Monthly Archives: March 2019

ANC6B Calls for City Council to Suspend CM Jack Evans from Committee Posts

by Larry Janezich

Councilmember Jack Evans is under fire – pay to play allegations that he used his office and prestige for private gain.  Last night, ANC6B  voted 8 – 2 for a resolution calling on the DC City Council to temporarily suspend CM Jack Evans from the Committee on Finance and Revenue which he chairs, and as a member of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.  The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Denise Krepp.

The resolution is similar to a resolution passed unanimously by ANC1C (Adams Morgan) last week.  The initial language appears to have been the handiwork of Commissioner Erin Palmer, ANC4B (far Northwest).  Rachel Kurzius of the DCist reported last week that some 15 ANC commissioners have signed on to an open letter calling for removal of Evans from his chairmanship of the finance committee.

Evans is the focus of a federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney and the FBI, an investigation by WAMAT’s ethics officer, and perhaps the District’s D.C. Board of Ethics and Government Accountability.  City Council Chair Mendelsohn has resisted demands for a special investigation by an entity of the Council in light of these other probes.

Hine Developer Among those subpoenaed by Feds

On March 8, the Washington Post reported federal subpoenas directing the preservation of documents and communications related to Evans had been issued to the DC Council and the office of Mayor Bowser.  Also on the list of those subpoenaed are the Hine developer Anthony Lanier and Eastbanc, and Hine development partner, Colonial Parking.  Others include the law firms Squire Patton Boggs and Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, Evan’s consulting firm, Exelon, Willco Construction, EagleBank, the electrical design firm M.C. Dean, and Digi Outdoor Media.

The DC City Council has scheduled a vote on a resolution of reprimand for Evans next week.

Prior to the vote, Oldenburg said she would oppose the resolution, saying that the matter was better left handled by the Council.  Afterward, Sroufe said that he thought the resolution was outside the realm of ANC matters and would have no impact on the Council’s decision.  He said, “There are things closer to home that we could be addressing.”

Safety and Maintenance Top List of Resident Concerns on Plan for Eastern Market Metro Plaza

by Larry Janezich

The Dept. of General Services (DGS) design team will present its final concept for the Metro Plaza Park to the community on April 3^rd.  The plan calls for breaking ground on Parcel 1 where the playground is located, with the goal of opening it in the summer of 2020.  Last night, ANC6B’s Livable Community Taskforce – chaired by Commissioner Steve Holtzman – met to make sure the park’s users have input to make the park work for residents. Holtzman said that the design process had been flawed – especially regarding engaging residents adjacent to the park and those who would use it most –  and that tonight’s meeting was a last minute effort to address their pragmatic and functional concerns.

Chief among those concerns were how to activate the park – largely as a way to address existing safety concerns – and how to maintain it.  Long time park supporter and activist Carl Reeverts explained how over the years, many efforts to rally neighbors to maintain the park ended in failure, owing to a loss of enthusiasm and lack of community leadership.

Holtzman noted that there is nothing in the public plan about maintenance and security, and there was broad consensus in the group to ask the city to provide funding for maintenance and upkeep.  A suggestion to establish a ”Friends of the Park” organization elicited a show of hands from some 15 attendees willing to participate.

The main way to activate the park will be the fenced children’s playground and splash pad on the north side of Parcel 1.  The playground will be located in an area where substance abusers and drug dealers currently hang out and sometimes harass passersby – especially women – as they walk through the park.

Suggestions on how to improve the playground included seating for parents who want to watch their children, a shade structure or tree canopy, and an entrance other than off the main walkway.

Holtzman acknowledged that a playground is not the sole answer to activating the park, and many who attended the meeting voiced support for a dog park or dog run.  Holtzman asked those interested to form a committee to make specific recommendations to the Taskforce.

Other suggestions included adding more tables and chairs, chess tables, a community garden, more green space, a water fountain and spigot, and benches and trees to line the diagonal walk.

A discussion of using the park for special events produced suggestions including movie nights, bands, and other events, but also raised the question of how much event space would be used, given the lack of resident interest in using Lincoln Park for events.

Several residents expressed the desire to just get the project started and finished – adding that the result may not be perfect, but it’s better than what we have now.  Holtzman assured the group that tonight’s meeting would not interfere with the project’s timeline.

The Taskforce will carry the resident’s concerns and suggestions to the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Group, appointed by DGS to provide input on behalf of the community.  ANC6B has been concerned that the Advisory Group did not function well as a venue for residents and park users to provide input into the process.  ANC6B Chair Chander Jayaraman charged the Liveabilty Taskforce with being ANC6B’s vehicle for conveying resident input to DGS.

 

The Week Ahead…CM Charles Allen at ANC6A and ANC6D – Metro Plaza Community Meeting Monday

Monday, March 11

ANC6D meets at 7:00pm, 1005 5^th Street, SE, (Capper Community Center). 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 103, PSA 105 & PSA 106) Capt. Mongal, Capt. Dorrough, Lt. Lavenhouse.

Councilmember Charles Allen visits to discuss the City Council and Ward 6.

Letter to DCRA to Deny a Parking Permit for Contractor Dumpster on 4th Street.

Letter to Charles Allen RE Air Quality and the Negative Health Impacts on the Residents in Old Southwest.

Letter to the Public Service Commission to Require/Mandate Pepco to monitor EMF Levels as part of the Capitol Grid Project .

Letter to DDOT RE Concerns (traffic, air quality, etc.) about Frederick Douglass Bridge Project on the lives of the residents of Southwest.

861 New Jersey Ave Public Space Construction Permit Application.

Presentations

DDOT Transportation Operations and Parking Plan (TOPP) Update.

ABC Committee

Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street, SW – new restaurant license w/Entertainment, 2 summer                              gardens, 1 sidewalk cafe: new Cooperative Agreement.

Spirit Cruises, Alexandria, VA – Amendment 1 to Cooperative Agreement for Additional Boat #8: Miss Josephine.

Punch Bowl Social, 1250 Half Street, SE – new restaurant license w/Entertainment + 2 sidewalk cafes & summer garden: new Cooperative Agreement.

Pop Social, 470 L’Enfant Plaza, SW – new tavern license w/Entertainment, Dancing, Cover Charge + stipulated license.

Development, Planning, and Transportation Committee

501 I Street SW/The Bard presentation – Zoning application.

Remarks – Amidon Bowen PTA & United Neighbors of SW.

501 I Street, SW – Public Space Construction Application

Cambria Hotel – Public Space Application.

Community Meeting on Metro Plaza Redesign – ANC6B’s Livable Communities Task Force – meets at 7:00pm at The Corner Store, 9^th and South Carolina Avenue, SE. 

Agenda:

Community meeting on the redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, with focus on Parcel 1 – the park and playground between 8^th and 9^th Streets, and Pennsylvania Avenue and D Streets, SE.  For more information, see here:  https://bit.ly/2HcmpZ5

Tuesday, March 12

ANC 6B will meet at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Calendar:

Planning & Zoning Committee

124 11th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/rear and rooftop additions.

124 11th Street, SE – Zoning adjustment application, Special Exception from the lot occupancy requirements, to construct a one story rear addition and a two story accessory building to an existing attached principal dwelling unit.

1639 Potomac Avenue, SE – Zoning adjustment application, Special Exceptions to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.

522 6th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application concept/two-story rear addition.

1225-1227 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Zoning adjustment application, Special Exception to construct a second-story addition on an existing one-story commercial use building.

360 7th Street SE; The Eastern Wine Bar – Public Space Permit application for a new sidewalk café unenclosed.

Transportation Committee

Letter to Councilmember Allen with Comments on the Transportation Benefits Equity Act of 2019

Letter to the DDOT Public Space Committee with Comments on the Second Draft of the Small Cell Design Guidelines

Non-consent Calendar items:

Planning & Zoning Committee

620 C Street, SE – Historic Preservation application – concept/one-story rooftop.

209 C ST SE – Historic Preservation application –  Plans to alter the front areaway within public space.

201 East Capitol Street SE; Folger Shakespeare Library; Public Space Construction Permit for public space improvement including new main entrances, gardens, street trees, removal of curb cuts.

Wednesday, March 13

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

Among items on the draft agenda. 

Presentations

Ward 6 member of the DC Board of Education—Jessica Sutter.

DC Sun, solar panel installation—Michaela Meehan.

Transportation and Public Space Committee

Café Fili, 701 2nd Street NE, application 10712570 for unenclosed sidewalk café.

Proposed rulemaking, proper behavior in bike lanes.

Greater Greater Washington Bus Priority Resolution.

Folger Library, new accessible entrances and visitor amenities.

Verizon, 120 7th Street NE, parking issues.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

Verizon, 120 7th Street NE, illegal construction.

224 C Street NE, Zoning adjustment – Special Exception to add a second floor rear addition.

429 5th Street NE, Historic Preservation application – concept approval for a three-story rear addition and one-story rooftop addition.

2019 Council oversight hearings, topics for ANC6C testimony.

707 H Street NE, potential Bureau of Zoning Adjustment appeal, certificate occupancy.

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee

Brothers Burger Bar, LLC d/b/a Aroma, 707 H Street NE, new restaurant application.

Environment, Parks, and Events Committee (Joe McCann

Capitol Hill Classic Marathon, Sunday, May 19, including ban on parking along route.

New Business

Initiative 77, Board of Elections error—Mark Eckenwiler

Thursday, March 14

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm, Miner Elementary, 601 15^th Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Councilmember Charles Allen visits to discuss the City Council and Ward 6.

Transportation and Public Space

ANC6A letter of support to the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) for the 2019 Capitol Hill Classic race (May 19), which benefits the Capitol Hill Cluster Schools.

ANC6A letter to DDOT identifying high-priority areas with traffic/pedestrian safety issues, as follows:

1. 0-400 blocks of15th Street NE
2. Intersection of East Capitol Street, Massachusetts Avenue and 11th Street NE
3. 0-400 blocks of 17th Street NE
4. 0-400 blocks of 10th Street NE
5. Intersection of 10th and East Capitol Streets NE
6. 19th Street and Constitution Avenue NE
7. 8th and D Streets NE
8. 8th and G Streets NE
9. 8th and F Streets NE
10. 100-400 blocks of Tennessee Avenue NE
11. 14th and G Streets NE

ANC6A reuest to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to establish a Daytime School Parking Zone for Maury Elementary School with boundaries identical to the Maury Elementary School boundary zone; hours of operation from 7:00am to 6:00pm; permits provided only to District Government employees working at the Maury site. The request would be conditional on approval of the variance request by DCPS/DGS to reduce on-site parking below the minimum 21 spaces required by zoning regulations; commitment by DCPS/DGS to convert a portion of the planned parking lot to play space; and conversion of the west side of the 200 block of Twelfth (12th) Place NE to Resident Only Parking.

Old Business

1511 – 1515 A Street NE – ANC6A letter of support to BZA for a special exception to subdivide the existing lot and construct three (3) new, attached flats in the RF-1 Zone on the conditions that the developer make best efforts to obtain letters of support from neighbors at 1507, 1509, and 1515 A Street NE; revise the final design to include consistent massing with design of the cornices; that the developer conduct a shadow study; and that the current owner withdraws the appeal currently pending before the Office of Administrative Hearings related to prior zoning of the property.

Here’s DGS’s Latest Project Design for Eastern Market Metro Park – Community Meeting Monday

by Larry Janezich

Last Thursday, ANC6B received a copy of the latest DGS project design – including significant changes in the design of the park and children’s playground between 8^th and 9^th Streets and Pennsylvania Avenue and D Street.

The core projections of what is being proposed for the parcel 1 park are on pages 25-26 of the document. ANC6B has uploaded a copy on the ANC6B website, accessible here: https://anc6b.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-03-06_CFA-Presentation_Final.pdf

On Monday night ANC6B’s Livable Communities Task Force (charged with oversight of the Plaza redesign project), chaired by Commissioner Steve Holtzman, will hold a community meeting at 7:00pm at The Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE (corner of South Carolina Avenue and 9^th Street).  The focus will be on the park and playground – pictured above and designated in the plans as “Parcel 1.”

According to Holtzman, “There will be no formal presentations. Instead the meeting will serve as a lightly-structured forum for community members to come together for a pragmatic discussion of their priorities for the Parcel 1 Park in advance of the April 3rd public presentation of the final concept plan for the DGS-led Eastern Market Metro Park Plaza (EMMPP) project. The meeting will also be an opportunity to share views on the Parcel 1 design with ANC6B commissioners to help inform the ANC’s eventual formal review of the Eastern Market Metro Park Project.”

The agenda will include discussion of the following issues:

Overall impressions of the new design

Children and The Playground (placement within parcel, design, components, accompanying adults, safety )

Multi-Generational uses of the Park (desired activities, types of recreation, social interaction, special needs)

Dogs and their human friends (how great is the demand? Any special focus needed? Any scope for a dog run?)

Design and utilization of green space: (functionality, esthetics, security, maintenance/sustainability, viability/demand for a community garden space?, lawns vs. astro-turf vs what? )

Accommodating special events in parcel 1 (pros & cons, options and implications for space utilization)

Keeping the Park Safe (eyes on the park – how can the space be kept active during the day and the evening)

Making it OUR space (installing community art, naming the park, User Associations, Friends of the Park, etc.)

EatBar Says Goodbye to Barracks Row – Hello to 1401 PA Avenue

by Larry Janezich

A pair of tweets Friday afternoon from EatBar – part of the Michael Babin’s multi-faceted Neighborhood Restaurant Group – announced the restaurant’s departure from Barrack Row.  Its last day will be Friday, March 15.  The tweet hints at a future venue on Capitol Hill, and that venue is going to be part of the food hall comint to CAS Riegler’s huge mixed use project at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  See Washingtonian’s report here:  https://bit.ly/2SWrZjE

The loss is a double one – not only for the nearby community, but also for the troubled 400 block of Barracks Row.  ANC6D has established a new Taskforce to address Barracks Row issues.  The first meeting will be at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 7, in the ground floor conference room of the Hine Project, at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The purpose of the group is to identify and drill down on the retail challenges on Barracks Row, especially the 400 block.

@EatbarDC

19h19 hours ago

It is with great sadness that we share this news: EatBar’s last day of service will be Friday, March 15th. EatBar holds a special place in our hearts (so nice we did it twice!) as it does for so many of you. We hope you will visit us over the next week to say goodbye 👋😥

It has been a pleasure to serve in the #CapitolHillNeighborhood, and we will miss our dear friends @ChikoFRC @RosesLuxury @HanksOysterBar ++. Fear not, we have more in store for @redapronbutcher & Capitol Hill…

3:17 PM – 8 Mar 2019

Here’s a complete list of Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s venues:

The Evening Star, Birch & Barley, Red Apron Butcher, The Partisan, Iron Gate, Bluejacket, Columbia Firehouse, Vermilion, Buzz Bakery, Red Apron Burger Bar, Owens Ordinary, B Side, Churchkey, Planet Wine Shop, Rustico, Hazel, The Sovereign, Eat Bar, Arcadia.

 

City Takes Over Management of Eastern Market’s 7th Street Saturday Flea Market

By Larry Janezinh

Last Wednesday, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee and Eastern Market vendors received an email from Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson announcing that the Department of General Services “will begin managing the 300 block of 7th Street on Saturdays in the same way that we manage the 200 block and the plazas around the market. We are putting out a call for vendors tomorrow and the first days of vending will be on the weekend of March 16th and 17th.”

As reported here https://bit.ly/2MzPPjK on CHC, DGS terminated the license of Saturday flea market operator Carol Wright in January after Wright had failed to sign a new contract, and announced it would put out a Request for Proposals for a new Saturday flea market manager for the 300 block of 7^th Street.  That RFP was issued February 7.

On February 27, Margeson told the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) that there had been responses to the RFP, (though apparently only one met RFP criteria) and an answer would be given to that applicant on Monday, March 4.

According to Sunday Flea Market Operator Mike Berman, the one response to receive consideration for DGS was his, and he had laid out a detailed plan for organizing, staffing, and recruiting vendors for the market.  He said the answer he received from Margeson on March 4 was a rejection.  Berman told CHC that the terms of the RFP were prohibitive, and that he had attached an addendum to his proposal – as requested if an applicant took exception to the RFP criteria.  His main concerns, he said, were the $3300 a month rent (up from $2000), the six month limitation on the license, and the restriction that sales be limited to “locally made arts and crafts, antiques and imported handcrafts from other countries”.  Berman said he had expected DGS to respond to his addendum with an opportunity to enter into negotiations.  Instead, DGS announced its intent to manage the Saturday flea market itself.

For the record, the portion of the weekend flea markets on the newly opened C Street between 7^th and 8^th Street, are being operated independently from DGS, under a separate contract with the Hine developer.  Saturday flea market manager Carol Wright continues to operate that market though Berman says that for him, operating the flea market on C Street doesn’t work without the 300 block of 7^th Street.

Readers of CHC may recall the previous attempt by Eastern Market to take over the weekend flea markets.  In August of 2015, DGS abruptly announced that DGS would take over management of the weekend flea markets on the 300 block of 7^th Street.  Weeks later, that plan was cancelled after the community rallied in support of the weekend flea market operators, and – reportedly – intervention of the office of the Mayor.   See here:  https://bit.ly/2VJl672 and here: https://bit.ly/2SRRUJd

Berman is concerned about the future of his Sunday market operation on 7^th Street.  His license runs until June, but has no provision for renewal.  He says he’d like to stay on 7^th Street, but “if they take it away from me, I’ll have to pull out of the space on C Street.”

(To view the RFP and Berman’s response, click on “Library” at the top of the CHC home page.)

Gerald Sroufe, the new ANC Commissioner representative on EMCAC, said that he had no comment about the merits of the new management plan, but that he was surprised at the decision making process.  “I understand EMCAC’s role to be advisory only, but I am concerned that there was no public discussion of the possibility of a management change of this nature at any EMCAC meeting since the process intended to find a new manager for the 300 block was initiated a month ago – including the most recent meeting on February 27.”

CHC reached out to DGS for comment and received the following reply from DGS Public Affairs Specialist, Donna Harris:  “DGS is committed to maintaining safe, clean vendor spaces at and around Eastern Market.  Recently, the contractor who managed 30 spaces on the block on 300 7th Street, S.E. surrounding Eastern Market on Saturdays gave notice to DGS that they would no longer manage the spaces.  DGS released a Request for Proposals for bidders to apply to manage the spaces on Saturday.  DGS received only one response and it did not meet the RFP requirements.  Herein, DGS is now managing these 30 spaces on Saturday.”

 

 

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, March 4

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

Agenda:

Brothers Burger Bar, LLC d/b/a Aroma, 707 H Street, NE, application for new restaurant license.

CHRS Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE.

Agenda not available at press time.

Washington Bach Consort Returns with Free Music Series, 12:10pm, St. Peter’s Church* (see details below)

Tuesday, March 5

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion on neighborhood elements of the Comprehensive Plan (Tentative).

124 11th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – concept/rear and rooftop additions.

124 11th Street, SE – Zoning adjustment – Special Exception to permit construction of a one story rear addition and a two story accessory building to an existing attached principal dwelling unit.

1639 Potomac Avenue, SE – Zoning adjustment – Special exceptions to permit construction of a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.

522 6th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application – concept/two-story rear addition.

620 C Street, SE – Historic Preservation application – concept/one-story rooftop.

209 C Street, SE – Historic Preservation application – Plans to alter the front areaway with public space.

1225-1227 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Zoning adjustment – Special exceptions to permit construction of a second-story addition on an existing one-story commercial use building.

360 7th Street, SE, The Eastern Wine Bar – Public Space Permit Application for a new unenclosed sidewalk café.

ANC 6C Environment, Parks & Events Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser Permanente, 700 2^nd street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

NoMa Parks Foundation – Status update on parks projects and underpass installations.

Capitol Hill Classic – This year’s event will be held on Sunday, May 19. Race organizers will talk about the event and again seek ANC support. We will pay special attention to the planned implementation of MPD’s “Clean Routes Initiative”, which bans parking along the race route.

Solar United Neighbors of DC (DC SUN) – Michaela Meehan will discuss the mission of DC SUN, a non-profit that brings homeowners together in a co-operative for bulk-purchasing quality solar panel installation on their homes. We will focus special attention on DC SUN’s “Solar For All” initiative, which allows income-qualifying residents to receive free solar installation courtesy of a District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) grant administered by DC SUN.  Because the “Solar For All” grant is expiring soon, DC SUN is actively looking to find qualified applicants to sign up for this program by April 2019. The qualifying income rates depend on family size and range from $65,650 for a family of one to $123,750 for a family of eight. Details on the program are available on DC SUN’s website: https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/dc/go-solar-in-d-c/go-solar-ina-d-c-group/solar-for-all-co-op/

Wednesday, March 6

ANC6B Transportation Committee will meet at 7:00pm in the conference room, ground floor, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue (entrance to left of Trader Joe’s). 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Revised Circulator Turnaround at Eastern Market Metro.

Overview of DDOT’s Sidewalk Repair System.

2nd Draft of Small Cell Design Guidelines.

Re-introduced Transportation Benefits at Equity Amendment Act of 2019.

Final Discussion on suggested dockless bike rack locations in 6B.

ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets at 6:30pm, Northeast Library, 7^th and D Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

120 7th Street, NE – Discussion of recent illegal construction activity at Verizon facility.  (See also agenda for ANC6C Transportation and Public Space meeting on Thursday.)

224 C Street, NE – Zoning adjustment application for a special exception to permit a second floor addition to an existing accessory structure.

429 5th Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for three story rear addition and one story rooftop addition

707 H Street, NE – Discussion of potential BZA appeal from the January 22 issuance of certificate of occupancy CO1901156 in apparent violation of the maximum 1.5 FAR in the NC-16 zone.

Capitol Crossing [air-rights project above I-395, bounded by 2nd & G Streets, NW] Zoning Application – PUD modification of consequence to convert the approved use of the building from residential (with ground-floor retail) to hotel use and to provide the approved affordable housing off site.

2019 Council oversight hearings – Discussion of further topics for ANC 6C testimony.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

Agenda:

Preparation for ABRA Restaurant License Renewals

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

701 2nd Street, NE – Café Fili – Public Space application for an unenclosed sidewalk café.

Verizon – 120 7th Street, NE – Verizon owns a large building at 120 7th Street, NE used for telecommunications equipment. On the street in front of the parking lot is signed “Tow Away, No Parking, Loading Zone, 8 am to 4 pm” but there is no driveway between this section of the street and the entrance to the building. Over the last several months, Verizon and/or its contractors have been driving trucks over the curb and unpaved public space to the parking area near the entrance to the building. A Verizon rep has been invited. The committee will discuss options to stop this behavior, which may include installing tree-box fencing or removal of the loading zone.

Proposed Rulemaking – Proper Behavior in Bike Lanes.  This proposed rulemaking amends Title 18 DCMR to improve bicycle and passenger safety and further pursue the District’s Vision Zero goal for transportation safety by: clarifying rules related to restricted and bicycle lanes; clarifying that a person may only stop or stand at certain locations at the direction of a police officer or traffic control device; and prohibiting parking but allow stopping and standing to unload passengers or freight at other specific locations. https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCR/Issues/IssueCategoryList.aspx?CategoryID=14&IssueID=750

Friends of Southeast Library meet at 5:30pm at Southeast Library, lower level. 

Agenda:  

Discussion of upcoming March 9 book sale and other routine business.

Friday, Marcy 8

Free Opening Reception for Broken Safety Art Exhibit at The Fridge

Political street artist Absurdly Well and artist Esteban Whiteside come together in their first joint art exhibition to address social circumstances that galvanizes today’s urban society.

Gentrification and displacement is at an all-time high in major cities in the nation. The lack of financial, domestic and democratic safety has been taking a toll on the poor and middle class for years.

Artists also have been feeling the pinch of big business moving in Washington. With more and more luxury condominiums being built & rising rents, artist spaces have been shutting down. These factors consequentially put this ‘broken safety’ in the cross-hairs of many US citizens.

Collectors and admirers of Absurdly Well & Esteban will be amazed by the ambitious sizes of art and spanning subject-matter. Each piece is a unique perspective on and during the Trump regime from the most prolific artist-activists. Most pieces are never-before-seen.

Exhibit will be on view through March 31, and there will be programming and artist talks throughout the month by both artists.

The Fridge is at 516 1/2 8th Street, SE, rear alley.

And at The Corner Store:  

Launch party for CONFLUENCE: Two Rivers One City, 7:00pm, Corner Store Arts, 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE.

Continuing at the Corner Store Arts:

In the Gallery: IT’S ELEMENTARY: The Four Elements – Earth /Air /Fire /Water.  Featuring artists: Maremi Andreozzi, Kate McConnell, Heike Gramckow, Kimberley Bursic, Nan Raphael, Chica Brunsvold, Nanette Bevan, Aina Neergard Nammack, and Karen Cohen.  Closing Party: Sunday March 31 from 3-5pm.

Saturday, March 9

Friends of Southeast Library Book Sale.  10:00am – 3:00pm, Southeast Library, lower level. 

 

*Washington Bach Consort Returns With Free Music Series

Upcoming new season of free, noontime music from the Washington Bach Consort – a perfect way to spend your lunch hour. The Cantata Series kicks off on Capitol Hill on Monday, March 4th at St. Peter’s Church, (313 2nd St., SE) and the next day, Tuesday, March 5th at The Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street, NW). The series continues until May on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month. Each show starts at 12:10pm and free to the general public.

The series continues the Bach Consort’s mission of introducing and making accessible the music of J.S. Bach to audiences who may not have prior familiarity with his work or with classical music in general. For nearly three decades, Washington Bach Consort has presented the free Noontime Cantata Series in downtown DC at the Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street, NW). They expanded their work last year to include the Capitol Cantatas Series, fulfilling the long-time dream of Washington Bach Consort Founder, the late Dr. J Reilly Lewis.

Washington Bach Consort will continue to offer their original Downtown Cantata Series at the Church of the Epiphany on the first Tuesday of each month during their season.

For a full schedule and more info, visit: https://bachconsort.org/noontime-cantatas/

The upcoming free Cantata Series Capitol Hill performances are as follows:

Monday, March 4, 12:10pm

Capital Cantata at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill

Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV 170

Monday, April 1, 12:10pm

Capital Cantata at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill

Cantata: Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke, BWV 84

Monday, May 6, 12:10pm

Capital Cantata at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill

Cantata: Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal in das Reich Gottes eingehen, BWV 146