Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on May 19 in person at St. Augustine’s Church. Commissioners Gottlieb Simon (6D02, chair), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, treasurer), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05) and Bruce Levine (6D06). Commissioners were in attendance. Marquell Washington (6DO1) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08, secretary) were absent.
The commission has provided advice to the District Dept. of Transportation’s (DDOT) Traffic Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP) since before the opening of Nationals Stadium. With the addiction of Audi Field and The Wharf, the game-day and event traffic into Southwest, Buzzard Point and the Navy Yard has increased exponentially.
The commission collectively framed a set of principles to govern the TOPP.
1. The current TOPP must include both routine and special events at the Wharf or, alternatively, be complimented by an entirely separate plan for the Wharf.
2. The TOPP should address directly the difficulties residents face traveling to and from their homes before and after events and games.
3. All residents of SW should be able to obtain placards permitting access to closed-off roads.
4. A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), stadia, commissioners, the business improvement districts and Wharf officials should be convened in the next 20 days to ensure all parties understand their responsibilities involving the street closures and residential access.
5. DDOT should clarify the rules for using and obtaining special residential parking es.
6. Parking enforcement must be geared to preserving residential parking against visitor infringements.
7. Audi Field games should not trigger any loss of bus service below R Street SW.
8. DDOT and DC United should confirm the removal of scooter parking from Parcel B
9. DDOT should release the TOPP no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of sports seasons
10. DDOT should hold a meeting to thoroughly review the TOPP with stakeholders prior to the end of the sports seasons.
The ANC voted endorse the principles and send them to DDOT with ing analysis.
Safety Treatment” for Sixth and M Streets
DDOT has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to alter the intersection at Sixth and M Streets SW, which was the scene of a recent tragic accident. A southbound speeding car turned left on M Street and fatally struck an elderly pedestrian.
There is nothing in the NOI about changes to signalization of the traffic light, stated Commissioner Fast. Nor is there any change to the intersection’s signage.
“We need to get DDOT to focus on the real issues,” stated Commissioner Pawley.
The problem is speeding vehicles heading south on Sixth Street SW turning east on M Street while pedestrians are crossing the intersection either north or south, Pawley stated. Drivers speed from G to M Streets SW trying to catch the lights. DDOT’s plan does not address these risks, she said. Moreover, the removal of parking spaces contemplated by the plan will contribute to increased speeding, she added.
Pawley suggested adding bump outs to the intersection and speed bumps on Sixth Street SW.
The commission voted to table the matter to its next meeting to allow more time to develop a detailed critique of DDOT’s plan.
M Street Landing
The Wharf Association and Hoffman & Associates plan to apply to the DC Zoning Commission (DCZC) for a Modification of Consequence with hearing to sanction the operation of The Merchant Marinna Sports Bar at M Street Landing. At issue are the retractable roof louvers and curtains that allow the pavilion to be enclosed. Both Wharf Attorney David Avitabile and CEO Andrew Son remain open to working matters out with the commission, both stated. The commission took no vote on the matter.
Parcel B
Hoffman Developers and DC United are applying to the DCZC for two-year extension to the PUD for Parcel B adjacent to Audi Field, stated attorney Avitabile. While the two have obtained permits for the project within the required two year window, they will miss the July 1, 2025 deadline to start construction due to lack of financing.
DDOT plans to install temporary bike and scooter parking on public space adjacent the parcel. Treasure Kramer was concerned that DDOT would install scooter and bicycle parking on the section of Parcel B slated for a new neighborhood park.
The commission voted to the extension with one caveat. No bike or scooter parking, they requested, would be installed on the private space on Parcel B. DC United and PN Hoffman were asked to provide these assurances in writing.
ABC Matters
ABC Committee Vice President Laura Diangelo presented the report of her committee on liquor licenses.
The commission agreed with the committee’s recommendation to take no action on 17 license renewals. These establishments have existing Settlement Agreements (SAs) and had earned no residential complaints. It also took no action on a set of licenses for boats that traveled on the Washington Channel, but do not dock at The Wharf.
Commission approved an updated SA for Station 4 at 1101 Fourth St. SW that removed the dancing endorsement.
The commission voted to protest the renewal of the license of Hen Quarter Riverpoint at 2121 First St. SW the grounds of peace, order and quiet due to residential complaints about digital signs and noise.
The comission voted to protest the renewal of Bar Taco’s license at 645 Wharf St. SW due to the lack of a SA on the grounds of peace, order and quiet.
The commission voted to protest Phillipe Chow at 635 Wharf St. SW on the basis of peace, order and quiet.
The commission voted to the renewal of licenses for the Odyssey and Spirit Cruises vessels at Pier Four. The SAs for these boats have been amended to confine waiting crowds on the dock rather than having them waiting on the outside sidewalk, Diangelo stated.
Public Safety
Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Captain Paul Hrebenak briefed the commission on public safety. He began by addressing community concerns about the two recent incidents involving disorderly swarms of juveniles gathering at The Wharf and Yards Parks. These crowds had numbered up to 300 individuals.
The most of the juveniles were not Navy Yard or Southwest residents. Rather, the youth travelled neighborhoods by rideshare and metro, Hrebenak reported, motivated in large part by social media. Both incidents had involved arrests and assaults on police, he reported.
MDP, Hrebenak stated, is planning to flood these public spaces with police. Chief Pamela Smith has also requested an earlier youth curfew.
Other Matters
The developers of 899 Maine Avenue have asked for a “modification without hearing” to alter the location of the project’s loading and bike dock. They are also asking permission to convert some of their proposed rentals to condos. No action was taken.
The commission voted to the Paul Taylor Annual Event on June 14, 2025.
The commission voted to renaming Third Street SW between I and M as “Leona Baker Way.”
ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is June 16 and will be held on Zoom. Visit www.anc6d.org for more information.
