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October 2009 U Street Neighborhood Association Minutes

Thursday, October 8, 2009, 7 pm

Source, 1835 14th Street, NW 

Welcome and Introductions – Bryan Martin Firvida – President,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Welcome and Introductions
• Bryan thanked the sponsors and participants associated with the Fall planting of Vermont Avenue median
• Bryan announced the slate of officers for 2010, which includes Christine Szathmary as President, Jon Kardon as Vice President, Brian Card as Treasurer, and an open position for Secretary. 

Community Presentation: Howard Town Center development project

• Tim Kissler from Castle Rock Partners presented plans for the Howard Town Center site, in the blocks between Georgia Ave., 8th Street, V and W Streets.  There are plans for 100,000 - 125,000 SF of retail and 450 rental apartments, and below grade parking.  A grocery store is targeted as a retail tenant to anchor the retail, along with other neighborhood serving retail and a restaurant.  8% of the apartments are planned as affordable housing.  Parking for residential would be at a .5 - .7 ratio.  The grocery store would want 140 - 180 parking spaces.  The project would take 2 - 3 years to complete.  The developer plans to participate in LSDBE, First Source and CBE employment programs.  
  
• The project is going through the "Large Tract" development process.  The developer is working with the Great Street Initiative program.  Castle Rock also plans to apply for LEED Silver certification.
• Jean Homza expressed concern that W Street should be a through street.  Mr. Kissler responded that the Castle Rock's development rights do not cover the land where W Street would go and this is not associated with their development parcel.
• Scott Pomeroy emphasized that there should be a focus on soundproofing to minimize street and retail noise from being heard in residential units.
• John Guggenmos and Jean Homza expressed that since Howard students may live in the apartment building, there would be a need for 2 bedroom units to permit roommate situations.
• Brian Card and Jean Homza suggested integrating an office component in the building.
• Christine Szathmary suggested that the 8th Street facade be designed so that it feels like a street frontage and not an alley frontage.
• Christine Szathmary suggested that the mechanical system be designed to prevent smells from restaurants from permeating into residential units.
• Scott Pomeroy suggested adding a new traffic signal at the intersection of 8th and V Street.

Community Presentation: Early Stages

• A representative from the DC Public Schools Office of Special Education spoke about the "Early Stages Center" for working with children with developmental disabilities.  More information can be found at www.earlystagesdc.org

Committee Reports and Discussion

Public Safety – Brian Card, Chair:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• The Howard University Homecoming is planned for 10/24/09 from 10 - 4:30.
• There has been a recent increase in officers in PSA 305 - there are now 36 total officers in the PSA.

Town Danceboutique has contracted reimbursable police detail

MPD emphasizes not leaving valuables visible in parked cars, and not walking around using a cell phone or iPod.

Recent crime stats show a decrease in robberies but an increase in stolen autos.

Holiday Party - Christine Szathmary

• Christine announced that she is leading the Holiday Party planning committee, which will be held at Town Nightclub on December 10.  Others are welcome to join the committee.

Treasurer’s Report – Chuck Baxter, Treasurer:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Friends of Harrison Recreation Center – Lydia Charles, Chair:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Transportation and Parking – Cheryl Cort, Chair:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Business Development and ABC – Vacant, Chair:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Historic Preservation and Development – Sheryl Walter, Chair:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Clean and Green – Scott Pomeroy, Chair: 

Community Reports and Announcements