Opinion ID: 1970404
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Views of ANCs 6C and 7B

Text: Both ANCs 6C and 7B received notices dated May 1, 1990, from the District Government, informing them of the filing of the application for special exception with the BZA. ANC 6C was advised that: [T]he application ... falls within the boundaries of your Advisory Neighborhood.... In accordance with 11 DCMR [§] 3307 [1991], the written report of the ANC shall be filed at least seven days before the date of the hearing, and shall contain certain information specified in that section. ANC 7B was advised that: The property that is the subject of this application is NOT within your ANC boundary. However, as a matter of courtesy, I am attaching a copy of the application as your ANC may be affected by this application. Both ANCs 6C and 7B received virtually identical letters dated May 17, 1990, advising them of the public hearing scheduled by the BZA to consider the applicant's request for special exception. The letters differed only in the language of the first paragraph. The letter to ANC 6C advised that the BZA would consider the following application located within the boundaries of your ANC area. The letter to ANC 7B advised that the BZA would consider the following application located within the boundaries of ANC 6C and in proximity to your ANC. The letters to both ANCs invited written reports in identical third paragraphs, which stated: You are advised that Section 108 of the Supplemental Rules of Practice and Procedure before the Board of Zoning Adjustment sets out certain requirements related to reports of ANC's, and specifically that Section 108.1 requires that the written report of the ANC be filed with the Board at least seven days in advance of the hearing. Identical addenda to the letters to both ANCs consisted of an excerpt from the municipal regulations concerning ANCs. Specifically, the addenda quoted 11 DCMR § 3307.1 (1991), which sets forth the requirements for the written reports to be submitted. The addenda also quoted 11 DCMR § 3307.2 (1991), which provides: The Board shall give great weight to the written report of the ANC, as required by D.C.Code § 1-261 (1981). ANC 6C voted unanimously to recommend that the BZA reject the application for the special exception, and expressed the following concerns in a memorandum to the BZA dated June 18, 1990: 1. [The community is] already overrun with various kinds of residential facilities....[ [11] ]       3. The community has had unpleasant experiences with similar type projects in the past. ANC 7B also voted unanimously to recommend rejection of the application for the special exception, and expressed the following concerns in a letter to the BZA dated June 20, 1990: 1. This Commission is concerned about [t]he proliferation of group homes in this [s]outheast section of the city. Granting of zoning variances or special exceptions to permit the establishment of youth and adult rehabilitation homes in residential communities constitute a matter of significant importance to the neighborhood planning, development and stability.[ [12] ]       2. The community has ... giv[en] great consideration to the fact that there is an elementary school on property adjoining the site of the proposed halfway house.[ [13] ] Furthermore, the community is already experiencing tremendous problems with drugs in the area and feel that this facility would exacerbate the problems.