Monthly Archives: September 2018

The Week Ahead…and Some News on the Blue Castle

ANC6B commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg reports that a final plan has been agreed upon for the transformation of the Blue Castle by the owner – National Community Church. The plan provides for advancing the redevelopment in phases, and phase one will be the construction of a 900+ seat auditorium which will be used for Sunday church services but will be available for rent to the community during week days and nights. Oldenburg says the church hopes to provide a child development center and other community-centered amenities in subsequent phases. A public timeline for the transformation is not currently available. The Blue Castle is at 8th and M Streets, SE.  National Community Church currently occupies the Miracle Theater on Barrack Row.  The church bought the building in 2014.  It was formerly the end of the line for the Georgetown-Navy Yard streetcars and was used to turn the streetcars around for the return trip to Georgetown..  

The Week Ahead…and Some News on the Blue Castle

By Larry Janezich

Monday, October 1

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente, 700 2nd Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentation:  Sarah Fashbaugh ABRA Community Resource Officer, on ABRA License Renewal

Streets Market, 51 M Street, NE – application for new Class B and CR – Full Service Grocery Store and Restaurant liquor license.

BB240MASS, LLC d/b/a Buffalo & Bergen, 240 Massachusetts Avenue, NE – transfer of retailer’s Class C Tavern license to a new location with substantial change.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE. 

Agenda:

To review current historic preservation applications.

Tuesday, October 2

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm, St. Coletta, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

 710 E Street, SE, (Deferred from September) – Historic Preservation application – concept/three-story rear addition.

HPA 18-619: 716-718 L Street SE; concept/demolish building except for the L Street elevation; Owner/applicant Sheila Safavi, 202-558-8385, sheilasafavi@tx.rr.com   [6B04]

1225-1227 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Historic Preservation application – concept/one-story roof-top addition.

210 9th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application – concept/rear addition.

210 9th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment application – Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.

526-528 8th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment application – Special exception and variance relief to redevelop an existing surface parking lot with a three-story commercial building.

329 16th Street, SE  – Zoning Adjustment application – Special exception to construct a third-story and rear addition to a principal dwelling unit and convert the dwelling into a flat.

Letter to Zoning Commission regarding definition of side yards

ANC 6C Environment, Parks & Events Committee meets at Kaiser Permanente, 700 2nd Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  Stacie West of NoMA Parks Foundation – status update on pending park projects and underpass installations.

Rock n Roll Marathon (Scheduled for Saturday March 9, 2019) – Diane Romo Thomas will discuss the race and ask for ANC 6C support. The race route is unchanged from last year and MPD again will enforce no-parking restrictions along the race course. See link below for information concerning the course and parking restrictions: https://www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/dc/the-races/road-closures

Wednesday, October 3

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Academy Bus LLC – Public Space application for 5 curbside spaces at 400 8th Street, SE and Pennsylvania Avenue for use by GoBus all hours on weekdays/weekends.

DDOT Presentation on  Short Term Options for the 15th & G Streets, SE, and Potomac & Kentucky Avenues, SE, Intersection.

Discussion of 8th Street, SE, Traffic Signals Synchronization.

Discussion of delays of Pepco Repairs of E Street, SE.

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets at 6:30pm, at Northeast Library, 7th and D Streets, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

912 5th Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment application for special to construct a two-story accessory structure containing a garage in the RF-1 zone.

Square 750 map amendment (2nd & K Streets, NE.   Application of Lean Development for map amendment to change the zoning of four lots on the southeast corner of 2nd & K Streets, NE, from PDR-1 (moderate-density commercial and production/distribution/repair) to a mix of MU-4 (moderate-density mixed use) and MU-5A (medium-density, compact mixed-use development with an emphasis on residential use).

Appeal of Station Townhouses LLC (701 2nd Street NE.  Zoning Adjustment application – discussion of potential ANC6C participation in appeal from Zoning Administrator’s proposed revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (based on repeated short-term rentals inconsistent with the C of O).

Thursday, October 4

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will meet at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

520 8th Street, S.E.; Senart’s, LLC – Orchid – Continued consideration of liquor license application with substantial change to change from a Class C restaurant license to a Tavern license.

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente, 700 Second Street, NE.

Agenda not available at press time. 

Saturday, October 6

Community Litter Cleanup – Free Mimosas, Coffee & Donuts Will Follow.  Volunteers pick up bags and gloves at the following locations:

Fulcrum Properties – 1328 G Street, SE

Trusty’s 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

7-11 – 1501 Independence Ave3nue, SE

Atlas Vet – 1326 H Street, NE

Chik-fil-A 1401 Maryland Avenue, SE (offering free breakfast sandwich to volunteers)

Volunteers return filled bags to any of these sponsors.  At 10:00am, Fulcrum Properties offers mimosas, coffee and donuts to volunteers.

Info on rain cancellation will be available by emailing here:  CleanCapHill@gmail.com

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Barracks Row’s Ghost Mural Gets (Some) New Paint

Eye-catching semi-restoration of c. 1900 Coca Cola Adv on Barracks Row

Hamilton Glass (above) and assistant restore early 1900s advertisement for Coca-Cola on Barracks Row

Barracks Row’s Ghost Mural Gets (Some) New Paint

by Larry Janezich

Coca-Cola Bottling is funding the partial restoration of the company’s faded advertisement on the side of Orchid – formerly Senart’s Oyster Bar on Barrack Row.  Orchid is owned by Bill Sport of the Hill Restaurant Group and the building is owned by Mary Quillian of Mr. Henry’s.

According to sources, Coca-Cola contacted the owners and after gaining permission, obtained the permit to temporarily close the alley and hired muralist Hamilton Glass to restore part of the advertisement an add banner signage promoting Barracks Row.

A conceptual difficulty is dealing with the part of the ghosted signage which was half covered with cement long ago in order to stabilize the building.  Glass’ goal is to unite the old faded letters on part of the mural with the bright restoration of the cement-covered original in one old/new mural.  A Capitol Hill Restoration Society representative told CHC that if it’s just paint, there are no Historic District rules on paint.

One critic of the restoration and advertisement for Barrack Row is Alex Goldstein owner of The Fridge, the Barracks Row art gallery whose patrons pass by the signs on their way to his place at 516 8th Street, rear alley.  “Paint on walls is my life,” he said, “I’m surprised those behind this didn’t talk to the neighbors about it.  I know the artist and respect him, but this looks unfinished.”

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 29, the Fall Festival will be held on Barracks Row from 11:00am until 5:00pm.  For the schedule of events, see here:  https://www.barracksrow.org/

For more of Hamilton Glass’ work, see here:  http://whosham.com/

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The Week Ahead…also, please consider donating to the Capper Seniors Recovery Fund*

The Week Ahead…also, please consider donating to the Capper Seniors Recovery Fund*

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, September 25

ANC6B’s Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

Agenda:

The Committee will set the agenda for the October meeting of ANC6B.

PSA 106 will meet at 7:00pm at the Capitol Quarter Community Center at 5th and K Streets, SE.

Agenda:

MPD will provide update on the July 21 shooting in front of the community center and on the August 23rd assault at 4th and E Streets, SE

Wednesday, September 26

ANC6B continues its September meeting at 6:00pm at Southeast Library, lower level.

Among items on the agenda:

Transportation Committee Report.

Hill East Task Force.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee Report.

Discussion on proposed changes of street parking on 7th Street, SE – request for ANC 6B to take position on this matter.

ANC6B’s Transportation Committee holds a special meeting at 6:30pm at Southeast Library, lower level.

Agenda:

Discussion of pedestrian safety and proposed improvements to the Kentucky/Potomac/15th/G Street intersection cluster.

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

Among items on the agenda:

Election of Officers

Update on Budget Matters

Market Managers Report

Capital Improvements subcommittee Report

Update from ANC 6 B on no parking signs

*The Capitol Hill Community Foundation has partnered with the Van Ness Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and ANC Commissioner Meredith Fascett to create a fund to accept donations and fundraise for the Capper Seniors who lost their homes in the fire that destroyed the 900 5th St. SE Capper Senior Building on September 19th. See here to donate: https://bit.ly/2Dp10um

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St. Coletta School – On the Edge of the Community and Central to It

 

You walk past the security desk, take a left then a right, and look up and you’re thinking, “Star Wars.” The five “houses” and the cafeteria open onto this space called the“Village Green.” St. Coletta plans to rent the space for events once it installs acoustic panels to address sound issues – perhaps later this year. (Photos from St. Coletta)

 

St. Coletta, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE, designed by renowned architect Michael Graves.

St. Coletta School – On the Edge of the Community and Central to It

by Larry Janezich

St. Coletta is a federal charter school – an education venue for intellectually disabled children and adults between 3 and 22 – the age when they are required to leave the education system. Eligibility is rigorous and determined in accordance with federal standards.  Students must be diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, autism or multiple disabilities.  The school’s annual operating budget for fiscal year 2018 is approximately $24 million.

St. Coletta is certified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as an individual education institution for special education kids and young adults to prepare them for transition to the community.  The program at St. Coletta includes functional academics, skills of daily living, community-based instruction, adaptive physical education, music and art classes, computer skills and vocational training.

Their school year is 11 months during which students are prepared for an independent life.  For some it is possible – for some it is more of a challenge.  Students age 16 and over participate full-time in developing vocational skills and travel training – use of Metro and who to ask for help.  For who can develop vocational skills, St. Coletta helps students “job sample” at outside venues – stores and performing arts centers, for example.

There are no classes as such – the school is organized into five ‘houses” based on age groups where students stay for several years, remaining with the same teachers and therapists.  There is a therapist on staff for each house – other therapists come and go as needed.  Houses are distinguished by color – the walls and ceiling of each house distinctive so students can recognize where they are.  Each house has a washer and dryer and a teaching kitchen, and contains classrooms named after sports teams.

With a maximum enrollment of 285, 250 slots are reserved for students from DC – the balance is allocated to children and young adults from Maryland and Virginia.  20% of the students are in wheelchairs, 50% are nonverbal, and 75% qualify for the free lunch program.

At St. Coletta school, there are four nurses on staff: many students have medical issues, some are on medication and some could not come to school without a nurse being there.  The employee student ratio is two to 1 – for the smaller kids, it’s one to one.

There are a total of 350 employees at the school in DC and the adult facilities in Maryland and Virginia.  This includes 142 para professionals and 25 teachers – the rest are nurses, therapists, social workers and administrative personnel.

Under IDEA, schools must provide disabled children with free special education programs to meet their needs as a condition for receiving federal funds.  But this federal support typically amounts to less than 20% of the cost, and local school districts come up with most of the rest in the form of tuition.   St. Coletta receives some 5% of their funding from Medicaid because most of the students are eligible for therapies.  The school also receives support from foundations, corporations and individuals to meet operating expenses in special programs, including their Day Habilitation Programs for adults at two facilities in Rockville and Alexandria.

Capitol Hill Corner visited some of the special features of St. Coletta.

In the horticultural garden, students grow, pick, and eat produce including apples, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, rhubarb, kale, corn and figs.  The gymnasium features a full size basketball court and is also used by outside groups, including the Special Olympics, recreation groups, and other schools.  DC United has used it for soccer clinic during the winter.  There is a playground for the physically handicapped and art and music studios.

The horticultural garden.

One of the major efforts to help students at St. Coletta and adults at the Day Center programs adapt for community life and gain experience are the real-life jobs the school provides through work in a studio where students are trained and adults are paid to make “Coletta Collections” – handcrafted items including jewelry, tableware and table linens and accessories.  The program has been very successful, and the school is looking for more space to expand it.  Products are sold on-line and by St. Coletta’s “Fashion Truck” which drives to Alexandria once a week to provide an outlet for the products.  The width of the truck prohibits its being parked on public streets in DC – on occasion the truck has parked in the lot at Union Market.  See here:  https://www.colettacollections.com/

Student create The St. Coletta Collection in one of the school’s studios.

St. Coletta was founded in 1959 in Alexandria as a private school.  Sharon Raimo, teacher, and advocate became principal in 1993.  Raimo, now the schools CEO, moved the school to DC in 2006, with the help of then-Councilmember Sharon Ambrose who was instrumental in obtaining the building site on Reservation 13.  A congressional earmark through the efforts of a supporting member of Congress provided one-third of the $36 million building cost.  Another $6 million came from donations and the balance – $16 million – was financed commercially – Raimo says of the funding, “Not one penny of city money. We couldn’t ask for it. That was the deal.”

The handicapped playground

Rebecca Hill, Chief Development Officer, says St. Coletta’s loves to give tours.  She can be reached at rhill@stcoletta.org

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Southeast Library to Close for Up to Two Years in 2020

Southeast Library, September 17, 2018.

Southeast Library to Close for Up to Two Years in 2020

by Larry Janezich

On October 1, $4 million will be available in the DC Budget for the one-year design process to renovate Southeast Library under the city’s Library Building Program.  Sometime in late 2019 or early 2020, Southeast Library will close for about two years for construction.  During that period, the Library hopes to find space nearby to set up a down-sized interim library – possibilities include a store front, modular unit, or trailer.

Archie Williams, DC Public Library’s Liaison with Friends of DC Public Libraries, met recently with the Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) – a “pre-engagement” with the community – to lay out the design and selection process. One of the goals of the Library Building Program is to ensure community input on library projects, and to that end, a series of community meetings will be held, starting in late October.

Williams told FOSEL that a total of $23 million will be available for the project.  (Any provision for an interim library during the closure will come from the total outlay.)  The project is the most expensive renovation or rebuild undertaken by the DC Library Program.  Southeast Library at 9700 square feet is one of the smallest of the neighborhood libraries and one of the busiest – there are 20000 square feet in a traditional library.

A design team will be tasked with meeting the need of clients.  “The building’s façade will be maintained,” Williams said, “the challenge will be to maximize the site – that may entail going down.”  The design team will solicit input in community meetings and from on-line surveys.  A partial list of potential stakeholders would likely include, ANC6B, Friends of Southeast Library, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Eastern Market Main Street, the Capitol Hill BID, Barracks Row Main Street, CHAMPS, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, and the Eastern Market Metro Community Association.

As part of the process, CM Charles Allen will name two community representatives for the Selection Panel – a group of stakeholders who will select a proposal from the top three or four design proposals submitted in response to an RFP (Request for Proposals).  Williams says the community representatives are likely to be an ANC commissioner and the president of the Friends of Southeast Library.  The current President of FOSEL is Neal Gregory.

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The Week Ahead…and City Launches Sterilization Program to Fight Rats

Gerard Brown, head of DC Rodent Control, takes a question from the audience at ANC6B’s meeting last Tuesday. Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk, seated at left, who praised Brown’s efforts and responsiveness, invited him to address the ANC.  Also pictured (l-r) are Commissioners Denise Krepp, Jerry Sroufe and Kelly Waud.

City Launches Sterilization Program to Fight Rats

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday night, Gerard Brown, head of Rodent Control Programs, DC Department of Health, told ANC6B that an additional $1 million had been added to the Rodent Control budget for four new hires  and new programs.  Among the latter is a rodent sterilization program which has proven effective in other cities – rodents consume a liquid agent which leaves them sterile.  The program will be rolled out in Adams Morgan and move across the city.

Another innovation is a Citizen Assist Program, under which the Department of Health will accept date stamped photographic  evidence of trash violations.  The alleged violator has two weeks to offer an explanation.  If there is a hearing before an administrative law judge and the he complainant appears as a witness, a violator could be issued a notice of infraction and a $500 fine.

A third change is that the Department’s certified pest controllers will be given the authority to enforce code – enabling the Department to increase its enforcement capability, allowing one person to do what two do now.

Commissioner Jennifer Samoylk, seated at left in the photo, praised Brown’s efforts and responsiveness and issued the invitation to address the ANC.  Also pictured (l-r) are Commissioners Denise Krepp, Jerry Sroufe, and Kelly Waud.

 

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Monday, September 17

ANC6A’s Transportation & Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm, at Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Request for renewed support of legislation (B22-0351) introduced by Councilmember Allen that would create a School Parking Zone Program, allowing DDOT to issue permits for school staff to park in particular zones during school hours.

Discussion with Rock and Roll Marathon representatives and MPD Special Operations Unit regarding the 2019 marathon course in ANC.

Tuesday, September 18

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of request by Halftime Sports Bar for changes to its license (adding cover charge endorsement, 39-seat summer garden, and overall expansion of seating capacity).

Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm at Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6th Street, SE. 

Wednesday, September 19

ANC6A’s Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

824 13th Street, NE – Zoning adjustment for a special exception from the minimum parking requirements, for variances from the lot occupancy, the rear yard requirements and from the side yard requirements to construct a new flat in the RF-1 Zone.

16 10th Street, NE – Zoning adjustment request for a roof replacement for a single-family home including a green roof.

1661 Gales Street – Zoning adjustment request.  As part of the Mayor’s Vacant to Vibrant initiative to bring housing to vacant DC owned land, the developer was awarded a site on the 1600 block of Gales Street to build four units of for-sale workforce housing. The project is requesting relief through BZA due to the nonconforming size of the site.

CHRS Historic Preservation Café meets at 6:30pm, in Northeast Library, 330 7th Street, NE. 

Agenda:

“Historic Doors – Preserve or Replace?”, with Joel Truitt of Joel Truitt Builders.

Thursday, September 20

Candidate Debate for Ward 6 representative to the DC State Board of Education:  7:00-9:00pm, at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

 

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Following Up on the Victim of a Violent Capitol Hill Assault – Action of Police Officers Scrutinized

Following Up on the Victim of a Violent Capitol Hill Assault – Action of Police Officers Scrutinized

by Larry Janezich

The violent assault on the 400 block of 4th Street, SE, on August 23rd, first reported by Capitol Hill Corner, has resulted in an administrative action regarding the two officers who responded to the crime.  MPD officials have reviewed the video from the officers’ body cameras to determine whether their actions were appropriate in light of the seriousness of the victim’s injuries.   If officers failed to correctly describe the extent of the victim’s injuries, that could be a reason MPD failed to send out an email alert to the community – standard procedure when a crime of significant interest to the community occurs.  If found at fault, the officers could receive a censure, a reprimand, or suffer other corrective action.  (Since this is an internal police matter, the outcome is unlikely to be made public.)

The new information came from MPD First District Captain John Knutsen, in a hallway discussion outside of ANC6B’s monthly meeting in Hill Center Tuesday night.  Knutsen was at the meeting at the request of Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk to address community concerns about the assault.

Knutsen told the ANC that the crime was very out of character for the neighborhood, calling it a “strange one” in that there was no attempt at robbery.  Asked if police had a suspect Knutsen said he could not say, citing the on-going investigation, but added, “The case has gotten a lot of attention, and hopefully, we’ll have closure.”  Asked about additional foot patrols, he said MPD adjusts deployments constantly, depending on calls for service.

When his time for Q&A before the Commission expired, a group of residents who live close to the crime scene continued voicing their concerns outside the meeting room and Knutson imparted the new information about the internal administrative action in response to a question.

Regarding the email notification of the assault to subscribers to the Police-Community Online Email List Groups (sign up here: https://bit.ly/2MsEXm3) Knutson said “It should have happened – it didn’t.  Watch commanders and lieutenants in the First District have undergone training to make them more cognizant of the type of crime that warrants a community alert.”

Capitol Hill Corner reached out to the assault victim, Lexi (last name withheld), to ask for her assessment of how the city had responded in the aftermath of the assault.  CHC’s take away from that conversation was that critical institutions had let her down.  Upper echelons of MPD – including First District Commander Kane – appear to have been fairly responsive and compassionate, acknowledging that the community didn’t know what happened and should have.  Detectives and patrol officers – less so.

For example, MPD detectives didn’t supply crime victim compensation information to Lexi until after Kane asked Lexi it she had received it.  Detectives are supposed to provide that automatically during the follow up interview.  (For more on the Crime Victims Compensation Program – see here:  https://bit.ly/2xeTo7H).  In addition, detectives appear to have been somewhat casual in their efforts to bring the case to closure.  The often-voiced perception of many residents is that MPD too frequently appears to go through the motions, leaving residents with the impression that assaults are not taken seriously.

A second institution which failed Lexi was the Emergency Room at George Washington Hospital.  It was only after returning home after the eight hour visit on the day of the attack that Lexi found out on line about the ER’s list of counseling centers to help victims of violence.  When she followed up with a question about it, she was told:  “Yes, that exists, and you should have gotten it.”

In the aftermath of the attack, Lexi says she is struggling mentally.  This week is the first since the attack she has felt confident enough to walk in the neighborhood unaccompanied and still feels the sense of being traumatized while walking around Capitol Hill.  Physically, she says her face and nose are healing following surgery, though she still has “big bruises.”

Regarding the things that have gone right, Lexi says she feels lucky this happened in a residential neighborhood and people responded – unlike the vicious assault on TC Maslin near Eastern Market.  (In 2012, Maslin was brutally assaulted but not found until hours afterward.  See here: https://wapo.st/2OiCWuq)

Asked to sum up, Lexi said, “The Hill is not as safe a place as we think it is.  A lot happens we don’t know about unless we hear it from friends and neighbors.”  She says she will follow up in her neighborhood by organizing more interaction with the neighbors – Neighborhood Watch and neighborhood police walks – to fill in the gaps.

Capitol Hill Corner reached out to Commander Kane for comment.  Kane said she would address anything the MPD can do better and has had a conversation with her “white shirts” regarding remedial management.

Recently, MPD has made a greater effort to distribute crime alerts to the Police-Community Online Email List and to encourage residents to subscribe to the list.  However, only 6000 households currently subscribe and how many of these are in the First District is unclear.  It would seem that ANC Commissioners could be more involved in the protection of their single member districts by subscribing to the email list and forwarding alerts in their contact lists – maybe some do already.  Residents can help protect themselves and their neighborhoods by doing the same.

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Fire and Rebellion the Subjects of “Return to Sender” at The Fridge

Fire and Rebellion the Subjects of “Return to Sender” at The Fridge

by Larry Janezich

The subjects of Brooklyn artist David Molesky’s paintings exist in four groups:  Figures, Land, Water, and Fire.  Fire and rebellion are the subjects of the paintings in “Return to Sender” currently on exhibit at The Fridge, in the alley on the east side of Barrack Row.

The ancients considered fire elemental – and in mythology portrayed it as both a purifying force and a destructive one; a gift that resides in the hearth and in the forge; a regenerative force that precedes new growth after a forest fire and the Phoenix before it arises from the ashes.

Molesky’s rebels in “Return to Sender” return fire, stones, and tear gas canisters to unseen opponents behind the flames and smoke – apocalyptic snapshots inspired by media captures of actual worldwide rebellions.

The unstated warning in “Return to Sender” references Prometheus, who stole fire and gave this power to control and transform the world to humans, making possible progress and civilization.  But in Greek mythology, the god also represented the danger of overreaching and unintended consequences – groundwork for The Birth of Tragedy.

The paintings are part of Molesky’s ongoing body of work of smoke and fire images: Hill Fire Paintings (2009-2011), Gulf Spill (2010), Ukrainian revolution (2014-2015), and now Return to Sender (2018) – all shown at Fridge Gallery.  See Molesky’s work here:  http://davidmolesky.com/

David Molesky grew up in Washington, DC, moving west in 1995 to obtain his Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley (1999).  Molesky’s work has been featured in numerous museum exhibitions including: the Baltimore Museum of Art (Baltimore, MD); Pasinger Fabrik (Munich, Germany); and the Cal State Fullerton Grand Central Art Center (Santa Ana, CA). His work is in the permanent collection of several public museums including: the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Iloilo Contemporary Art Museum in Philippines.

For more information, please contact Gallery Director Alex Goldstein at 202.664.4151 or alex@thefridgedc.com or the artist David Molesky at 415.844.0828 or moleskystudio@gmail.com

“Return to Sender” is at The Fridge through September 28.

Cocktail talk: Thursday, September 20th, 6-8 pm.

516 ½ 8th Street SE; open Thursday – Saturday 12 – 8, Sunday 1 – 5

HYPERLINK “http://www.thefridgedc.com” www.thefridgedc.com

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Photos:  Capitol Hill Group Ministry “Sip and Savor” Fund Raiser at Eastern Market Saturday Night

 

Photos:  Capitol Hill Group Ministry “Sip and Savor” Fund Raiser at Eastern Market Saturday Night

by Larry Janezich

Some 400 people turned out for CHGM’s third annual “Sip and Savor” fund raiser Saturday night at Eastern Market, celebrating the non-profit’s 50th year of operation.  The organization is dedicated to meeting the needs of thousands of individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness on Capitol Hill and across the city.  24 food and drink donors with Capitol Hill connections provided an eclectic menu and “Sciatic Verve” the music.

A shot of Eastern Market’s North Hall, early in the evening. (click to enlarge)

The activities included a long line of food vendors stretching the length of the Farmers’ Shed outside the Market.

CHGM Executive Director Karen Cunnigham (far right) welcomes attendees.

Steve Koons, President, Capitol Hill Group Ministry Board of Directors with Jane Rutherford, former President.

Joel Kelty, Treasurer, CHGM Board of Directors and Karen Cunningham, Executive Director, CHGM.

Jerry Sroufe, ANC6B02 Commissioner, with Mary Ann Sroufe.

A trio of CHGM supporters…

and more supporters.

Abby Sypek, CHGM Community Engagement Manager

CHGM 2018 Sponsors

For a previous post on the work of CHGM, see here: https://bit.ly/2NrJsi7  – for more information on CHGM and how to donate or volunteer, see here: http://www.chgm.net/

 

 

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The Week Ahead…A New Barracks Row Project Underway – plus Rodent Concerns at ANC6B Meeting

The former Lake arbor Dental Clinic on Barracks Row – now a Zusin Development Project at 411 8th Street – is getting an upgrade by architect Chuong Cao of DEP Designs. In March of 2017, when ANC6B supported this concept, Cao was asked what retail was anticipated, and he replied, “the block wants a restaurant.” As reported by Capitol Hill Corner, see here: https://bit.ly/2wLHiU2

The Week Ahead… a New Barracks Row Project Underway – plus Rodent Concerns at ANC6B Meeting

by Larry Janezich

Monday, September 10

ANC6D meets at 7:00p, 1100 4th Street, SW.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentations:

Public Safety Report with Capt. Pulliam and Lt. Queen.

DC Public Schools and DC Department of Transportation – Update on modernization of Jefferson School.

DC Department of Parks and Recreation Update re Greenleaf and Randall Recreation Centers.

Community Benefits Coordinating Council Update re DC United collective bargaining agreement.

All Purpose Pizzaria, 79 Potomac Avenue, SE – Amendment to Community Agreement for additional seating and occupancy.

Hill Spirits Unlimited, 1015 Half Street, SE, new Class A liquor license with tastings.

Circa and Navy Yard/El Bebe, 99 M Street, SE, new restaurant liquor license.

Whole Foods, 101 H Street, SE – 99 M Street, SE: new Class B liquor license with tastings.

Public Space Application:  Circa & El Bebe, 99 M Street, SE.

Public Space Application Mission Dos, 1221 Van Street.

Public Space Application, Whole Foods, 101 H Street, SE.

Tuesday, September 11

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:

Department of Health Rodent Control Program Manager Gerard Brown to speak on DC rodent concerns.

423 8th Street, SE.; The Fried Rice Collective, LLC – Chiko; Chiko has application to expand hours and for a stipulated license to permit operation pending approval.

301 7th Street, SE.;  Radici Uno (One Root), LLC – Radici; Radici has applied for a substantial change to change from a class D to a class C Restaurant license and are requesting longer hours for service of alcohol and to add spirits.

520 8th Street, SE.; Senart’s, LLC – Orchid: Substantial change application to change from a Class C restaurant license to a Tavern license.

624 C Street, SE; Historic Preservation application – concept/one-story rear addition above existing basement and first floor, alter rear façade.

152 11th Street, SE; Historic Preservation application – concept/rear addition.

710 E Street, SE; Historic Preservation application – concept/three-story rear addition.

225 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Historic Preservation application – concept/replace storefront and construct new three-story rear addition.

221 9th Street, SE; Historic Preservation application – concept/2nd story addition to 1 story garage.

1515 E Street, SE; Zoning adjustment application – special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.

433 New Jersey Avenue SE; Zoning Adjustment application – special exception to construct a new roof deck and access stair on an existing principal dwelling unit.

 411 New Jersey Avenue, SE; Historic Preservation application – concept renewal/new three-story building.

1347 G Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment application – variance to construct a third story addition and convert the existing principal dwelling unit.

DDOT Public Space Application, Academy Bus LLC, for 5 curbside spaces at 721 D Street, SE, for use all hours on weekdays/weekends.

DC “Draft Small Cell Design Guidelines” – ANC 6B comments due to the DDOT Public Space Committee by October 5.

Wednesday, September 12

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentations:

Joe Weedon, candidate for re-election, State Board of Education.

Ben Mindes, Observe DC, community-based election observation.

Addis Ethiopian, 707 H Street, NE, request for substantial change in liquor license, and protest.

8th Street, NE—DDOT Notice of Intent:  removal of residential parking and installing 15-minute  loading zone, southbound on 8th Street.

D.C. Small Cell Program—wireless telecommunications antennae technology.

1119 Abbey Place, NE, Zoning Adjustment application—special exceptions to enclose a rear porch and construct a second-story rear addition.

Proposed letter to Council recommending legislation amending the Building Code to require (1) DCRA to print the legal days/hours for construction activity on all construction permits, and (2) All applications for exterior alterations or additions to include photos clearly depicting the affected elevationsParks and Events Committee.

NoMa Parks Foundation update.

Thursday, September 13

ANC 6A meets at 7:00pm, Miner Elementary, 601 Fifteenth Street, NE.

Presentations:

Metropolitan Police Department First District Sector 2.

Duffy’s Irish Pub, 1016 H Street, NE – request for a new Settlement Agreement to and a stipulated endorsement allowing operation pending approval.

Kitsuen, 1362 H Street, NE, application for a new CT Tavern liquor license.

DC Culinary Academy, LLC t/a The Outsider at 1357-1359 H Street, NE – application for a new CT Tavern liquor license.

Letter to DDOT’s Public Space Committee asserting that ANCs should have sixty (60) days from the date of notice to provide comment on the small cell guidelines proposal.

Letter of support to DDOT endorsing Councilmember Allen’s letter regarding safety improvements at Eighth Street, NE and D Street, NE and reiterate the need to convert the intersection to a four way stop.

Letter of support to BZA for a special exception to construct a rear roof deck and access stairwell at 1318 Constitution Avenue, NE.

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

Agenda uncertain at press time.

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