2

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Sat/Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

St Matthews Cathedral

1725 Rhode Island Ave NW

The Ward 1 and 4 Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) has organized a listening session with DC Attorney General Karl A. Racine. Several impacted immigrant neighbors who have been pre-selected to share their stories about their ow immigration experience. In addition, on behalf of all of our congregations and our immigrant neighbors, WIN will be requesting several specific things:

Lawsuit around family separation;

Note: The meeting will be in the basement of the cathedral; folks should use the entrance by the alley to the left of the church when facing the front of the church.

Live Music, Food, Wine and Good Cheer

Sunday, December 2

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Washington Studio School 

2129 S Street NW

Kick-off the holiday season by joining The Washington Studio School (WSS) holiday party. Eat and drink delicious treats, meet fellow community members and make your own paper snowflake to take home or display at WSS.

The event is free and open to the public. To celebrate our diverse community of artists, we hope you'll consider bringing an appetizer or dessert from a secret family recipe or your country of origin! Learn more on the WSS website .

December ANC Meeting and Comment Period

Tuesday December 4

7:00 PM

Dupont Circle Resource Center

9 Dupont Circle NW

The special December meeting of ANC 2B will be held on Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00 pm at the Dupont Circle Resource Center. Meeting agendas and other information about ANC2B activity can be found here .

Thursday, December 13

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Woman’s National Democratic Club

1526 New Hampshire Avenue, NW

High Tide in Dorchester is a film that encourages discussions and actions concerning sea level rise, erosion and climate change in Dorchester County, MD. The film creates a powerful, intimate story that looks at a worsening global threat through the lens of Chesapeake Bay’s most vulnerable county.

Price includes hors d’oeuvres: $20 Members; $25 Non-members. $15 Young Dems. $10 Students. Cash bar. Click here  to learn more.

Shop and Dine to Help N Street Village

Saturday, December 15

As temperatures drop, you can help ensure that women in need are welcomed with a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, and a community rooted in hope and healing at N Street Village , DC's largest service provider for women experiencing homelessness.

 

Please stop by the participating retailers & restaurants that have partnered with N Street Village for the Solidarity Saturday event where a percentage of sales will benefit N Street Village. 

 

Partners include Compass Rose, Timber, Supra, Miss Pixie and more. Please email Makenzie at mdelmotte@nstreetvillage.org if you would like to participate!

Click here  to learn more. 

Join us for another year of civic engagement. Your neighborhood needs you! 

Thanks to those who have rejoined already!! 

DCCA membership is open to residents, businesses and supporters of the Dupont Circle neighborhood according to the Association's  Bylaws. Benefits include discounts from  Preferred Merchants; community service events and social get-togethers!