Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Jan. 13 via Zoom. Commissioners Marquell Washington (6DO1), Gottlieb Simon (6D02), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Chearie Phelps-El (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06, chair), Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, chair) and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08) were in attendance.
DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) Community Engagement Manager Kelly Jeong-Olson briefed the commission on the 2025 TOPP, (Traffic Operations Parking Plan). The agency is soliciting community on the plan’s last iteration. DDOT updates it annually by the agency, said Jeong-Olson. Currently, the agency’s major concern is the effectiveness of the resident access placards, which grant access into Buzzard Point and the Ballpark District on game days.
Is there a residential access placard for Wharf residents? asked Commissioner Washington. These placards are only used when MPD closes city streets for stadium events, which does not happen at the Wharf, stated Jeong-Olson.
Events at the Wharf can generate as many as 30,000 visitors, which is greater often than the stadiums, pointed out Commissioner Fast. The 2025 TOPP needs to include Wharf events, not just the Anthem, she said. She urged the revival of the weekly TOPP stakeholder meetings of earlier years. Those gatherings should include The Wharf, the SW BID and the Capitol Riverfront BID, she said.
The Wharf has not been significantly considered in previous plans, Commissioner Levine agreed. It is much more than the Anthem. “The whole premise of what needs to be addressed has to be reevaluated,” he said.
What are the most salient changes in the 2025 draft of the TOPP? asked Commissioner Simon. No changes have been made, because the plan has not yet been updated, Jeong-Olson responded. Given the large Wharf events planned for February as well as the commencement of DC United season, the planning effort is behind, a number of commissioners pointed out.
Planning needs to start earlier, said Kramer. The survey methodology and distribution has never been effective. People in Buzzard Point are being stranded by the Metro bus rerouting. The placard system is not working.
Jeong-Olson offered to meet with each commissioner to gather more . The commission took no vote on the matter.
ABCA Matters
The commission voted to hold a special meeting to address on Jan. 27 to address any remaining issues with alcohol settlement agreements in advance of hearings by the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board).
The commission voted to protest an alcohol license for Urban Roast located at 620 Maine Ave. SW on the grounds of peace, order due to the absence of negotiated community agreement.
The commission appointed former Commissioner Bob Link to the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee (ABC Committee) to assist with his expertise on ongoing issues that he had previous involvement in. Commissioner also made their individual appointments to said committee.
Other Matters
The commissioners elected new executive officers: Gottlieb Simon as Chair, Commissioner Levine as Vice Chair, Commissioner Hamilton as Secretary and Commissioner Kramer as Treasurer.
Captain Adam Crist briefed the commission on public safety. There was a significant drop in crime in 2024, he stated.
The commission voted to approve its annual report and its 2025 calendar.
ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is Feb. 18. For more information visit www.anc6d.org.
