Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met March 11 via Zoom. Commissioners Artilie Wright (7D03), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Commissioner Mike Davis (7D04, vice chair) was absent. Single Member Districts (SMD) 7D01 and 7D02 are currently vacant.
The commission plans to hold a special election to fill the vacancy in 7D01 which has left residents of Kenilworth and Eastland Gardens unrepresented. Candidates Joshua Taborn and Charles Boston will run against each other for a second time after the Board of Elections (BOE) declared the office vacant following the 2024 General Election.
The unique situation unfolded last fall when Boston withdrew from the race. When he withdrew, however, it was too late for his name to be removed from the ballot. In November, Taborn ran unopposed, but received fewer votes than Boston leading the BOE to declare the office vacant.
Now, the two candidates will face each other again, but under slightly different circumstances. In compliance with the Board of Elections (BOE) rules, current commissioners will host the election in person at a location within the bounds of 7D01, Alcorn reported. The commission will need a quorum of at least five commissioners to conduct business and must schedule the election no later than April 12, 2025, he added.
Residents of the SMD will be invited to attend the in-person event and cast votes for their preferred candidate. Following the election, the commission will a resolution to officially fill the seat. The time, date and location of the special election have not yet been determined.
UPDATE FROM ORIGINAL REPORT: In a special election held April 5, Josh Taborn unofficially won the election to represent 7D01. See full story here.
Other Matters
Lead for the Safe and Healthy Housing Division of the Department of Energy and Environment (DDOEE) Healthy Housing Program, Dr. Lakisa Blocker, briefed the commission on resources available for community who suspect mold or radon in their dwelling. Blocker highlighted the risks of mold exposure, which can include headaches, allergic reactions and difficulty breathing, as well as the dangers of radon, which can increase lung cancer risk. She also encouraged residents to use inspection services to ensure their homes remain safe. Tenants who suspect the presence of mold or radon can request an inspection through the DDOEE website (doee.dc.gov).
The commission voted to:
- request that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) extend the closing date for Notice of Intent (NOI) 25-64 regarding improvements at Miner Elementary School (601 15th St NE) to allow the commission to submit comments and about the proposed design.
- request that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) increase their presence at the intersection of North Carolina Ave, 16th Street and C Street NE to improve traffic enforcement and safety.
- the stipulated class CT license application, in connection with the substantial change application, for Langston Bar and Grill (1831 Benning Rd. NE) to allow the establishment to expand business hours and begin serving alcohol earlier in the day.
- the stipulated Class B license application for Economy Market (411 18th St. NE) in connection with its application for a license transfer.
- request an update from the Parks and Recreation (DPR) on maintenance and development plans for Kenilworth Park along Deane Ave NE. The land parcel is currently managed by the National Park Service (NPS), but negotiations to transfer the land to the District are in progress. The commission also requests additional information about maintenance and usage during the transfer.
- send a letter to DDOT concerning NOI 24-166-TESD, which establishes a no turn on red at the intersection of Burroughs Ave and Kenilworth Ave NE, to instead suggest traffic light turn indicators synchronized with leading pedestrian intervals to allow pedestrians to more safely cross this intersection.
- send a letter of to the Mayor’s Office of Special Events for the Capitol Hill Classic road race scheduled on May 18, 2025.
- send a letter of to the Zoning Commission for the design review of the new correctional treatment facility annex project following their presentations to the commission and engagement with the community.
ANC 7D will meet next on April 8 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
