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The first CSNA meeting of January 2007 was a review of the very successful Holiday Party & Auction - thank you everyone! - and a look ahead at the ambitous plans for CSNA in 2007.  New officers and committee chairs were introduced, but a critical commitee chair vacancy remains. 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in helping address public safety issues in the neighborhood and enjoys being part of a dedicated team, please contact CSNA President, Peter Nevenglosky at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  expressing your interest in the Public Safety Committee Chair.  This crucial community leadership position helps lead the Public Safety 305 Committee with MPD and other community organizations including ANC 1B and the LeDroit Park Civic Association.

More details from January's meeting are after the jump.

January 2007 • CSNA General Membership Meeting Minutes
Thursday, 11 January 2006 • 7:00 – 8:30 PM
True Reformer Building • 1200 U Street, NW

Welcome and Introductions

President’s Remarks – Peter Nevenglosky

• Discussion of Calendar for 2007
• The following list of Potential Speakers and Special Guests was built.  Invitations will be extended to all organizations listed:
  • February – Representative from Mayor Fenty’s Office
  • March – Office of Tax & Revenue
  • April – District Dept. of the Environment / Dept. of Public Works
  • May – Pepco, Washington Gas, and DC Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA)
  • June – Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
  • July – TBD
  • August – Office of Historic Preservation
  • September – District Department of Transportation
  • October – TBD
  • November – TBD
  • December – TBD
• CSNA Special Events
  • Spring Cleanup – Saturday, May 5 (rain date May 12)
  • Development Showcase / Home & Condo Tour – Saturday, August 4
  • Fall Cleanup – Saturday, October 13 (rain date October 20)
  • Holiday Party – Thursday, December 13

• Change to Bylaws: Quorum rules.  Presient Nevenglosky proposed that the quorum be changed from ten (10) CSNA members plus two (2) executive committee members to more proportionately reflect the membership base and attendance at meetings.  He proposed that the quorum become six (6) members plus two (2) executive committee members.  The motion for quorum as six members plus two executive committee members passed on a 9-3-1 vote.

Community Reports & Announcements

• CSNA Holiday Party Review - Sharon said that the CSNA Holiday Party Auction raised $945, including donations that have yet to be paid.  Kristin Longhauser, Scott Pomeroy, and Dimitri Katznelson still owe their donations.
• Mayor’s Office Update – Joe Martin, Office of Community Relations & Services, Ward 1 Coordinator. (www.dc.gov or 202-727-1000) 
  • Mr. Martin introduced himself to CSNA, and explained that he and the Fenty Administration is striving to be responsive, efficient, and productive as the new administration.  Mr. Martin explained how recent graffiti on Cardozo High School along Florida Ave. was removed promptly after the Fenty Administration and Councilmember Jim Graham became involved.  Joe advised that a representative from his office will be present at every public community meeting in the city, every day.  If citizens would like to report problems, Joe encourages calling (202) 727-1000. 
  • Joe’s office phone number is (202) 671-2338, and his email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 
  • Joe advised that there will be a walkthrough around 14th and Euclid on January 24th.  There will also be a Fightback on February 7th around 7th and T Streets.  The MPD decides when fightbacks should be scheduled. 
  • At future meetings, either Joe Martin or Jackie Reyes will attend on behalf of the Office of Neighborhood Services.
  • Joe addressed Sharon’s questions about the increasing rodent problem, and he encouraged citizens to report overflowing dumpsters, trash in public space, and rodent sightings to (202) 727-1000.  The rodent problem is expected to worsen due to mild weather.
  • Ernest raised concerns about issues on the 1400 block of Chapin Street, advising that parking meter poles remain from meters that were removed, a fire hydrant is broken, and there is a pungent smell of gas.
  • Joe advised that he is contacting all school principals in the city to address the problem of graffiti tagging.
  • Joe asked that if anyone knows of people living in homes that may be exposed to the elements, that they notify him to provide assistance.
• Councilmember Jim Graham Update – www.grahamwone.com or 202-724-8181 – no representative present
• ANC1B Update - Phil Spalding www.anc1b.org
  • International Grill: Mr. Bah and Mr. Gary Williams from International Grill presented their application for a C-R liquor license, and their plans to extend their restaurant service to the second level.  International Grill does not currently have a liquor license, and would like to augment their menu with the sale of liquor to their customers.  Mr. Williams explained that International Grill’s new restaurant plan will appeal to a sophisticated, educated crowd, and will act as a first-class restaurant and lounge establishment.  The upstairs capacity is 100, and International Grill does not intend to exceed 100 people or have lines or a rowdy crowd.  Mr. Williams explained that there will be an entertainment component that may consist of multimedia.  The hours of operation have not been set and will be revised on the application.  Phil Spalding advised that the owners either specify what kind of entertainment will be offered, or remove the entertainment component from the application.  Phil also advised that International Grill remove their dumpsters from public space and create an indoor enclosure for the dumpsters.  The owners said that there will be a wait staff and table service at the restaurant.  Ernest explained that he has been a returning, happy customer at International Grill, and that the owners have been responsible, and that they have kept the establishment clean and professional.  Ernest motioned that CSNA write a letter of support for International Grill’s C-R liquor license application, understanding that the hours have not yet been determined.  CSNA voted in support of the motion, 10-0-1.
  • 14th St. Café: The owners of 14th St. Café at 2007 14th St. did not show up to the CSNA meeting, and also have not been in contact with the ANC regarding their liquor license application.  Phil explained that the establishment will be a new café with music, dj, summer garden, and band.  The hours will be from 11:30 am – 2 am on weekdays, and 11:30 am – 3 am on Friday and Saturday.  The entertainment hours will be from 6 pm – 2 am on weekdays, and 6 pm – 3 am on Friday and Saturday.  A motion was made to write a letter to ABRA requesting more information and community presentations from the owners.  CSNA voted in support of the motion, by a vote of 10-0-1.

Committee Business and Regular Reports

• Treasurer’s Report: Chuck Baxter,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Chuck reported that as of November 1, there was a balance of $7,278.88.  As of January 1, there was a balance of $7,783.73.  $1,366.73 is earmarked for the Development Showcase, and $6,417.01 is available for general use.
• Membership & Communications: Lynn Coffin,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Lynn advised that in 2006, there were 64 members.  In 2007, there are 30 members so far, and most are members who have renewed their dues.  Lynn’s goal for 2007 membership is 100 members.
  • Lynn is working to build a database of emails for membership.
  • Lynn will consider developing an emailable membership form that members can distribute to others who may be interested in membership.
  • For 2008 membership rates, it was discussed to give households with two people the option of $25 dues for two votes for the household.
  • Jon advised using the Intowner, DC North, and Dupont Current as  public relations for CSNA rather than producing and distributing an independent CSNA newsletter.
  • Lynn will discuss with a graphic designer whether he can design postcards for CSNA to recruit members.
  • Jon and Phil will work together to select a display case to be mounted at the 13th St. U Street Metro Escalator, on the exterior wall of Quiznos.  The display case will be funded by ANC1B, and may be used by CSNA, ANC1B, and MidCity to promote their organizations and community events.
• Transportation & Parking: Cheryl Cort  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • On DDoT’s website, there is a Pedestrian Safety section where people can provide input on how to improve the city as a walkable community.
• Clean & Green: Laura Bridge (absent)  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Scott asked that anyone who knows of viable locations to plant cherry trees to inform Scott.  There will be a cherry blossom planting diruing the Cherry Blossom festival.  Chuck recommended Vermont and 10th Streeets.  Scott advised that in order for cherry blossoms to be planted, there needs to be a stewardship program in place.
• Historic Preservation and Development: Ernest Springs  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Scott commented that vinyl banners are illegal to be used as storefront signs without a permit.
  • Phil advised that there are two projects on the Historic Preservation Office which will likely be signed off.  One is for a commercial storefront at 2022 9th Street, and one is for a property on 10th Street that will have a below-grade entrance added.
  • Phil brought to attention the ATM machine that has been installed on the exterior of U Mini Market on the 1300 block of U Street.  Historic Preservation signed off on the ATM.  Scott, Ernest, and Phil raised concerns about having an ATM in public space, which creates a safety risk in addition to disrupting the historic character of the neighborhood.  Joe Martin said that he would find out what government agency has oversight of ATM’s in public space, and he will work with CSNA on this issue.
• Business Development and ABC: Christine Holst  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Scott advised that a $15,000 grant of neighborhood investment funds is going to be in place in the next week, and there will be a $7,500 draw going to the CSNA account.  Scott said that HRP will finalize a contract with a consultant this week.  There will be a Leadership Summit in early February.  Chuck raised concerns of having the grant money in the CSNA account, but said that as long as the funds are below $20,000 - $25,000, CSNA will not have to file a 990 form. 
• Public Safety: Vacant (join the Public Safety 305 listserv  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) 
  • Jean advised that there has been a recent surge in violence and robberies in the area.  G-Books, RiteAid, and Pop have been robbed.
  • Ernest recommended that surveillance cameras be shifted to main corridors and police patrol side streets more often.  
  • Joe Martin suggested that an adopt-a-block police program be implemented in areas of crime concern. 
  • A public safety chair is needed.  Kristin and Christine will talk with friends who may be interested in the position.

Questions, Comments, Concerns

REMINDER: Please Pay Your Dues for 2007
(Pay Online @ JOIN.CSNADC.ORG or pay by Check/Cash by Mail)