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.
Late Night Weekend Street Parties Continue to Plague Barracks Row Neighbors
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 9, 2026
MPD 1st District Commander Colin Hall at Tuesday Night’s Community Advisory Council Meeting
Last Tuesday night, 1st District Commander Colin Hall heard from a resident who lives near Barracks Row, report that the late night weekend street gatherings on the 800 block of E Street – which had been in abeyance for weeks – have returned. The venue was the monthly 1st District Community Advisory Council meeting chaired by Robert Pittman and held this month at Pillar Church on South Carolina Avenue, SE.
The resident restated the on-going complaints of numerous neighbors about Café 8 patrons coming back to their cars after patronizing the restaurant/club and staying in the street playing car radios, smoking weed, drinking and making noise well after midnight. After peaking early in the summer, the incidents of partying seemed to fall off as patrons tended to stay on 8th Street, “but now it’s back.”
Commander Hall said, “Well that’s definitely something we’re aware of and we’ve been contending with. Barracks Row has changed a little bit with some of the clubs and the nightlife there. We started deploying officers down in that area and maintaining a high visibility specifically around Café 8 when large crowds are present.
We were getting complaints and I haven’t received any that popped up to my level so by letting us know it’s still happening we can redouble our efforts down there.
What happens is they come out of those clubs and hang out in the street or at the firehouse and we’re clearing them out of those areas. It’s like we just displace from one area to the next but we need to know where they are to do any good.
We’ll direct some more proactive resources – we have a Crime Suppression Team and they’re out around that time so it helps if you’re telling us the times so we can narrow down the windows and try to get them out of there with a show force.”
In response to a question about how the Crime Suppression Team operates, Hall said they are proactive enforcement teams; “They’re out there looking for criminal violations – they’re very well versed in making arrests related to alcohol and drug use in public – sometimes they’re gong to find guns associated with these things. Keeping on top of it is the thing were going to do – go in there and send out the message this is not the place to hang out.”
Hall added, “And definitely call 911 when it’s occurring…tell us there’s drug activity there or drinking in public…noise is a disorderly kind of violation but if you add all the descriptions and get descriptions as best you can of the vehicles….”
The resident said “Early on, several of the neighbors went out and asked them politely to stop, but we were threatened so no one goes outside anymore.” There are videos and audio files of the late night activities and Hall said to send them to him.
Since January, there have been three incidents of gunfire near Café 8 at 424 8th Street, SE, including a shooting next the Fire Station where an individual was shot in the leg. Another incident this year occurred in the 500 block of 8th Street, and involved gunfire in front of Ginza Karaoke and Lounge, 526 8th Street, SE.
CM Charles Allen held Neighborhood Office Hours at Boulangerie St. George, across from Eastern Market on Friday morning.
Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, chaired by Chuck Burger, met in the North Hall of Eastern Market on Wednesday night. Market Manager Barry Margeson reported on how the Market will address the relocation of the weekend vendors on the Rumsey Center Plaza once the construction fence goes up around the site. Those vendors will be moved to the North Plaza at Eastern Market; the current occupants of that location will be moved inside the Market’s North Hall.
Here are some photos from the Rumsey Center’s last day, which was Wednesday, September 30.
A few swimmers showed up for some final laps.
A group of regular senior aerobic pool users – who number about 100 – held a farewell reception in Rumsey Center’s meeting room Wednesday morning. At far left is a favorite aerobics instructor, Jeanie Brown Johnson.
CHC asked Lynn Ringenberg, who organized the gathering, if she thought her aerobics community had been listened to after Department of Recreation to go back to the drawing board with users recommendation after seeing the first design. She said, “Sort of…the first design was totally for the lap swimmers. There was no room for water aerobics or kids – so we got them to make room for water aerobics…we got what we really needed. But I’m really upset that there’s nothing for littlest kids.” She added that getting members of her group to the alternate pools that Rumsey users will share with others will be difficult for many seniors; “We had hoped for a shuttle to pick up people that are right here to get them over to other locations and they promised us that at the beginning, but I don’t think there’s any hope at all.”
For the first time ever: Saturday, October 10: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
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/
The Week Ahead…
Monday, October 5
CANCELLED ANC6B Public Parks & Recreation Spaces Taskforce will meet at 7:00pm. (In person only)
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
Agenda: TBA
Tuesday, October 6
ANC 6BABC Meeting Cancelled.
MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council will hold an In-Person and Virtual Meeting, 7:00pm – 7:45pm.
Guest: MPD 1D Commander Colin Hall.
The in-person meeting will be held at The Pillar Church, 1111 South Carolina Avenue, SE
The meeting will also be virtual. Go here for more info and how to join: https://1dcac.com/
311 F Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special exception from the lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story accessory building in the rear of an existing attached
three-story flat.
643 Constitution Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special from the lot
occupancy requirements and from the accessory building area requirements of to construct a two-story rear addition and a two-story accessory structure (garage and office use) in the rear yard of a two-story plus cellar principal row dwelling.
Draft letter concerning infrastructure improvements – The PZE will take up the issue, raised at
the last two PZE meetings, of encouraging developers to install infrastructure (such as sewer
lines under alleys) that promotes the construction of additional housing.
Thursday, October 8
ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting of the full commission at 7:00pm.
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), Brandon Bush-Thompson, Engagement Coordinator for Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis. Recommendation: ANC 6A take no action with regard to a requested exception to the restriction on the sale of single alcoholic beverages for Jumbo Liquors, located at 1122 H Street, NE.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a comment letter to DDOT in response to noticed of intent plan to install contra-flow bike lanes on the 400-700 blocks of 7th Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT in support of Jack Becker’s plan to install a cornice on an alley dwelling on Overbeck Alley.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a supplemental letter to DC Council Chair Mendelson amending its’ request to rename Electric Alley to Electric Way instead.
Economic Development and Zoning.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA to retain its previous position to withhold support from, but not formally oppose, the construction of a third-story addition to an existing, detached, two-story, four-unit apartment house in the RF-1 zone, requesting relief for rear yard and lot occupancy at 1226 F Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A support the application for special exception to construct a second story above an existing detached garage 1225 F Street, NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A support the application for approval from the DDOT Public Space Committee to install a cornice/awning projecting into the adjacent public alley at 23 Overbeck Alley NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A support the EDZ Committee’s effort to address vacant and vacant/blighted properties in ANC 6A, encourage Single Member District Commissioners to partner with the EDZ Committee in reviewing individual properties, and publicize the effort to keep the public database of vacant and vacant/blighted properties updated and complete.
Standing Committee Reports:
Community Outreach Committee
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
Economic Development and Zoning
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A submit a comment letter to DDOT in response to the amended Micromobility Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
New Business
Suggested Motion: ANC send a letter of support to DC Councilmembers for Council Member Charles Allen’s Medical Cannabis Process Improvement Amendment Act of 2025, which would, among other things, tighten restrictions against locating cannabis retailers within close proximity of day care centers.
Single Member District reports (1 minute each)
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About
Sunday, October 18 frin 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Renovators House Tour.
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 are $35. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.renovatorstour.org.
Wednesday, October 7 at 7:45am, Lincoln Park
Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization is organizing a Walk & Roll to School Day event on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:45 am at Lincoln Park. We expect to have 11 schools participate. This will be the 25th year a Walk to School Day event has been held on Capitol Hill,
Friday, October 9 at 1:00pm
This Friday is Eastern High Schools Homecoming Parade, beginning at 1 pm. Please join neighbors in cheering on the Blue and White Marching Machine and the Homecoming Court along the route. As a reminder, all vehicles must be removed from the route by 10 am. Please obey the Emergency No Parking signs.
Friday, October 9 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hill Center Event – Reception and Opening Fall 2026 Solo Exhibitions and Sculpture Garden Opening
This is a free event, please RSVP to let us know that you will be attending: https://bit.ly/4zcu13w
Saturday, October 10 from 10:00am – 3:00pm
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 at 5:00pm
Dead Man’s Run at Congressional Cemetery – 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 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.
Miracle Theater Screening of Glory 7:00pm – 9:02pm – $12
Following the Battle of Antietam, Col. Robert Gould Shaw is offered command of the United States’ first all-African-American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. With junior officer Cabot Forbes, Shaw puts together a strong and proud unit, including the escaped slave Trip and the wise gravedigger John Rawlins. At first limited to menial manual tasks, the regiment fights to be placed in the heat of battle.
Hill Center Event – American Roots Concert Series featuring Chloe Kimes
“Consistently producing difficult and honest storytelling, incomparable vocal delivery, and an undeniable sound, you simply need to attend Chloe’s performances in person.”
Last Tuesday night, DC Department of Recreation hosted a community meeting on the closing and construction of a new Rumsey Center. About 75 community members showed up. There were a lot of questions about water sports programming, accessibility, rodent control, construction practices, and parking. The project is expected to take two years to complete.
CM Charles Allen credited the community for improvements to the design since it was unveiled in December of 2024. He said, “As Chris Dyer (DPR spokesperson) said, it may not provide every single thing that everybody wants but it is a much better design and much better project and a much better concept for our community. And it’s because you guys are so engaged… you held everybody accountable for it and now as we get into the process you continue to hold us accountable to make sure that it gets built the right way.”
That construction fence on the south side of Eastern Market Metro Plaza marks off the area where compacted gravel will be replaced by Flexi Pavers.
The buildout has begun for the former 7-11 on Barracks Row which is scheduled to become a retail gift shop. When it might open is uncertain – a worker said it needs a lot of work. At least it does not appear to be on its way to another 24/7 convenience store.
Last Wednesday night at Awakening on Barracks Row, Herb Scott, founder of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, kicked off four days of festivities connected with the annual Capitol Hill Jazz Fest.
Southeast Safeway has upped its game – so to speak – in the specialty meat department. Billed as sustainable meats, they now carry kangaroo, ostrich, elk, venison, wild boar, and alligator. They also carry a new line of D’Artagnan humanely raised meat products.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, September 28
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee meeting 7:00 p.m.
Following the Battle of Antietam, Col. Robert Gould Shaw is offered command of the United States’ first all-African-American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. With junior officer Cabot Forbes, Shaw puts together a strong and proud unit, including the escaped slave Trip and the wise gravedigger John Rawlins. At first limited to menial manual tasks, the regiment fights to be placed in the heat of battle.
American Roots Concert Series featuring Chloe Kimes
“Consistently producing difficult and honest storytelling, incomparable vocal delivery, and an undeniable sound, you simply need to attend Chloe’s performances in person.”
“30 year anniversary of Pokémon card release day at labyrinth. Millennials lined up at Labyrinth at 8:00am for the 30th anniversary release of Pokémon cards. Some are leaving their day jobs to sell and collect these things.” This line – starting at the D Street entrance at the back of the store – extended down the block toward CVS on Pennsylvania Avenue. Thanks to Sam Pastore for the alert and the caption.
Last Thursday, The Capitol Hillbillies hosted its monthly swing dance at St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church. The band also hosts a monthly Cajun dance on the second Tuesday of the month at Hill Center. The next Cajun dance will be October 12 • 7–9pm and the next swing dance October 22 – 7 – 9pm at St. Mark’s.
As previously reported on CHC, Cleopatra Ink Global Tattoo & Piercing is coming to 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE The buildout is underway, but no word yet on opening.
Here’s a look inside from last week.
Here’s this month’s curious installation by Triple Candie on display in the space in the front of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. For more on Triple Candie, go here: http://www.triplecandie.org/
The Week Ahead…
Highlight:
Monday, CM Charles Allen joins ANC6A Transportation Committee discussion of the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit issue.
DPR will hold a Community Meeting on the Closing and Construction of a new Rumsey Center from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. North Hall at Eastern Market, 225 7th Street, SE
Monday, September 21
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
RFK Site Development Transit Plans – Council Member Allen will join the committee to discuss potential Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit and other RFK transit issues.
Updates on DDOT Notice of Intent re West Virginia Avenue, NE, and Vision Zero Hardening at Maury Elementary.
New Business
Proposed Cornice on Overbeck Alley NE. Jack Becker is requesting a letter of support for his project from ANC 6A.
Notice of Intent: Contraflow Bike Lane on the 400 -700 Blocks of 7th Street, NE – The comment deadline is late October for this NOI. TPS Committee may provide recommendations to the full ANC 6A October meeting.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for DDOT Micromobility Contracts – Comment period has extended for ANC 6A to submit comment on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
Tuesday, September 22
ANC6A ABCA Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of request for an exception to the restriction on the sale of single alcoholic beverages for Jumbo Liquors, located at 1122 H Street NE
ANC6D will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm at 1100 4th Street, SW, in the 2nd Floor Conference Center.
Among the items on the draft agenda:
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: Office of Planning on DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Presentation:
Zoning Commission (401 14th St SW Map Amendment)
Consent Agenda:
(The Race For Every Child 5K on Saturday, October 17
ABC Matters
Request for 2-Year Extension: 1100 South Capitol Street
Bylaws Amendments
SMD Updates
Chairperson’s Report
DPR will hold a Community Meeting on the Closing and Construction of a new Rumsey Center from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
North Hall at Eastern Market, 225 7th Street, SE
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Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About
Folger Theater – Measure for Measure Opens Tuesday, September 22.
“Measure for Measure, where human nature collides with the letter of the law, offers a timeless parable of power and redemption. This production of Shakespeare’s dark comedy, set in the American South in the 1950s, comes to life under the direction of Psalmayene 24, Helen Hayes Award winner for Folger Theatre’s production of Metamorphoses.
Measure for Measure offers considerations of societal upheaval and asks whose voices are silenced and whose voices break through.” September 22 – November 1, 2026
“Talk of the Hill with Bill Press: Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) discusses U.S. Current Affairs & his new book No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism
The New York Times Hardcover Bestseller goes BTS to look at the shocking extent of Christian nationalism’s reach & the fight to defend church-state separation.”
24/7 Convenience and Carryout at 1601 Benning Road
NE Residents Ready Protest Against 24/7 Starburst Convenience Store
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 18, 2026
Last Tuesday night, ANC 7D’s Economic Development, Housing, Zoning & ABCA Committee held a virtual meeting chaired by Resident Member Zach Abramovitz.
Among items discussed was the application for renewal of a Class B Retail Grocery license (beer and wine for off-premises consumption) for Convenience & Carry Out at 1601 Benning Road, NE.
The store lies in the single member district of Commissioner Dominic Pacheco ANC7D06 who said his constituents have raised a number of concerns about the 24/7 venue.
Pacheco told CHC, “The overall concern from residents in my SMD is not alcohol sales generally, but rather the renewal of this particular alcohol license at this particular location.
Unfortunately, there is long history of criminal activity, MPD engagement and other traffic concerns in this immediate area. … “
He noted that the chair of ANC7D’s Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and ABCA Committee invited the applicant to join the committee hearing, but reportedly did not receive a response.
According to the full ANC7D Commission Chair Brian Alcorn who attended the meeting, ANCs and Community organizations can protest an application for a liquor license or a renewal on three grounds:
Peace, order, and quiet
Parking needs, vehicular safety, and pedestrian safety
The negative impact or effect on real property values in the surrounding area
Pacheco listed a number of concerns the community will ask the ANC to focus on. Among those the commissioner listed which speak most directly to the grounds for protest are the following according to Pacheco.
“Public Safety: The 1600 block of Benning Road has had multiple shootings, fatal stabbings, and armed robberies. MPD data shows at least 178 incidents within the area around this address over the past year. Categories like robbery, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon are a few that have all increased year-to-date.”
And:
“Photos associated with the business on Google appear to show items including metal knuckles, pocket knives, ski masks, and handcuffs. Some of these items may be prohibited under DC law, and I will be asking for clarity as to why a convenience store would be selling those items – especially in an area that struggles with public safety.”
In addition, Pacheco said, there are “Issues concerning the hours of operation: The business is advertising itself as 24/7. However, the alcohol application lists hours that end at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. The application also indicates alcohol sales would stop at 10 p.m. So I’ll be asking ABCA to clarify how will the business actually be operating, will they update their signage, what hours are authorized, and (what will be the) guarantee of when alcohol sales will stop? Neighbors want to be sure there will be enforcement associated with the hours of operation and alcohol sales at this location should the license be approved by ABCA.”
There appeared to be considerable support for a motion to recommend that the full ANC protest the application for a license renewal by ABCA. If the full committee supports the recommendation that would trigger a formal hearing during which ABCA would hear arguments for and against the protest. If opponents are successful, the application for renewal could be denied. In the past, ABCA has seemed to be pre-disposed to giving applicants the benefit of the doubt. Protests have successfully resulted in a denial of license renewal if compelling evidence is submitted pertinent to any of the three grounds on which a protest can be based.
Other attendees at Tuesday night’s meeting spoke about what they perceive as the negative effect of the proliferation of 24/7 convenience stores which have recently opened up near the Starburst where H Street, Benning Road, Florida Avenue, Bladensburg Road, 15th Street and Maryland Avenue intersect. Some 24/7 stores have opened on H Street, NE, as well. The trend is more widespread than in nearby NE, as independent stores and local chains move to fill the gap created by the closure of so many 7/11s in October of 2024. It seems to be a business model that is self-replicating. Recently, a Grab N Go 24/7 convenience store opened at 637 PA Avenue, SE.
The Committee could take up and vote on a motion to recommend a protest of the renewal as early as its next meeting in mid October.
Comments Off on NE Residents Ready Protest Against 24/7 Starburst Convenience Store
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) are excited to inform the community that the project to deliver a new Dr. William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Avenue SE) is moving forward. To allow demolition of the existing building and construction of a new aquatic center, the Rumsey Aquatic Center will be closed to the public starting Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Residents are invited to a community meeting on this project on Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, in the Eastern Market North Hall (225 7th Street Southeast). Meeting details are available here: https://rumsey.splashthat.com/
The Week Ahead…(Rumsey Pool Update) & Some Photos from Last Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 13, 2026
Art All Night on Eastern Market Metro Plaza Friday night. Uncle Jesse’s 90’s and 00’s cover band drew a crowd. Adrian showed off her talent for powerful vocals. For more on the band, go here: https://www.unclejessemusic.com/
The Little Mercies. On Sunday evening Hill Center presented the latest in the American Roots Concert Series: The Little Mercies: bluegrass, reggae, jazz, folk, and classical. For more info, go here: https://thelittlemercies.com/
Here’s a crowd shot of The Little Mercies performing.
New convenience store on PA Ave SE. On the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, a new convenience store has opened in the space at number 637, formerly held by 7-11.
Rumsey Pool Update. Date set for next community meeting on Rumsey Pool. Tuesday, September 22, North Hall at Eastern Market.
The Week Ahead…
Wednesday, September 16
ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
628 15th Street NE. We received notification that the alley does not meet 10’ requirement. No changes from original plan supported by ANC in September 2025. EDZ acknowledges existing public alley is non-conforming; no changes to plans or design. ANC revised letter on April 9 consent agenda. BZA hearing administratively rescheduled to June 17, 2026. BZA requestedmore info, hearing continuation scheduled for September 2. Update: because the rules changed in the interim, they will be heard again on November 4.
1226 F Street, NE. To construct a third story addition, to an existing, detached, two-story, 4-unit, apartment house in the RF-1 zone. Requested relief for rear yard and lot occupancy. Yard sign posted May 30. Presented to EDZ June 17 meeting in which applicant was asked to negotiate a compromise with neighbors who raised objections. As of EDZ July 15 meeting applicant had contacted one neighbor; letters of opposition. August update: 16 letters of opposition. CHRS revisited the project at neighbor request and are retaining their support. The developer and lawyer sent an invitation postmarked Friday August 14, to a Zoom meeting on Tuesday August 18. Eight neighbors attended; no agreement was reached. ANC September 10 meeting voted unanimously to oppose. BZA hearing September 16, 2026.
Vacant Property. Discuss idea to “divide and document” vacant property with each
SMD and request ANC to send a letter to DOB with findings.
RFK Plan: ANC 6A submitted an excellent 10-page letter regarding the RFK redevelopment; thank you for your contributions. https://anc6a.org/other-documents/
New Business
1225 F Street NE. BZA Application. To construct a second-story addition to an accessory building (garage) in the rear yard of an existing two-story plus cellar principal row dwelling in the RF-1 zone. Special Exception request for the maximum building area for an accessory building requirements.
1020 C ST NE. BZA Application. To construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story plus basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone. Special Exception: The rear yard requirements. Variance: The lot occupancy requirements.
316 12 ST NE. BZA Application. To construct a second story addition to an existing accessory garage, in the rear of an existing, attached, three-story plus cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone. Area Variance The lot occupancy requirements.
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Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About…
Monday, September 14
Capitol Hill Cajun Dance and Jam hosted by members of the Capitol Hillbillies.
Hill Center from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
Wood floor. Open Band. Admission: Free. Donations and snacks welcome.
Location: Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Benjamin Drummond Hall (first floor). Metered parking on Pennsylvania Avenue or free two blocks away at Shirley Chisholm Elementary School (10th & G SE).
Capitol Hill Swing Dance – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
The Capitol Hillbillies host the Capitol Hill Swing Dance – 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.
The Capitol Hill Swing Dance (Third Thursdays at St. Mark’s) is celebrating their one year anniversary on Thursday, September 17. The regular event will feature a few extras for the evening, including giveaways, a raffle, and refreshments, as well as the usual free lesson from GottaSwing at 7 pm, then social dance and live music by the Capitol Hillbillies until 9:30 pm.
The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, September 12, 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.
Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We no longer want CDs and DVDs.
Questions? bob@bobgellman.com
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13
Capitol Hill Art Walk.
Features the works of over 175 artists in multiple locations across Capitol Hill.
