Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
The meeting convened via Zoom at 7:31 PM with Commissioners Bender, Cohen, Gianinno, Graff, Hall, Mitchell, and Quinn in attendance.
Chairman Bender opened the meeting by explaining that the agenda would depart from the usual format to allow for an extended public safety forum in response to recent incidents in Tenleytown.
Agenda Item 1: Public Safety Forum with Commander Christopher Dorsey, head of the 2nd District Metropolitan Police Department and Councilmember Matt Frumin
MPD:
- Commander Christopher Dorsey began by introducing himself to the 3E community. He was named as commander of 2D on May 4, 2026 and has been with MPD for more than 20 years in various roles in the Fifth and Seventh Districts, in the Criminal Investigations Division, and at the training academy. Since joining 2D, he has been conducting outreach throughout the community, including the commissioners in ANC 3E. He encouraged members of the community to get in touch at any time: Tel: 202-302-3728 and email: christopher.dorsey@dc.gov
- He addressed the recent homicide that occurred behind CVS on Wisconsin Avenue on May 7th, noting that the investigation is ongoing and that MPD is actively pursuing leads. He reported that forensic work is underway and that investigators have obtained surveillance video, which has been shared publicly on MPD’s YouTube channel to encourage community assistance and encouraged people to review the video and to call in any leads.
- He also addressed the other recent assault with a deadly weapon that took place at 4400 Chesapeake on May 8th. In that incident, MPD officers were dispatched to the location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, a witness stated that they saw an individual being chased up the staircase of the parking garage by two suspects. To avoid them, the individual jumped off the garage and the suspects fired the gun from the top of the garage towards the individual, who was not hit, but ran away. The suspects fled. The officers recovered the shell casing, and it is still being investigated.
- He stated that MPD has increased resources in the Tenleytown corridor and is coordinating with partner agencies, including the U.S. Park Police and Metro Transit Police. He noted that specialized units such as the Youth Division and Criminal Intelligence are being deployed to better understand underlying causes of recent incidents.
- Assistant Chief Jeffrey Kopp emphasized efforts to increase officer visibility, particularly through patrol presence in the Tenleytown area, and noted the importance of officers building relationships within the community. MPD leadership reiterated that school security personnel are in regular communication with local schools and rely on school staff to share information with students and families. He encouraged constituents to get in touch with him at any time: Assistant Chief Jeffrey Kopp, 202-384-7494, Jeffrey.kopp@dc.gov and with other officers and leadership within 2D for questions or concerns: Charles.barnes-Tutt @dc.gov[JB1] for any questions or concerns regarding the Tenleytown community, phone number 202-839-7924
Councilmember Matt Frumin:
- Councilmember Matt Frumin described the violence as a tragedy, particularly given the number of children and schools in the area, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a visible and engaged police presence. He noted coordination with MPD following the incident and expressed a desire to both respond immediately and better understand the root causes of recent activity.
- He spoke about how he is coordinating closely with Commander Dorsey about these incidents and to ensure that increased police resources are visible to the community, not just now, but going forward. He stated how they both agree that it is essential that officer presence in Tenleytown means not just having officers in the car but out circulating in the community, getting to know people, youth, and routines.
- He is happy to hear that Commander Dorsey and Assistant Chief Kopp are willing to support the Tenleytown community by partnering with the neighborhood, ANC, and Tenleytown Main Street, and other community officials to get the situation under control, but then to keep it under control.
Trianna Downing – Community Action Team Specialist at DCPS for Wards 2 and 3:
- Ms. Downing described her role as a liaison between school communities and DCPS central services and encouraged residents and parents to contact her with concerns related to school environments and safety, particularly at Jackson-Reed High School, but at all schools in 3E. She can be reached at Tel: 202.407.3197 E: trianna.downing@k12.dc.gov
Noah Getz, Tenleytown Main Street (TMS):
- Mr. Getz highlighted impacts of these incidents and the increased number of issues in the Tenleytown neighborhood to the business community, noting increased security measures such as retail stores locking merchandise represent a ‘canary in the coalmine,’ and he emphasized the need for collaborative responses.
Constituents raised a wide range of comments and reactions:
- A resident noted that preschool children at Ft. Reno Park had to shelter during the incident, underscoring the proximity of violence to young children.
- Several residents questioned why there is not a more consistent presence of officers walking the neighborhood (“beat cops”) rather than remaining in vehicles.
- Concerns were raised about youth activity, including groups riding motorized bikes in ways perceived as dangerous.
- One speaker referenced reports that weapons may have been stored near Jackson-Reed High School; MPD responded that no such items had been found but that all reports are taken seriously and investigated.
- Concerns were also raised about drug use among students and access to school facilities and supervision.
- A clergy member noted that youth appear increasingly desensitized to violence and called for community-based efforts to rebuild trust.
- Questions were raised regarding cannabis dispensaries and that given the well-documented issues relating to youth in and around Tenleytown, why a new dispensary was approved very close to JRHS, Deal Middle School, Janney Elementary, Communikids, and Two Birds, and constituents asked about the Council’s role in regulating them.
- Councilmember Frumin clarified that such matters are handled at the Council level and that ANC 3E has nothing to do with the dispensary and ANC 3E has in fact been very strong in negotiating voluntary agreements with the dispensaries. He directed residents to review new legislation that was introduced to strengthen the role of ANCs in protesting the issuance, renewal, or transfer of internet retailer licenses and reduce the distance in which a medical cannabis dispensary can operate: Medical Cannabis Process Improvement Amendment Act of 2025, https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0522
- Residents expressed concern regarding vacant or underutilized buildings and their role in safety issues and were encouraged to report such properties to the Department of Buildings.
MPD, Councilmember, and DCPS Responses to Community Concerns:
- Commander Dorsey acknowledged challenges related to staffing and resource constraints but emphasized their commitment to increasing officer visibility and engagement. He stated that foot patrols are an important tool for building rapport and that he is encouraging officers to spend more time outside of vehicles. The specific building at 4400 Chesapeake Street is on their radar.
- Councilmember Frumin emphasized that gun violence in any form is extremely problematic and that ability of MPD to deploy beat patrols is important and is one reason why crime rates came down in 2023-2024. At the same time, it is important that a heavy-handed police presence doesn’t become the norm.
- Regarding enforcement and youth activity, MPD reported that they have picked up 350 truants in 2D this year alone, many of whom were returned to JRHS.
- Officials explained that juvenile justice processes may limit consequences in some cases, including diversion programs for first offenses.
- Commander Dorsey also described the role of School Resource Officers in building relationships with students and helping to de-escalate conflicts.
- Ms. Downing from DCPS stated that DCPS/school policies do not allow non-cleared individuals into school buildings and that JRHS does have staff who go out to the alleys to make kids go back to class
Commissioners’ Discussion:
- Commissioner Mitchell emphasized that the ANC has been requesting increased foot patrols for months and expressed concern that recent improvements may not be sustained.
- Commissioner Bender raised concerns about staffing levels in PSA 202 and asked whether a minimum number of officers on duty could be maintained and requested that there be a minimum of three on a given shift. Commander Dorsey responded that in his short time in 2D, he’s seen how busy it is in Tenleytown and feels that there should be more resources here, more than two.
- Commissioner Graff highlighted the need for balanced approaches, noting that increased enforcement alone may not address underlying issues and can disproportionately impact certain communities.
- Commissioner Hall emphasized the lack of youth infrastructure in the neighborhood and called for renewed focus on creating community spaces and programming.
- Commissioner Gianinno raised concerns about business and property maintenance, including conditions in alleys and shared spaces.
- Commissioner Cohen expressed appreciation for MPD responsiveness and emphasized the importance of continued community engagement.
- Commissioner Quinn raised broader concerns about perceptions of lawlessness and inconsistent enforcement, citing specific incidents and calling for clearer accountability.
- All commissioners appreciated the high-level presence by MPD at this meeting to speak to constituents directly and the personal calls they have received from Commander Dorsey since taking charge of 2D.
MPD, Councilmember Frumin, and agency representatives provided closing remarks reiterating their commitment to ongoing coordination and engagement.
Agenda Item 2: Announcements / Open Forum
Commissioner Bender invited announcements from constituents of general public interest or issues that that should be on the 3E agenda:
- Che Demczuk, Ward 3 Representative from the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS) (che.demczuk@dc.gov), informed constituents of several announcements:
- The mayor announced her FY2027 budget, Grow DC on April 10th and residents can read more about it at budget.dc.gov.
- FY27 Community Development Grant program is open. The application deadline is June 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The grant pre-bidders conference event is taking place on Tuesday, May 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at MLK Library. The event will inform prospective applicants about grant eligibility, application guidelines, budget preparation, and compliance requirements. ServeDC is looking for volunteers to support set-up, checking-in of applicants, and wayfinding. For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism & Partnerships (ServeDC), at serve.info@dc.gov.
Agenda Item 3: Discussion of and Possible Vote on a DDOT Public Space Application for a Sidewalk Cafe at 5247 Wisconsin Ave
- Commissioner Quinn introduced the application and the owner of the Aura, Saaheb Mahant.
- Mr. Mahant presented photos of the site plan and the proposal to transfer an existing sidewalk café license from the previous owner, including continuation of agreed-upon operating conditions such as hours of use.
- No constituents or commissioners had comments or expressed concerns.
- Commissioner Quinn motioned to approve the resolution as amended during the afternoon of May 14th. Commissioner Bender seconded. The motion was approved 7-0-0.
Agenda Item 4: Tenleytown Main Street Public Art Proposal
Noah Getz of Tenleytown Main Street (TMS) presented a proposal to install a public art installation in Tenleytown as part of an application to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The application is due in July, and a letter of support from ANC 3E would strengthen the submission.
- The proposed installation, to be designed by artist Davide Prete, would focus on creating a visually engaging and interactive piece that reflects the character of the neighborhood. Potential locations include 42nd and Fessenden or 39th and Van Ness. The concept emphasizes color, playfulness, and community interaction, while maintaining required buffers around trees, bus stops, and bike share stations.
- Mr. Getz noted that the project would include community engagement, with plans to involve local residents and students—particularly Jackson-Reed High School students—in developing design concepts and potentially contributing to fabrication and installation. The goal is for the project to reflect neighborhood identity and encourage community participation.
- If awarded funding, the project would require coordination with multiple District agencies, and ANC support is requested at this stage to strengthen the application.
- No constituents had questions or comments about the presentation.
- Commissioners had the following comments and questions:
- Commissioner Bender asked about the approval process for installation
- Commissioner Gianinno noted plans to meet with TMS to discuss community engagement
- Commissioner Cohen expressed support for the proposal
- Commissioner Quinn suggested expanding similar installations to additional locations, perhaps like on 42nd Street.
- Commissioner Mitchell expressed continued support based on prior efforts
- Commissioner Bender moved to support ANC 3E providing a letter of support to TMS. Commissioner Hall seconded and all voted in favor, 7.0.0.
Agenda Item 5: Presentation by DC Office of Planning on Proposed Comprehensive Plan Updates – DC2050
Emma Estes and Ryan Hand from the DC Office of Planning (OP) presented proposed updates to the Comprehensive Plan (DC2050) (DC2050.gov), including changes to residential place types and planning for future growth. Discussion focused on potential impacts of increased density, particularly in areas near transit corridors.
Constituents raised the following comments and concerns:
- There was limited public awareness of the proposed changes and whether affected residents will be adequately notified
- Several residents expressed concern that dividing neighborhoods into smaller planning areas could lead to targeted redevelopment pressures
- Potential for developers to maximize redevelopment opportunities before residents fully understand the implications
- There were multiple questions about why development is concentrated in small areas near transit corridors rather than distributed more broadly across neighborhoods, pointing to Spring Valley as an example.
- Multiple residents emphasized the need for clearer communication and greater outreach to ensure that community members understand how proposals may affect their properties and neighborhoods.
Commissioners raised the following comments:
- Commissioner Bender asked clarifying questions about how areas shown in the proposal would be categorized (including whether certain areas would become moderate density) and expressed concern about the use of small planning zones, noting that they could create uneven development pressures. He noted that YIMBY groups similarly questioned why the proposal would put all the new development in such a small part of DC. He mentioned Portland, Oregon as an example of encouraging infill development without incentivizing teardowns of existing housing stock. He emphasized the need for additional time and information to fully evaluate the proposal.
- Commissioner Mitchell raised concerns about current development patterns, citing examples of smaller homes being replaced by significantly larger single-family houses rather than increasing the number of housing units. He questioned whether current policies are effectively encouraging infill housing.
- Commissioner Graff emphasized the need to increase housing supply, including affordable housing, and noted that policies should be evaluated in light of broader housing needs.
- Commissioner Gianinno raised questions about infrastructure impacts, such as school enrollment and utility consumption, and whether those elements are being considered in the plan, and any consideration of the effectiveness of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), noting that they may not always result in additional housing as intended.
- Commissioner Cohen noted that this was the first time he was hearing detailed information about the proposal and indicated that there was not yet sufficient information to fully evaluate or comment on its implications.
- Commissioner Quinn stated that additional details are needed to understand how the proposal would function in practice and that changing the regulation on function of building would be more effective. He is concerned whether this plan would actually result in housing development, expressing concern this plan will not actually get new units built.
- Commissioner Hall referenced examples from other cities where multifamily housing has been integrated into single-family neighborhoods, like in North Vancouver, and suggested that such approaches could inform future planning discussions.
Office of Planning representatives stated that the goal is to distribute growth more equitably across the city and that outreach is ongoing through public meetings and engagement with ANCs.
Agenda Item 6: DDOT Resolution – Diplomatic Parking (39th Street NW)
- Commissioner Mitchell presented a resolution opposing the conversion of three metered spaces to diplomatic parking at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States citing existing parking availability both in a surface lot and an underground parking garage.
- No constituents or commissioners had comments.
- Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the resolution to oppose the conversion of metered parking to diplomatic parking at this location. Bender seconded and all voted in favor, 7-0-0.
ANC Business
- Approval of April 2026 meeting minutes
- Bender moved to pass the April minutes as amended. Gianinno seconded and the motion was approved by 7-0-0.
- Approval of expenditures:
- One expenditure:
- Check to Sarah Nugent for administrative services; Invoice #102: $428.75 covering March 12-April 8.
- Commissioner Quinn moved to approve, Commissioner Bender seconded and the motion was approved by 7-0-0.
The meeting was adjourned by acclimation at 11:23 p.m.
/s/: Jon Bender
Prepared by: Sarah Nugent
Approved on: June 11, 2026
Attested by: /s/ Tom Quinn