CAPITOL HILL CORNER

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, April 12, 2026

42 Years at 7^th and PA Avenue, SE.  Here’s a self-portrait by Frank Lloyd who has had a vending stand on or near the corner of 7^th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE for 42 years.  Here’s his story, published on CHC August 6, 2013:   https://capitolhillcorner.org/2013/08/06/franks-place-photo-essay/

In honor of East City Book Shop’s 10th birthday this month, the shop asked their booksellers to share 10 of their favorite books published since they opened in 2016.  See here:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DW_3vOpkROe/

Last Thursday night, CM Charles Allen met with ANC6A chaired by Commissioner Amber Gove.  He offered an update on the Mayor’s 2027 FY budget and the District’s economy, reporting on the high unemployment rate owing to cuts in federal employment and noting that the District faces a $1 billion shortfall in revenue which will require the Council to find savings.  Regarding a new transportation plan for H Street, NE, he said ANC6A and ANC6C would be brought into the process.  And he promised stricter oversight of the Public Utility Commission in light of recent increased electricity bills for Pepco customers.    

Teen Takeovers.  Last Tuesday night’s MPD 1^st District’s Citizens Advisory Council chaired by Robert Pittman (lower center), saw the return of 1^st District Commander Colin Hall to 1^st District after a ten week training session at the FBI National Academy.  Much of the discussion concerned the nation-wide “teen takeover” gatherings – driven by social media –  which have occurred locally in Navy Yard, Gallery Place, Waterfront, and U Street.  Current law permits the establishment of Designated Juvenile Curfew Zones which help address management of the events, but that authority expires April 15.  The City Council postponed the Mayor’s request for consideration of an extension of the law until after the April 12 – 20 spring break.  MPD suggest that Designated Curfew Zones are not entirely effective as gatherings of teens continue outside the zones.  Reportedly there were gatherings this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, in Navy Yard. 

Here’ a photo of the Brent School site with an excavator working below grade.  Photo:  Bob Gellman. 

And here’s one of the landscaping going in on the north side of Southeast Library.  The renovation is expected to be finished in about six weeks with the library reopening about two months after that – so, like by end of August. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, April 12, 2026

Monday, April 13

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

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

Agenda:

Wingstop/Emerald Wings, 406 8th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application. 

Tuesday, April 14

ANC6B will hold a virtual (maybe a hybrid meeting as well) at 7:00pm. 

If hybrid, the in-person will be at 700 Penn Aveune, First Floor Conference Room. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Consent Agenda

March 2026 Minutes and items TBA

Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out

• Office of the Mayor (MOCR)
• Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office
• Metropolitan Police Department
• Update on Items from Executive Committee Meeting
• Board of Elections (BOE) Meeting, 4/16/26 at 6:30p In Person at Eastern Market North Hall
• Reminder of Upcoming Meeting Dates

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

• PAC House Letter

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

New Applications

• Little Engine – Placard Notice New Class “D” fast-casual Restaurant. Applying to serve canned beer and wine. An ANC letter supporting a stipulated license was approved and received by ABCA in March.

Protests/Other Updates

• Final approval of CIVIC on Eighth Settlement Agreement.
• Tobacco King criminal charges in Virginia.  See here:   https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2026/03/25/drug-trafficking-organization-dismantled-in-massive-multi-location-operation/

Transportation Committee

• Naming of new circle at Pennsylvania and 14th Street, SE
• Support for Capitol Hill Classic
• Discussion of Indy Car race around National Mall in August
• Discussion of 15th Street, SE bus lane removal

Planning and Zoning Committee

• Wingstop/Emerald Wings, 406 8th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application. 

ANC 6B Administrative Matters

• Discussion on moving meetings to local businesses.

ANC7D meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, April 15

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning 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:  

Old Business

• 1332 Corbin Place NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a third story and a three-story with basement rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.  Special exception to rear yard requirements and Special Exception to lot occupancy requirements. 
• 628 15th Street NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Rescheduling of BZA hearing regarding ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee acknowledgement existing alley does not meet 10’ requirement. 

New Business

• 1341 A Street NE.  Historic Preservation Application.  To build a 2-story garage. No special exception or variance is requested.

For discussion:

• Vacant property – community presentation at ANC meeting Thursday May 14, 2026 with AOG, DOB, and CFO presenters.
• H Street Study – data collection ends April 15, 2026.  Stakeholder feedback through August.
• Sidewalk pilot project – please prepare for future discussion:  Visit the pilot project area demonstrating pressed concrete “pavers” at 10th Street NE (between H & I Streets. and G & H Streets), 5th Street NE (between K & I Streets.), and 11th Street NE (between Maryland Avenue. & E Streets.).
• TPS Committee minutes – presentation from DDOT – Jan 2026: https://anc6a.org/minutesreports/
• Roberta Shapiro article (attached) CHRS newsletter article by Scott Kilbourn Nov 2025, page 6: https://chrs.org/sidewalk-maintenance-testimony/
• CHRS council testimony: https://chrs.org/sidewalk-maintenancetestimony/
• CM Charles Allen newsletter: https://www.charlesallenward6.com/newsletter0404#sidewalk

HPRB meeting – takeaways

Postcard permits: https://dob.dc.gov/node/1616046

DC Comp Plan 2050: https://planning.dc.gov/comprehensiveplan

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about: 

FREEDC EVENTS for April

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

Community Site Walk for the RFK Campus Master Plan April 18 & 23

Neighbors of the RFK Stadium campus are invited to join the walking tour which will include visits to areas that are important to the redevelopment and stopping points for discussion.

Join either of two site walk options. ASL interpretation will be provided.

When:  Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm

Thursday, April 23, 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: Stadium-Armory Metro Station, 192 19th St. SE (North Exit)

Go here to register:

https://ourrfk.dc.gov/release/april-18-23-join-community-site-walk-rfk-campus-master-plan

Folger Library Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration

Saturday, April 18^th, 11am at Folger Shakespeare Library

Tickets:  Free; no ticket required

Family Event:  Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday at the Folger with fun, family-friendly activities and birthday cupcakes.  Go here for more:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/shakespeares-birthday-celebration-2026/

Now at the Folger

Last chance to see As You Like It – Extended through April 19

by William Shakespeare

TICKETS: Starting at $20

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

Shakespeare and the American Story: Friday, Apr 17 – Sun, Aug 02, 2026

Folger Library:  Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall

Tickets:  Free; no tickets required

As William Shakespeare’s home in the United States, the Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by sharing how Shakespeare has always been a part of the American story. Selected items from the Folger’s collection offer unique insights into American history with a Shakespearean focus.

For more, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/shakespeare-and-the-american-story/

Historic Congressional Cemetery – Saturday, April 18^th,, 1:00PM – 2:30PM

Lincoln Assassination Speaker Series 2026

In partnership with Ford’s Theatre, please join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a special event. One part speaking engagement and one part docent led tour, the inaugural event in our 2026 Cemetery Speaker Series features keynote remarks on the Lincoln Assassination from Ford’s Theatre’s Daiya Malone, followed by a complimentary docent led tour of the gravesites of individuals related to the assassination, including David Herold, Charles Forbes, and others.

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to benefitting our non-profit mission of historical preservation and education. Space is limited so reserve today.  Keynote remarks will take place inside the Chapel, and the walking tour will take place on the grounds. The tour is approximately 45 minutes in length.  Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.

The event is rain or shine. Smoking is prohibited and dogs are not allowed to attend the event unless they are a service animal.  You will not need to present a ticket. You will be checked in using a list.

For more info and tickets, go here:  https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/congressionalcemetery/lincoln-assassination-speaker-series-2026

Hill Center’s Family Day

Sunday, April 26 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – $10

For more, go here:  https://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/hill-centers-family-day-2026/

Photos: New French Bakery at Eastern Market Opened Saturday

by Larry Janezich

Posted Saturday, April 11, 2026

Boulangerie Saint Georges at Eastern Market opened Saturday morning at 7:30am, offering house made pastries, breads, sandwiches and coffee.  Here’s a photo at noon, with more than 50 people waiting in line.  At times, the wait was two hours+ to get inside.

Here’s the view from inside. 

By mid afternoon, Boulangerie Saint Georges posted on line:  “Merci à tous” – Thanks everyone.  “We are out of food today, but coffee, tea ad matcha drinks are still available!  We prepared an amount of food that was 4X our expectations for a busy day, and the community came out and crushed it!  (Apologies…)  We will be back tomorrow morning with more delicious pastries, bread, salads, and sandwiches.  (Hours 7:30am – 7:00pm)

Here’s the beverage menu.

Posted Friday, April 10

Friday Night Live – Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza – April 10th

Herb Scott Quartet featuring Rebecca

Friday, April 10th, 5 PM – 6:30 PM

Jazz In the Park – Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month!

The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.

More Fast Casual Food Coming on PA Ave SE

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 6, 2024

Signage at 209 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, signals the advent of Jersey Mike’s Subs – a fast casual dine-in/carryout which claims a distinction from other sub shops on the basis of a customizable product.  The buildout appears to be looking forward to a late spring early/summer opening.  The space was formerly occupied by Bibija Korean Restaurant. 

The building is owned by the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), part of the bloc of commercial and residential sites the conservative political organization purchased in 2023 for its headquarters.  The CPI is chaired by former Senator Jim Demint who founded the organization after he was bumped from the leadership role at the Heritage Foundation.  Former Trump WH Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is listed as the organization’s Senior Partner.  It appears that the organization is monetizing some of the first floor retail among its properties.  The former Capitol Lounge is another property which CPI reps have suggested might be reopened as a restaurant.  

Jersey Mike’s Subs in an international sandwich chain with some 3,500 locations.  Here’s a link to the menu: https://bit.ly/4smbFcC

Jersey Mike’s will be the sixth fast food or fast casual food restaurant opening on Capitol Hill since the first of the year: Popeyes, Taco Bell, Wingstop, Little Engine and Bumblebirds.  In addition, Nash & Smashed has also announced plans to open on Barracks Row.

531 8th Street, SE – Barracks Row

Here’s what the interior currently looks like.

Nash & Smashed Coming to Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted Friday, April 4, 2025

According to a Nash & Smashed website, the fast-casual food outlet will open on Barracks Row. The new eatery will be located at 531 8th Street SE.  For more:  https://bit.ly/3PMdySw

A press release from Divaris Real Estate dated last September says the fast-growing restaurant chain specializing in Nashville-style fried chicken and smashed burgers will open in December, 2026.  See here:  https://bit.ly/4s6rMe9

531 8^th Street is the decades-long vacant building next to the former Joey’s of Barracks Row.  The latter, now owned by restauranteur Steve Salis, is expected to open as a Federalist Pig barbeque outlet later this year. 

The Nash & Smashed menu features the company’s signature Smash Burgers, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches, Bucket of Chicken, and Waffle Fries.  See here:  https://nashandsmashed.com/comfort-food/8th-st-se-dc   

Nash & Smashed is a rapidly growing regional chain with multiple outlets in the DMV

Though largely a carryout business model, it will need some indoor seating to meet the fast-casual restaurant designation which companies created to circumvent zoning restrictions on fast food establishments in some areas – like Barracks Row.

CM Charles Allen: Community Office Hours Friday at The Roost

Councilmember Charles Allen will be at The Roost (1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) the morning of Friday, April 3 to meet constituents for community feedback: 8:30am – 10am.

RSVP here:  https://www.charlesallenward6.com/officehours0403?utm_campaign=office_hours_april_3_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_source=charlesallendc

Potomac Avenue Metro Station is right across the street. 

The Week Ahead… & Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 29, 2026

Here’s the view of the National Mall about 12:30pm on Saturday, March 28, from the Went Front of the U.S. Capitol Building.  Shown in the distance are protestors supporting one of several “No Kings” rally in the city as well as participants in the kite flying festival.

Here’s an image from earlier on Saturday of the DC Office of Planning’s open house on the RFK Master Plan seeking community input on development of the RFK campus including some agency programs for the site.  The meeting was held at St. Coletta’s of Greater Washington in Hill East.

Here’s how it worked.  Participants were directed to visit a series of stations, the first of which were informational regarding the planning process and explaining the five sites on the campus for which input was being sought.   The remaining stations were interactive, asking participants to select options which they would like to see included in the design for the five districts:  Riverfront, Stadium, Plaza, DPR, and Kingman Park. 

This example shows images depicting potential design or activity features in the “Stadium District.”  Participants indicated approval by “voting” on the features – green stickers for those they favored and red stickers for those they did not want.  For more, go here:  https://ourrfk.dc.gov/

Among the attendees was Capitol Hill resident and DC Director of the Department of Buildings Brian Hanlon seen here interacting with an event participant. 

Mott’s Market inches closer to a spring opening.  Payton Sherwood, the vendor and operator of the new Capitol Hill’s Mott’s Market at 232 12th Street, SE, says he hopes to open in May.    

Mott’s Market closed as a neighborhood mom and pop store in 2022.  A group of neighbors organized by neighbor Michael Skinner raised money to purchase and restore the store to preserve it as a community market.  The market is owned by an LLC comprised of 90 community members. 

Last Wednesday afternoon, city officials gathered in the North Hall of Eastern Market for an event billed as the 2026 Cabinet Meeting.  Details on what was discussed are scarce since the meeting was not open to press coverage, but might have included a financial overview, administration priorities, economic growth issues, and proposed investment initiatives. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, March 30

ANC7D Community Outreach and Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

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

Agenda:  TBA 

Tuesday, March 31

ANC6B will hold 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 adoption of upcoming meeting agendas and setting the agenda for the next meeting of the full ANC.

Wednesday, April 1

ANC7D Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

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

Agenda:  TBA 

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

FREEDC EVENTS for April

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

Friday, April 3

Hill Center Concert

Acclaimed Irish, Scottish, and American Folk duo Rakish in Concert

In-person – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – $23.00

Hill Center welcomes back Maura Shawn Scanlin and Conor Hearn who comprise Rakish.

Their previous two concerts here sold out quickly, so purchase tickets early.

Get tickets here:  https://bit.ly/4rXVnq3

Upcoming:  Tuesday, April 7

Cajun Dance on Capitol Hill. 

April 7, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. 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 Hillbillies). All ages welcome; free admission

Now at the Folger

As You Like It – Extended through April 19

by William Shakespeare

TICKETS: Starting at $20

Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances.

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

“This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the Forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.” (Folger website.)

New Belgian Chocolate Desserts on PA Avenue, SE

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 28, 2026

Dous at 615 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Here’s a look inside – with Pasha Castle Sweets’ remaining decor.

Doux, (Fr. for pleasant tastes) is coming to 615 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in the space formerly occupied by Pasha Castle.  Signage says offerings include “Drink – Dip – Dessert.”  Reportedly, the shop will specialize in Belgian chocolate and feature Mediterranean desserts. One less empty store front occupied by locally owned retail is a welcome addition to the commercial corridor.

No word yet on an opening date but opening or re-opening often takes longer than anticipated owing to DC’s permitting bureaucracy.

Loveful Hands Arrives on Eastern Market Metro Plaza

by Larry Janezich

Posted Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Loveful Hands by sculptor Jay Coleman was selected by the community as a piece of interactive public art for Eastern Market Metro Plaza in 2020.  The long-anticipated installation became a reality today.  Here’s a photo of the arrival on the Plaza. 

Here’s the installation in progress. Photo: Bob Gellman

And here’s Loveful Hands.  Today the public got a preview of the piece.  Tomorrow, according to Coleman, it will be draped in fabric waiting an unveiling next week by Mayor Bowser.