Andy Litsky, Chair of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) of Near Southwest and part of Southeast DC, reported that the DC Zoning Commission would discuss the St. Matthew’s Church development proposed for Delaware Avenue and M Street SW on April 30. The plan is for a Lutheran church and apartments to be built. The ANC commissioners previously voted to support the plan.
Julie Lawson, Communications and Campaigns Manager of the Anacostia Watershed Society, reported that Wednesday, April 25, is Paddle Night on the river. From 5-7:30 p.m., at the Anacostia Community Boathouse at 1900 M St. SE, boats will be provided for no fee. The Society will have staff, canoes and kayaks available for anyone who would like to paddle on the Anacostia.
The Nash Run Trash Cleanup is Saturday,April 28, from 9 a.m.-noon. It is near the intersection of Anacostia Avenue NE and Douglas Street NE. It was also noted that 170 species of different birds live near the Anacostia.
Chairman Litsky suggested that the commission write a letter supporting the application of Harbour Square to be designated as an historic landmark. The six commissioners present were in agreement. The Tiber Island development received the same support last year. Mr. Litsky mentioned the idea of creating an historic district of mid-century modern architecture.
Marty Wells, president of the Amidon-Bowen Elementary School PTA, asked the board to write a letter to the mayor and chancellor to the DC schools requesting that the $580,000, which has been cut from the Amidon-Bowen budget for next year, be restored. The board unanimously approved the letter. Amidon-Bowen will have $5,000,000 in renovations next summer, including a new entrance, smart boards in each classroom, moving the school office closer to the main entrance, moving the play equipment to the front yard in sight of the street and creation of a soccer field.
Commissioner David Garber introduced about a dozen citizens of Southeast who attended the meeting to support the request for the ANC to endorse a letter opposing CSX’s project to enlarge the Virginia Avenue railroad tunnel in general and, specifically, to construct an open trench to be in use for three years that would accommodate the trains while a new tunnel is being built. The trench would be right in front of some of their new homes.
The next regular business meeting of ANC 6D is scheduled for Monday, May 14, at 7 p.m. in the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Hearing Room, 1100 Fourth St.,SW, 2nd Floor. For additional information or a meeting agenda, visit www.anc6d.org.