The May CSNA meeting featured a number of discussions and presentations including, Arena Stage's plans for productions at the Lincoln Theater, a proposed roof deck for DC9, and a proposed dog park on Rhode Island Avenue.

 

Read on for the complete minutes.

 

Minutes of the May CSNA meeting have now been posted in the Agenda and Minutes area.  Among the items discussed were Arena Stage's plans for productions at the Lincoln Theater, a proposed roof deck for DC9, and a proposed dog park on Rhode Island Avenue.



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

Meeting was held upstairs at the Saloon.  Thanks to Kamal for rescuing us while our usual space at True Reformer is being worked on.  President, Lynn Coffin, reviewed happening this past month including the cherry tree plantings and the work on the Vermont Avenue median strip.  Treasurer, Chuck Baxter, reported that the account stands at $18,700.12, with reserves for Developer’s Showcase, Vermont Avenue, and the hospitality grant accounting for about half of this total.   Vote was taken to reimburse Jeffrey Willis for materials supplied for the Vermont Avenue spring work up to $400 and this passed (10-0).  Phil Spalding noted that membership is now around 190.

Community Reports & Announcements

• Chad Bauman from Arena Theatre gave a presentation on their use of the Lincoln Theatre in the next two years and beyond.  Arena is working with local groups and local businesses to promote the economic impact that having these productions will have on the neighborhoods which will be the company's temporary homes.  There will be a May 30th kickoff at the Lincoln for approximately 1200 people. The kickoff plan also includes a ‘Taste of U’ to introduce patrons to local restaurants.  The group had many questions, a number of which had to do with increased parking pressures on surrounding area.  Arena will urge patrons to use public transportation and will be posting guides at the subway to direct patrons.  Arena was asked to thoroughly investigate parking at the Reeves Center, the DPR lot in 1300 block of S, and the HFA lot at 9th & U.  Ernest Springs asked about advertizing in the programs of the productions and Chad responded that they will try to balance major sponsors with some easier rates for local groups and businesses.  If you’re interested in the May 30th kickoff tickets can be reserved at 488-3300.

The question about promoting CSNA by having volunteers wear t-shirts at neighborhood events in which CSNA is participating was raised. John Solomon said that the price he’d found was around $10 per shirt.  Scott Szathmary mentioned cafepress.com that could also be a supplier.  Lynn said that she would talk with our graphic designer to lock in some design possibilities.  Motion was made to set aside up to $500 for these t-shirts, and the motion passed (12-0-1).

• Bill Spieler gave an overview of his application for a roof deck on DC9.  The deck would add to his capacity by about fifty people.  Questions were raised on the impact on nearby residents on 9 ½ Street Alley. Bill responded that he’s had a hard time getting responses from this group.  Jay Murphy asked that Bill provide a map that shows the location of the nightclub and its residential neighbors.  Bill agreed to return next month with this information.

• Damali Neal and Ayoka Jack from The Republic talked about the progress of getting their business open.  They have set aside Wednesday, May 28th to hold the community walk through that CSNA requested at its April meeting.  Questions were again raised about the possible noise effects on PN Hoffman, Ellington, V Street and 13th Street neighbors.  Caution was also expressed over parking and suggestions were made on how to best approach the use of valet parking.

• Sharon Dreyfuss presented a petition asking for CSNA’s support for a dog park to be located at Shaw Jr. High School.  Sharon was asked about conflicts with kids' use of the parks area and there appears to be room to accommodate both usages.  Exploring temporary use of the new District owned property on Sherman Avenue was raised.  Motion was made to support the current petition and was approved (11-0).

Committee Reports

• There was a long discussion over notification and review of community issues by CSNA and the ANC and whether these schedules can be reworked to allow CSNA input prior to ANC review.

• Transportation and Parking: Phil Spalding reported for Cheryl Cort in the Transportation Committee report that the 14th Street Streetscape study had concluded and that a decision has not yet been reached on access to the Utopia project.  Scott Pomeroy stated that the 14th Streetscape project review was one of the best run DDOT projects he has seen.  Motion was made to send a letter to the 14th Streetscape team to thank them for their good work, and this passed (10-0).

• Business Development and ABC: Jean Homza reported on the status of the multiple commercial tax relief bills under consideration, and the response to our letters asking for help.  The picture is still unclear but we are expecting that relief will not be at the level we’re looking for.  Jean said that she’d try to get the letters posted on the CSNA site.  Jean also reported that the MidCity Business Association is reviving itself and now has employees back at work.