Monday morning. CM Charles Allen posted on social media that because of repeated issues outside Barracks Row’s Café 8, including gun shots, he believes that an emergency closure should take place until the business changes how they operate. He said, “I’ve spoken with (MPD’s 1D Commander) Hall as well as head of ABCA.” An hour later, Allen hosted an online “Press Avail on the Café 8 shooting. “
In response to questions, Allen said the pattern of violence outside this establishment has been ongoing for a year and a half or two years and MPD has had to put a lot of resources on the corridor. He said that other businesses and residents are “sick and tired of it”… and he believes an emergency closure is warranted.
How this would work, Allen said, is when you’ve got a public safety hazard it requires a 96 hour shutdown closure and oftentimes ABCA will have a safety plan that has to be met for reopening. (ABCA could extend the 96 hour closure pending an safety plan agreement or dispostion.)
The ABCA board next meets on Wednesday; that would be first opportunity when the board could vote for a 96 hour closure.
Last night about 11:10pm, a fight broke out on the 400 block of Barracks Row in front of an establishment on the block. According to interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll who held an early morning press conference on the scene, there were gunshots fired and nearby National Guard members exited a nearby van and intervened. The suspect ignored Guard commands to drop the weapon and fired a shot at the Guard who “discharged their weapons “ In an exchange of gunfire, the Guard member was shot in the leg and the shooter was shot in the abdomen. Carroll said in a an early morning press conference at the scene that both of the wounded were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. This was the second time individuals have been shot this year on the block. Here’s the video from Carroll’s news conference as posted on X: https://x.com/DCPoliceDept/status/2112072633630212106
The troubled 400 block of Barracks Row has grown increasingly rowdy on weekend nights and MPD has established a strong weekend night time presence. Last Saturday, they cleared an after-midnight gathering on the block, an increasingly frequent occurrence not only there but spilling over to late night gatherings on the 700 and 800 block of E Street, SE.
At the last MPD community meeting on October 6, a resident told 1st District Commander Colin Hall that the disturbances on E Street had flared up again after quieting down for a time. Hall said MPD would deploy a Crime Suppression team to send a message that the street is not a good place to hang out.
The Week Ahead…& Part II Postal Museum + Photo from Last Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted Sunday, October 18
Postal Museum Part II
The lower level of the Postal Museums contains artifacts related to the early delivery systems for the mail service. The 90 foot ceilings accommodate suspension of aircraft which delivered the mail. Here are photos of three.
The Wiseman-Cooke – which accomplished a shot delivery in 1911. Fred Wiseman delivered letters from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, CA flying 100 feet off the ground at a speed of 70 mph.
The de Havilland of 1918. The Post Office requested 100 planes from the Army but found them unsuitable for mail delivery, requiring a redesign in 1919. It became the work horse of airmail services and carried 775 million letters in the first year of service.
The Stinson Reliant of 1939. Designed for providing airmail service for small communities without airports, it collected and delivered mail and express packages without landing. It was never profitable and was discontinued in 1939.
Here’s a full sized replica of an 1851 Concord stage coach. They were first used to deliver the mail in the 1820s and remained in use until the early 1900s.
And here’s the Postal Museum gift shop.
Last Saturday, FreeDC organized an event at Eastern Market to promote early voting. Here’s a photo of the supporters circa 10am. Photo credit – Amber Jones.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, October 19
ANC6D will hold and IN PERSON meeting at 7:00pm in the 2nd floor Conference Center at 1100 4th Street SW.
Among items on the draft agenda:
Public Safety ReportBoard of Elections: Ranked Choice Voting Refresher
Bill 26-769: Soccer Stadium Redevelopment and Maintenance (Audi Field)
Public Safety Report
Community Announcements (1 minute per speaker; please contact us 48 hours in advance)
Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)
Commissioner Announcements
Community Concerns (3 minutes per speaker; please send request to speak 48 hours in advance)
Presentation: BOE “Refresher” on Ranked Choice Voting
Presentation: Update on 375 & 425 M Street SW
ABC Matters
Zoning Commission Case: 401 14th St SW Map Amendment
Bill 26-769, the “Soccer Stadium Redevelopment and Maintenance Act of 2026”
Proposed ANC Legislation: B26-0831 and B26-0832
Single Member District Updates
Chairperson’s Report
ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Vision Zero Hardening at 13th Street/Tennessee Avenue/Constitution Avenue – Tentative plan for DDOT to attend and discuss construction updates on this project at Maury Elementary School.
New Business
DDOT Public Space Application – Indochine, a new restaurant at the Southwest corner of 11th and H Streets NE, has applied to alter the furniture and number of people permitted on their patio.
Lead Free DC Project in alleyway between 1200 blocks of Duncan Place NE and D Street NE – DC Water will join to inform the ANC about restoration that will occur and meeting they are hosting on October 21, 2026.
DC Water and DDOT Sidewalk and Street Repair – Tentative plan for DC Water and DDOT to discuss asphalt patches to roads and sidewalks.
Draft Resolution on Increased Transit Funding and Infrastructure Related to RFK Development.
Additional community comment
Tuesday, October 20
ANCA Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.
Trumpeter, santur player, vocalist, and composer Amir ElSaffar joins electronic composer and performer Lorenzo Bianchi Hoesch explore the intersection of Arabic maqam and sonic innovation.
Thursday, October 22
The Capitol Hillbillies host the Capitol Hill Swing Dance – Third Thursdays at St. Mark’s
7:30pm – 9:30pm (Lesson at 7:00pm).
Live music. Laminate wood‐like floor. Admission: $10, teens $5
Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE; some parking available.
3pm – 6pm at 321 D Street, SE, corner of 3rd and D Streets, SE
Friday, October 23
1st District MPD hosts Movie in the Park
Monsters, Inc. at Lincoln Park on Friday, October 23, 2026, starting at 7:00pm.
Sunday, October 25
Congressional Cemetery
Fulcrum’s A Halloween Happening – 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Join Fulcrum Residential for one of our favorite traditions of the year — A Halloween Happening at Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE.
Bring the whole family (and your best costumes!) for an afternoon packed with Halloween fun. We’ll have hayrides through the cemetery, games, a costume contest, food and drinks, and plenty of treats — plus a DJ from Scorpio Entertainment keeping the party going all afternoon.
Come dressed up, bring your friends and neighbors, and spend the afternoon celebrating Halloween with the Fulcrum community.
Reminder for Sunday, October 18: Renovators House Tour
Posted October 17
24th Annual Capitol Hill Homes Open Their Doors for a Great Cause. Step inside some of Capitol Hill’s most interesting renovated homes. This beloved neighborhood tradition offers a behind-the-scenes look at creative renovations, thoughtful design, and unique solutions for living in Capitol Hill’s historic homes. Whether you’re planning a renovation, looking for inspiration, or simply love seeing inside neighborhood homes, the Tour is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Tour is a community fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA, supporting students at Peabody Elementary, Watkins Elementary, and Stuart-Hobson Middle School. Tickets at $35. For more info and to purchase tickets, go here: www.renovatorstour.org
ANC6B Advances Phase II of Garfield Park/VA Avenue Underpass Project
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 16, 2026
Last Tuesday night Ted Jutras, Executive Director of Capital River Front Foundation, presented a request to ANC6B asking for their support for the pending Phase II of the Garfield Park Connector/Virginia Avenue Underpass/Bridge Spot Project. The request is for a letter of support for a public space permit from DDOT for the Basketball/Futsal Court for the recreational space. Following the presentation, the Commission voted unanimously to endorse the project.
The Foundation leads Bridge Spot’s community design process, raises the money for each project, and operates and programs the space. Jutras told the ANC they have been working on the project with CM Allen’s office with the goal of creating and expanding a space that the community can continue to use. The space has been used heavily by the community for over a decade as a basketball court, a skate park, a public art space and a guerrilla pickle ball court.
Here’s an image illustrating the layout of the concept. The Riverfront BID and the Friends of Garfield Park have been the community force behinds the effort to renovates the space.
Phase I saw the completion of the Robert M. Krughoff Pickleball Center. Five free courts built with donations from the pickleball community, Consumers’ Checkbook and the Doug and Mei Smith Fund, plus a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. The courts are managed by the Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation.
Image of the BB and Futsal Court. (Futsal is a fast-paced, five-a-side variant of soccer played on a smaller hard court rather than an outdoor grass field.)
The Foundation anticipates completion Phase II – the CVS Health Futsal Court – by November 19th, allowing the courts to open by October 21st, the date of the National Women’s Soccer League Championship at Audi Field. The project is supported by CVS Health and Washington Spirit. Jutras said “the courts will feature a new mural with branding elements to allow us to raise funds for these types of amenities.
The next permit to be sought later this year will be for Phase III and will involve gates and barriers for the entire space to block out vehicles other than emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and food trucks for special events associated with the flexible community space coming in Phase V.
Phase IV will bring the Skate Park, currently under design (concept above) with input from the community of users. Jutras said an RFP (request for proposals) for a skate park designer will be released in December 2026.
Phase V – Future elements will bring the flexible community use space with programmatic elements including the arts, markets, and the like. One of the goals is to keep the big long wall on the east end of the space as an open wall to allow artists to continue to use it for installation of murals.
The main event of the No Kings Day of action in DC is being organized by Third Act DMV.
***Saturday, October 17, No Kings: Vote Early Rally and March near Memorial Circle.***
Join Third Act DMV for a VOTE EARLY rally between Arlington Cemetery metro and Memorial Bridge, just south of Memorial Circle. We will then march across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial. We end up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool with a few brief remarks. Be inspired in community!
FreeDC is organizing Ward by Ward events to encourage early voting. On October 17, the community will have the opportunity to join others from your ward to vote early. Go here for more details: https://freedcproject.org/event-list/vote-early
Ward 6
H St / NoMa (9 AM @ Tango Pastry and 3:30 PM @ Solid State Books)
SouthWest Library @ 12 PM
Eastern Market @ 10 AM
The Lincoln Park Free DC noisemakers will gather to VOTE EARLY. Join us at the north end of Eastern Market at 10am and wear your Free DC, Hands Off DC, or other DC gear.
Saturday, October 17
National Gallery of Art East Building
Film: Maysles Films Inc.’s Salesman – Part of A Camera That Goes Anywhere: American Cinema Verité
You Can Now Dispose of Batteries at Eastern Market
Ward 6 residents can now find battery drop-off boxes available at Eastern Market. Look for the blue Zero Waste tent at Eastern Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to accepting food waste and food-soiled paper for composting, the drop-off tents at select farmers markets will also take single-use (primary) and rechargeable household batteries under 11 lbs. DC residents are encouraged to bring their old small-format batteries safe disposal.
The main event of the No Kings Day of action in DC is being organized by Third Act DMV.
The main event of the No Kings Day of action in DC is being organized by Third Act DMV.
***Saturday, October 17, No Kings: Vote Early Rally and March near Memorial Circle.***
Join Third Act DMV for a VOTE EARLY rally between Arlington Cemetery metro and Memorial Bridge, just south of Memorial Circle. We will then march across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial. We end up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool with a few brief remarks. Be inspired in community!
*Note: The description in the mobilize link is not accurate and we are waiting on the No Kings folks to update this, the march will start near Memorial Circle and marching across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial. Sign up to get the latest information.
FreeDC is organizing Ward by Ward events to encourage early voting. On October 17, the community will have the opportunity to join others from your ward to vote early.https://freedcproject.org/event-list/vote-early
Ward 6
H St / NoMa (9 AM @ Tango Pastry and 3:30 PM @ Solid State Books)
Join your H Street community for two walks: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We’ll meet at a Procott neighborhood business, walk together to drop off our ballots, and then head to another Procott H St business to eat, drink, and socialize with neighbors. Join the chat to learn more.
SouthWest Library @ 12 PM
Bring your completed ballot, properly sealed in its envelope, to the dropbox at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW) at 12 PM. After voting, we’ll enjoy snacks, treats, and drinks while socializing and celebrating democracy. Please bring snacks/treats to share if you’re able. Other voters (and future voters) are welcome to join the fun! Join the chat to learn more.
Eastern Market @ 10 AM
The Lincoln Park Free DC noisemakers will gather to VOTE EARLY. Join us at the north end of Eastern Market at 10am and wear your Free DC, Hands Off DC, or other DC gear.
Take a selfie dropping off your ballot, say hi to a neighbor! After dropping off our ballots, we will walk to get a snack or drink at Mott’s Market or a favorite neighborhood spot.
Accessibility: This is an outdoor area. Ballot drop box is outside the North Hall of Eastern Market.
The Week Ahead…& Photo Essay – Postal Museum Part I
by Larry Janezich
Posted Sunday, October 11, 2026
Photo Essay: The National Postal Museum, Part I
Here’s a photo of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum from the west end of Union Station’s portico. The museum is located in the historic City Post Office Building which was Washington’s post office from 1914 through 1986. With 5.9 million items, the museum houses one of the largest and most significant stamp and postal history collections in the world.
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Here’s a view of the ornate lobby as you enter the building.
Here’s the entrance to the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery—the largest stamp gallery in the world. Gross is a major benefactor of the museum and donated $12 million to build the Gallery named after him, as well donation his collection.
One of the gems on display in the Gallery is one of the world’s first postage stamps. Great Britain issued the Penny Black on May 1, 1840. 68,808,000 Penny Black stamps were printed; an estimated 1.3 million are in existence today.
A more familiar stamp on display is the famous 24 cent Inverted Jenny issued on May 10, 1918. The printing error escaped quality control and only one sheet of 100 stamps with the plane upside down has ever been found. In a 2023 auction purchase of one of the stamps cost the buyer in excess of $2 million.
Here’s the escalator from the lobby down to the lower level and exhibits of historical artifacts of the US Postal service operations and delivery systems, as well as the museum gift shop. (For photos, see next weekend’s The Week Ahead.)
The Week Ahead….
Monday, October 12
Federal Holiday
Tuesday, October 13
ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Districts 1, 5 and 6
Office of Wendell Felder, Ward 7
Eboni-Rose Thompson, Ward 7 Representative, State Board of Education
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services
Other DC Government and Community Presentations
DC Department of Energy and Environment
Kingman/Heritage Islands Development Project
DC Department of Transportation
Bridge 87 and Southbound Kenilworth Ave Projects
Commissioner SMD Reports 10 minutes
Community Comments
Opportunity for residents, businesses and other organizations to share information about community activities 1-2 min each
Commission Business Items
Proposed Committee Motions
(Alcoholic Beverage Licensing): ANC 7D to protest the renewal of “Class B” license for Thomas & Sons Market at 3425 Benning Road, NE unless a Settlement Agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline.
Alcoholic Beverage Licensing): ANC 7D to protest the renewal of a “Class B” Retailer License for Convenience & Carry Out at 1601 Benning Road, NE unless a Settlement Agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline
(Zoning): 205 15th St NE Board of Zoning Adjustment Application for the Special Exceptions from the rear yard requirements of and the lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story rear addition, to an existing, semidetached, two-story plus basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
Transportation): ANC 7D to send a letter to DDOT and the DDOT Public Space Committee expressing support for a driveway curb cut for 4420 Douglas St, NE.
ANC 7D to provide comments and/or a Resolution in writing to the DC Council on PR-26-0810 “The Robert F. Kennedy Campus Master Plan Approval Resolution of 2026” and accompanying Master Plan [proposal, circa September 24, 2026].
ANC 7D to provide comments, a Resolution and/or testimony on “Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Functions Modernization Amendment Act of 2026” and “Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Payment Modernization Act of 2026.”
2027 budget—vote needed as per OANC at end of this meeting
September monthly report
Community announcements
Commissioner announcements
DC agency informational announcements
Other community announcements/public comment
Consent agenda
Transportation and Public Space Committee
DDOT Notice of intent: Installation of a contra-flow bike lane along 400-700 blocks of 7th Street NE
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
311 F Street NE, Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application or a special exception from lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story accessory building at the rear of an existing three-story flat
Plenary discussion
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
Draft letter concerning infrastructure improvements—Encouragement to developers to install infrastructure (such as sewer lines under alleys) that promotes construction of additional housing
Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee
Giant Food, 300 H Street NE, ABRA-091952, renewal, class B full-service grocery
Whole Foods, 600 H Street NE, ABRA-104505, renewal, class B full-service grocery
Vote on 2027 Budget
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:
Monday, October 12
Capitol Hill Cajun Dance – 2nd Mondays: October 12 • 7–9 PM.
Wood floor. Open Band. Free admission.
Donations and snacks welcome.
Location: Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Benjamin Drummond Hall (first floor). Metered parking on Penn, or free two blocks away at Shirley Chisholm Elementary School (10th & G SE). Contact: Joel Bailes, rollingpiano@gmail.com Upcoming events: 11/9, 12/14
You Can Now Dispose of Batteries at Eastern Market
Ward 6 residents can now find battery drop-off boxes available at Eastern Market. Look for the blue Zero Waste tent at Eastern Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to accepting food waste and food-soiled paper for composting, the drop-off tents at select farmers markets will also take single-use (primary) and rechargeable household batteries under 11 lbs. DC residents are encouraged to bring their old small-format batteries safe disposal.
A gathering of some 160 bands will play on some 50 porches in neighborhoods in Capitol Hill, Hill East, and Lincoln Park. (Rain date: October 11)
According to the website, the concentration is such that the length is walkable end-to-end in half an hour. The five Metro stations providing access are Union Station, Capitol South, Eastern Market, Potomac Avenue and Stadium–Armory. Click on the following link for a list of bands and porches and tap a porch number to see what’s playing and when: https://www.capitolhillporchfest.com/
Saturday, October 10
Book Sale at NE Library
The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, October 10, at the Northeast Library. 7th and Maryland Avenues NE.
In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. Our inventory varies widely from sale to sale.
Most hardbacks and paperbacks are two dollars each. Coffee table books, some cookbooks, special items, and some larger books are more. Mass market paperbacks are a quarter!
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
The Friends of SE Library need donated books so FOSEL can resume its near monthly book sales at SE Library.
If you have books to donate, we will take them during the sale. Otherwise, please donate at SE Library during regular business hours by leaving books in the donation bin on the ground floor of SE Library (South Carolina Avenue entrance). Ask the staff for help finding the bin.
Saturday, October 10
Dead Man’s Run at Congressional Cemetery – at 5:00pm
CC’s annual fall 5K fundraiser. This death-defying race begins inside the cemetery before continuing onto the Anacostia Trail for a spooky evening run filled with music, costumes, and frightful fun.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, or simply trying to stay ahead of your grave, Dead Man’s Run is one of the region’s most unique fall 5Ks. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. Form a team, get creative with your team name, and compete for prizes recognizing top overall finishers, age-group winners, and best team time.
All proceeds from Dead Man’s Run support Historic Congressional Cemetery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark.
Congressional Cemetery American Indian Tour from 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Congressional Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many American Indian leaders, diplomats, and delegates who died in the nation’s capital. Representing sovereign nations, they traveled to Washington to negotiate treaties, advocate for restitution, or represent their communities in some other way. Their legacies offer insight into the evolution of U.S. government policy and the treatment of American Indians in the nineteenth century. Congressional Cemetery Executive Director Mark Hudson will provide context for these policies before embarking on a tour of gravesites dedicated to honoring these individuals and sharing their stories.
Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to benefitting our non-profit mission of historical preservation and education. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.
The event is rain or shine. The program will begin at the cemetery chapel, and the tour will go across the cemetery grounds.
