ANC Member Meg Roggensack The 2B0 ONE Newsletter
September 2, 2021

Back to School Time...

Tommy- 15 years on corner of NH and R protecting Ross Elementary students
School is back in session! Our crossing guard logs lots of early, often cold and rainy hours to keep everyone safe. DCPS is working to keep students healthy. Above is a shot of Tommy who has spent 15 years protecting Ross Elementary students at New Hampshire and R. Take some time to read up on school safety. And do your part on COVID-19 front – wear a mask indoors (updated mask guidance), get vaccinated, and support DC’s efforts to raise vaccination rates in our region. More information is here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

Note that StayDC offers rent and utility support for residents struggling to meet these bills as a result of the pandemic: Stay DC.

Our next regular ANC meeting is Wednesday September 8 at 7 PM, a week earlier than usual to avoid conflict with Yom Kippur. We’ll hear from Allister Chang, Ward 2 representative to the Board of Education; the agenda will be posted on our ANC 2B site shortly. You can join the meeting via this link: https://bit.ly/ANC2BSeptember2021 The Land Use Committee is not meeting this month; the Mobility Committee will meet Wednesday September 21 at 7 PM.

Here is a quick recap of activities over the past two months:

Signature Lounge license

On Friday, August 27, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board issued its decision approving Signature Lounge’s application for a Retailer’s Class CT license subject to these conditions:

“based on compelling evidence that the ownership has created safety concerns in the past by permitting the door of its other establishment to be locked when in operation, that prior nightclub activities at the proposed location caused noise issues, and that the premises lack commercially reasonable soundproofing, the Board is not persuaded that Signature Lounge should be granted full privileges to operate a nightclub and provide other nightlife-related activities. Therefore, the Board conditions licensure on (1) limiting the hours to 1:00 a.m. during the week, and 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; (2) hiring at least 2 officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Friday and Saturday during the evening and early morning; (3) not charging a cover charge; (4) not permitting promoters to maintain control over the establishment; and (5) not allowing live bands to perform.”

This decision recognizes the peace, order and quiet concerns raised by neighbors while enabling this business to open and to afford neighbors a new Ethiopian dining option, a good compromise in circumstances.

Commissioner Mike Silverstein ( 2B06) was instrumental in leading and managing this complex application, given his extensive experience on ABRA matters, including his previous service on the board. Neighbors Catie Butler and Jeff Rueckgauer spoke for the concerns of over 200 neighbors living within 50 feet of the establishment, and Dupont Circle Citizen’s Association provided important additional context for the concerns about this operation’s impact on this historic neighborhood.

Keeping Dupont Clean and Green

I regularly walk our SMD to identify areas in need of TLC – broken sidewalks, damaged signage, worn crosswalk markings, for example - and to report these to relevant DC agencies. The #311 reporting system is efficient and effective, and it’s easy to use.Here is a great how to from fellow Commissioner Erin Palmer, 4B02: #311 how-to.

The Department of Health is continuing its regular sweeps of our SMD to identify and address rodent burrows. The good news is that we are making progress. The recently approved FY 2022 budget includes funds for the successful trash compactor program for small businesses, which I supported and will be working with neighborhood establishments to implement. You can help by taking a few simple steps, all aimed at reducing rodent sources of food and eliminating cover: ensure your trash receptacles have no holes and that lids are on tight; take trash out the night before or the day of regularly scheduled pickup; and remove weeds, ivy and other invasive groundcover where rodents can nest. For more resources see my website: https://meg4anc.com/project/

Show some love to your favorite DC park! I’m working with our chair and fellow commissioners to organize a fall cleanup on September 18. Stay tuned for further details.

Public Safety

I hosted our new MPD Lt. Farid Fawzi for a Q and A session at Dawson’s Mark mid-July, to discuss concerns about increased neighborhood crime. These ranged from package theft ( recommendation: use alternate secure delivery, whether office or third party office services company); vehicle break ins ( recommendation: avoid leaving valuables in car or in sight, and as possible park in well lighted area or off street); noise, litter and other disturbances at bar closing time ( recommendation: report to, work with MPD), and heightened public safety conns (links to resources for home and neighborhood safety: safety tips Lt. Fawzi suggested that residents consider installing security cameras to improve crime detection and response. The cameras are part of a rebate program administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: https://ovsjg.dc.gov/service/private-security-camera-system-incentive-program
Lt. Fawzi can be reached at farid.fawzi@dc.gov and at 202-715-7348; the station number is 202 715 7300.

I supported an August 24 public forum hosted by Commissioners along 14th Street NW, reaching out to Ryane Nickens of Tra-Ron Center, to support her participation, along with that of other neighborhood groups. As forum participants stressed, public safety requires a holistic approach and a range of strategies, from enhanced community policing to violence interruption and engagement with students at risk. The Jeremy Black Fund supports the Tra-Ron Center’s work with gun violence victims, while honoring the life of Jerry, slain June 29 on the 1400 block of R Street NW: memorial fund

FY 2022 Budget

Among the various initiatives in the budget of note for our neighborhood are the full funding of Dupont deck over, support for Dupont Underground, and a residential parking pilot.

Included in the FY22 Budget is a legislative act that will use future automated traffic enforcement funds to create a dedicated funding source for the Vision Zero Bill AND future bike and pedestrian projects.

More information on key FY 2022 budget elements, as summarized by DCist, is here: budget recap

October COLORFUL Fest

Capital Pride Alliance is hosting a fall festival on Sunday October 17 from noon to 8 PM. They’ll be sharing more details at our Sept 8 ANC meeting. The event will include a community fair on 15th Street NW between P and Q and entertainment and beverage garden and food truck in St.Luke’s parking lot.

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As always, I hope this short newsletter is informative. Please remember to connect with neighbors, and show support to one another, including our small businesses. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your neighbors. If you aren't already subscribed, you can add your name to the list with the handy button below.
I always welcome your thoughts and suggestions for building a stronger neighborhood.

We are ONE Dupont.
Meg Sig (small)
Meg Roggensack
2B01 ANC Commissioner
2B01@anc.dc.gov
202-935-2405
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