CAPITOL HILL CORNER

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 10, 2026

“Patriots Row” extends its reach on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Eater DC reported last week that the Conservative Partnership Institute has expanded its holdings into the 300 block of PA Ave, SE, by purchasing the site of Spike Mendelsohn’s former Santa Rosa Taqueria at number 313 – 315.  After the Taqueria closed in 2021 and moved down the block to 301, the site was slated to become a Greek restaurant according to word on the street.  That appears to have never gotten off the ground except from some inside work and an exterior paint job.  The new space is in the same block as The Tune Inn, Hawk & Dove, and Butterworth’s. 

Here’s another angle of 313 – 315 after Santa Rosa moved out showing the size of the building.  It’s not clear what the plan is for the new space.  The nonprofit’s operations in the buildings on the 200 block of PA Ave, SE and several townhouses around the corner on 3^rd Street support the MAGA movement with education and training programs and provides meeting space for like-minded organizations like the Idaho-based Christ Church which holds Sunday services upstairs. 

Bikers up in arms.  ANC6B’s Transportation and Public Space Committee, chaired by Tyler Wolanin (upper right),  met last Wednesday to hear from DDOT on the effort to clean up the traffic mess at the I-695/11^th Street, SE intersection – technically the I-695 Eastbound Ramp, DC 295 and 11th Street SE Project.  The project is meant to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic but cyclists are up in arms, and say that current plans fail to address their concerns about a safe two-way protected bike lane between I and O Streets, SE.   

After the presentation, the committee discussed the issue and recommended that the full ANC support a letter to the DC Council requesting that they allocate funding for the project but also that they direct DDOT to revisit plans for 11th Street, SE between I and M Streets, SE.  ANC6A will be recruited to sigh the letter as well.  A second letter from ANC6B will go to DDOT and  outline specific concerns with the proposed bike lanes. 

The steps of the new Southeast Library have been poured.  DC Public Library hopes to reopen Southeast Library by mid to late August. 

Opposing animal cruelty.  And here’s a photo from the Capitol Hill corner of 7^th and Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday afternoon.   The proffered petition supports a referendum to prohibit force-feeding ducks or geese by banning the sale of foie gras in DC.  It’s part of Pro-Animal Future’s stand against animal cruelty.  For more, go here:  https://proanimaldc.org/ and here:  https://stampede.proanimal.org/petition/end-force-fed-cruelty-in-dc

The Week Ahead…

Highlights: 

• CM Charles Allen updates ANC6B on Ward 6, Tuesday night.  See below.        
• ANC6B discusses Proposed Resolution for Actions to Improve Public Safety on Barracks Row.  See below. 

Tuesday, May 12

ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out

• Councilmember Charles Allen
• Office of the Mayor (MOCR)
• Metropolitan Police Department

Presentations

• Congressional Cemetery Presentation on new Master Plan

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

• Discussion on Proposed Resolution For Actions To Improve Public Safety On Barracks Row.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

• ABC Renewals
• New Applications
• Protests/Other Updates

Tobacco King Application Update

CIVIC Settlement Agreement progress

Issues with restaurant vendors blocking alley behind 200 block of 7th SE SE.

Transportation Committee

Resolution on Priority Bus Lane for Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge (John Philip Sousa Bridge)

Planning and Zoning Committee

• Wingstop/Emerald Wings

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm (new time).

For into on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda:

Updates from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

• TBD Community Presentation
• Elected District Government Official Updates

Letisha Vinson, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder

Amber Wright, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations &

Services (MOCRS)

Eboni-Rose Thompson, State Board of Education (SBOE), Ward 7

Representative

Kisha Anderson, District Department of Transportation (DDOT),

Ward 7 Community Engagement Specialist

Community Matters

• Big Chair Chess Club, Wendall Brown, President and Wendell Hawkins, Vice President

Commissioner SMD Reports 10 minutes

Community Comments

ANC 7D Committees

• TPS Proposed Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DDOT in response to NOI 26-105-MPDD with the following recommendations:

Support converting F Street, NE to a one-way

Support the installation of a tactical sidewalk

Separate the tactical sidewalk from the roadway using a raised barrier

Surround no-parking areas with flex-posts

Request DDOT indicate existing streetlights in its plan documents and determine whether any streetlight relocations will be required.

• TPS Proposed Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DDOT requesting the agency conduct a comprehensive transportation study of he Rosedale campus.
• TPS Proposed Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to the DDOT convert the half-lane buffer at C & 16th Streets NE be changed to a parking lane and convert the existing parking lane to a bioretention area.
• Commission Proposed Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to WMATA and the RFK Project Executive expressing disapproval of any proposal to locate a bus terminal facility in the area of 19th and C Streets, NE.

Wednesday, May 13

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  www.anc6c.org   

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Community announcements

Commissioner announcements

DC agency informational announcements

Lead Free DC, Dexter Humphrey

FOIA Update – Andrew Hayes

Consent agenda

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• H Street Main Street, proposed art installation in public space

New Business

• Exclusionary zoning restrictions, proposal for “gentle zoning,” Andrew Hayes

Thursday, May 14

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the agenda:

Community Presentation

• Vacant and Blighted Properties – Frank Z. Bessenyei and Brandon Wells, Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), Dennis Corkery, Office of Attorney General for DC, and Keith Parsons, Department of Buildings.

Consent Agenda

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to Councilmember Charles Allen requesting the renaming of the alley at D Street NE and Kingsman Field and Dog Park between 13th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE be officially named “Electric Alley”.
• Recommendation: ANC 6A provide a letter of support to DPR for Duilio Passariello’s DPR arts grant application for Lovejoy Park with the contingency that we get written confirmation that this design would not be in conflict with the overall renovation of the park by DPR.
• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a comment letter on DDOT NOI re SafetyTreatment at Bladensburg Road NE between Benning Road and Neal Street NE.

Economic Development and Zoning.

• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to HPRB for an application to build a 2-story garage at 1341 A Street NE. 

Standing Committees

Community Outreach Committee

• Recommendation: ANC 6A approve the grant application for Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School PTO in the amount of $1,981.00 for support of Phase 2 of their community garden rebuild.

Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis

• Update on application for cannabis retailer license for DC Dank, 712 15th Street NE
• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve a conditional settlement agreement for Transmission, 1353 H Street NE.
• Update on settlement agreement negotiations with Allure Lounge, LLC, 711 H Street, NE

Transportation and Public Space

• Recommendation: 6A send a letter of support to H Street Main Street in their pursuit of a grant from the DC Commission on Arts and the Humanities.
• Recommendation: ANC 6A pass a resolution in support of WMATA’s previously published Metrorail expansion options through ANC 6A and encourages district agencies, WMATA, and stakeholders in areas surrounding the proposed rail segment to begin exploring potential funding and partnership models.

New Business

• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a resolution to the Board of Elections requesting they confirm the election results for Ben Hammer, 6A06
• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A authorize the ABC committee to renegotiate existing settlement agreements to remove restrictions on pub crawls when requested by establishments whose existing settlement agreements contain this clause. (Burger)
• Suggested Motion: ANC6A (in collaboration with 6B) send a letter to DC Councilrequesting they allocate resources and direct DDOT to revisit plans for 11th Street SE(between I and M Streets SE) and reiterating 6A’s previous support for safety improvements and safe connections for all road users between Lincoln Park and the future 11th Street Bridge Park.

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About:

Monday – Briefing on Ranked Choice Voting – 7:00pm – Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church at 4^th and Independence, SE.

Starting now, DC will use Ranked Choice Voting in all elections involving more than three candidates.  To help educate voters, Capitol Hill Village and ANC6B have arranged for the DC Board of Elections staff to provide a community briefing about voting with this new procedure.

The meeting is on May 11, 7:00 pm, at the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church at 4th and Independence, SE.  ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe emphasizes that this meeting is for voters – not candidates. 

Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza

5:00pm – 6:30pm – Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – Celebration Performances

Lion Dancers

Hill Center Event

Tuesday, 7:00pm – 9:00pm – $12.00 – For tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/42KeKcl

Ron Charles, Former Washington Post Book Critic: A Tipping Point in US Books & Letters.  On the current threat to books and letters.  In-person. 

Ron Charles will be in conversation with poet, editor, and Life of a Poet curator and moderator, Kyle Dargan.

A recent New York Times article mourned the end of the Washington Post’s Book World as a major blow to literary journalism and an inflection point in America’s literature. The current state of books and letters has been marked by increased federal intervention, including attempts to cut library funding and accelerated removal of books on gender and diversity from school libraries. Federal efforts have targeted library funding, though court challenges have temporarily blocked some initiatives. Meanwhile, a push for “patriotic education” and removal of certain materials in school libraries on military bases has occurred.

Hill Center Event

Friday, May 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – $23.00

Stone Room Concerts at Hill Center Features Acclaimed Indie-Folk Duo My Politic

In-person.

My Politic is an indie-Folk duo created by Kaston Guffey And Nick Pankey. The two of them grew up in the Ozarks & have been performing as My Politic for over 15 years. Across 10 releases, their body of work consistently showcases engaging slice-of-life storytelling, expertly crafted characters, highly skilled acoustic instrumentation & sibling like harmonies. Most recently, My Politic has joined other folk troubadours, Adeem The Artist, Margo Cilker & Jaimee Harris for tour stints through the midwest and south. They also made their Woody Guthrie Folk Festival debut in July of 2023 and has returned to Okemah OK every year since.

For more and for tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/42poQz2

Congressional Cemetery

May 16th Annual Hero Dogs Memorial 5K Run – Price:$40 – Time: 8:00am – 10:00am.

Registration ends May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT

Register here:  https://bit.ly/42pb7IE

Congressional Cemetery

Sunday, May 17^th – Jewish Americans History Tour – Tickets $11.20 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Register here:  https://bit.ly/4nnzqQK

The National Museum of the American Indian

Art Exhibit Opens Friday, May 15

Stretching the Canvas: Ten Decades of Native Painting

Stretching the Canvas: Ten Decades of Native Painting explores how Native artists challenged perceptions of what constituted art and what Native art could and should look like. Featuring more than 50 works by over 40 artists, this exhibition tells the story of how American Indian art expanded after World War I and how Native painters began to advocate for themselves in a world that often ignored their talent.   For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/4wletda

Library of Congress

Thursday, May 14 – 3:00pm (Doors Open: 2:30pm)

Fashion at the Library: “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel Documentary & Conversation.

Located in the Mumford Room, James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, SE – 6th Floor.  Register for Free Tickets here:  https://bit.ly/49FQV98

Library of Congress

Friday, May 15 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm (Doors Open: 4:15) – Free

Documentary on legendary jazz artist Chet Baker.

Located at the Mumford Room, James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, SE – 6th Floor

Whether in his golden youth or premature old age, legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker’s musical virtuosity always shone through. In this frank and revealing documentary made a year before his death, director Bruce Weber uses interviews, recording sessions, archive footage and home movies to show a man ravaged by his long involvement with drugs.

 Seating will be by general admission on a space-available basis.  Go here to register for free tickets: https://bit.ly/3RvarPq

Wingstop’s Fast Food Exception Takes a Half Step Forward

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 8, 2026

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee met Thursday night on Winstop’s Fast Food Exception. Committee Chair Vince Marino is at upper right. Holland Knight attorney Leila Jackson Batties is at lower left.

Wingstop’s Fast Food Exemption Takes a Half Step Forward

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 8, 2026

ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning meeting Thursday night turned contentious even though Douglas Development has agreed in principle to neighbors’ demands that Wingstop install a Pollution Control Unit (PCU) to mitigate odor pollution from their chicken fryers at its proposed Barracks Row fast food carryout.

Near the end of the meeting, Committee chair Vince Marino summarized the situation as follows:  “We clearly have a situation where … there are some people who whose (position) is getting confirmation about things like the PCU that are mentioned in their current (proposed) Memorandum of Understanding – we definitely have some citizens that would like to add additional (requirements) to the Memorandum of Understanding… – we definitely have some people who would prefer to this ANC take a strict protest position on this.”  The latter group have gathered 300 signatures to petition the ANC to oppose a Settlement Agreement or to oppose supporting any more exceptions for fast food on Barracks Row. 

Earlier on Thursday, Douglas Development – through their Holland and Knight attorneys – submitted to the ANC a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing the developer to address issues raised by neighbors negotiating restrictions on the restaurant’s operation to be detailed in an enforceable Settlement Agreement between the Wingstop and the ANC.  Included in the MOU is language committing building owner Douglas Development to install a PCU as part of the exhaust system. 

In the most contentious part of the meeting, neighbors opposed to another fast food restaurant on the block clashed with the lead Holland and Knight Attorney Leila Jackson Batties over how the opposition of some of the neighbors had been characterized.   In addition, some neighbors involved in negotiating the Settlement Agreement were insistent on seeing documentation on PCU specs and plans for installation which must be submitted to the Department of Buildings before the ANC votes on the exception.  These neighbors felt the developer had negotiated in bad faith earlier in the process. 

The Batties said she is 95% sure that two remaining issues involving water pressure and a structural issue can be resolved by their engineers in time for the meeting of the full meeting of ANC6B next week.  But after some commissioners pushed to support neighbors seeking to review documentation, she agreed to postpone further consideration until the next committee meeting on June 4^th.  The attorney added, that if the engineers say it can’t be done, “we will not be seeking the ANC’s support.”  This does not mean that the developer would abandon the plan to get an exception.  It likely means that the developer would pursue the application for a special exception in spite of a vote of the ANC to protest the application for the exception.

Chair Marino said as much in his summary of where things stand:  “It sounds to me like if what they get back from engineers is something saying that (installation of the PCU is not feasible they understand that it’s very unlikely that they’d be able to get this ANC to vote in favor of anything and so then most likely we would have a protest situation in front of us – but that’s happened before.”  Marino added, “I always take the position that there’s room for agreement on these sorts of things.  So that’s what I’m going to be continuing to work towards as we move towards the date of the June meeting…..”

The issue may be discussed at next Tuesday’s full ANC6B meeting, particularly if opponents of the exception show up and use time for public comment for that purpose.  As it currently stands the request for an exception will return to the agenda of the Planning and Zoning Committee on June 4^th for further consideration.  At that time, it should be clear whether the committee will recommend that the full ANC support the application for an exception or protest the application.  In the latter case, the ANC would lawyer up and prepare to litigate the application at a Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing which would be scheduled later in the summer.   

Four Reminders for the Weekend

Posted May 7, 2026

Friday:  CM Charles Allen Community Office House:  CIVIC on 8^th Street.  8:30am – 10:00am.

Friday Night Live on Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – Celebration Performance – Aloha Boys – Hawaiian group – 5:00 PM – 6:30pm – Free

Saturday: Capitol Hill Restoration Society House Tour – Saturday thru Sunday:  https://capitolhillcorner.org/2026/05/04/reminder-capitol-hill-house-tour-is-next-weekend/

Saturday:  Congressional Cemetery Mostly Mothers: The Eternal Maternal Guided Tour: 11:00am – 12:30pm – Tickets: $11.20 – https://bit.ly/4t7qdx5

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 6, 2026

Aloha weed shop at 539 8th Street, SE

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration Committee met Tuesday night.

Hearing May Spell the End for Aloha Weed Shop on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 6, 2026

CM Charles Allen has informed ANC6B and residents concerned about the Aloha weed shop at 539 8th Street, SE that the Alcohol Beverage and Control Administration has voted to hold a Qualification Hearing on Aloha’s pending Medical Marijuana license application.  The hearing is to determine the eligibility of the applicant to apply for a license – a due process hearing where the Board may decide to deny the license application based on the evidence provided to the Board in a March 25, 2026 ABCA inspector’s report.

According to the report, the activities of Aloha owner Saleh Salim are being probed by law enforcement agencies in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Salim and his two sons were arrested on March 18, 2026, by the Fairfax County Police Department and charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  (See below)

ANC6B’s Alcohol/Cannabis Committee chaired by Commissioner Karen Hughes discussed the issue at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting.  Hughes told the committee “We don’t know the date of the hearing, but in its wake the Board will issue a final decision,” and suggested that the committee move promptly to state its preferences and recommend the full ANC file that letter with ABCA.  (If the Board were to deny the license that would not prevent a new operator or other entity from taking over and applying for a license.  That being said, there are legislative efforts underway to tighten location restrictions regarding weed retailers, though it’s not clear if any of the new criteria would apply to the 539 8^th Street site.  ANC6B is in the process of launching a community discussion regarding ways to encourage a better retail mix on Barracks Row.)

March 25, 2026

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AND CANNABIS ADMINISTRATION

CASE REPORT (Excerpts) 

Summary

(Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration investigation determined that on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Saleh Salim, owner of pending Medical Cannabis License for Aloha, located at 539 8th Street S.E., was in violation of:

5400 GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

5400.1 Before issuing, or renewing a registration or permit for either a business applicant

or an individual applicant, the Director shall determine that the applicant meets all

of the following criteria:

(a) The applicant is of good character and generally fit for the responsibilities

of registration;

5300 DENIAL OF REGISTRATION FOR VIOLATIONS OF LAW

5300.1 The Director may deny registration to an applicant if evidence shows that the

applicant has permitted conduct at the cultivation center or dispensary which is in

violation of this subtitle.)

Details

Specifically, Mr. Salim owns several tobacco businesses in Virginia, and on March 18, 2026, he was arrested and charged in Fairfax County, with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Additionally, Mr. Salim had a Fact-finding Hearing with the ABCA Board on February 26, 2026, where he stated that he was not involved in any unlicensed / illegal activity.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, ABCA received information that the Fairfax County Police Department executed search warrants at 13 vape stores, two storage units, one vehicle, and one warehouse in Fairfax County, as well as three residences in Prince William County. During the operation, detectives seized a vehicle and confiscated marijuana in multiple forms, including flower, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, and edibles.  Detectives also recovered approximately 40 pounds of suspected mushroom-infused gummies, unknown pills, and suspected prescription medications being sold without authorization. Additionally, detectives located two storage units containing hundreds of pounds of marijuana. FCPD reported that coordination among local, state, and federal partners led to the seizure of narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding $2 million, along with more than $500,000 in cash. Detectives also seized and froze 30 bank accounts associated with the organization, containing more than $100,000….

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted May 3, 2026

Last Sunday, Congressional Cemetery held its Spring Fair.  Batalá Washington DC – this all woman drum band led a joyous procession through the cemetery to the Circle of Life for the dedication of a new bench for reflections and contemplation.  Batalá’s music is dynamic samba reggae rhythms from Salador, Bahia. Photo: Sharon Metcalf

The Circle of Life.  The Circle of Life is a recent installation of land art or earth art which celebrates nature’s perseverance.  The site comprises a 60 foot circle of linden trees aligned with the points of a compass and serves as an observation site of the sun’s path during solstices and equinoxes.  It celebrates and pays tribute the natural environment, invites meditation and reflection.  It was created by a group of friends interested in Congressional Cemetery in partnership with Congressional Cemetery and a testimony to those who choose green burial as a simple and sustainable end to their existence.  Photo: Sharon Metcalf

Congressional Cemetery Executive Director Mark Hudson and Circle of Life Designer & Arboretum Partnership Coordinator Sharon Metcalf untie the ribbon, inaugurating the newly installed bench with a Nature Sacred journal, making it available so visitors can leave a reflection or drawing for the next passersby.  For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/48C3qCh Photo:  Sharon Metcalf

More on trees. Here’s an early spring image of the “Moon Tree” on the Grounds of the West Front of the US Capitol, near the Botanic Garden.  So named because the seed for the American Sweetgum was carried around the moon on the historic Artemis I mission in late 2022.   It was planted on the Capitol Grounds on June 4, 2024, in honor of NASA’s Artemis missions, part of a long-term plan to explore the moon and eventually Mars. 

Barracks Row has been getting a lot of attention recently.  Here’s one of Capitol Hill BID’s “Men in Blue” working to bring spring to 8th Street, SE.

Last weekend, a couple of young fishermen were testing the waters of the Anacostia near the RFK Stadium site. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted May 3, 2026

The Week Ahead…

Highlights: 

• Tuesday:  MPD discusses juvenile curfews
• Wednesday:  6B Transportation Committee hears DDOT presentation on I-695 Ramp Project
• Thursday:  6B Planning and Zoning Committee continues consideration of Wingstop’s application for a fast food exemption for a new carryout on Barracks Row. 
• Friday:  CM Charles Allen holds Community Office Hours at CIVIC on 8^th at 8:30am.

Tuesday, May 5

ANC6B ABC Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).  

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

ABC renewals

New liquor license applications

Protests and Other Updates

• CIVIC on 8th Settlement Agreement
• Restaurant vendors blocking alley behind 300 block of 7th Street, SE

MPD First District Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC) will hold a virtual meeting at 6:00pm.

Among the items on the agenda is a discussion of juvenile curfew issues.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://1dcac.com/

For the entire Agenda go here:  https://1dcac.com/

Wednesday, May 6

ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm. (Time change this meeting only.)

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

DDOT presentation on I-695 Ramp Project

Continued discussion on Traffic Circle at Pennsylvania Avenue and 14^th Street, SE.

Resolution on Priority Bus Lane for Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge

Thursday, May 7

ANC6B Planning & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Application of Wingstop/Emerald Wings for an exception to the fast food restrictions on Barracks Row

Friday, May 8

• Friday:  CM Charles Allen holds Community Office Hours at CIVIC on 8^th  at 501 8^th Street, SE, 8:30am – 10:00am.  RSVP here:  https://bit.ly/3P2gNVM

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

FREEDC EVENTS for May

Go here to see a list of upcoming events for this week and to sign up to join FreeDC:  https://freedcproject.org/

Tuesday, May 5

Cajun Dance on Capitol Hill.

7:30 to 9:30pm, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A Street, SE.

Lively Cajun French music from southwestern Louisiana. Dance to two steps and waltzes played by the Capitol Hill Cajun Orchestra (led by members of the Capitol Hill Billies). All ages welcome; free admission.  Next Dance, June 2. 

Wednesday, May 6

Hill Center

7:00 pm – 9:00pm $12

At Issue: The Campaign to Undermine the 2026 Midterm Elections with David Becker, Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, Democracy Docket Senior Reporter, Matt Cohen, and New York Times Reporter, Nick Corasaniti

For tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4tNJogB

Friday May 8

Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – Celebration Performances

5:00 PM – 6:30pm

Aloha Boys – Hawaiian group – Free

Friday, May 8 – 10

Folger Consort

2:00pm and 8:00pm

An English Garden:  Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 10 – Tickets $20-50

Folger Consort presents a program of Elizabethan songs and instrumental music interspersed with short readings of poems and gardening advice from contemporary authors. The Folger will welcome back audience favorite soprano Emily Noël and an ensemble of viols and lute for this springtime program, curated by Mary Springfels

Get Tickets here:  https://bit.ly/4uhs6sa

Friday, May 8

Hill Center

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Ms. Niki In Concert  – Tickets $10

Nicole “Ms. Niki” Addison is a classically trained singer/songwriter from Washington, D.C. One of family music’s most compelling and talented new emerging artists, Ms. Niki is a member of the GRAMMY-nominated 1 Tribe Collective’s All One Tribe album featuring “Rainbow.” Described as a new age cross between Mary Poppins and Ms. Frizzle. Ms. Niki is sure to please audiences of all ages.

For more and for tickets go here:  https://bit.ly/4tMLEEJ

Saturday May 9

Congressional Cemetery

11:00am – 12:30pm

Tickets: $11.20

Mostly Mothers: The Eternal Maternal Guided Tour

Congressional Cemetery is the final resting place of many mothers. Some were biological mothers, like Lucy Bell, who devoted her life to fighting for her family’s freedom from slavery. Sarah Reed was an expectant mother who died reportedly trying to save her stepchildren during an explosion on the steamship Wawaset.  Some mothers are metaphorical, like Barbara Gittings, “Mother of the Gay Rights Movement,” and Flora Adams Darling, the founding mother of the National Society United States Daughters of 1812.

This Mother’s Day weekend, we invite you on a stroll to learn about the history of mothers of all kinds, through the lens of Congressional Cemetery.

Find more information and tickets go here:  https://bit.ly/4t7qdx5

SE Library Sees Construction Ending Mid-June & Opening Six Weeks Later

by Larry Janezich

Posted Tuesday, April 28, 2026

ANC6B’s Southeast Library Task Force, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn, met Monday night to receive a construction update from Jaspreet Pahwa, Director of Capital Planning and Construction, DC Public Library (DCPL).   

Pahwa and her team reported that the target date for completion of the project is mid-June.  After Whiting-Turner Construction turns the project over to DCPL, an additional 6 weeks will be necessary for training staff and moving books, equipment, and furniture into the building. 

Julia Strusienski will return as Branch Manager.

Below are some photos, shared by Pahwa in a PowerPoint presentation.  For more, go here:  https://www.dclibrary.org/news/southeast-library-modernization-project

Here’s the top floor view of the Library’s historic entrance on 7^th Street

And here’s the reverse view of the historic fireplace restoration. 

Here’s a view of part of the adult area on the street level.  Shown is the self service area enclosure where the printer, express PC and print release PC will be located.  Directly behind is the area for public access computers.  The view is looking toward 7^th Street.  The South Carolina Avenue skylights are on the right. 

A view of the children’s area on the lowest – the ground level.  Installation of computer desks and service desk is in progress.  View is looking to the rear of the building – the South Carolina skylight is on upper left.

Just inside the South Carolina Avenue ground level entrance, the installation of a new elevator is complete. 

Natural light from the new skylight.  The view is from the lowest level looking toward 7^th Street.  The entire length of the three story light well is visible. 

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 26, 2026

Barracks Row’s Salty Donut Chain Update.  Word on the street is that the opening at 749 8th Street SE is still a couple of months away, but there might be a pop up donut operation prior to the official opening.  A menu for The Salty Donut is hard to come by because the menu changes daily driven by availability or design.  Here’s a link to The Salty Donut’s FB page.  Check out the photos to get an idea of the offerings.  https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltyDonut/ (The opening of the chain’s first DC outlet in Georgetown at 3299 M Street, NW, is imminent.)

RFK Campus Master Plan Community Site Walk.  Last Saturday, the DC Office of Planning the RFK Campus Project Management Office, hosted a community site walk of the RFK Campus as part of the Master Planning process.  More than 100 residents attended.

The walk was one of a series of community engagement required by terms of the development process.  Another meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday night at St. Coletta’s (see below under “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About”).

The organizers broke the larger group into six smaller ones, each with its own city official to offer explanation of the subject of discussion at four different sites 1.  The Plaza District, Connecting to the Community.  2. Kingman Park District.  3. Department of Recreation – The Fields.  4.  River Front – Development Opportunities.   

ANC7D Chair Brian Alcorn (left), in whose ANC the RFK Campus lies, attended and participated. 

As did ANC Commissioner Ebony Payne, who represents Kingman Park.

The Week Ahead…

Note: Hazardous Waste, Document Shredding, E-Cycling – Thursday, at RFK. See below under “Capitil Hill Corner Would Like You to Know About…”

Monday, April 27

ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room #1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

• For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:

• Vote to form a subcommittee to develop and provide recommendations about the DC Curfew to the full ANC in June.

ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

• For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items of the draft agenda:

• Presentation regarding the final stages of library renovation.
• Discussion on how to keep the Arthur Capper interim library open until the Southeast branch reopens later this year.
• Reports from nearby neighbors

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/  

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Community Updates – Round Robin
• Community Grants
• Overview and Proposal Brainstorm (Ludlow-Taylor Community Garden Presentation – Hannah Zlotnick)
• Future Agenda and Events Brainstorm

Tuesday, April 28

ANC6B will hold a virtual Executive Committee Meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/   

Agenda:

• The standard business of the Executive Committee is setting the agenda for the next meeting of the full ANC.

CANCELLED ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

MPD 1^st District – Coffee with a Cop – 8:00am – 10:00am

Come out and meet Commander Colin Hall and the First District team at your favorite local coffee shop!

WHERE:   The Hill Cafe DC – 101 15th Street, NE

Thursday, April 30

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in-person only meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania, SE, second floor. 

Agenda:

Report of EMCAC/DPR Meeting and potential follow-on actions

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) met with Chris Dyer (Department of Parks and Recreation Community Relations Manager) and several staff members to discuss Market issues not yet addressed in the Rumsey rebuild.  Community representatives from our two Main Streets and the local ANC also participated in the meeting.

Of greatest concern: there have been no public conversations between the Eastern Market and DPR about the Rumsey rebuild.   Eastern Market has both legal rights and concerns about the impact of the rebuild on market operations that have not been addressed.

Topics Discussed during the meeting included: 

1.  Jurisdiction

2. The Alley

3.   The plaza

4.   Incubator spaces

5.   Miscellany

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

FREEDC EVENTS for May

Go here to see a list of upcoming events for this week and to sign up to join FreeDC:  https://freedcproject.org/

Tuesday, April 28

Community Meeting RFK Stadium Campus – Tuesday, April 28 – 6:30-8:00 PM

Where: St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE

Join us for the next community meeting in our ongoing discussion about the future of the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus. Following the National Park Service’s publication of the Notice of Intent to proceed with the preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement and the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultation process, this community meeting will share the alternatives for commercial and residential development on the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus. We will also provide an update on upcoming utility work and other planning efforts.

Thursday, April 30

Hazardous Waste Disposal, Shredding and E-cycling, at RFK

Dates & Locations for DC DPW’s upcoming Special Waste Collection Events:

Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10 AM – 2 PM, at RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 AM – 2 PM, at RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)

Register here to participate:  https://bit.ly/4ug1N5M

Retail on Capitol Hill:  Part II

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 22, 2026

The View of Barracks Row from Barracks Row MainStreet  

Barracks Row MainStreet (BRMS) is a non-profit organization chartered by the National Historic Preservation Trust and funded by grants from DC agencies, membership contributions, and local grants and donations.  Some of its functions include supporting, retaining, expanding, and recruiting of businesses.

To that end, the interests of the organization coincide with the landlords and owners of the commercial buildings on the street.  CHC asked BRMS Executive Director Brian Ready about those activities and about the retail mix on 8th Street and why there is not more locally owned small business and retail. 

Empty Store Fronts

Asked why there are so many empty store fronts on Barracks Row, Ready said “I walk down BR and there are just not that many empty buildings.” He pointed to six empty buildings leased or sold which are preparing for new tenants – 7-11 (gift shop), Joey’s of Barracks Row (Federalist Pig), 529 8th (Nash & Smashed), Crazy Aunt Helens (Indian restaurant), Ugly Mug and Valor (restaurant), and District Donuts (The Salty Donut).  He said, “So from the 400 block all the way to the Expressway, we have around 10 unleased spaces.”  (CHC counted 12. See below*)

Competition

Ready said there are several factors affecting the expansion of retail on Capitol Hill.  He cited the competition from Union Market and Navy Yard, the effects of COVID and the continued practice of working from home, and the reduction in the federal workforce. 

Fast Food Chains and Special Exceptions

There are restrictions on new fast or fast casual food outlets opening on Barracks Row, meant to prevent over-concentration.  Zoning regulations require proposed fast food business to go through a “special exception” process.  That there are so many of them shows the relative ease with which this process is navigated, only requiring a finding by the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) that the restaurant will not negatively affect trash, noise, odors, or traffic. 

The general opposition of neighbors to new fast-food restaurants counts for little unless neighbors can demonstrate adverse effects.

Asked what he would say to nearby neighbors who collect signatures to petition against opening fast or fast casual restaurants on Barracks Row, Ready says, “I understand about concentration but we have businesses who want to come in and I think that’s a good thing.  We live in a capitalist society and the market will dictate what goes in there and if there are too many fast food restaurants something should go out of business.  If all those fast food restaurants are able to survive or at least justify the expense of keeping the doors open, you know, I kind of shrug.  That’s the market – that’s how it works.  Now these storefronts actually have businesses in them they are paying taxes.”  

Ready adds, “I think restaurants should respect the neighborhood.  And I think the things that the ANC wants to negotiate on behalf of the neighbors make sense.  But I think there has to be compromise in the negotiating of these settlement agreements (which govern restaurants operating procedures). 

One thing I would say is that given all the services that we want from the city for the homeless and streetscaping, it’s the businesses that are going to be paying for it – not to say the residents don’t pay a lot in taxes – but a lot of that money is coming from businesses.” 

Neighbors

Currently, some neighbors opposed to fast food outlets on Barracks Row are circulating a petition to declare a moratorium on new fast foods and cannabis shops on the street.  The immediate impetus for this opposition is to the application for a special exception by Wingstop, a fast food carryout chain looking to open on the 400 block of Barracks Row.  Douglas Development, the building’s owner, has hired the power-house law firm Holland & Knight to represent Wingstop’s application.  Other neighbors continue to try to negotiate a settlement agreement that would meet all the requirements of a special exception. 

Diversifying Retail on Barracks Row

What can be done to save and expand local retail on Capitol Hill commercial corridors?  A knowledgeable source says, “We need to get the community engaged in wanting to spend more money within 20 blocks of their house versus buying stuff on Amazon.  All the businesses have to continuously market but the neighborhood should market too – all the people that live in these neighborhoods should be part of that marketing and remind their neighbors to buy local and not click on Amazon.  I don’t know that we can stop Amazon taking over everything, but even if every person within a 20 block radius would spend $20 a month buying stuff from local businesses that would be a tremendous help.”

CM Charles Allen has sought legislative remedies to help small businesses.  He was successful in getting legislation passed providing a small business tax credit of up to $10,000 for rent and property taxes if your business makes under $3 million annually. He also got legislation passed that broadened eligibility for small businesses to qualify for grants distributed through the Great Streets Program. 

Allen will announce another initiative in a few weeks.  It will address the need to cut red tape in the city’s cumbersome permitting and regulation agencies.  The proposed legislation would establish a fast track call center staffed by DC regulatory agencies to expedite the permitting process. 

Earlier this month, Allen told ANC6C that he is exploring legislation to address an end run around the tax law used by landlords who leave a the ground floor retail space of a building vacant waiting for a higher paying tenant and avoiding higher property taxes levied on a vacant building by leasing the second floor to residential tenants.  It gets complicated since it seems to require different zoning regulations for two parts of the same building.

These efforts will help.  But they won’t be enough.  After the roundtables have met and the studies are done, it may come down to the members of the community themselves who will have to save the quality of life on Capitol Hill.

A former business owner said, “It was a privilege to be part of the retail business community for several years…like the way the community supported us during Covid was unbelievable and that would not have happened anywhere else.  It was incredible you know?  It’s such a small town feeling…you have all the real small town type joys…and then you can get on Metro and go to the Smithsonian.  And I think that’s incredible and I love it.  And I don’t want it to go away and I think that it’s probably inevitable that it will go away but I really don’t want it to.”

*Empty retail on Barracks Row – identified by previous occupants:

Starbucks. 2nd floor over Popeye’s, Empire Racquet , Kaiju Ramen, Souk, Kids Play, She Loves Me Flowers, Little District Books (moved to PA Ave), Shoe Repair (8^th and I), Community Credit Union, Shakespeare Building, Mason & Greens.