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Your comments on the staff negotiating in private are spot on. All too often neighors get to an ANC meeting and the developer's architect will say...but the staff said this or that. One is then left to question a decision that's been made in private between the staff and the developer.
However, your comments on Gretchen's role as the temporary Board chair for this case are a bit too strong. She's a great addition to the Board, thrust into a challenging role on this case. Give her the benefit of the doubt, she'll grown into this role as she spends times on the Board and better understands the nuances of DC's unique set of preservation and zoning rules. From what we could see following the case online, with Chair Buell needing to step off for this case, Gretchen did a great job of trying to manage what at times seems like a circus to those of us watching. She could have been more heavy handed in cutting off speakers after 3 minutes, but that takes a delicate touch that may have to come with experience. It was unfortunate to have to postpone the McMillian case, yet it was the right decision. We've appreciated the strength of her comments on other cases, especially when she doesn't just accept the staff report as preservation gospel.You may want to reconsider the assessment. The city, its built environment, and neighborhoods will be better because of her willingness to serve on this board.

by Preservation Police Rule! on Jun 7, 2012 2:12 pm • link • report