February 15, 2026 · 11:32 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Walk for Peace Photos from St. Mark’s

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 15, 2026

Last Wednesday, 19 Buddhist monks who travelled the 2300 miles on a four month Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC arrived at St. Mark’s Church on Capitol Hill, at 301 A Street, SE.  This photo is after their 11:00am arrival while they were in the church for lunch.T here were some 400 monks, organizers and supporters inside the church and more than 1000 in the street and lining it outside, including security, organizers, and members of the public.

The public crowds they attract are large and emotional – many brought flowers and signs to welcome them.  Some carried Buddhist flags. 

The monks departed the church at 1:30pm to visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Peace Monument on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, and George Washington University Smith Center.

The crowds who had assembled to watch them pass as they left – and there were hundreds – were mostly silent.  Occasionally there were soft cries of “bless you” and “thank you.” 

There were a large number of additional monks who joined the Peace Walkers at St. Marks but the monks who made the journey seemed to stand out because of their resolute expressions. 

MPD and a large contingent of bike-mounted officers from the Community Focused Patrol Unit escorted the marchers.    

Here’s a photo inside the church after the event. The nave of the church had long tables of catered food in the front and on one side.  The entire floor of the church was covered with long strips of white cloth where the monks sat while they had lunch.  One of the organizers said that 400 had been served.

The next day, the monks continued to Annapolis, visited the steps of the Maryland Stare House, and then departed by bus to return to Fort Worth.  They arrived on Saturday, February 14, for a peace gathering and celebration of the completion of the journey.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, February 16

Presidents’ Day Holiday. 

Trash and Recycling Pick Up slides one day. 

Tuesday, February 17

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Public Safety Report
  • Community Announcements
  • Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)
  • Commissioner Announcements
  • Community Concerns
  • Office of Planning: Discussion of DC2050 and how residents can get involved.
  • Consent Agenda (Approve: Race For Hope, May 3, 2026; PanCAN PurpleStride, April 25, 2026.)
  • ABC Matters
  • Task Force on Pedestrian Safety Recommendations
  • Global Citizens PCS Requests Letter of Support
  • SMD Updates
  • Chairperson’s Report

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Old Business

  • Torti Gallas H Street Study. DC’s Office of Planning (OP) along with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has picked architecture firm Torti Gallas to conduct a land use and market study for the corridor.  Emma Estes and Vincent Ubiera from DC OP will join the TPS committee to present and discuss the study.

New Business

  • Capitol Hill Classic. Jayme Johnson from Capitol Hill Cluster Schools (CHCS) will join the committee to discuss the 45th Capitol Hill Classic. CHCS request a letter of support from our ANC to Clint Osborn, Director of HSEMA.
  • Notice of Installation of Raised Crosswalk at 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NE. DDOT plans to install a raised crosswalk on the north leg of this intersection.

ANC7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning, Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration Committee​ will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

Agenda:  TBA

DDOT Open House on updates on the Benning Road Project, including details on the latest updates to final design plans and next steps ahead of the anticipated start of construction in fall 2026.

Wednesday, February 18

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda: TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

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

Monday, February 16

Library of Congress Main Reading Room Open Event – 10:00 am – 04:30 pm

This Presidents Day, visitors are invited onto the floor of the Library’s Main Reading Room. Typically reserved for credentialed researchers, this special opportunity offers a rare glimpse inside one of Washington’s most beautiful and iconic spaces.

Go here for timed entry tickets:  https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1038417/timedentry-ticket-reservations-washington-thomas-jefferson-building

Wednesday, February 18

Library of Congress Event – 8:00pm

Benjamin Beilman, violin & Steven Osborne, piano

Thomas Jefferson Building – Coolidge Auditorium

10 First Street  SE. Washington DC 20540

 Reserve Tickets Here:  https://www.loc.gov/item/event-419358/benjamin-beilman-violin-and-steven-osborne-piano/2026-02-18/

“Expect an electrifying recital from this duo of sought-after soloists: American violinist Benjamin Beilman and Scottish pianist Steven Osborne perform sonatas by Brahms and Franck, plus Clara Schumann’s Three Romances and Lili Boulanger’s “Nocturne” and “Cortège.””

Pre-concert Conversation with the Artists – 6:30 pm, Whittall Pavilion

Thursday, February 19

Hill Center Event

At Issue: Immigration. President Trump’s Mass Deportation Agenda:  Its Consequences and Implications featuring Dara Lind and Julia Preston.

7:00pm – 9:00pm, $12.00

Dara Lind is a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council and Julia Preston is a journalist focusing on immigration.

For more and to get tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4672STH

Friday, February 20

Library of Congress Event

Leonkoro Quartet – 8:00 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson Building – Coolidge Auditorium – 10 First Street  SE.

Reserve Tickets Here:  https://www.loc.gov/item/event-419362/leonkoro-quartet/2026-02-20/

“Praised for impeccable style and musicianship, the brilliant, Berlin-based Leonkoro Quartet performs music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans on the Library’s renowned Stradivari instruments.”

Pre-concert Conversation with the Artists – 6:30 pm, Whittall Pavilion

UPCOMING:

Folger Theater

Tuesday, Mar 10 – Sunday, Apr 12

As You Like It

by William Shakespeare

Envisioned by Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels

Directed by Timothy Douglas

TICKETS: Starting at $20 

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

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.

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.

Congressional Cemetery Cherry Blossom 5K April 12, 2026, 9:00am

Early bird discount available until Feb 22!

Go here for more info:  https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/HCCCherryBlossom5K

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,

February 12, 2026 · 11:05 pm

Reception and Opening for “Landscapes” Exhibit – Saturday, February 14

Capitol Hill Art League announces opening and reception for “Landscapes” exhibit on Saturday,  February 14, 2026 running through Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Frame of Mine Gallery, 545 Eighth Street, S.E, on Barracks Row.

The members of the Art League have created views across geography, seasons and climes to bring us to places familiar and on our wish lists.

Come escape the wintry weather and step into another experience.

The show can be previewed on the Art League website at:  https://www.caphillartleague.org/

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 9, 2026 · 12:29 pm

Proposed Design for Shirley Chisholm ES (formerly Tyler) – First Look

Proposed Design for Shirley Chisholm ES (formerly Tyler) – First Look

by Larry Janezich

Posted Monday, February 9, 2026

Thursday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee heard a presentation from STUDIOS Architecture of the concept design for the renovation of Shirley Chisholm Elementary School (formerly Tyler) at 10th and G Streets, SE. 

The school is being modernized and enlarged to meet additional programming and projected enrollment requirements.  The project will also maximize exterior programmable space and ensure the safety and security of students and staff.  The modernization will entail removing all of the interiors, stripping it down to the structure and façade, and providing all new building systems and new finishes.  

The school will vacate this summer into their swing space and demolition and new construction will start.  Completion is projected for July of 2028. 

Following the presentation, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full ANC6B support forwarding the designs to the Historic Preservation Committee for review. 

Here’s an overview of the project:

The school’s existing footprint with dates of expansions.

The proposed modernization’s footprint. 

The renovated main entrance at the corner of 10th and G Streets.  The canopy will be replaced and the entrance will feature an accessible pathway. 

Here’s the view of the existing building down G Street with a three story addition at the 11th Street end.

Here’s the view from 11th and G Streets looking southwest.  The image on the building shows a public art space reflecting community feedback about providing a way for Rep. Shirley Chisholm’s legacy to be brought into the school design.

This is a rendering of the south end of the building looking at the play space, the canopy element for community and theater programming space, and another public art feature depicting a place holder.

A view of the 10th Street side of the school looking northeast.  A secondary entrance at grade is in the middle at the bottom of the tower and will allow access to larger spaces that may be used more by the community for afterhours activities in the auditorium and gymnasium without giving access to the full building.

In 2025, members of the community, citing infrastructure issues with the school, voiced opposition to preserving the original 1949 building.  The Historic Preservation Review Board advised preservation of the structure despite that opposition and despite the building’s not having met the historical status of having been constructed before 1945. Owing to HPRB’s unexplained decision to advise preservation of the 1949 building, the ANC’s letter to HPRB supporting review of the design concepts stated that the ANC expects transparency and clarity going forward.   

Here’s a link to an article from last fall in The Hill Rag which provides more detail:  https://bit.ly/3O0JJww

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 8, 2026 · 9:44 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 8, 2026

Trash Update:  For more go here:  https://dpw.dc.gov/page/trash-and-recycling-collection-status

Update on Federalist Pig coming to Barracks Row at the former Joey’s of Barracks Row, 527 8th Street, SE.  Judging from the demolition permit on the window and the sounds from within, it appears that the build out for restaurateur Steve Salis’s Federalist Pig – reported by Washington Business Journal last August to be coming to Barracks Row – is underway.  Salis also owns Ted’s Bulletin on Barracks Row, Honeymoon Chicken, Kramers (formerly Kramerbooks & Afterwords), and Sidekick Bakery. 

8th Street Bus Priority Project Update:  Last Wednesday night, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee heard a presentation from Project Manager Andrew Grinberg – a briefing required after DDOT’s issued a Notice of Intent on the project’s proposed traffic and parking modifications. One of the results of the proposal will be the loss of 31 parking spaces between East Capitol and M Street, SE (4.5% of total available parking between East Capitol and M Street SE) – mostly on Barracks Row.  Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted through February 27th at the NOI Portal, here: https://ddot.dc.gov/service/notice-intent  And here’s a link to the website with the presentation DDOT gave to the Committee on Wednesday night.  A link can be found under “Documents” about half way down the page.    https://buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/pages/8thstse#documents   The committee unanimously approved a motion to support the project.  The letter of support now goes to the full ANC at its next meeting on Tuesday, February 10.  Image DDOT

Neighbors are complaining that Albert’s Liquor at 328 Kentucky Avenue, kitty-corner from Safeway, is in violation of DC statutes regulating the signage and prohibitions on illuminated advertising after hours.  Last Tuesday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted unanimously to support a motion that the full ANC send a complaint to the DC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration.  Final action on that will come up in next Tuesday night’s meeting of the ANC.  Photo: ANC6B

The owner of Capitol Square Bar & Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street has applied to transfer the license from Sahara Market at 1901 Michigan Avenue, NE, to an empty building at 1504 East Capitol next to Capitol Square.  As reported by Eat DC, the owner will open a Sahara Market at that location.  Capitol Square closed last year over issues involving an expired business license, unpaid taxes, and a series of lawsuits. Next Tuesday, ANC7D has scheduled a vote to Protest the transfers of a “Retailer’s Class C Restaurant” and “Retailers Class B Beer and Wine Store” license from 1901 Michigan Ave, NE, to the vacant, unimproved commercial property at 1504 East Capitol Street, NE, until settlement or agreement is reached with applicant.

ABCA Shuts Down unlicensed weed shop on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Potomac Tobacco at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE was padlocked and one employee arrested on January 30th when ABCA and MPD shut the site down for illegal cannabis sales.  The operation was part of the city’s ongoing enforcement efforts following the enactment of the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure statute which granted ABCA new civil enforcement powers. Since the bill took effect on July 15, 2024, joint agency efforts have resulted in the padlocking of 102 illegal cannabis businesses.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, February 9

(POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 23) ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce will hold and (In Person Only) Meeting at 7:00pm

This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Avenel, SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Tuesday, February 10

ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm

Among items on the agenda:

Consent Agenda

  • TBA

Committee appointment – Resident members, and alternates

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
  • Reminder of Upcoming Meeting Dates

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

  • Pepco power surges and remedies for 6B residents
  • Letter to Mayor concerning homeless population during extreme temperature.
  • Letter to Mayor on Chief of Police

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

ABC Committee

  • Protests/Other Updates
  • Albert’s Liquor, ABRA-077335, 328 Kentucky Ave SE. Discussion about a new renovation potentially violating city code.
  • Ambar update on Settlement Agreement

Transportation Committee

  • DDOT Presentation on 8th St SE Priority Bus project (NOI now active. Access at https://bit.ly/4bIzMO1  )
  • Watkins Alley issues follow-up
  • Feedback to WMATA on L’Enfant Plaza Metro station signs
  • 1/28 DDOT oversight hearing testimony
  • (Late Breaking) Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding the Safe Routes to School Action Plan for Shirley Chisholm Elementary School

Planning and Zoning Committee

  • Chisholm Elementary DCPS, 1001 G St SE: Pre-Filing review of school renovation proposal
  • Emerald Wings, 406 8th Street SE.  Update on ongoing settlement talks
  • Spotify, 440 New Jersey Ave SE.  Vote on letter to City Council on corporate use of residences
  • Discussion: Concept Design for HCC Gatehouse. Pre-Filing review
  • (Late Breaking) A Resolution Urging Gentle Density Throughout the District of Columbia

Committee Chair and Vice Chair Appointments

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

Among items on the agenda: 

  • Updates from the Metropolitan Police Department
  • 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
  • Randi Thorpe, Department of Public Works (DPW), Community Relations Specialist (invited)

Community Matters

  • ANC 7D FY 2027 District Budget Priorities – Opportunity for Commissioners to establish priorities for FY 2027 budget cycle
  • RFK Roundup – Opportunity for Commission to raise awareness around RFK development issues

Other Commission Business

  • Proposed Motion: ANC 7D vote to Protest transfers of a “Retailer’s Class C Restaurant” and “Retailers Class B Beer and Wine Store” license from 1901 Michigan Ave, NE to a vacant, unimproved commercial property at 1504 East Capitol St, NE until settlement or agreement is reached with applicant.
  • Proposed Motion: ANC 7D vote to support transfers of jurisdiction on various Parcels and a part of a Reservation to result in District Government control of Bridge 78.

Wednesday, February 11

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

Among items on the agenda:

Community announcements

Commissioner announcements

DC agency informational announcements

Other community announcements/public comment

Consent agenda

  • TBA

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee. 

  • 511 Third Street NE.  Application for a special exception from lot occupancy requirements to demolish an existing one-story rear addition and construct a two-story rear addition on an existing semi-detached two-story + cellar principal dwelling unit
  • 654 L Street NE.  Application for special exceptions from rear addition requirements and lot occupancy requirements to construct a three-story + roof deck rear addition to an existing attached two-story + cellar principal dwelling unit
  • 626 A Street NE.  Application for concept approval to construct a second-floor addition to an existing one-story garage

Transportation and Public Space Committee

  • Capitol Hill Classic request for support—Jayme Johnson
  • Sidewalk Palooza, project to report and reduce sidewalk hazards—Scott Price

Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee

  • Tango Pastry, 408 H Street NE, Application for retailer’s Class “D” restaurant, including stipulated license

Thursday, February 12

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

Among items on the agenda:

Community Presentation

DC Water’s Lead Free DC Initiative – Sean Moore, Communications Manager, Lead

  • Free DC (Contractor), DC Water, Capital Water and Lead Free DC

Officer Reports

Transportation and Public Space

  • Presentation: DDOT NOI.  Proposed changes to bus stop locations on 8th Street NE at C and D Streets NE – Andrew Grinberg, Transportation Planner, Capital Planning Division,

District Department of Transportation (NOTE: DDOT is taking comments through February 27, 2026.)

  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a comment letter in response to DDOT NOI 26-06-CPD: Proposed changes to bus stop locations on 8th Street NE at C and D Streets NE

Plenary Session:

Suggested Motion: ANC A formally approve for submission to the DC Council’s

Committee on Transportation and the Environment regarding DDOT oversight, the

testimony delivered by Commissioner Shapiro on January 28, 2026.   It is further noted

that this Testimony should be submitted by the ANC no later than February 13, 2026.

Suggested Motion: ANC A approve oral and expanded written testimony to the DC

Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations regarding ABCA oversight.

Suggested Motion: ANC6A approve the appointment of Gail Sullivan to the Community

Outreach Committee (COC).

Single Member District reports (2 minutes each)

Community Comment

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About: 

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

Wednesday, February 11

8:00pm

Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation’s 11th Anniversary of the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam

Wednesday, February 11th   at 8:00pm at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. 

Tickets $25.00 – go here:  Click here for tickets https://bit.ly/4koxuFW

Wednesday, February 11

7:00pm:  Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture at the Hill Center.

The event is free and open to the public

James Darius Ball, the director of Future Cities at the National Building Museum, will lecture on future cities and how the power of public imagination and collective vision is shaping the future of urban life. The presentation will spotlight Coming Together, the National Building Museum’s first major exhibition, which examines how American cities are reimagining and reshaping their downtown districts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ball has a background in sustainable development, building science and community engagement. He brings a rich experience and passion to questions of urban identity and opportunity.

The Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture is named for former CHRS president Dick Wolf, a city planner and activist who was a Hill resident who championed the cause of historic preservation. The lecture series features themes of historic preservation and urban planning in Washington, DC.

A reception will follow the presentation. Reservations are not required, and the public is encouraged to attend.

Friday through Sunday, February 13 – 15

Folger Theater Valentine Day Events Love Songs of the 15th Century

Folger Consort’s February concert will be an affair to remember. Join us for a glass of wine and light bite at Quill & Crumb before enjoying romantic ballads based on poet Christine de Pisan’s The Book of the City of Ladies. Enhance your experience by arriving early for one of our pre-concert discussions, led by Folger Consort Artistic Director Robert Eisenstein.

Friday, Feb 13 at 8pm*

Saturday, Feb 14 at 2pm

Saturday, Feb 14 at 8pm*

Sunday, Feb 15 at 2pm

*Pre-concert discussion at 7pm

Tickets, $20 – $50.  Go here:  https://bit.ly/4kr9K47

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

February 7, 2026 · 8:59 am

First Look at Congressional Cemetery’s Gate House Renovation

First Look at Congressional Cemetery’s Gate House Renovation

by Larry Janezich

Posted Saturday, February 7, 2026

At ANC6B’s Thursday night meeting of the Planning and Zoning Committee, Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Congressional Cemetery, (bottom, center) introduced Hartman-Cox Architects to present concept designs for the renovation of the cemetery’s gatehouse, garage, kiosk and pergola.  The cemetery’s current vision is to be more community focused with more space for education and community engagement facilities.

Here’s a view of the proposal from the west side of the building.  The existing porch and garage will be removed.  A new  structure on the garage footprint will have restrooms, an interpretive display, a kitchen, and multipurpose space.  The entrance to the new structure will be in the middle.  A terrace in front will will be a launchpad for groups visiting the cemetery.

Here’s a view looking at the south end of the building showing the terrace. 

And the proposed first floor plan.  The second story of the main building will be extended over the one story south end of the original building to create more administrative space on the main building’s second floor.  The current E Street entrance to the building will remain funeral-focused to separate that function of the gatehouse from the more public event space.

Here’s a view of the new kiosk which will be an orientation point for the cemetery and have a fulltime staff member to take check-ins for the local canine group and possibly a gift shop and pamphlets for self-guided tours.  There will also be lockers for docents who do volunteer tours at the site.  The pergola will be a shade structure for the golf cart used to navigate the site and help people with limited mobility. 

Regarding a timeline, Hudson says, “We’re looking at this calendar year for design work and we’re still raising funds which to some extent is driving the process – and then completing construction in 3 to 4 years.”  Hartman-Cox is looking to get concept approval from Historic Preservation this year, but does not anticipate ground breaking in 2026.

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,

February 5, 2026 · 10:46 pm

Saturday:  ANC6A Holds Special Election to Fill Two Empty Seats 

ANC6A is a seven member Commission which lies roughly between Stanton Park and Florida Avenue and 15th and 7th Street, NE.

Saturday:  ANC6A Holds Special Election to Fill Two Empty Seats 

Posted February 5, 2026

ANC6A will hold a special election on Saturday, February 7, to fill two seats on the commission, Single Member Districts 6A01 and 6A02.  

The election will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm at 1300 H Street, NE, the former Ephemeral Tattoo location.  

All registered voters who are residents of 6A01 and 6A02 are encouraged to vote.

There are two candidates for each ANC seat:

6A01 Candidates:

Scott Burger, mikailaandscott@gmail.com

Lorena Gil, traviesita@gmail.com

6A02 Candidates:

Ashley Blake, Ashr.blake@gmail.com 

Kimberly Butler, imbuildingavillage@gmail.com

Please reach out to the candidates directly with your questions.

For more information please see:

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/1-309.06

https://dcboe.org/candidates/anc-advisory-neighborhood-commissioners

https://openanc.org/

Not sure which Single Member District you live in? Check out the map above or enter your address here:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=12bb36e8b77a4a8780125e77e990b146

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 5, 2026 · 4:27 pm

Saturday:  CHAW Exhibit & Reception “Life In The City”

“East by West” Gloria Tseng Fischer

Saturday:  CHAW’s “Life In The City” Exhibit and Reception

Posted February 5, 2026

The Capitol Hill Art League will open its 15th annual open call exhibit with a reception on Saturday, February 7th, from 5:30-7:00 pm, at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop located at 545 7th Street, SE. The Capitol Hill Art League is a visual arts program of The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop: https://chaw.org/

Juror, Barbara Januszkiewicz will discuss the selected pieces and present awards to those artists winning the monetary prizes. Barbara Januszkiewicz is a dynamic artist whose work moves between vibrant colorfield paintings and striking plexiglass sculptures, transforming abstract brushstrokes into immersive environments that engage and uplift audiences. For more, go here:  www.barbaraj.info       

In addition to viewing the art in person at the Arts Workshop, the art will be availableonline after February 7, on the Capitol Hill Art League website at: www.caphillartleague.org/citylife2026

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 4, 2026 · 12:03 pm

Here’s the new ANC6B Chair Sam Pastore

Here’s the new ANC6B Chair Sam Pastore

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 4, 2026

Last week, CHC interviewed ANC6B Chair Sam Pastore.  Here’s a condensed version edited for clarity. 

Sam Pastore was elected as ANC6B after running as a write in candidate for the ANC6B05 seat left vacant by the retirement of Commissioner Kasie Durkit.  One year after being elected, he finds himself Chair of ANC6B – more on that later.

Pastore was born in the house he and his wife Saleela now live in at 8th and North Carolina Avenue, SE.  One of his first jobs was working for Dan Donahue of Agora Farms on Eastern Market’s Farmers Line.  He graduated from DC’s Field School then attended DePaul University in Chicago where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in political science and theory. 

He became a real estate professional in Chicago right out of college.  Three years later, he was back in DC as a real estate agent, working for several agencies before landing at Coldwell Bankers on Capitol Hill in June of 2023.    

Why did you run for the ANC?

Pastore said, “Really because no one else ran and I couldn’t imagine having an empty seat in my own district in a time when parts of our democracy are under stress.”  He said, that Coldwell Banker realtor Chuck Burger “could probably tell I had an interest in doing community service work” and Burger – who is Chair of Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) – asked him to help EMCAC stand up a new public safety committee.  He credits ANC6B04 Commissioner Jerry Sroufe (who is the ANC’s representative to EMCAC) for encouraging him to run as a write-in candidate for the seat. 

Other Community Service

Pastore engages in other community activities as well.  He cofounded The Purpose Party which was active during the pandemic until recently as a mutual aid civic engagement organization distributing free food, free clothing and free hygiene for people of DC who were in need.

He serves on the board of The Hill Center.  He says, “That happened because a close family friend of mine who was a supporter of The Purpose Party had been on the board … and when she left, she introduced me to Board Member Barbara Cartland” and that led to an invitation to join the board. 

Pastore is also a volunteer for Capitol Hill Village (CHV), most recently shoveling snow for CHV members.  In the spring, he volunteers for Garden Palooza which he says is a really good program where CHV goes out and helps folks get their garden together. 

What motivates you to perform community service?

Asked what motivates him, Pastore says he is inspired by people like “Dan Donahue and others who get involved, spend the time, and show up – if we all did that we’d have a better community. We’re in this very wealthy powerful community and there are so many barriers but there’s also so many ways people can get involved.”

What surprised you after being elected to the ANC?

Pastore said, “It was just how hard everyone works whether it’s the city council or the ANC commissioners – and how limited the resources are – from website assistance to communications to infrastructure….  I mean our whole ANC gets a $25,000 annual budget and we have one staff person and we try to piece together a legal team for dealings with developers or some restaurant group or a cannabis company that is well funded and organized….  We have to relearn this every time as commissioners turn over.  We are outgunned in so many ways.  What I wish is that there were more people who showed up at meetings….”

What do you think makes a good ANC Commissioner?

“It’s really hard showing up authentically and being able to listen and stretch a little bit.  What I learned this year is there’s kind of multiple roles for anybody who serves as a commissioner where it’s a conversation between being able to be to be convinced of things and talk about things and not be too stuck in our ways and make things personal and also believe in something.  It’s being able to show up as themselves rather than with some kind of negative or self-serving agenda.”

Conflict of Interest

Being a real estate broker, or an attorney, or a city or federal employee while serving as an ANC commissioner presents issues commissioners in other professions don’t face.  CHC asked Pastore how he would handle potential conflicts of interest.  Pastore said that “any property or case that I have a direct financial interest in – I haven’t ran into one yet – obviously I’d have to recuse myself.”  On other questions regarding a zoning or alcohol beverage/cannabis issue on a property next to or in close proximity to a property – say being listed for sale or lease by Pastore or his agency – are less clear cut.  Pastore says, “I’d have to check with myself because in the end of the day I also do have my own opinions on those things.  I understand that if my name is on a property on Barracks Row and there’s a cannabis shop or a restaurant that wants to open up across the way, I do have to check with myself and see I feel about this: ‘Does it have to do with some financial gain?’ But I haven’t run into one of those yet.”

Major Issues for ANC6B

Here’s a list of major issues for ANC6B that Pastore sees for the coming year:

  • Zoning and usage issues related to our neighborhood becoming less of a neighborhood in certain ways.  Especially about big companies wanting to buy houses.   
  • Rumsey – this year is going to be the year that the design for that public space happens
  • Redesign of the Potomac Avenue/Pennsylvania Avenue traffic circle.
  • Issues concerning the on-going expansion of bike lanes and priority bus lanes
  • Economic variety on Barracks Row and how do we get smart as a community about development?  How much of that is in the hands of the community, how much of it is in the hands of the city, how much is it in just in the hands of the people actually own the property?
  • Managing the tensions regarding the push for more affordable housing.  Dealing with concerns of people who say how can you tell me what I can to do with my house?

Streamlining ANC Meetings

There have been discussions over the past year about how to streamline ANC6B meetings which sometimes run so long that unfinished business gets pushed to the next Executive Committee meeting.  Pastore says “It’s embarrassing to me when we get to the end of the meeting and we we’ve got to rush through people’s issues especially if they’ve waited through the whole meeting and then we say you’ve got three minutes and then, no one else.  But I don’t have a solution yet.”

Elected ANC Chair

CHC asked Pastore about the process by which the Commission selects its officers.  Pastore says, “What I find is that I don’t see is a lot of people very hungry to do more because taking on these positions is a lot of work and a lot of responsibility.  I think it’s essentially a conversation between the commissioners to see who is willing to say they’ll do it. That’s how I saw it this time in terms of a process.  Honestly I can’t say that there’s a set process other than at the end of the day somebody puts your name up and you vote on it.”

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,

February 2, 2026 · 4:25 pm

CIVIC on Barracks Row Is Open Tomorrow – Tuesday – at 8:00am

CIVIC on Barracks Row Is Open Tomorrow – Tuesday – at 8:00am

by Larry Janezich

Posted Monday, January 2, 2026

After a soft open last Thursday “CIVIC on 8th” at 501 8th Street, SE, Rhonda Foxx’s new concept for a day time coffee bar/evening cocktail bar opens Tuesday, February 3.

Here’s a link to CIVIC’s coffee menu and coffee salon food menu:  https://www.salonforthecity.com/menu 

Cocktail salon menus are coming soon.  (Liquor license is pending.)

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 1, 2026 · 11:18 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 1, 2026

Barracks Row MainStreet’s Brian Ready bids for elected office. Ready, former chair of ANC6B and current Executive Director of Barracks Row MainStreet, has launched a bid for DC’s US Shadow Representative.  Here he is outside of the Capitol Hill Trader Joe’s on Sunday afternoon collecting some of the 2,000 signatures he needs to get on the ballot for the primary election on June 16, 2026.   

Here’s a photo of two Bobcats clearing snow from an alley off 10th Street SE, just after midnight early Saturday morning.  It took about 25 minutes to clear a path for trash removal from the alley for pickup which will start on Monday, February 2. 

The Up N’ Smoke weed dispensary building on Barracks Row is up for sale.  The property is being marketed at a $2.3 million price tag by Greysteel Real Estate.  According to the description, “The property is anchored by a nationally recognized tenant alongside established local businesses. This balanced mix provides a stable income stream while benefiting from the unique character associated with neighborhood retailers. Investors have the opportunity to enhance long-term value through additional development.”

Hill Center Galleries 2026 Regional Juried Show:  First Place.  Vugar Guliyev “Astral Drift” 2025, Oil on canvas. Photo: Hill Center

Hill Center Galleries 2026 Regional Juried Show.  Second Place.  Lakshmikant Gupta “Three Sisters” 2023, Color pencil on black paper. Photo: Hill Center.

Hill Center Galleries 2026 Regional Juried Show.  Third Place.  Roderick Turner “The New Ferebee/Hope Recreation Center in SE” 2024, Oil on wooden panel. Photo: Hill Center

The Week Ahead:

Tuesday, February 3

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

  • Albert’s Liquor, 328 Kentucky Ave SE. Discussion about a new renovation potentially violating city code.
  • Ambar update on Settlement Agreement.

MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Counsel (CAC) virtual meeting 6:00 – 7:15 pm

Agenda:

  • DC Sentencing Commission announcement
  • Navy Yard/Union Station Curfew Update
  • The Wharf, Gallery Place and Navy Yard Juvenile Safety Concerns
  • 3rd Street to 14th Streets Safety Concerns
  • G to K Streets NE Saving Concerns
  • 8th Streets NE Crime and Drug Concerns
  • Burglaries, Carjackings, Stolen Auto, and Homicide Reports
  • Policing 14th Place, 15th Street NE, and Other Areas
  • North Capitol Street, NE
  • ANC Commissioners and block Associations input
  • Business and resident comments

Wednesday, February 4

ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

  • DDOT Presentation on 8th St SE Priority Bus project.
  • Watkins Alley issues follow-up
  • Feedback to WMATA on L’Enfant Plaza Metro station signs
  • 1/28 DDOT oversight hearing testimony
  • (Late Breaking) Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding the Safe Routes to School Action Plan for Shirley Chisholm Elementary School

Thursday, February 5

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

Agenda:

  • Chisholm Elementary DCPS, 1001 G St SE: Pre-Filing review of school renovation proposal. No vote expected.
  • Emerald Wings, 406 8th St SE: update on ongoing settlement talks. No vote expected.
  • Spotify, 440 New Jersey Ave SE: vote on Memorandum of Understanding. Vote expected.
  • Discussion: Concept Design for HCC Gatehouse: Pre-Filing review. No vote expected.
  • (Late Breaking) A Resolution Urging Gentle Density Throughout the District of Columbia

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

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

Hill Center Event

Sunday, February 8 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm $23

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Award-winning Traditional Musicians Newberry & Verch

Get tickets here:  https://bit.ly/3NJtZhp

On-going:

Explore the Folger on a Guided Tour

Take a tour of the Folger led by an experienced guide. We offer one-hour group tours priced at $25 per person – minimum, six people.

See here for more info:  https://www.folger.edu/visit/tours/

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized