Monthly Archives: October 2016

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, November 1

1. ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm, St. Coletta’s of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE.

Among items on the agenda:

415 14th Street, SE, curb cuts for new development (Safeway): Foulger-Pratt, developer.

320 9th Street, SE, new curb cut and parking pad.

709 8th Street SE, projection into public space: 1330-1338 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, modification of BZA Order, now requesting special exception relief under the parking requirements and the loading requirements, and variance relief under the lot occupancy requirements to construct a mixed-use building at premises 1330-1338 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

Appeal of Capitol Hill Partners I, LLC (re 521 11th Street, SE): Meridith Moldenhauer (counsel); Bernard Renard (property owner), from a July 15, 2016 decision by the Zoning Administrator, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, to not issue a stop-work order on Building Permit in the R-4 District at 521 11th Street SE.

1436 Ives Place, SE: Todd Sheppard and Partners LLC, for a special exception from the nonconforming structure requirements and the side yard requirements to add a third-floor rear addition at premises 1436 Ives Place SE.

2. ANC 6C Parks and Events Committee 7:00 p.m. Kaiser-Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second St. NE (2nd & G NE)

Agenda not available at press time.

3. ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee 7:00 pm Capitol Hill Medical Center/Kaiser Permanente 700 Second St. NE (2nd & G NE)

Among items on the agenda:

625 E Street, NE – Application of Danuta Otfinowski for concept approval for the construction of a third-floor roof addition and roof deck.

108-110 8th Street, NE – Application of Utka Aslanturk for concept approval for the construction of a three-story addition and new two-story carriage house.

434 3rd Street, NE – Application of Adeniyi Talabi & Bellview Development Inc. for concept approval for the construction of a new two-unit building on a vacant lot.

111 Mass. Avenue, NW  – Application of Jemal’s Darth Vader, LLC requesting approval of a modification to a previously-approved planned unit development (“PUD”) and related map amendment for property located at 111 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.”). The Property has a land area of approximately 35,336 sf and is currently improved with an existing eight-story office building constructed pursuant to a PUD approved in ZC Order No. 324. The Property occupies the entirety of Square 563 and is bounded by H Street NW to the north; New Jersey Ave, NW to the east; Massachusetts Ave. NW to the south; and 2nd Street NW, to the west.

Applicant proposes to undertake significant renovations to the existing building in order to update and improve the building’s architecture and street presence. The renovated building will continue to be devoted to office use, with ground level spaces designed to provide up to 14-foot ceiling heights to accommodate potential retail users. Applicant will add approximately 95,400 square feet of gross floor area to the existing building, such that the renovated building will have an overall density of approximately 9.2 FAR and a maximum height of 130 feet. The PUD will continue to provide 230 on-site parking spaces located within the building’s existing cellar and vault space, plus three loading berths on the ground floor.

Wednesday, November 2

1. ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm, Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

DDOT Alley and Sidewalk priority process: Suzette Robinson, DDOT

Letter to DDOT and DOEE on Lead Paint on DC Infrastructure (in cooperation with the Outreach & Constituent Services Task Force)

Discussion on time limits for temporary public space permits (Emergency No Parking)

Thursday, November 3

1. ANC6B ABC Committee meets at 7:00pm, Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

525 8th Street, SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge Dancing entertainment endorsement.

Cava Restaurant, 527-529 8th Street, SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with summer garden and sidewalk café.

Tune Inn Restaurant, 331 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with sidewalk café.

Trusty’s Bar, 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with sidewalk café.

Bachelor’s Mill/Back Door Pub, 1104 8th Street SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with cover charge dancing endorsement.

The Brig, 1007 8th Street SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with entertainment endorsement.

Report on the Status of ANC 6B License Renewal Protests: Good Stuff, Bearnaise, and We the Pizza; and Hank’s on the Hill.

2. ANC 6C Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 2nd Street, NE

Agenda not available at press time.

3. PSA 107 meets at 7:00pm, Southeast Library, lower level.

4. Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meet at 5:30pm, Southeast Library, lower level. Those interested in joining FOSEL, the main activity of which is to hold nearly monthly used book sales to benefit Southeast Library, are welcome to attend.  The group meets once a month for about half an hour.  There are no dues.

Editor’s Note:

Capitol Hill Art League is having its sixth annual open call exhibition.

The deadline to apply for the show is December 18th, 2016.

Find all the details about the juror and for applying to the show here. http://www.caphillartleague.org

A Foulger-Pratt rendering of the massing – sans details – of the Safeway Development, seen from the corner of 14th and D Streets.

Here’s a rendering of the floor plan for the new development. The Safeway will occupy the bulk of the site’s north end. Two additional retail spaces, a courtyard and aquatic court, plus housing amenities will occupy the project’s southern end.

More than 50 residents turned out for the Monday night meeting.

Capitol Hill SE Safeway Development – Up to 320 Apartments Planned

By Larry Janezich

Representatives of Safeway and Foulger-Pratt, the developer they selected for the SE Safeway project, began to unveil the details of the proposed development Monday night at Hill Center.

Foulger-Pratt, who will purchase part of the site from Safeway, plans up to 320 apartments on three floors above the Safeway which will be relocated to occupy the entire north end of the ground floor.  60 to 70% of the units will be studio or one bedroom, following the trend toward smaller single tenant units evident in the nearby Capitol Courts in the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which plans 120 micro apartments.  The Safeway project will rise to fifty feet, with a penthouse setback.  Two additional retail spaces will occupy portions of the ground floor on the south end of the project.

The tentative time frame is to break ground in about 18 months with an 18 – 24 month construction time frame.

Two floors of underground parking will provide 194 spaces for Safeway (up from 150 now) and .5 parking spaces per unit of residential.  The latter will be accessed via the alley behind Safeway; the former from a ramp off 14^th Street, SE.  The pedestrian entrance for the new Safeway will be at the corner of 14th and D Streets.

More details may be available when the developer’s public space application comes before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee at its November 1 meeting.  The developer plans to eliminate the two curb cuts closest to the corner of 14^th and D Streets, and move the other curb cut on 14^th Street farther south.  The reduction in curb cuts is designed to mitigate the traffic impact on the neighborhood.

The developer will not seek a Planned Unit Development (PUD) designation to increase density for the project.  Even though the project is being built by right, the city requires a “Large Tract Review” (LTR) process for projects with more than 50,000 square feet of commercial space.  This process involves review by multiple city agencies and the ANC to identify issues prior to the developer filing for a building permit.  Foulger-Pratt hopes to submit the LTR to the Office of Planning in April, 2017.

The Planning and Zoning Committee will be chaired by Commissioner Nick Burger.  Burger told CHC, “I thought the meeting tonight was constructive. There was a great turnout by engaged, constructive neighbors. The neighbors had a lot of questions, and the development team seemed ready to listen.  To me it was an encouraging start to the larger process.”

For previous CHC post on the development of the SE Safeway, see here:   http://bit.ly/2edWeUd

This sign near the intersection of 7th and C Streets, SE, went up earlier this month.  Eastbanc shows who’s boss on the Hine Development.

The Week Ahead…Community Meeting on SE Safeway Development on Monday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 24

1. Southeast Safeway/developer team holds the first of multiple public meeting to introduce the redevelopment of the Southeast Safeway. 7:00pm, Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to ANC6B Commissioner Nick Burger, the site will be redeveloped into a by-right mixed use building, which will include a Safeway store, additional retail, and residential units on the upper stories. Because of the large retail space(s), the project will go through a “large tract review” process.  For more info on the large tract review process, see Burger’s blog post here:  http://bit.ly/2elPm85

For a previous CHC post on this subject, see here:  http://bit.ly/2edWeUd

2. ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee meets at 7pm at Maury Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room, 1250 Constitution Avenue, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Review of grant application from Ludlow-Taylor ES PTO

Review of grant application from Eliot-Hine MS PTO

Tuesday, October 25

1. ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm 8:15pm in Hill Center, to set the agenda for the November meeting of ANC6B.

2. Capitol Hill Village is sponsoring a series of symposia to explore challenges and options as the Hill population ages, from 9:00 to 3:30pm at Hill Center. Registration is free, but call 202 543 1778 to register.  For more information about the meetings, see here:  http://www.capitolhillvillage.org/

Wednesday, October 26

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm in North Hall, Eastern Market.

Among items on the agenda:

Market Managers Report by Barry Margeson

Leases

Hilloween

New website

Hine Update: Jonathan Page and Diane Hoskins

Friday, October 28

1. Annal Hilloween event at Eastern Market, 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Hayrides, bouncy farm obstacle course, face painter, truck touch – construction vehicles and fire trucks.  Costumes are encouraged.

2. 17 top ceramic artists participate in “Pottery on the Hill” from October 28 – October 30.

Friday night – Preview Reception p- 6:30pm.  Tickets: $30/advance, $35/day of.  Tickets are available at potteryonthehilldc.org or by calling (202) 549-4172

On Saturday and Sunday, a free show and sale is open to the public.

Potters in the 2016 shows include: Mary Barringer (Shelburne Falls, MA), Bob Briscoe (Harris, MN), Bulldog Pottery-Bruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke (Seagrove, NC), Kyle Carpenter (Asheville, NC), Trista Depp Chapman (Fredericksburg, VA), Naomi Dalglish (Bakersville, NC), Dan Finnegan (Fredericksburg, VA), Ryan Greenheck (Philadelphia, PA), Rick Hensley (Floyd, VA), Michael Hunt (Bakersville, NC), Matthew Hyleck (Baltimore, MD), Matthew Metz (Alfred Station, NY), Ronan Peterson (Chapel Hill, NC), Donna Polseno (Floyd, VA), Stacy Snyder (Arlington, VA) and Catherine White (Warrenton, VA).

Editor’s Note:

Capitol Hill Art League is having its sixth annual open call exhibition.

The deadline to apply for the show is December 18th, 2016.

Find all the details about the juror and for applying to the show here. http://www.caphillartleague.org

The Eastern Market Soofa Bench is located on the NE corner of 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

And here’s another angle

Free Charging Station/WiFi at Eastern Market Metro Plaza – “Soofa Bench”

Pilot Program Draws Cheers …and Questions

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday, night, John Stokes, Deputy Director of DC Department of Parks and Recreation, briefed ANC6B’s Constituent Services Task Force on the new free charging station and WiFi service installed at the NE corner of 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The Task Force, chaired Tuesday night by Co-chair ANC6B Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk, greeted the prospect of broader free community WiFi with enthusiasm.

The station doubles as a park bench, under the brand name “Soofa Bench” after the fledgling MIT Media Lab spin-off company, launched to develop smart furniture for the urban environment. Stokes said the installation is part of a six to twelve month pilot program to determine whether the public will use the service – as well as if the location is right – before deciding whether to expand the program throughout the city.  A second bench has been installed in Columbia Heights.  According to Soofa, there are over 200 Soofa Benches in the U.S. in 21 states and 65 cities

The bench seats three and the services are powered by battery charged by a solar panel.  There are two usb ports (you’ll need your own usb cord) for charging devices.  The free WiFi can accommodate up to 64 log-on’s at one time and speeds of up to 50 Mbps. The WiFI service range is 75-100 feet from the bench.

This version of bench costs $7,500 each, as opposed to $2,100 for a regular bench.  Soofa Benches can be upgraded with sensors to track air quality, noise levels, light levels and nearby pedestrian foot traffic, but benches currently installed in the pilot program are not equipped with those features.

Soofa characterizes it’s product as “…a straightforward technology that is meant to serve as a civic amenity.”  Stokes told ANC6B commissioners in a follow-up email, “This WiFi will hopefully encourage more teens and adults to enjoy the city parks as they are meant for everyone. This is a sustainable element in this day since this is something that will encourage wider use of our parks and allow people to stay more connected and involved with our programs.”

ANC6B6 Commissioner Daniel Ridge, though not at the meeting, reviewed the minutes of the meeting  and raised potential possible difficulties.  Ridge, an informational systems analyst formerly with NASA, noted several concerns in an email to his fellow commissioners and to Stokes.  Among them:

1. Eastern Market Metro Plaza has several other sources of free WiFi, making it difficult to gauge true demand for Soofa Bench Wi-Fi.
2. The coverage range for WiFi is poor compared to coverage from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts both of which are located hundreds of feet away. He suggested relocating the WiFi router in a better place than under the bench.
3. Sharp edges on the solar panel are a safety problem.
4. The hazard potential of the battery powering the bench’s electronics has not been assessed.
5. There are concerns regarding FCC certification for the electronic components.

Finally, Ridge questioned the premise of the entire Soofa Bench project, saying that benches should just be benches because they’re cheaper and safer and “free from the tangle of regulatory machinery that comes with internet enabled benches.“

Ridge concluded, “I would like to do anything I can to span the digital divide. I am concerned that this particular product may do more harm than good to that end and that this trial could actually set back the cause of ubiquitous WiFi.”

Wednesday night: &pizza gets set for its grand opening on Thursday, October 20

and did a test run for a few friends

Barracks Row &pizza Opens Thursday at 11:00am – First Photos Inside

By Larry Janezich

Barracks Row &pizza opens Thursday, October 19, at 11:00am.  At tomorrow’s opening, the first five guests to request a tattoo of the &pizza’s signature ampersand will receive it gratis, complements of D.C. tattoo partner Laughing Hyena, and those five will receive free pizza for a year.  Additionally, free pies will be given to the first 118 guests in line.

Pizza guests can craft their own individual pie (with unlimited ingredients) or choose from nine signature pizzas, such as the meat heavy Maverick, the egg-topped Farmer’s Daughter, or the Gnarlic. The pizza shop uses fresh ingredients and works with local producers to create its signature and seasonal menu of pizzas, snacks, craft sodas and artisanal teas.  Pizzas can be ordered ahead for carry out or dining in on &pizza’s app.

The company’s commitment to each neighborhood it joins is reflected in the shop’s interior design.  For &pizza Barracks Row, the company partnered with local artist Matt Corrado to paint a mural for the shop’s interior using “dazzle camouflage,” the term for geometric shapes of contrasting black and white colors used on ships in the first World War to mislead the enemy. The pattern pays homage to both the neighboring Marine Barracks as well as &pizza’s iconic graphic black and white shop design.

Additionally, through &CHARITY, the brand’s localized charity arm, &pizza will launch its “Buy One, Give One” campaign on Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23. For every pizza sold during opening weekend, &pizza will donate a pizza to either the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop or Ready, Willing & Working, at the guest’s choosing.

The hours for the store – located at 405 8th Street, SE – are 11:00am until 11:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00am until 2:00am on Friday and Saturday.

Founded in 2012 in Washington, D.C.’s historic H Street NE corridor, the brand is characterized by the organizational culture of its employees (the brand calls them Tribe Members), its rapid expansion, and numerous “best pizza” awards.  &pizza currently has 18 shops in the Washington, D.C. region as well as Baltimore and Philadelphia.  &pizza’s website is here:  www.andpizza.com.

Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Here’s a shot of the new space which is devoted to games for children.

Labyrinth Games and Puzzles on Pennsylvania Ave SE Expands

by Larry Janezich

Labyrinth Games and Puzzles, the popular game store at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, has more than doubled its size by expanding into the next door space formerly occupied by ACE Check Cashing service.

Owner Kathleen Donahue told CHC that the new space opened on Thursday, and the Grand Expansion Opening and Party is set for Saturday, October 22.  Donahue says she is “scared and excited” by the move.  She had been looking for more space on Capitol Hill but had not found it.  When the space next door became available she saw a chance to remedy the problems of overcrowding and always-sold-out events.  The store opened in November of 2011 and is coming up on its sixth anniversary this month.

The new space is devoted to children’s games with a separate room for children’s private parties and kid games.  The move allowed Donahue to devote the original space to adult role-playing and board games and European Style designer games, plus more seating for the Thursday night game nights and Friday night tournaments.  The store can now accommodate 52 players for tournaments.

She says that her best seller is Magic the Gathering – an expansion trading card game.  An expansion game is an addition to an existing game with add-ons with new characters or storyline.  The store also carries a line of expansion strategy and tactics games which are popular in DC.

For more, see Laybrinth’s website, here:  http://bit.ly/2eGzSdq

The sign in front of the Barracks Row &pizza on Sunday afternoon says, “5 days ’til we open”

The Week Ahead….and Barracks Row &pizza Opens this Week

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 17

1. ANC6D meets at 7:00pm, 1100 4^th Street, SW, Second Floor

Among items on the agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 105 & PSA 106) Sgt. Kennie, Sgt. Strassman, Sgt. Ritchie, Lt. Williams

Other Presentations & Resolutions

Resolution on Randall/DPR Negotiations

Alcohol Beverage Committee issues:

Cordial: Annotated CA + Protest Info Form for submission to ABRA

Hampton Inn & Suites: Amended CA + ANC6D letter to ABC Board re expansion of # seats in sidewalk cafe

Artechouse: new CA, new license and stipulated authorization

Takorean – new CA and recommendation for Type C Tavern renewal

Zoning Commission issues:

DC Stadium, LLC – Consolidated PUD, presentation and vote

Other matters:

Request to place 12 large, full motion video advertising billboards outside the Nationals Stadium

Letter to WMATA board opposing proposed changes to Metro’s operating hours

Appeal of ANC 6D CBRF in C-3-C District, 475 School Street SW

PUD Extension Request for 250 M Street SE, Square 769, WC Smith Office Building

Leaton Dialysis LLC, letter of support for 1225 South Capitol Street SW facility

Public Space permit for 155 N Place SE

Public Space permit for 1200-1299 Block of Half Street, SE 9:55 p.m.

Public Space permit for 50 M Street SE – benches for Shake Shack

Tuesday, October 18

1. ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Discussion of Renewals of Class CT (restaurant) Liquor Licenses for:  Atlas Arcade (1236 H Street NE), Rock N Roll Hotel (1353 H Street NE), Da Luft Restaurant and Lounge (1242 H Street NE), Langston Bar & Grille (1831 Benning Rd NE), The Queen Vic (1206 H Street NE), The Elroy (1423 H Street NE), Star & Shamrock (1341 H Street NE), Mythology & Lore (816 H Street NE), Biergarten Haus (1355 H Street NE), Copycat Co. (1110 H Street NE), Little Miss Whiskey’s (1104 H Street NE), Impala Cantina y Taqueria (1358 H Street NE), H Street Country Club (1335 H Street NE), The Pursuit Wine Bar (1421 H Street NE), Sol Mexican Grill (1251 H Street NE), Rose’s DejaVu (1378 H Street NE), Liberty Tree (1016 H Street NE), Vendetta (1212 H Street NE), Avery’s Bar and Lounge (1370 H Street NE), Halftime Sports Bar (1427 H Street NE), The Pug / Toki Underground (1234 H Street NE)

2. ANC 6B Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force Meets at 7:00pm, at Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

Discussion of community free WiFi on Capitol Hill

Proposal for test pilot of a Soofa WiFi bench at the Eastern Market Metro station park (north side of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE)

DC Fair Elections Coalition proposal

Wednesday, October 19

1. Union Station Expansion Open House Public Meeting #3 at Union Station’s Presidential Room, 50 Mass Avenue, NE, 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Presentations at 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

Thursday, October 20

1. Community meeting on H Street Connection Construction Update, 6:30pm, Capitol Towers, 900 G Street, NE.
2. CSX Virginia Avenue Park Planning Meeting, 7:00pm at the Courthouse Marriott Hotel, 140 L Street, SE, second floor.
3. Coalition for Smarter Growth Social and Fundraiser, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, North Hall, Eastern Market. Tickets: $25.

Friday, October 21

1. Council Member Charles Allen Community Office Hours, 8:00am – 9:30am, Radici, 7^th and C Streets, SE.

Saturday, October 22

Early voting starts.

From October 22 until November 4: Early voting at One Judiciary Square, 441, 4^th Street, NW, 8:30am until 7:00pm daily

From October 28 until November 4:  Early voting at Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10^th Street, NE and King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N Street, SW.

Editor’s Note:

Capitol Hill Art League is having its sixth annual open call exhibition.   The deadline to apply for the show is December 18th, 2016.  For more information, please visit our web site, http://www.caphillartleague.org.Find all the details about the juror and for applying to the show here. http://www.caphillartleague.org

Capitol Hill’ Southeast Safeway at 14th and D Streets, SE

Developer Selected for Capitol Hill’s Southeast Safeway

Community Meeting Scheduled for Monday, October 24

by Larry Janezich

At ANC6B’s October meeting Tuesday night, Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Nick Burger announced that Safeway, Inc., has selected the Alexandria based firm of Foulger-Pratt, a major regional, national and international real estate development firm to redevelop the Capitol Hill Southeast Safeway into a mixed use project.

Burger told the ANC that the developer had scheduled a community meeting to discuss plans for the site on Monday, October 24, at 7:00pm in Hill Center, adding that this would be the first in a series of engagements with the community.

Foulger-Pratt has filed a public space application with DC Department of Transportation – the first step in the development phase.  Under the special process for development of large tracts, DDOT requires a developer to file a plan to show how the project will interact with surrounding public space – in this case – public streets and alleys.  DDOT’s subsequent approval the plan will dictate the configuration of the site.

Foulger-Pratt plans a mixed use, retail and residential project.  The public space plan anticipates that the only access to the site will be through residential and a commercial garages via a widened alley behind the current Safeway building connecting D and E Streets for the residential garage and from 14th Street for Safeway .

Though the square footage of the proposal and how much will be allocated to residential and retail is uncertain at present, this public space plan would open up most of the huge space for construction.  The developer plans to build as a matter of right – meaning height will be limited to 50 feet plus a penthouse.

At the meeting on October 24, Foulger-Pratt will introduce themselves to the community, outline the basic plan for the project, and discuss the next steps in the process. For additional details on the process and the project, see the exclusive CHC post from March 30, 2016 here:  http://bit.ly/2ckTfHd

Foulger-Pratt is the developer of the spectacular Mormon Temple Visitor Center north of Kensington, MD, the Silver Sprint Metro Center mixed use project, and the Georgia Avenue Walmart among many other projects.  The firm is currently developing the Capitol Self Storage site at 301 N Street, NE, adjacent to the NOMA/Gallaudet Metro Station into a mixed use project including 370 residential units, retail, office space and a 175 unit hotel.  See DC Urban Turf here:  http://bit.ly/2dbhXGC

In June of 2016, the DC Zoning Commission found that the developer’s package of benefits and amenities offered to the community in exchange for rezoning the NOMA/Gallaudet Metro development site so inadequate that Washington Business Journal said it could threaten ZC approval if the developer didn’t up the ante.  See here:   http://bit.ly/2e8321Z   (Since the developer is not seeking a Planned Unit Development for the Safeway cite the question of a benefits package for the community is moot.)

Forger-Pratt has been an active player in local politics.  A 2013 WaPo article cited the firm’s contributions to Maryland politicians – which did not help the firm when the Montgomery County official deemed the company’s $119 million Silver Spring Transit Center “unusable and unsafe,” citing weak concrete and missing steel supports.  The Washington Post called the story “a major embarrassment to the county and its general contractor, Foulger-Pratt.”  See here:  http://wapo.st/2dUCuS1

There are six  residential or mixed use projects in the immediate area of Southeast Safeway which, when complete, will add up to some 1500 new residents in the neighborhood.  The projects include the Buchanan School site, Watkins Alley, the Bowie Signature site (all a stone’s throw from Safeway), and on nearby Pennsylvania Avenue, the NY Pizza Site, the Frager’s Hardware Site, and the Frager’s Garden Center Site.  How many more residents the Safeway site will accommodate is uncertain but in total, there will be a substantial increase in density for a formerly depressed non-residential (updated) neighborhood characterized by an empty school, an auto body repair shop, a trash hauler operations center, Peter Bug’s Shoe Repair Academy, Watkin’s Field – and Safeway.

Persimmons. Saturday, October 8, circa 9:00am at Agora Farms stall, Eastern Market

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Monday, October 11

Columbus Day.  No trash/recycling pickup.  Pickup will occur the day following the regular pick-up day.

Tuesday, October 11,

1. ANC6B meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the agenda:

Presentation:  11th Street Bridge Park, Scott Kratz, Executive Director

The Capitol Lounge, 229 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class C Tavern license with entertainment, dancing, summer garden, and sidewalk café endorsements.

Capitol Hill Tandoor & Grill, 419 8th Street SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license (continued from May 2016).

Report on the Status of ANC 6B License Renewal Protests: Good Stuff, Bearnaise, and We the Pizza; Hank’s on the Hill; and Ambar.

1230 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Traffic Report: Sassan Gharai, SGA Companies Inc.

2. PSA 104 meets at 7:00pm, J.O. Wilson Elementary School, 660 K Street, NE (7^th and K Streets).

Among items on the agenda:

MPD PSA 104 Crime Report

US CSOSA Report – Michael Bonds, US Attorney Office (DC) Doug Klein

Understanding Policing in the Neighborhood and community problem solving.  Discussion with MPD.

Thursday, October 13

1. ANC6A meets at 7:00 pm, Miner Elementary, 601 Fifteenth (15th) Street, NE

Among items on the agenda:

Community Presentation:  Melinda Bolling, Director, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)

Amendment to Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar Settlement Agreement adding the following language: (1) “Any reference to existing DC laws and/or regulations in this Settlement Agreement is meant for informational purposes only ANC 6A does not intend for a violation of any DC law or regulation to also be considered a violation of this Settlement Agreement.”; and (2) Replace Section 4(c)(2) with the following language: “Applicant shall not offer any type of live music on the patio. Applicant may provide pre-recorded music on the patio in the form of portable, non-professional grade speakers used to play music from iPods, iPhones, and the like. Such music must cease no later than 8:00 pm.

Letter to DDOT in support of a proposal for a rear curb cut onto Constitution Avenue NE from 808 Massachusetts Avenue NE on the condition that the owner assume any expenses required by DDOT, including moving the light post and installing the curb cut.

Letter to DDOT asking that 11th Street NE (from Maryland Avenue NE to Massachusetts Avenue NE) be designated as a local street and not a collector street, and that DDOT develop a traffic management plan for ANC 6A that routes trucks on all appropriate streets, not including local streets.

Letter to DDOT expressing the desire for DDOT to develop a traffic management plan for the Apollo project on the 600 block of H Street NE that removes fewer residential parking spaces to accommodate the entrance and exit of trucks from the property and that otherwise limits the prohibition on parking to the hours for commercial loading.

Appeal of permits issued for 1511 A Street, NE, as requested by the neighbors of the 1500 block of A Street NE and unit blocks of 15th and 16th Streets NE.

Letter to BZA in support of the application by the owners of 1341 H Street NE for a special exception under the enlargement and design requirements, to construct a mixed-use building in the NC-14 Zone, on condition that the design to be updated to bring it into conformance with the H Street Overlay, best efforts are made to get letters of support from neighbors, restrictions be included in sales documents prohibiting placing anything on the H Street balconies, including hanging or displaying anything, residential permit parking (RPP) restrictions written into the sales documents, and restrictions on amplified music on the roof deck to be included in sales documents.

Application to HPRB for historic designation of Emerald Street NE.

2. ANC6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE

Among items on the agenda:

Presentation:  Parking issues, Christopher Shorter, DPW Director

Presentation:  D.C. Statehood, Gene Solon, Mayor’s Office

Presentation:  D.C. WASA lead service line replacement program, Melanie Mason

Presentation:  Candidate for the D.C. State Board of Education, Ashley Carter

501 H Street NE public space construction—sidewalks, benches, bike racks, planters, landscaping, traffic control for construction vehicles

National Park Service, developments in D.C., including new memorials, pocket parks, and other issues—Peter May, Associate Regional Director – NoMa Parks, status of NoMa Parks, Stacie West, NoMa Parks Foundation

220 L Street NE, revised application for a consolidated PUD and zoning map amendment

1200 3rd Street NE, application for a consolidated PUD and zoning map amendment

1511 A Street NE, building permit for 18-unit apartment on site downsized in 2015

3. CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE, first floor.

Saturday, October 15

1. Payne Community Fall Festival, 10:30am – 1:30pm at Payne Elementary, 1445 C Street, SE. Free event: Bouncy Houses (please have children wear socks), Face Painting, Chili, Food Trucks, Bake Sale, East City Bookshop, DC Library, Balance Gym, Pumpkin Decorating, Pumpkin Sale, Science Activities.  Canned food donations for DC Central Kitchen accepted for entrance.  Event is outdoors and will occur rain or shine.  Contact: events@payneelementary.com

Sunday, October 16

CHRS House Expo, 10 am – 4pm, Eastern Market North Hall.  CHRS will hold a free House Expo at the Eastern Market North Hall, featuring over 30 home service exhibitors:  architects, contractors and interior designers, roofers, ironworkers, electricians and handymen, landscapers, window specialists, solar installers, tuck-pointers, HVAC experts, home inspectors, mold & termite contractors, home security professionals and historic researchers.

Some Surprises in Over-all Look at Capitol Hill’s PSA 107/108 Crime Stats for Past Nine Years

by Larry Janezich

A look at the year-by-year October to October crime statistics for PSAs 107 and 108 which encompass the area from 2nd Street east of the Capitol Building to RFK lying on each side of East Capitol for the past nine years shows some surprising results:

Homicides are rare, but occur with nearly equal frequency in PSA 107 and PSA 108.

Sex abuse crimes occur more frequently in PSA108 and are trending upward there.  (Sex abuse is broadly defined to cover incidences of inappropriate touching.)

Robberies where no gun is involved occur more frequently in PSA 107 – likely owing to the commercial corridors along Pennsylvania Avenue, Barracks Row, and near Eastern Market.

Robberies with guns occur with nearly equal frequency in PSA 107 and PSA 108.

Assaults without a gun are far more frequent in PSA 108, possibly owing to disputes between students at or near Eastern High School as well as domestic violence in the primarily residential area.

Assaults with a gun occur rarely, but twice as frequently in PSA 108.

During the period examined, PSA 107 has had about 17% fewer violent crime than PSA 108

Burglaries occur at similar rates in the two PSAs – PSA 107 has had about 9% more, but burglaries are trending downward in both PSAs.

Far more opportunity crimes – thefts and thefts from autos – occur in PSA 107.  Thefts include packages, bikes, clothing, and phones – again, likely owing to the commercial corridors.

A lot of autos are stolen and they occur at nearly the same frequency in both PSAs.

Arson is rare and – during the period examined – occurred exclusively in PSA 108.

In the past nine years, PSA 107 has had about 36% more property crime than PSA 108.

Drug crimes – which don’t show up in statistics until an arrests is made – are not tracked on the MPD Crime maps.  MPD’s Public Information Office occasionally issues an activity report whenever the Narcotic Enforcement Unit, Gun Recovery Unit, and Criminal Interdiction Unit announce recent arrests in the District.

The MPD Crime Map website where crimes reported to MPD can be tracked according to a variety of geographic criteria is here:  http://crimemap.dc.gov/