Jack Evans Asks What's on ANC2F's Mind

DC City Councilmember for Ward Two Jack Evans introduced DC Chief of Police Cathy Lanier at the October 2 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2F/Logan Circle at the Washington Plaza Hotel (10 Thomas Circle NW). He then listened to Chief Lanier's remarks, occasionally adding a comment. After Chief Lanier concluded and departed, Evans stayed on to answer questions on various topics from the standing-room crowd of 80-90 community members.

Chief Lanier's remarks are reported in a separate blog post.

ANC2F listens to Jack Evans

Evans and Lanier

Evans said Lanier was "doing a fabulous job". He noted that last year's homocide rate was the lowest in 60 years, and that this year's was on track to be even lower before the recent shootings at the Navy Yard.

During Lanier's Q-and-A session, ANC2F Commissioner Peter Lallas (district 01) asked about anti-loitering laws as a tactic to get drug dealers off the streets. Lanier said such laws have often been found found to be unconstitutional.

Evans said if Lallas could find a law that would pass constitutional muster, Evans would be happy to support it.

"If you can find a better law, I'll introduce it immediately," Evans said.

Evans alone

After Lanier's departure, Evans talked briefly about DC's financial situation in the wake of the federal government shutdown. DC has about 1.5 million dollars in the bank, and will be able to make payroll through October -- but not after that.

Evans introduced Sherry Kimball Sherri Kimbel, constituent services director for Ward Two, to a round of applause. Kimball Kimbel told the meeting that "all the circles" -- e.g., Logan, Scott, Thomas -- are US Park Service property. As such, they are effected by the federal shutdown of non-essential services, particularly in the area of trash collection. Kimball Kimbel said that the Logan Circle Community Association was looking to spearhead a drive to keep the circles relatively trash free. She urged community participation.

Then Evans tooks questions from the community.

"What's on anybody's mind?" he asked.

Community Questions

Someone asked about a plan to move the Spy Museum to the Carnegie Library in Mount Vernon Square. Evans didn't have any information about this, but ANC2F Commissioner Greg Melcher (district 06) said there was "plenty of time for community input".

In response to a question, Evans declared himself "dead against changing the height act".

Commissioner Walt Cain (district 02) asked about the recent Council decision to reject proposed changes in the visitor parking pass program.

A woman from Vermont Street asked about an "uptick in the homeless". She was against just shooing them away, but couldn't something be done.

 "These people gravitate to Ward Two, the center city," Evans said. "The homeless issue is a very delicate issue."

There were two questions about traffic lights. One resident of N Street said DC traffic lights were not synchronized, were too short, and were getting shorter.

Evans agreed, saying he drove up 15th Street to R Street every day, then west on R. He found the traffic lights infuriating. "If I get to be king," he said, stopping for audience laughter, "I'm going to fix all that. There's no reason in the world for it."

The second resident complained about drivers at the corner of 15th and N. Drivers did not pay sufficient attention to pedestrians. Evans promised to look into it.

An ANC2F resident complained about the proposed K Street trolley line. City officials were bent on connecting the trolley to Georgetown, whether it was practical, and regardless of the inconvenience caused.

"There's a large vocal group against it, including businesses on K Street," Evans said. "There's a smaller but still vocal group in favor."

Evans received a round of applause when he departed.