Friendship Neighborhood Association

In a recent post to the Chevy Chase Yahoo Group, one activist noted:

I testified on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association and asked the
Commission to reconsider some of the more sweeping and untested recommendations
in OP's proposal. I pointed out that OP was recommending the elimination of
minimum parking requirements in areas where there was a potential for a
spillover effect, when high-density residential and commercial development is
near low-density residential neighborhoods. At an earlier hearing, I had
provided a map of the low-density residential neighborhoods that were most at
risk.

So who or what is the FNA?

An internet search doesn't yield much. There is this website. It doesn't appear to have been updated since 2009. It also doesn't list any meeting times or dates. It also doesn't really list how to become a member, other than sending an email to an address that may, or may not work.

Is this an organization that carries any weight with the zoning commission, the ANC or other political bodies? According to the website, the organization was created under the District of Columbia's Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act of 2000 (D.C. Law 13-231). Does that mean there are, or are not any tax or other filings?

Shouldn't there be some sort of threshold of public engagement, public input or other means of gauging sentiment of a community to even be able to carry the banner of representing that community?

Many neighborhood organizations and advocacy groups have extensive information and outreach available on the web or through social media. They actively recruit new members and inform their constituencies of ongoing concerns in their communities. This appears not to be the case with this organization.

Babes Debate Continues

The site of the former Babes Billiards in Tenleytown is the hot topic of discussion on the local listserv. While there have been different proposals, the current version features expanded retail and more housing atop and next to the existing structure, which is two very short blocks to the Metro. The most controversial aspect of the proposal is the relief sought through the PUD for parking. Specifically, the developer, Jamal, would like to have no parking included in this proposal. Instead, they have offered the possibility of seeking alternatives at local lots such as at Whole Foods or Best Buy.

Some have suggested that this PUD before the zoning commission is a proxy for the larger discussion on eliminating parking minimums, as proposed by the DC Office of Planning as part of the new zoning process. One commenter has suggested:

we're making it harder to live with a car in DC at the same time
it becomes increasingly difficult to live without a car in DC. And that's a
situation that, increasingly, both old and new residents will experience. We're
continually creating new entitlements to a good (public parking) that is
shrinking rather than growing. Rationing based on price is the logical next step
(already seen at meters) -- not the sort of grandfathering solutions people
anticipated

To wit, the same commenter opined:


I agree that people pay more for the convenience of living near Metro and of
living within walking distance of retail and of public amenities like good
schools, libraries, rec centers, and parks. I think it's reasonable to assume
that such people drive less and own fewer cars than members of their demographic
cohort that don't live near transit. But the vast majority of households
willing and able to pay for the convenience of living in a neighborhood like
ours will own one car, if not two. So let's make sure most of them have a place
to park at home when they're walking or taking Metro. It's not in their
interests for this project to be built without any parking. It's not in our
interest for it to be built without parking.

On the one hand, theories around induced demand suggest that creating more or easier parking simply draws more vehicles to a destination. On the other, is it necessary to have some parking?


Another contributer offers this commentary:

What I don't understand is how ANY new residential building,
regardless of the proximity to a metro, can't have a minimum for required
parking...as if buyers don't have cars? Sure! Some people will walk to metro and
use it to go to work or elsewhere. Sure! Some people can walk here and there ...
But who would allow a NEW building WITHOUT parking? What if the people who
actually wanted to buy a place owned a car! Where do you park if you live
there? Clearly not on the street where all these people are saying there already
is no parking! I admit I don't live exactly right there but I also admit I truly
don't understand how people could think having NO parking for a new building is
acceptable. The area clearly needs developments and full-time residents. The
area clearly needs good development. But people own cars. And people need to
park cars.


The idea, for some local residents, to contemplate that there are individuals and households in the city, and around the world who exist without cars seems unfathomable.

The underlying question here is whether a developer can create a new residential structure that will have minimal, to no impact on the current residents ability to park near their homes. Further, for whatever retail might come in to these spaces, will they be able to attract and retain employees who may also need a car-less form of mobility, saying nothing about the potential customer base.

Certainly in a perfect world, one can envision new retail opportunities with housing atop that are completely viable. After all, there are cities around the world that are walkable and vibrant with little to no vehicular amenity. The question is, will demand be sufficient for renters without cars and will retailers and restauranteurs remain viable in such an environment?

Who is right here, or is that even the right question?

The latest on Klingle Road/Valley/Park/Trail

The appeal by Klingle Road proponents was dismissed paving the way for, we're not sure. Mike DeBonis of the Washington Post shares the latest.

It is ANC season, 2012 style (updated)

According to the DC Board of Ethics and Elections website, the following have picked up forms for ANC candidacy:

3B
3B01 Joe Fiorillo
3B02 Charles Cinque Fulwood
3B03 Jackie Blumenthal
3B04 Mary C. Young
3B05 Brian A. Cohen

3C
3C01 Lee Brain Reba
3C02 Peter Bruscoe
3C02 Gwendolyn Bole
3C03 Jeffrey Kaliel
3C03 Kevin Wheatley
3C04 Richard Steacy
3C05 Margaret Siegel
3C06 Carl Roller
3C07 Victor Silveira
3C08 Catherine May
3C09 Nancy MacWood

3D
3D01 Kent Slowinski
3D01 Michael Mazzuchi
3D02 Tom Smith
3D03 Nan Wells
3D04 Stuart Ross
3D05 Jameson Freeman
3D05 W. Philip Thomas
3D06
3D07
3D08 Michael Gold
3D09 Gayle Trotter
3D09 Karron Purchass
3D10 Joe Wisniewski
3D10 Silvia Lucero

3E
3E01 Elizabeth Haile
3E02 Matthew Frumin
3E03 Jonathan Bender
3E04 Tom Quinn
3E05 Sam Serebin

3F
3F01 Adam Scott Tope
3F02 Karen Lee Perry
3F03 Mary Beth Ray
3F04 John Wilson, Jr.
3F04 Sally Gresham
3F05 Megan Rosan
3F05 Manolis Priniotakis
3F06 David Solorzano Lowell
3F07 Bob Summersgill

3G
3G01 Carolyn "Callie" Cook
3G02 Gary Thompson
3G03 Randy Speck
3G04 Allen Beach
3G05 David Engel
3G06 Jim McCarthy
3G07 Jonathan T. Chu
3G07 Sandra Thomas
3G07 Henry Griffin

New ANC Boundaries

The DC Government has released the new boundaries for ANCs, consistent with the census process. The Ward 3 maps (PDFs) are located here.

Yikes in AU Park

Word of a horrific fire near AU early this morning.

Hopefully, everyone was able to get out safely.

Preservation versus Sustainability

In brief, here is an article about a recent Historic Preservation Review Board case related to the installation of solar panels on a visible roof in Cleveland Park.

Thoughts?

Cleveland Park Farmer's Market (?)

Despite endorsements from the Cleveland Park Citizen's Association and the local Business Association, the local ANC voted 4-2 not to support the effort to develop a farmers market for the commercial district. One Commissioner noted several reasons for their lack of support:


First, Brookville opposed the application. They are an anchor for our community and have very much been there for us when we have needed them. They agreed to open up shop when no other grocery stores would (including Magruders which came years later). They have literally opened up and stayed open during blizzards. I could go on about the things they've done for the community. I wasn't persuaded that shoppers would both shop at the farmers' market and cross Connecticut Avenue to continue shopping at Brookville or Yes. If we are hoping to attract pedestrians more than drivers, people can only carry so much and are not likely to buy a week's worth of sundries and carry them home.


Second, I was persuaded by my fellow Commissioner, Richard Steacy's, concerns for his constituents who are very dependent on Brookville. He represents many seniors and young professionals who do not own cars and use Brookville as their primary grocery store. I didn't want to contribute to the pressure Brookville is already feeling from Petco (pet food sales are down) and CVS and Walgreen's that have significant grocery departments.



Third, I was not satisfied with the Market manager's response regarding truck management. She stated that she had secured 6 spaces for the 10 expected trucks.
But when asked where the other trucks were going to park, she said two blocks away in the residential neighborhood. Saturday mornings are prime shopping and zoo parking times. This would only add pressure to the shortage of parking we're already experiencing. She also did not seem to have an enforcement plan if the vendors chose to park in the neighborhood rather than the designated parking spaces.


And finally, there are already 4 farmers' markets within a short distance of Cleveland Park; two are less than a mile away. Three are also located where there isn't direct competition with brick and mortar stores. Plus, we heard that Adas Israel may be considering sponsoring a market as well.



While many in the neighborhood have suggested that they concur that a Cleveland Park Farmers Market is a good idea, one neighboring ANC Commissioner has pointed out that the final decision rests with the Public Space Commission.



One should follow the Cleveland Park Listserv for more information regarding the support of this proposal.

Cathedral Commons to Commence

The last piece of the puzzle on Wisconsin Avenue has announced its intention to relocate by July 13th to make way for Cathedral Commons. The Cathedral Sun Trust Branch disclosed to customers the intention to open a temporary branch adjacent to the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Macomb Street during the construction period.

More afoot with Van Ness Square?

A recent CityBiz article suggests coming changes for Van Ness Square at 4455 Connecticut Avenue.

The Annual Cheh Memo

See this Greater Greater Washington piece on the annual joke budget memo. Particularly memorable is this line: Some residents simply are not well suited to live in a major city. They fear sidewalks, bicycles, traffic, noise, parking, and university dormitories. To address their growing list of concerns, we shall establish the Resident Relocation Fund, which will subsidize the costs of these folks moving outside of the District and include a complimentary municipal bond, untaxed, from the jurisdiction of the ex-resident's choice.

Ward 3 Traffic Summit

Signal timing? Pedestrian Safety? Cut-through traffic? Street renovations? What is your issue? DDOT and Councilmember Mary Cheh will be hosting a summit this evening at UDC: Window’s Lounge at UDC (4200 Connecticut Ave. NW) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Van Ness History

The Prince of Petworth blog has an interesting write-up of 4400 Connecticut Avenue, NW in Van Ness. Did anyone else know there had been an ice rink and bowling alley in that space?

WMATA and Friendship Heights: Changes Abound?

The City Paper is reporting that WMATA is seeking a parcel to potentially replace the Northern and Western bus garages. This could potentially alter how Friendship Heights is viewed in coming years.

TNA Meeting Tonight on Zoning Rewrite

According to the Housing Complex Column at the Washington City Paper, the Tenley Neighborhood Association is hosting a meeting on the zoning code re-write: 7:00 p.m. – Tenley neighborhood groups host meeting on the zoning rewrite. St. Columba's Church, corner of Albemarle and 42nd Street.

Clark looking at WMATA site

According to reports on DC MUD Safeway and Clark Construction are eying the WMATA chiller site at the corner of 42nd Street and Ellicot. Under the plan, the proposed mixed-use development would absorb the facility, which provides ventilation and air conditioning for both the Tenleytown and Friendship Heights metro stations and provide additional retail and housing opportunities at the location.

Tenleytown Safeway: One Opinion

Greater Greater Washington has published a review of the Tenleytown Safeway project. Is this proposal better than the original? Is it too big? Or should it be embraced?

Glover Park Streetscape

Glover Park has been undergoing a streetscape process for several years. DDOT and OP have put a lot of effort into making the area more walkable, more pedestrian friendly and more like a neighborhood village, than a pit stop along the Wisconsin Avenue Corridor. The Georgetown Patch has a nice review of the plans. A similar treatment could be a nice addition for Cleveland Park, Tenleytown and Friendship Heights.

Cleveland Park Firehouse to Move Forward

Avoiding some of the pitfalls associated with the Tenleytown Firehouse, the Mayor's Agent has granted relief to the DC fire Department in its effort to upgrade Engine Company 28 to 21st Century Standards. At issue were the fire station doors, which were too narrow for modern firefighting equipment. The HPRB referred the case to the Mayor's Agent, which agreed that public safety supersede preservation in this matter.

Babe's, Another Update

Another update for the former Babe's Billiard site in Tenleytown, courtesy of DC Metro Urban Diary.