Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met via Zoom on Nov. 21. Commissioners Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03), Amber Gove (6A04, chair), Dave Wethington (6A05), Robb Dooling (6A06) and Steve Moilanen (6A07) were in attendance. Single Member District (SMD) 6A01 is currently vacant.
Delays in scheduled improvements and unresolved maintenance issues have left the Sherwood Recreation Center at 640 10th St. NE with “dangerous failures” in the center’s facilities and limited programming, commissioners stated, citing its physical state of disrepair and dearth of programming.
Why was the improvement work, scheduled to begin earlier this fall delayed? Why do several maintenance repairs to the center’s facilities remain incomplete? commissioners asked.
Commissioners were perplexed by the center’s apparent exclusion from “special programming,” such as holiday events and movies, frequently offered at other sites. They also pointed to the “continual” consumption of alcohol and drugs on site.
Sherwood is “not alone in DPR dragging its feet on other spaces” within the community, Chair Gove stated.
The commission voted to send a letter to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, the DC Council, the City Manager, DPR and DGS highlighting their concerns about Sherwood and requesting plans and a timeline to address repairs and programming issues both in the center and for the neighborhood as a whole.
“This set of motions comes from two years of frustration,” Commissioner Shapiro said, noting that the center could “potentially” be a “very rich resource” for the Ward 6 community. “This should not require all of this continuous nagging.”
Other Matters
The commission voted to:
- the substantial change to the Class C tavern license to increase occupancy from 66 to 198 at Dirty Water at 816 H St. NE;
- protest the Class C restaurant license application with sidewalk cafe, entertainment and cover charge endorsements for DC Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 1402 H St. NE, citing concerns about the outdoor seating plan and the close proximity of the restaurant to residential areas, unless a settlement agreement is reached;
- protest the Class C restaurant license application with sidewalk cafe, alcohol carry out and delivery endorsements at Alero at 1301 H St. NE unless a settlement agreement is reached;
- authorize an ANC 6A representative to testify to the DC Council Committee of the Whole regarding the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2024.
ANC 6A will meet next on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Get details on committee meetings and how to online at anc6a.org.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
