Commentary: ANC 5D Meeting December 2020

Chairman Lee opened his last ANC meeting as a commissioner by praising his peers for increasing the level of respect, organization and technology. In the last two years, the ANC acquired a projector, video camera and other technology for the meeting room, and of course has transitioned to a remote Zoom and YouTube setup this year. Now, with a virtual assistant, there are even official “minutes.” And, transformationally, the meetings mostly now proceed without yelling or name calling, which was pretty common in previous terms. Every once in a while, a meeting might even end on time.

Both commissioners Lee and Shropshire have served for six years and commissioners Motley and Linehan were on the ANC just this last term. Commissioners Moore and Blacknell will continue in their seats in January. “It’s been a plum pleasing pleasure serving,” Shropshire said.

Each present outgoing commissioner was true to form at last night’s meeting. Commissioner Linehan advocated one last time for a park and community center at the Crummell School site in Ivy City, passing his resolution about the Comprehensive Plan. And the zoning case of 1638 Trinidad Avenue returned, with Chairman Lee pushing against what he sees as displacement of elderly residents and incongruous architectural designs. Commissioner Shropshire mediated between neighbors and gave a longtime resident’s concerns a careful airing.

There were several presentations, including from Ryan Allen of 411 Collective, which creates street art murals locally. Allen lamented a lack of local businesses willing to work with the group. “No one really sees art as a way to invest in the community,” he said. If you know a business or property that would be interested in hosting a mural, you should feel free to reach out through Instagram or Facebook. 

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A post shared by Muralist Artist Creative Demon (@miztarious)

In the last meeting of this term, the ANC approved its consent calendar, voted to protest the ABRA certification of 7 Food Store and have Commissioner Moore represent the ANC in the proceedings. Cityblock Health, a new health startup supporting medicaid recipients mainly in wards 5, 7 and 8, presented to the ANC and received support for a certificate of need. A new five unit development at the corner of West Virginia Avenue and Neal Street presented and will seek approval later.

Lt. Chapman, of the Fifth District, was the first representative of the MPD to speak before the ANC in at least three months. “My pledge is to be more accessible to you,” he said. He spoke at length about the challenges of K2, a constantly changing street drug that can affect different users differently, sometimes causing erratic behavior and hallucinations that require hospitalization. Silas Grant spoke for Councilmember McDuffie’s office and Nokomis Hunter spoke for the Mayor’s office, announcing the $100 million Covid bridge fund.

Motley, who has been absent for months, was absent for his last meeting as Commissioner.

Drawn notes by me. Screenshot from YouTube.