Monthly Archives: June 2013

ANC6B Backs City Dogs Boarding and Grooming for 1310 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B supported establishing City Dogs boarding and grooming service at 1310 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The Commission voted 9 – 0 – 1 to support the variance and special exception City Dogs’ owner is requesting from the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment in order to operate the pet service business.  The City Dogs proposal appeared to be in trouble after significant opposition to the business from nearby businesses and residents arose in the ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee hearing earlier this month.  Subsequently, Commissioner Nichole Opkins, in whose single member district the site is located, won concessions in a written Operational Conditions Agreement from City Dogs operators regarding sound, trash, odor control, parking, and deliveries.  In addition the agreement establishes a liaison committee with the neighborhood to address any problems which might arise.  However, not all neighbors were mollified, and some expressed considerable unhappiness, maintaining that the proposed business was not compatible with businesses or residences on the block.

Capitol Hill Residents Turn Out to Support Frager’s at Tabula Rasa Fundraiser

Tabula Rasa Frager’s Fundraiser, June 14, 2013

Tabula Rasa Frager’s Fundraiser, June 14, 2013

Tabula Rasa Fundraiser, June 14 2013

Amanda Clarke, Owner of Tabula Rasa, Thanks Frager’s Supporters. Also pictured is Gary Peterson of Capitol Hill Community Foundation

Tablua Rasa Hosts Frager’s Fundraiser

by Larry Janezich

Tabula Rasa, the Barracks Row event and meeting venue, and several Capitol Hill businesses and restaurants joined forces to sponsor a fundraiser for Frager’s on Friday evening.  All proceeds went directly to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to support the businesses and employees displaced by last week’s fire.

Co-sponsors of the event included ArtSee, Barracks Row Main Street, Capitol Hill Community Foundation, CAVA, DCanter, First Vine, Highway to Hill Flowers, Le Pain Quotidien, Schneiders, tabula rasa, TCI Typecase Industries, Occasions Caterers, and Zest.

Capitol Hill Fitness is the Brainchild of Breelaun Marchai, pictured above

Barracks Row Capitol Hill Fitness Opens Saturday, June 15, at 725 8^th Street, SE

by Larry Janezich

The new fitness studio’s grand opening will be held Saturday, June 15, from 10-4 pm.

Capitol Hill Fitness is featuring a kick-off ten week special designed to help Washingtonians get fit – every Sunday, from 12-3 p.m., and Tuesday, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Until Labor Day, everyone is invited to stop by for a NYOP (Name Your Own Price) class.

Capitol Hill Fitness says it is dedicated to helping individuals build their core muscles and improve their posture, flexibility, strength and endurance through low-impact circuit training:  “While a lot of exercise programs are harmful to your joints, low-impact exercise is all about strengthening your joints. Trainers will lead clients through a circuit of 8 to 14 exercises during each class, making the workout well-rounded and fun. There is no monthly fee; just pay for the classes you take. It is small-group personal training at an affordable price.”

The training ability behind Capitol Hill Fitness is Breelaun Marchai, a former Air Force instructor, Emergency Medical Technician and fitness expert from Los Angeles. This is his first studio on the East Coast.

Classes will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., including the Full Circuit, Circuit 3.0, and 20M Ab’s. Each class is $15, with discounts for purchasing a 10-class-pass. There are no dues or commitments. Additional class opportunities, such as Pilates, yoga, total-body conditioning and meditation, will be added.  Visit http://www.CapHillFitness.com for a class schedule or to join the mailing list.  They will be open seven days a week

Mayor Gray at Miner Elementary School on June 13, 2013

Mayor Gray and ANC6A Chair David Holmes

Mayor Gray Looks and Sounds Like a Candidate in Tommy Wells’ Ward

by Larry Janezich

Last night, as part of its regularly scheduled June meeting, ANC 6A hosted Mayor Vincent Gray for a discussion and question and answer period concerning Ward 6 transportation projects. 

The Mayor appeared relaxed and in top form as he addressed more than 50 residents who gathered in a lunchroom/auditorium at Minor Elementary School.  He touted his administration’s progress in financial stability, employment, public safety and sustainability, pointing to progress in each category.  Toward the end of his speech, as the Mayor cited city accomplishments and national rankings, he emphasized the importance of coaxing retail back into the city and expanding neighborhood-based public transportation in order to accommodate the city’s growing population. 

The Mayor also gave the residents an update on transportation projects including forthcoming changes to pedestrian improvements on Maryland Avenue, C Street, NE; 17th and 19th Streets, and Florida Avenue.  He anticipated Ward Six’s and the city’s first trolley line coming on line in the next few months following completion of testing of the trolley cars and offered ANC6A the opportunity to take a bus trip to view the car testing.  A small group of District Department of Transportation (DDOT) officials joined the meeting to supplement the Mayor’s remarks and answer questions from citizens directly. 

During the question and answer period, the Mayor showed no real willingness to discuss policy.  He brushed off one question regarding whether the culture of testing and punishment pervading the public school system has gone awry by reiterating his support for early childhood education, longer school days, and a longer school year. But when it came to addressing specific resident problems, or steering the city’s bureaucracy to serve its residents better, the Mayor and the coterie of officials he brought with him were responsive and impressive.  Issues addressed included sustainability, contractor misconduct, troublesome tree branches, and public safety. 

Throughout this portion of the meeting, the Mayor seemed intent on connecting with his Capitol Hill audience.  He spoke at length about his longtime loyalty to Frager’s hardware store and repeated his vow to help the store rebuild from its four-alarm fire on June 5th.  He greeted some residents by name, and referred to his appearances at multiple ribbon cuttings and a memorial service in the neighborhood. 

In a stellar performance, some notes the Mayor struck sounded off.  In his summary of DC accomplishments, the Mayor mentioned several facts which are the result of the federal government’s presence in the city, rather than any particular policy; his reference to DC as having “the most college degrees of any city,” seemed the most glib example in this regard, given the state of DC’s education system, including its public university. 

But in the main, the Mayor’s performance was a deft reminder that, under his stewardship, the city has functioned well and to a remarkable degree.

One thing that was unsaid, and was unasked, was why the Mayor came to the meeting in the first place.  It could be that he and his staff have identified ANC 6A as a crucial neighborhood in the city:  with a mix of residents both new and old, and also black and white, the ANC is microcosm of the city.  It also has a significant number of transportation projects underway, and the Mayor might have judged it wise to bring a segment of DDOT officials to answer to local residents. 

Most likely the answer is political.  Does the Mayor’s visit signal that he will run again?  If so, he showed real vitality last night.  Or was the visit an attempt to demonstrate capable leadership against which forthcoming ethics investigations should be judged?  It is impossible to predict the future, but so far the campaign to pressure Gray to resign or impugn his administration has not broken the Mayor’s stride.  Unless U.S. Attorney Ron Machen’s office has a smoking gun, it seems likely that Mayor Gray will be able to fall back and rely on the vast network of connections and experience he has built upon to produce an electoral coalition. 

In an administration that the mainstream press has defined and judged based largely on campaign failures, Mayor Gray reminded his audience on Capitol Hill last night that, as mayor, he has been a success.

The Mayor concluded his presentation by giving away two tickets to the Verizon Center Friday night to the audience member who could recall the three H Street restaurants visited by the Obamas–a question that seemed to congratulate both the neighborhood and the city on its development record.

Donatelli/Blue Skye Project for Hill East Wins Support of ANC6B…With Reservations

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B voted 10 – 0 in favor of letter of support for the Donatelli/Blue Skye plan to develop two mixed use buildings on plum parcels on Reservation 13 next to the Stadium/Armory Metro Stop.  The letter stated that “While ANC6B is very disappointed that the most recent RFEI (Request for Expressions of Interest) received only one response, we urge DMPED to move forward expeditiously with the project.”

The letter went on to list some specific concerns the ANC has, which, among others included the following:

• That the developers pursue a mix of neighborhood serving restaurants and retail stores in the retail plan
• That the current design “falls below the standard of excellent urban design present in other Donatelli projects across the city” and ANC 6B wants to see additional improvements to the building designs
• That DMPED and DDOT  make the project more accessible to residents traveling to the site from east of the Anacostia River
• That ANCs 7F and 6B have an opportunity to weigh in on designs in conjunction with the Zoning Committee design review
• That Mayor Gray and DMPED immediately develop a plan to close the temporary homeless shelter at DC General and begin transitioning homeless families and individuals into better housing options. 

Commissioner Ivan Frishberg expressed his personal concern that since Donnatelli/Blue Skye made the only offer, they have all the leverage and no incentive to make concessions on the project.  He said he felt that the ANC should push extra hard and build political alliances with colleagues in Ward 7 to impress upon the developer that they have an obligation to meet a higher standard.  Justifying his concern, Frishberg said, “I don’t trust them more than I trust any developer…I think that (the city) will take whatever they can get at the lowest possible cost.”

On May 21, WAMU News raised questions about Donatelli Development/Blue Skye Construction in a four part series on the relationship between DC developers, city officials, and campaign contributions. http://wamu.org/news/13/05/21/million_dollar_properties_1_deals

ANC6B Moves Against Nuisance Properties

by Larry Janezich

Update:  An earlier version of this story cited Holy Comforter Cyprian Community Action Group as the owner of 125 15^th Street, NE – one of the nuisance properties targeted by the ANC.  In fact, according to Commissioner Brian Pate, Holy Comforter owns 124 15^th Street, across from 125 15^th Street.  Pate said that the list provided to ANC6B at Tuesday’s meeting was subsequently edited to reflect that fact and the notification letter will be amended accordingly.  .  Pate said, “Both properties (124 and 125) are, indeed problems but we’ll be focusing on the residential property first.”  In a further clarification Pate noted that Reuben Pemberton is no longer the head of DCRA’s Vacant Building Enforcement and has been succeeded by Heather Vargas. 

Last Tuesday night at its regular monthly meeting, ANC6B voted 8-0-1 to send a list of priority problem houses to Reuben Pemberton, Vacant Building Enforcement Unit, DCRA.  Commissioner Brian Pate’s Constituent Services and Outreach Committee has worked for the past several months to survey ANC6B and compile a list of vacant and blighted properties.  The ANC also voted to send letters to owners of six of the worst on the list asking the owner to fix up their properties.  The letter, in part, read as follows:

“ANC6B notes the condition of your property at xxx and respectfully requests your attention to mitigate its vacant, run-down condition.  ANC6B has registered its concern with the City’s Vacant Building Enforcement unit and encourages you to work with this City agency to address the condition of your property.”  The letter also notes that properties in the Capitol Hill Historic District may be eligible for grant programs designed to repair and restore historic properties. 

Commissioner Dave Garrison expressed concern that the ANC might be exceeding its authority abstained from voting.  Commissioner Oldenburg was not present for the vote. 

The list forwarded to Pemberton is as follows:

531 8th Street, SE, owned by Houshang H. Momenian – no address given

1125 Independence Avenue, SE, owned by Jeffrey Bruck – no address given

242 14th Street, SE, owned by Aurelia C. McCauley, Washington, DC

125 15th Street, owned by Mattie Nance – no address given

1247 K Street, SE owner by Geraldine Watkins, Washington, DC

1251 K Street, SE owned by Ruthie B. Buckman, Washington, DC

1257 K Street, SE – owned by 368 LLC, Baltimore, MD

1259 K Street, SE owned by 368 LLC, Baltimore, MD

102 9th Street, SE, owned by Elizabeth D. Lunsford, Washington DC

1616 Potomac Avenue, SE owned by Andrew L. Mealy, Jr., Temple Hills, MD

803 Kentucky Avenue, SE, owned by Gail Sirmans of Mount Vernon, NY

1612 Massachusetts Avenue, SE – owner not listed

Owners Momenian, McCauley, Nance , Buckman, Lunsford, and Sirman were the recipients of the request for mitigation from ANC. 

Residents with concerns about nuisance properties should contact their ANC Commissioner.  Contact information can be found here:  http://www.anc6b.org/

The Week Ahead …..Proposed PA Ave City Dogs Runs Into ANC Trouble

Fragers Opens At Eastern Market – Fund Raising Continues – Photos

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, June 11

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center

Among the items on the agenda:

Consideration of a special exception and a variance to allow City Dogs to board animals and groom pets at 1310 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Some of the nearby neighbors oppose the exception and variance based on compatibility, sound and trash issues.  Andie Moss, head The Moss Group (a consulting firm used by the DC government among others) said she would have to consider relocating her business to Virginia if Dog City opens.  On Tuesday night, the Planning and Zoning Committee voted 11-0 to take no position and bucked the issue to the full ANC for their input.  Commissioner Nicole Opkins is encouraging a conversation between the owners of the proposed business and the neighbors to search for common ground that would allow the business to open under the terms of a to-be-worked-out settlement agreement.  She told the proposed business owners, however, that they had a “high bar” to clear.  City Dogs has a successful and apparently well regarded outlet in Dupont Circle.  According the their website, “City Dogs is a dog daycare, boarding, and training facility designed for dog owners with busy schedules. We understand that most people work long hours and don’t like to leave their dogs alone all day. So, we created an environment where your dog can play and socialize with other friendly dogs in a supervised and caring environment.”

Other items on the agenda:

Liquor License renewals for Sonoma, Talay Thai.

Consideration of a proposed letter to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development endorsing Donatelli/Blue Skye development plans for parcels F1 & G1, Hill East Development/Reservation 13.

Consideration of Commissioner Brian Pate’s proposed amendment to the ANC Bylaws to expand voting rights for ANC6B resident members.

Wednesday, June 12

Eastern Market Ad Hoc Marketing Committee meets at 6:30pm in the Manager’s Office (2^nd Floor) at Eastern Market.  Open to the public.  Please RSVP to Chuck Burger – cburger@cbmove.com to make sure the space can accommodate the number of attendees.

Thursday, June 13

ANC 6A meets at 7:00pm, Miner Elementary School, 601 15^th Street, NE

Fundraising for Fragers

Meanwhile, Gary Peterson is spearheading efforts of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF) to raise funds for 65 Fragers’ employees and 10 employees of Fragers’ tenants once business interruption insurance carried by Fragers runs out.  At the CHCF tent set up on Sunday outside of the temporary Fragers’ plant and pottery outlet across from Eastern Market, Peterson said fund raising was going “very well,” pointing to some $80,000 raised by end of day on Saturday.  He said he would have a new total for release on Monday and emphasized that 100% of the funds raised would go to the employees.  CHCF plans to continue the efforts at Eastern Market on weekends, at least through the end of June.  Peterson is seeking volunteers to help staff the CHRS tent in two hour shifts between 10am and 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays.  He can be reached at pgarylaw@aol.com or at 202-352-0098.

Community Turns Out For Fragers’ Eastern Market Location

View of Fragers’ from Pennsylvania Avenue at 6:40am Thursday

Fragers’ Hardware, June 6, 2013, 6:40am

Fragers’ Hardware, June 6, 2013, 6:45am

Fragers’ Hardware, June 6, 2013, 6:45am

Fragers’ Hardware. Established 1920

Fragers’ Fire Aftermath – Photos

by Larry Janezich

“As late as 8:00 a.m. this morning, water was still being put on the Fragers’ fire,” according to DC Fire Department (DCFD) public information officer Tim Wilson.  Wilson said that the cause of the fire had not been determined and that once there were no more “hot pockets” on site and it was relatively safe to enter, the Fire Marshal (a deputy chief) and his team would enter the site to begin an investigation.   The team will initially identify how the fire started and that will “determine the best course of action.”

Wilson said he believed the DCFD was alerted to the fire by a 911 call, as opposed to an alarm on site.  Three firefighters received minor injuries in fighting the blaze and would be released from the hospital today, if they had not been released already.  Wilson said he did not know if the building had alarms or smoke detectors or if it was equipped with alarms that would notify DCFD directly in case of a fire.

The Fragers’ fire was a four alarm fire which eventually involved more than 200 firefighters on site and dozens of emergency vehicles.  Fires are ranked from one to five with a typical fire being a one alarm fire and each additional alarm representing an additional request for assistance.  Wilson said that the last five alarm fire he could recall was a 2008 five alarm fire involving the four story Deauville apartment building in Mount Pleasant.  The Eastern Market fire of 2007 was a three alarm fire.

Fragers’ Fire Under Control – Early Photos of the Fire

by Larry Janezich

Much – if not all – of Fragers’ Hardware was lost to a four alarm fire that started about 6:35 pm.  There were some 50 emergency response vehicles and 200 firefighters on site to fight the blaze in the 93 year old building.  DC Fire Department has advised residents of Capitol Hill including Lincoln Park, and Hill East to stay inside with windows closed and air conditioners on in order to filter the air.   Hazmat teams are on site to monitor the air quality which has been characterized by some sources as “toxic” owing to the paints, solvents, varnishes and glue which helped fuel the fire.  Two officers were injured fighting the fire but are expected to recover.   Capitol Hill Streets between 9th and 13th and D and G SE – including Pennsylvania Avenue are closed.  Councilmember Wells tweeted at 9:50 pm that the fire is under control and the building – at that point – had not collapsed.

Earlier this evening, Hill resident Mark Shlien was biking past the Tune Inn on Pennsylvania Avenue at 6:35pm and saw a large plume of smoke arising to the east.  He pedaled to the source of the smoke at Fragers’.  When he arrived, he said, there were only a few police cars on site in order to deal with the rush hour traffic.  Shlien said that people were starting to evacuate the store and he saw someone on the second story opening a window.  Additional police on bikes arrived thereafter, and the first fire engine several minutes after that.  At that point, he said, flames had already erupted from the structure’s roof.  Shlien took some of the first photos of the Fragers’ fire posted below.  Shlien contributed the first four photos below to Capitol Hill Corner.

Early photo of the fire showing people still in front of the store

Smoke plume thickens but the area has not yet been cleared

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Smoke plume continues to expand

Smoke envelopes the building as fire officials arrive

Photo of Fragers’ Paint Store taken at 8:20pm from 11th and D Streets, SE

Mark Shlien, on left, captured early photos of the fire