Menu Content/Inhalt
Home arrow Agendas & Minutes arrow February 2008 - General Membership Meeting - Minutes
February 2008 - General Membership Meeting - Minutes Print E-mail
Written by U Street Neighborhood Association   
At the February 2008 CSNA General Membership Meeting, Lt. Alberto Jova, the new PSA 305 Lt. joined us with several of his officers and Sergeants to introduce himself and his team.  Vinoteca's public space application was reviewed and other community news was shared. 
 
Please read on for the complete minutes.

February 2008 · General Membership Meeting Minutes
Thursday, 14 February 2008 · 7:00 – 8:30 PM
True Reformer Building · 1200 U Street, NW
www.csnadc.org

Welcome and Introductions
President's Remarks, Lynn Coffin, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Lynn expressed her appreciation to everyone who turned out on Valentine's day for the meeting.
Lynn announced that DDOT will host an open house to review the 14th Street Streetscape Design & Transportation Study on Tuesday, February 19 from 6:30-8:30 in the Studio Theater atrium (1501 14th St.)  All area residents are urged to attend.  Details about the study can be found on the CSNA web site.

Lynn also indicated that she will be sending an announcement out soon to seek members for the various CSNA committees and volunteers for the August Dog Days activity. 

Lynn noted that CSNA was scheduled to vote on a bylaw change to increase the president's discretionary spending from $100 to $250.  Because the actual language of the motion was not available the group voted (8-0-1) to table the motion until the March meeting.

Community Reports & Announcements

  • DC Office of Planning's Ward 1 Planner, Tarek Bolden will present at CSNA's March meeting.
  • Executive Office of the Mayor - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty - www.dc.gov or 202-727-1000
  • Councilmember Jim Graham – www.grahamwone.com or 202-724-8181
    • Barry Weise from the Councilmember’s Office reminded us that this is the time of year for oversight and budget hearings, and that details are up on the Councilmember’s web site.  Barry also spoke about legislation presented by Councilmember Cheh dealing with noise in public space. 
  • ANC 1B Update – Phil Spalding - www.anc1b.org
    • Phil noted that the Black Cat roof deck decision was finally published, and anyone who wants info on it can let him know. 
    • The ANC minutes from the February meeting should be posted soon. 

Community Presentations

  • John Solomon, CSNA Public Safety Chair, introduced Lt. Alberto Jova, who now is in charge of PSA 305.  Lt. Jova was accompanied by several of his sergeants and patrol officers.  Lt. Jova indicated that while overall serious crimes are actually down in our area there are still several hotspots including 9th, 10th, 11th, T, and U Streets, NW, and that they are watching carefully.  One crime that has increased exponentially is thefts from automobiles.  He reminded attendees to leave NOTHING in vehicles that could prove attractive to thieves - even small change. 
PSA 305 has a very handy set of tips to avoid being a victim of auto theft.  The officers also noted that much of what is stolen from autos in the area turns up at the flea market on 8th and Florida on the weekends. PSA 305 is also actively involved in supporting quality of life issues.  In that regard officers are working with orange hat patrols.  Currently orange hat patrols are active on Wallach Place and Westminster.  If your neighborhood or block is interested in starting an orange hat patrol, contact John Solomon at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  
Sgt. Washington noted that "nosey neighbors" are an effective deterrent to crime.  If you see newspapers piling up on your neighbors front steps - don't just leave them there.  It is an open invitation to thieves.  CSNA will be inviting Lt. Jova and his staff back on a regular basis to keep the community apprised of public safety issues.
  • Vinoteca's General Manager, Diton Pashaj presented the outdoor patio seating plan that Vinoteca will present to the DDOT Public Space Committee on February 28.  Vinoteca is seeking CSNA support for the patio configuration.  Phil Spalding noted that the Vinoteca's ABC license already approved an outdoor alcohol service and hours of service as part of their original ABC license. Patio hours will be the same as Solly's Tavern next door (until 9pm on weeknights and 12midnight on weekends) and there will be no outside music.  
Spalding moved and Cort seconded a motion that CSNA write a letter of support to DDOT.  The motion carried 11-0-2.

Committee Business and Regular Reports

  • Treasurer's Report: Chuck Baxter - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • As of January 1, CSNA had $18,522.84 in the treasury.  Of that amount $4,482.24 is allocated to developers showcase (Dog Days), 110.64 to the Vermont Avenue project, and $5,764.53 for the hospitality grant leaving $8,165.43 available for general use.
  • Membership: Phil Spalding – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • Phil said that he has spoken with local developer Chip Ellis, and the area in front of T Street Flats (14th and T Streets, NW) should be available for use by CSNA for Dog Days. 
  • Transportation and Parking: Cheryl Cort – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • Cheryl Cort, chair of the Transportation and Parking Committee reported on concerns about traffic associated with the 14th and U Utopia development.  The Dupont Circle Citizen's Association is in support of a curb cut on 14th Street rather than providing access off of the T St. alley but as several participants noted "14th Street is DCCA's back door.  It is CSNA's front door."  Several residents expressed concern about the safety, logistical, and esthetic problems that this additional curb cut would engender.  Cort moved and Pomeroy seconded a motion to oppose the curb cut and driveway on 14th Street and to work with DDOT and developers to figure out how to reduce traffic and manage loading zones from T Street.  The motion carried 11-0-1.  Scott Pomeroy noted that DCCA will hold a meeting on March 3rd at the Women's Congressional Club (16th and U) to discuss the Utopia Project.  If you are interested, watch the CSNA web site for further details.
  • Clean & Green: Brooke Clagett - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • Brooke reported on the successful cleanup at 8th and Florida on January and announced that CSNA will be participating in cherry tree planting again this year as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Watch for the date for the spring CSNA clean and green.
  • Historic Preservation: Ernest Springs – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • Newsletter from the DC Historic Preservation Office was distributed.
  • Business Development: Jean Homza – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • No additional report due to Vinoteca discussion.
  • Public Safety: John Solomon – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
    • No additional report due to Lt. Jova's presentation.

Questions, Comments, Concerns

 Next CSNA meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13, at 7PM at 1200 U Street NW

 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]