CAPITOL HILL CORNER

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. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 19, 2026

Garfield/Canal Park Update:  The construction fence has been removed, and the work of opening up and clearing the area under the freeway appears to be complete.  This view is of the steps leading down from the Garfield Park playground and looking south beneath the freeway. 

None of the amenities have been installed, but basketball and pickle ball courts reportedly have been funded and are on track to become a reality.  Here’s a view from under the freeway looking northeast toward the stairs leading up to Garfield Park.  The basketball courts will be here.

Here’s a photo of the dead end Virginia Avenue underneath the freeway – the site of the future pickle ball courts. 

Here’s a photo of DDOT’s pilot project that anticipates replacing Capitol Hill’s brick sidewalks with stamped concrete designed to resemble bricks while providing a safer more durable surface.  Examples have recently been installed 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).  Here’s what it looks like between G & H on 10^th Street, next to brick for comparison.  Some resident members of ANC6A’s Economic Development & Zoning Committee who discussed the project last Wednesday night were skeptical – (“atrocious”) was one opinion.  The committee welcomes feedback and contact info can be found on the committee’s website:  https://anc6a.org/committees/

Mott’s Market gets closer to opening.  Here’s a photo of the patio behind the store. 

Here’s a photo from last Friday Night Live – Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza featuring Imani-Grace Cooper.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, April 20, 2026

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Public Safety Report
• Rick Stillwell, Fire Captain, Engine Co. 13
• Community Announcements
• Government Announcements
• Commissioner Announcements
• Community Concerns
• 375 & 425 M ST SW (Toby Millman, Transwestern Development Company)
• Councilmember Charles Allen
• Approval of March 2026 Minutes
• Consent Agenda (NOI 26-93: Reserved Parking at 1218 Carrollsburg Pl SW; 2026 Marine Corps Marathon)
• ABC Matters
• 300 K St SW PUD: Request for Time Extension
• Notice Of Intent:  DDOT plans for improving safety treatments at 6th & M and 4th & M SW)
• SMD
• Chairperson’s Rep

ANC6A Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

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

Agenda: 

Old Business

• Public Space Construction Permit application 800 – 899 BLOCK OF 10TH STREET NE, ,1000 – 1099 BLOCK OF H STREET NE, has been resubmitted by the applicant according to permit office’s direction.

New Business

• Anwar Saleem of H Street Main Street will present a grant application. He is requesting ANC support for it.Electric Alley Renaming Request – Community member Paul Angelone is requesting that 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.” This is its historical name from the early 1900’s when the field was a car barn.
• Art Proposal for Lovejoy Park (12th and E Streets NE) – Duilio Pasariello, a member of DDOT’s street advisory panel, joins the committee to present a proposal for art installations on the lampposts at Lovejoy Park similar to those at J Cole Recreation Center and Park.
• Safety Treatment at Bladensburg Road NE between Benning Road and Neal Street NE – This is technically in ANC 5C but it borders very close to Starburst plaza.
• ANC 5C’s Resolution for Equitable Metrorail Access – This is a resolution in support of WMATA’s previously published metrorail expansion options. Some of the metro plans put forward also involved metro stops in 6A.

Tuesday, April 21

ANC7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning, Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm. 

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

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, April 22

Local organization Itty Bitty Mosquito Population Committee launches mosquito control effort with zoom meeting. 

Community Zoom, Tuesday April 22 at 7pm: This is a chance to get an overview of the committee, how we’re thinking about our mosquito problem, and ask questions. This effort isn’t just about traps — we’ll cover the full range of strategies we’re pursuing, how neighbors can plug in and answer what questions we can. If you’re new or have been meaning to get up to speed, this is a great entry point. We’ll send a separate note later this week with the Zoom link and RSVP details — https://www.ittybittymosquitocommittee.org/calendar/community-virtual-town-hall

Saturday, April 25

Itty Bitty Mosquito Population Committee sponsors public meeting at NE Library 

Biogents reps, including at least one of their scientists, are joining us for the Ward 6 Spring Clean. They’ll spend the morning out in the neighborhood meeting neighbors where they live, getting a feel for our blocks, and helping think through trap placement strategy live. Afterward, they’ll head to the Northeast Library for a drop-in session where you can come learn more about how the traps work, ask questions and geek out with their scientist if the mood strikes.

https://www.ittybittymosquitocommittee.org/calendar/biogents-open-house

National Museum of the American Indian Living Earth Festival Saturday (and Sunday)

Celebrate the transformational power of clay and the evolution of the museum’s iconic outdoor sculpture installation Always Becoming (2007) by Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owingeh [Santa Clara Pueblo]). Join the museum for a weekend of stories, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances, and more centered on the relationship between art and the earth.

For more, including the program of activities for Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, go here: 

https://americanindian.si.edu/events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Dseries%26seriesid%3D1833045

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/

Thursday, April 23

Community Site Walk for the RFK Campus Master Plan April 23, 6PM – 8:00pm

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.

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

Friday, May 24

Friday Night Live – Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza – April 17th – 5PM

Jazz In the Park – Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month!

Featuring Valentina Marie

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.

Saturday, April 25

Ward 6 Clean Up. See here:  https://bit.ly/48bvBrt

by Larry Janezich

Posted:  Friday, April 17, 2026

Here’s Hill’s Kitchen – from left, Miles Hamilton, John Johnson, and Sarah Needles.  Hill’s Kitchen is at 713 D Street, SE.

Hill’s Kitchen has stepped up to help the 7^th Street and other nearby neighbors who are protesting the opening of Wingstop – a fried chicken carryout – on Barracks Row across the street from Popeye’s in the troubled 400 block of 8^th Street, SE. 

The store has copies of the petition available for Ward 6 residents to sign. 

The well-organized group of neighbors behind the effort has been active for more than a decade, urging ANC6B, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, and the Zoning Commission to enforce existing regulations on restaurants and bars on Barracks Row. They have been instrumental in helping negotiate settlement agreements with food and liquor establishments, insisting on best operating practices regarding rodents, trash, traffic, odor and noise.  Many of the neighbors support going beyond targeting Wingstop and favor a ban on fast food outlets on the street and this group is circulating this petition.    

The petition says, “Enough is enough!”  It calls on CM Charles Allen to “fight to Save Barracks Row Main Street.” 

Here’s the operative language: 

Support our petition to DC Ward 6 Council Member Charles Allen requesting

1. Immediate moratorium against any opening of new cannabis or fast food retailers.

2. Department of Building Enforcement reviews of All Barracks Row establishments operating as cannabis stores or fast food restaurants

3. Clear statutory language requiring all Barracks Row establishments to comply with best practices on rodent control, sound mitigation, and odor prevention

Fast/Fast Casual Food on the 400 block of Barracks Row

• & Pizza
• Taco Bell
• Popeye’s
• Chipotle
• Ledo Pizza
• Pizza Boli
• Dunkin
• Maman Joon Kitchen
• Union Kitchen
• WingSpot (applicant for special exception)

Weed shops on Barracks Row

• UpNSmoke 427 8th Street, SE
• Miel Wellness 727 8th Street, SE
• Sticky Meds 1104 8th Street, SE
• Aloha 539 8th Street, SE

And weed shops near Barracks Row

• No Kids Allowed 637 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
• High Demand DC Weed Dispensary & Delivery 511 11th Street, SE
• New Leaf Dispensary (formerly Taste Budz) at 317 Pennsylvania Ave, SE

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 14, 2026

This it 539 8^th Street, SE. Tobacco King is the tobocca store on the ground level. Aloha, the weed shop part of the operation, is upstairs.

ANC6B Will ask City to Consider Closing Barracks Row Weed Shop

Last night, ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) Committee chaired by Commissioner Karen Hughes, that the committee voted to recommended the full ANC send a letter asking ABCA to “take decisive and immediate action to protect the public by investigating Tobacco King and consider revoking their medical cannabis license.”  The the letter will be copied to the Mayor, the Attorney General and to the members of the Council. The medical weed dispensary is located upstairs at 539 8th Street, SE, the former location of La Vagna restaurant.

In a release dated March 25, 2026, Fairfax County Police said that on March 18, a coordinated local, state and federal law enforcement effort served search warrants on multiple buildings, storage facilities, and residences associated with Tobacco King vape shops in Fairfax County.  Three family members – Omar Salim, 65, Saleh Salim, 36, and Saed Salim, 39.  All were charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and all were later released on a $50,000 bond.

For more info, go here:  https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2026/03/25/drug-trafficking-organization-dismantled-in-massive-multi-location-operation/

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 14, 2026

Wingstop wants to open at 406 8th Street. SE, between Dunkin’ and Maman Joon’s Kitchen, in the space formerly occupied by Mother Blossom.

Here’s a photo of last night’s meeting of ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee.

100+ Residents Sign Barracks Row Fast Food Protest Petition

Controversy over fast food outlets surfaced at last night’s meeting of ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee chaired by Commissioner Vince Marino.  At issue is the proposed opening of Wingstop, a 100% carryout fast food fried chicken chain seeking to open on the 400 block of Barracks Row.  Wingstop has over 2,500 outlets internationally.

A group of 100+ nearby neighbors opposed to more fast food outlets on Barrack Row have submitted a petition to ANC6B opposing fast food outlets and specifically opposing the ANC negotiating a Settlement Agreement that would pave the way for Wingspot to open.  Marino noted the number of signatures is not seen for most things and enough to make a difference in ANC elections.

The situation is this:  The former weed shop Mother Blossom went out of business after gift shops were made illegal.  Building owner Douglas Development leased to Wingstop, but zoning regulations require the proposed business to go through a “special exception” process because zoning regulations restrict the number of fast food restaurants on the street. Wingstop has over 2,500 outlets internationally.

ANC6B received the application for the exception last December.  Douglas Development has hired the high-powered legal firm of Holland Knight to help them win the exception – first by gaining the support of ANC6B and then approval by the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).  There are specific criteria which must be met including a finding by the BZA there will be no adverse effects from trash/rodents, noise, odor, and traffic.  If those four criteria are met, the BZA issues the exception. 

In this case, the sticking point is odor.  Neighbors say Wingspot will pump more unpleasant fried chicken odors into the community to the detriment of their enjoyment of their nearby properties.  A Popeye’s across the street already does that.  A small group of neighbors is trying to negotiate with Douglas Development to find a way to make everybody happy.  A larger group of neighbors who are opposed to fast food in general, are behind the petition, some of them having broken away from the negotiating group, frustrated over that process. 

Separately, a Captain of the DC Fire Department’s 8th Street Station has filed a letter with BZA opposing the establishment of another fast food carry out on the block because he says the carryout would make an already heavily trafficked street even worse, hindering the egress of emergency vehicles from the fire house a few doors away.

Here’s the state of play:

Douglas Development has a plan for controlling odors which neighbors say would protect their own 2^nd and 3^rd floor tenant in the building at the expense of the residential neighbors.

The negotiating neighbors have an alternate plan created by their own expert engineer, which Douglas Development refused to consider when it was presented ten days ago.  The negotiating neighbors say Douglass Development has not been negotiating in good faith, referencing Douglas Senior Vice President for Development Drew Turner’s “bait and switch” approach to negotiations.  Turner was called out by Marino for his “combativeness” in contrast to the other members of the Douglas team.  Turner later offered an apology. 

ANC6B’s role is purely advisory, though city regs require BZA and other agencies to give “great weight to the ANC’s opinion.  By exercising its right to protest the issuance of a special exception, the ANC can adds months to the approval process and run up legal fees for the applicant – and legal fees for the ANC.

According to Chair Marino, the larger group of neighbors firmly opposed to any new fast food appear to have enough residents with legal standing (being affected by the opening) to file their own protest with BZA which could trigger a BZA protest hearing regardless what the ANC does. 

At the end of last night’s meeting, in the face of some skeptical ANC commissioners, Douglas Development agreed to review the negotiating neighbor’s alternate odor mitigation plan.  One of the complaints was that Douglas Development had not permitted access to the building for the neighbor’s engineer to take measurements to provide additional data for the alternative plan.  The negotiating neighbors tried to pin down a date for access for the engineer, but the best they could get from Chris Cohen, one of the Holland and Knight attorneys, was Douglas would “need a week to review the proposal and we’ll be in touch.”

Marino expressed hope that the postponed BZA hearing would provide an opportunity for continued negotiations.  The ANC voted to postpone further consideration of the matter until the next meeting of the Committee in May.  Commissioners noted that the topic remains on the full ANC6B Commission meeting agenda for Tuesday night.  Negotiating neighbors said that a number of residents are planning on attending the meeting to express their view. 

The full ANC6B meets tonight, Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00pm.  The meeting is usually hybrid – in person and on line – but the ANC website only indicates a virtual meeting.  CHC’s attempts to clarify have not been successful.  If it turns out there is an in-person meeting as well, the ANC ordinarily meets in the first floor conference room at 700 Penn Avenue, SE, entrance next to Trader Joe’s. 

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: 

Parkside community cleanups

Updates from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Up to 10 min

Elected District Government Official Updates

• Letisha Vinson, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder
• Ward 7 Representative of the Mayor’s Office of Community
• Eboni-Rose Thompson, State Board of Education (SBOE), Ward 7 Representative
• Kisha Anderson, District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Ward 7 Community Engagement Specialist

Community Presentations

• George Jordan, 51st News
• Charles Boston, Arborist

Community Matters

• RFK Roundtable
• Opportunity for Commission to raise awareness around RFK development issues

Commissioner SMD Reports

Community Comments 1-2 min each

Commission Business Items

ANC 7D Committees

• Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee
• Transportation/Public Space Committee
• Community Outreach and Grants Committee

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.