1. Presentation of new officers:
a. Jeff Zeeman, President
b. Adam Aaronson, Secretary
c. Richard Dubeshter, Treasurer
2. Presentation by John Goldman, President of 3DG re: old Bi Rite space:
a. Latest plan:
i. 1st Floor – Meridian Pint
ii. 2nd Floor – 3DG corporate office; Solimar Travel (eco-travel); TBD (small space remains)
iii. Basement – TBD, possible kitchen space for Meridian; possible Rorschach Theatre
iv. John encouraged us to contact Rorschach to express support for them moving into that space
b. Building is designed to be an “iconic” building for Columbia Heights
i. Building materials – light grey stone, white painted brick, wood slatting
ii. Building will be built to green standards; TBD w/not it will achieve LEED certification/rating, but will incorporate LEED point equivalents
iii. Considering solar panels/green roof
c. Expected timeline:
i. Within 45 days – secure funding
ii. End of March – construction begins
iii. End of Summer – 2nd floor offices open
iv. Fall – Meridian Pint open
3. Presentation by John Andrade, owner of Meridian Pint:
a. To serve comfort food, specializing in Belgian beers
b. Hope to serve weekend brunch, both Saturday and Sunday
c. 70-80% of business expected to be from the neighborhood
d. Target price range – $8-$12 for appetizers; $14-$16 for entrees
e. Only draft beers, no bottles. This will help the environment by reducing trash, and will keep noise down when removing trash from the property.
f. Hoping to have outdoor seating
g. Hoping to have bike racks outside
h. Possibility of discounts for patrons arriving on bike
4. Presentation by Officer Anderson Liriano from DC Police Dept:
a. Liriano is the officer assigned from the 3200 block of 11th St to the 3600 block of 11th St. (Kenyon to Otis); including Monroe Park
b. His shift is typically 2pm-9:30pm
c. Since he has taken over, 12 people have been arrested in the park for illegal activity; 3 have been deported.
d. Officer advised that if the community has issues with specific areas, to call him to discuss and he can focus on it during his rounds.
e. Plans to speak to supervisor re: getting additional officers assigned when he is not on duty.
f. Email: Anderson.liriano@dc.gov
g. Cell: 202-576-8222
5. Presentation by Tavarius Butts, Manager of BB&T:
a. Looking to get more involved in the community; exploring option of hosting workshops to discuss savings, home buying, etc.
b. Working with local realtors to set up workshops.
6. Group discussion/updates/rumors of local 11th St businesses:
a. Building next to Wonderland has been purchased; it is expected to be a retail development; open in 12-18 months.
b. 3313 11th St. (building next to Arthur’s) – has been purchased; rumored to become a restaurant-type establishment; details very secretive. No activity on site since the purchase.
c. Hope 7 Project (building on NE corner of 11th and Monroe) – PD Development was hired to develop the building; but no financing secured; no news on the project, which is in limbo.
d. 1014 Park – the “block within the block” (open space between Park, Lamont, 11th, and Sherman); ideas discussed to make a dog park, parking area, garden – but no firm plans set. Councilman Graham’s office currently in discussions with owners re: possible acquisition of land in exchange for tax relief.
e. Building between Acuario and CH Coffee – currently vacant, owned by some owners of some of the 1014 Park land.
7. Group discussion re: 2008 NCHCA meeting topics/areas of concern:
a. Rodents
b. Trash in alleys
c. 11th St Park (strong consensus for dramatic improvements to landscaping, appearance, safety, and child-friendliness of this space)
d. Trees/Green Space (in particular green triangle at corner of New Hampshire and Park)
e. Dog Cleanup (how to encourage owners to clean-up after their pets)
Next meeting of the NCHCA will be in April (first Wednesday). CHCA meets on the off months (next meeting in March). The next ANC meeting is Wednesday, February 13. Next NCHCA clean-up is first Saturday of March.