Monthly Archives: September 2019

Status Report on Eastern Market Metro Park Development

By Larry Janezich

Last Wednesday, the Eastern Market Park Advisory Committee met at Southeast Library where the Department of General Services reported on the status of the $15 million plan to re-do the Metro Plaza and turn it into a community gathering space – activate it as a “town square.”  The session was directed by DGS former project manager Cassidy Mullen. The meetings are held monthly to brief the committee on progress and to receive feedback.

In summary, the community stakeholders comprising the committee, as well as residents who attended the meeting, learned:

• Construction will proceed in two phases, with phase 1 (playground and preliminary work around the metro entrance on Parcel 4) starting in the winter of 2020 and ending by Memorial Day 2020. Phase 2 will launch in October of 2020, with completion forecast for April of 2021. The final design is not complete, but that should have no impact on the construction schedule.
• The project design was presented to the DDOT Public Space Committee last week for preliminary review and will be back for a final review in late October.
• “Big George,” the landmark evergreen on Parcel 4 which commemorates the community contributions of George Didden of National Capital Bank, is on life support and will need to be replaced.
• An entertainment pavilion, fought for by the advisory committee, is in the plan for Parcel 4 (Metro entrance) but has not yet been designed.
• The Commission on Fine Arts has ok’d a shade structure as part of the playground on Parcel 1.
• DDOT has not yet approved a traffic study, but when it does, a Notice of Intent (NOI) will have to be issued, followed by a period for public comment.
• Project Manager Cassidy Mullen is turning over the project to a new manager, Diego Martinez, as Mullen takes on greater responsibilities in managing DGS’ project portfolio.

Advisory Committee member  Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, who represents ANC6B on the committee, distributed copies of a letter to city officials detailing ANC6B’s  concerns on behalf of the community.  Chief among these are 1) the lack of a finalized traffic study 2) the refusal of DGS to engage directly with the residents most affected by the reversal of traffic flow on D Street on the north side of the plaza, and 3) DDOT’s refusal to relocate the Starbucks’ bus stop to the eastern edge of Parcel 4 (Metro entrance).  Other concerns listed included the need to relocate the WMATA bike lockers currently at the northwest corner of Parcel 4, and implementing a photo metric study prior to finalizing the lighting plans in conjunction with reevaluating lighting plans for parcels 1, 3, and 4.

 

The Week Ahead…& a few photos from the Barracks Row Fall Festival

by Larry Janezich

Monday, September 30

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

Agenda not available at press time.

Tuesday, October 1

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

Among items on the agenda:

1309 E Street, SE; Update existing MOU between 6B and Opal Development. [Proposed Changes Will Be Posted Before Meeting]

[Tentative] Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street, SE; Historic Preservation Application – One-side porch addition and associated paving.

328 Kentucky Avenue, SE; Application for Zoning Adjustment Application – Variance: special exception to construct a two-story, principal dwelling unit addition on an existing retail use building.

1421 D Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Special Exception; construct a rear and third-floor addition on an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.

333 9th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Special Exception; construct a two-story rear addition.

339 9th Street SE; Historic Preservation Application – Rear 2-story addition and interior renovations.

411 New Jersey Avenue, SE; Historic Preservation Application for construction of two, three-story new townhouses, brick with mansards. [Plans to be updated before meeting]:

138 11th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Special Exception: construct a two-story accessory structure at the rear of the existing detached principal dwelling unit.

138 11th Street, SE; Historic Preservation Application – New two-story garage on alley.

Emilie’s at 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Public Space Application for new sidewalk café.

716-718 L Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Special Exception; construct an addition to the existing detached building, and to convert it into a 18-unit apartment house.

& Pizza, 405 8th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Minor Modification to extend fast food use for 10 additional years to 2029.

Eastern Market Metro Plaza Parks. Public Space Application.  Permanent improvements. Hearing Date: 10/15/2019 [Plans to be posted before meeting].

Zoning regulation amendments: short-term rentals – Petition from the Council of the District of Columbia proposing text amendments to authorize short-term rentals in residential zones as permitted under DC Law 22-307.

ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm at Capitol Hill Medical Center/Kaiser Permanente, 700 Second Street, NE

Agenda not available at press time.

Wednesday, October 2

ANC6B Transportation Committee will meet at 7:00pm, in the Conference Room, Ground Floor, The Yard 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – entrance to 700 Penn is to the left of the Trader Joe’s entrance.

Among items on the agenda:

Update on Pennsylvania Avenue Bike Lane Study (Mike Goodno, DDOT Bicycle Program Specialist).

Resumption of discussion on 17th Street, SE Bike Lane & potential connections to Anacostia River Trail.

Traffic Calming/Control Requests for ANC 6B support.

6th & A Street all way stops (6B02) tentative.

11th & North Carolina Avenue signal timing (6B05) tentative.

11th & D Streets traffic calming (6B04).

11th & 395 traffic calming (6B07).

100 block North Carolina hump (6B01).

14th & A Streets SE all way stops (6B08).

17th & D Streets SE traffic calming (6B09).

Other:

Use of curb space at hydrants for bike racks.

Oversized truck camera for eastbound corner of 8th Street & Independence Avenue, SE.

ANC6C Planning Zoning and Economic Development committee is scheduled to meet at 6:30pm, Northeast Library, 7^th and D Streets, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

19 4th Street, (rear) NE; Zoning Adjustment Application –  Application of Hillsdale College for a two-year time extension of a special exception to permit a one-family dwelling unit in an existing structure on an alley lot.

Zoning regulation amendments: short-term rentals – Petition from the Council of the District of Columbia proposing text amendments to authorize short-term rentals in residential zones as permitted under DC Law 22-307.

Thursday, October 3

ANC6B’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meets at 7:00pm in the Conference Room, Ground Floor, The Yard, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – entrance to 700 Penn is to the left of the Trader Joe’s entrance.

Agenda:

UPDATE: District Soul Food Restaurant & Lounge, 500 8th Street, SE; Class “CR” Restaurant License Renewal.

Wisdom; 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Class “C” Tavern License Renewal.

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

Agenda not available at press time.

Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meet at 5:30 in Southeast Library, lower level.

Agenda not available at press time.

Update on Eastern Market and Southeast Library

by Larry Janezich

Eastern Market – Speculation on the winner of the bid for the $300,000 grant from office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development study on the future of Eastern Market is focusing on Nil Buras, principal at the Washington, DC firm of Urban Cloud – Classic Planning.  A decision has been made but not an announcement.  According to Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson, the Department of General Services is in the process of finalizing the grant agreement for an October project start.  The purpose of the study is how to address the declining vitality of Eastern Market as a community center and resource, in the face of competition from new destinations such as Union Market, The Wharf, numerous farmers’ markets, as well as changing demographics and shopping habits.

Nir Buras is a Washington, DC, based PhD architect and planner with over 30 years of in-depth experience in strategic planning, architecture, and transportation design.  He has worked on the Washington DC Dulles Metro line, the US Capitol, and the Senate and House Office Buildings.  He is the author of “The Art of Classic Planning”– a critique of modern urban design and planning.  For more, see here:  https://classicplanning.wordpress.com/author/classicplanning/

More Eastern Market – Last Wednesday, the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) decided by a vote of 6 – 0 – 2, that the recently-incorporated Eastern Market Development and Preservation “Organization” does not represent “reconstitution” or revived” Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation (a duly incorporated entity now defunct) which under statute is entitled to a seat on EMCAC, thus denying the application of the newer organization for a seat on the board.  The vote was 6 – 0 – 2.  The motion to accept a committee recommendation that the application be denied, was made by EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder, and included language recommending that EMCAC undertake a review of the statute governing Eastern Market to address how certain membership and process issues can be remedied legislatively.

Southeast Library – The selection committee for the new design for Southeast Library, headed up by DC Public Libraries Executive Director, Richard Reyes-Gavilan, heard am hour long presentations from each of four finalists on September 10^th and 11th.  The meeting was closed to the public, and participants had to sign non-disclosure agreements.  The selection committee will decide on the winner in late September or early October.  The winning design/build team will subsequently launch a period community involvement and hold a series of community meetings to solicit input from residents on the final design.

Construction on the $23.5 million renovation and the 2 year closing of the Southeast Library is scheduled to begin at the end of in 2021.  As of now, there is no plan for an interim library and some of the current programming will likely be held at the Northeast and Southeastwest Libraries.

The community is represented on the selection committee by ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe and Friends of Southeast Library President Neal Gregory.  The rest of the dozen or so members of the selection committee are DC Public Libraries personnel.

Trickling Springs Ceases Production – Will Close Outlets

by Larry Janezich

The Record Herald newspaper published in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, broke the news that Trickling Springs Creamery located in Chambersburg, PA, will close down plant operations today.

Trickling Springs has a dedicated customer base, attracted by the quality ice cream, milk and butter.  The 18 year old company has 100 employees and three retail outlets, including a stall at Union Market and a shop in the Hine Project across from Eastern Market.   These two will remain open for a short but indefinite time, presumably to dispose of inventory.

While a spokesman declined to comment on the reason for the closure, it may have been related to fraud allegations that stem from a lawsuit filed in late 2018.  See here:  https://www.dobs.pa.gov/For%20Media/Pages/Issued-Enforcement-Orders.aspx

Owners of Pennsylvania Avenue Building Move to Close In Arcade Housing Homeless – Part II

by Larry Janezich

Yesterday, workers began closing up the arcade that fronts the Bernstein Building (Citibank) at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The extension will come at the expense of a number of homeless who sleep under the arcade that will be filled in to extend the store fronts to the sidewalk.  The US Postal Service occupies one of the commercial spaces and will be enlarged by the construction.

In September of 2017, Porter Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Property Management for Bernstein Management, told ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee that the project was proposed “to address the homeless issue.”  She cited the number of homeless people sleeping under the arcade makes rental of the several vacant offices there difficult.  Page said the company had tried using video cameras to monitor the space but “the problem is way bigger that that”.

Homelessness was the topic of an informal discussion among members of ANC6B’s Executive Committee last Tuesday night, especially a number of homeless-by-choice who have taken up residence in Seward Square.

There are several reasons for homelessness, including mental illness, substance abuse and domestic violence.  A high proportion of the homeless are men, black Americans and Veterans.

According to a September 17, Washington Post article by Andrew Van Dam, homelessness on DC streets rose from 2016 to 2018, while the overall number of homeless in shelters and transitional housing has fallen in recent years.  Social institutions prioritize moving families into permanent housing, and that might help explain why the number of “sheltered homeless” has fallen.  But why the number of “unsheltered homeless” has risen is not clear.  See here:  https://wapo.st/2nzdbgM

At the ANC’s executive committee meeting, there was no consensus about what could be done about the unsheltered residents of Seward Square, which one commissioner said was in danger of being lost to the community.  No consensus that is, except to appeal to a higher authority – in this case the City Council – for assistance.  A Washington Post article by Peter Jamison from May 10, 2017, numbered the city’s homeless at 7,473.

Community Connections Puts Its Building at 8^th and Penn Avenue SE Up for Sale

by Larry Janezich

As first reported by Daniel J. Sernovitz of The Washington Business Journal on Tuesday, Community Connections at 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, has put its building on the market.  According to Sernovitz, the commercial real estate broker Avison Young has listed the 65,000 square foot property which is currently assessed by the city at $18.8 million.

Community Connections, founded by Helen Bergman, MSW, and Maxine Harris, PhD, in 1984 is the largest not-for-profit behavioral health provider in the city, serving more than 3,000 annually.  In addition to behavioral health, they provide homelessness/housing and outpatient addiction services. They acquired the former furniture store for their headquarters in 2006 for $12.5 million.

The WBJ reports that a spokesman for Avison Young told them that the gentrification has caused many low-income residents who were clients of the non-profit to relocate, which led the company to seek an outlet in another part of the city.  Or maybe they just decided to cash in on one of the most valuable properties on Capitol Hill.

The WBJ article reports Avison Young got 50 inquiries within 90 minutes of hinting the property was coming to market.  There is substantial ground floor retail space which, in addition to Community Connections, includes a Dunkin’ Donuts as well as a Yes! health food store, the latter fronting on Barracks Row.

Given the trends of investment and development in the area, odds seem to favor mixed use residential/retail for the building’s future, though there are other options.

One nearby group of businesses which some say will benefit from a new owner for the building are the those in the 400 block of 8^th Street, which – rightly or wrongly – point to Community Connections as a source of a diverse collection of street loungers and panhandlers which has contributed to the perception of this part of Barracks Row as a “troubled block.”  Community Connections has sought to participate actively in the community to engage any of their clients who might be a habitué of the block.

The building is directly across 8^th Street from the Eastern Market Metro Plaza – scheduled for a $21 million makeover due to break ground in December.

The Week Ahead…Eastern Market Park Planning Committee Meets Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, September 23

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee meets at 7:00pm, Eastern High School, Parent Center, 1700 East Capitol Street NE (Enter from East Capitol Street).

Among items on the draft agenda:

Ludlow Taylor Grant

Community Comments

Coffee & Conversation at Southeast Library, 2 – 3 pm. 

Coffee & Conversation brings together users from all walks of life in informal conversation focused on relevant and engaging topics discussed over a cup of coffee. Through this exchange of ideas, Coffee & Conversation promotes the library as a place to meet your neighbors and focuses on what people have in common rather than their differences.

Tuesday, September 24

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center, to set the agenda for the October meeting of the full ANC.  

Wednesday, September 25

DGS Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Group meets at 1:30pm, Southeast Library, lower level, do discuss the plans for the redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 

Agenda not available at press time.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Election of Officers: Chuck Burger

Capital Improvements Report on Eastern Market Signage

Market Managers Report

• • Status of the HVAC system
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Lease update
  • Parking
  • Business/ Strategic plan update

Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update

Membership Report: Chuck Burger

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Community Forum – Swampoodle – 7:00pm, at Hill Center.

Agenda:

History buff Matthew Gilmore will give a talk entitled “Making Washington’s ‘Swampoodle’: Irish Neighborhood in the Tiber Valley.”  Mr. Gilmore will explore questions of the origin of the name “Swampoodle,” of the northern Capitol Hill neighborhood’s reputation, and of its place in Washington DC and Irish-American history.  Swampoodle in 19th Century was nationally known as a dangerous place; it was also the center of the Irish-American community in Washington.  At that time, Swampoodle became shorthand for the Government Printing Office (similar to Foggy Bottom standing in for the State Department).

The talk will be preceded by an organizational business meeting at 6:30 pm, at which the CHRS FY2019 budget will be approved.

The event is free and handicapped-accessible and the public is encouraged to attend.

Department of General Services’ Plan for Redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza Hits Snag

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6B voted 6 – 0 to ask for a delay in the Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Public Space Committee (PSC) hearing on the Department of General Services’ (DGS) plan for redesign of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  The action seems to be in keeping with a conclusion DDOT and other city agencies have reached independently.

The Public Space meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 26th and as of this writing, the DGS application is currently on the tentative agenda.  Wednesday night’s meeting was a “Special Call” meeting of the ANC to hear from residents and to submit comments before that meeting.  (It is possible that PSC will hold the hearing regardless of the request, but circumstances seem certain to require a second appearance before the agency at their October meeting.)

Asked for comment, on the Commission’s action, ANC6B Chair Chander Jayaraman said, “Over the course of a two hour meeting, the community was clear that without the release to the public of the Transportation Study and a Maintenance Plan, the PSC should not go forward with a hearing on DGS’s application.  Attendees and commissioners developed a list of critical elements that are missing in the current design to make the plaza function and manageable.”

In laying the ground work for Wednesday night’s meeting, ANC6B Commissioner Steve Holtzman whose single member district abuts Parcel 1 on the north, found through conversations with city officials that the DDOT has not accepted the Transportation Study for the project.  That study was done for the city by a private contractor.  Holtzman said that a city official had told him the study was flawed and will require an additional month for review.  One issue about which residents expressed most concern is the reversal of traffic flow on D Street on each side of the Metro Plaza.  Without a clear idea of what to expect, residents and the ANC are unable to weigh in owing to the lack of a Transportation Study.

In addition, Holtzman said there were other concerns being raised after review by other city agencies which would seem to require additional time to resolve.

One of the most serious critiques came from the Department of Urban Forestry, which recommended relocation or resurfacing of the playground, moving the proposed splash pad on Parcel 1, banning the use of heavy equipment in all critical root zones, and dealing with the likelihood all of the trees planned for the bio-retention area will die.

Holtzman cited the lack of transparency in the process and the unwillingness of DGS and other agencies to consult with the community as being responsible for a number of concerns.  Some of the issues which remain unresolved include a performance pavilion for Parcel 4 (nearby neighbors have noise concerns), lack of a photometric study of the lighting, and infrastructure plans for supplemental electrical and water outlets.

DGS will hold a meeting of the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Team on Wednesday, September 25, at 1:30pm, in Southeast Library, lower level.  More information may be available then.  The meeting is open to the public.

CM Allen, MPD & DC Housing Authority Police On Recent Shooting/Crime Near Potomac Gardens

by Larry Janezich

Public officials turned out in force for Monday night’s Safety Meeting at Chamberlain School in Southeast organized by ANC6B07 Commissioner Kelly Waud: Councilmember Charles Allen, Deputy Chief David Taylor of the DC Housing Authority, 1st District Commander Morgan Kane, and 1st District Captain Aubrey Mongal.  Waud was looking for new ideas on what the community can do to address the incidents of violent crime in the community.

Police say there have been 6 violent crimes in the neighborhood in the past 60 days – the most alarming was a shooting on Saturday, August 31, at 1200 I Street, the entrance to Potomac Gardens.  One of two juveniles on a moped opened fire toward a group outside the complex.  There were no injuries but the windshield of an Uber driver was hit.  Video led to the identification and arrest of two juveniles and the recovery of a gun.  In addition, there were three robberies and two assaults with a deadly weapon.  All of the cases have been closed except one which was a domestic violence issue.  MPD says perpetrators in all of the incidents were from outside the neighborhood.

Of the instances of gunshots where shell casings were recovered but no apparent target was evident, police say they classify these not as crimes of violence, but as an unlawful discharge of a weapon or as a property crime.

Waud’s particular concern was the area between 12th and 14th south of Pennsylvania Avenue where groups gather, including the 1100 block of K Street, 13^th and I Streets, and other nearby corners.

Deputy Chief Taylor said that much of the hanging out around Potomac Gardens and Hopkins Apartments happens because friends and relatives of the residents who live in those places congregate in “comfort zones” outside the complex because there are restrictions on who can enter.  This can lead to violence if there is conflict in the city; people who hang out here are easy targets because they are there every day.

As for what to do about it, in three meetings in September concerning violent crime on or near Capitol Hill, police have emphasized a strategy of engaging the community to be its eyes and ears in a partnership to prevent crime as opposed to looking at MPD solely as a tool for enforcing the law after the fact – a new emphasis on preventing rather than being reactionary.

Commander Kane, who last Monday had appeared at a routine MPD crime briefing before ANC6D to talk about shootings in Southwest, stressed then that the police needed help from the community.  She and CM Charles Allen had carried the same message to a September 5 meeting in Hill East regarding shootings in the 1400 block of A Street, SE.

Kane and Allen reinforced that message last night.  Allen emphasized his support for Kane, commending her strategic approach aimed at developing a closer and more cooperative relationship between the community and the police.  Allen cited the virtually invisible work of undercover police, the efforts of the Neighborhood Office of Safety and Engagement in violence interruption, the success of the Pathways Program in getting at-risk individuals off the streets and into the workforce, and the construction of positive spaces such as the two triangle parks on Potomac Avenue to help bring the neighborhood together.  Allen praised the work of non-profit organizations such as Little Lights as a way for volunteers to get the neighborhood involved in solving its problems.  He said MPD can’t do it all – that residents share responsibility for prevention.

Kane cited the importance of mobilizing city agencies to address structural problems such as lighting, the lack of parking signs which permit outsiders to park all day on I street between 12^th and 13^th Streets, and the removal of furniture on the street which encourages groups to gather.  Kane urged residents to sign up for the 1^st District listserv Group to receive community alerts on violent crime (see below)* and she appealed to residents to understand the limitations under which police have to operate – there is no anti-loitering law in DC (having been ruled unconstitutional by the courts).  She said that the 1st District is the busiest in the city, with the highest number of calls for service – but do not hesitate to call 911.  Kane asked residents to pay attention to how laws and budget matters impact the police, and whether or not cases resulting from police arrests are being prosecuted.  She encouraged the use of video surveillance cameras (see below)** and said that though they are not an effective deterrent, they help police close cases.  She said, “I would love to see you come together – you want your community back – we need to hear from you and be able to work with you.”

Commissioner Waud summed up, saying what she was hearing is the need for better lighting, use of video cameras, appropriate parking signs, attention to other structural issues, engagement, and volunteers.  Waud, for her part, announced she is developing a plan to turn two redesigned Potomac Avenue triangle parks into the kind of community interactive space which Allen envisions.  She sees the space as a place for exercise groups both private and perhaps from Atlas Gym, playground use by students from Pioneer Academy, and events such as an upcoming Harvest Fest she plans to organize as well as smaller community events.  She welcomes ideas.   She urged community to support for non-profits like Little Lights and For the Love of Children, either by volunteering or contributing financial support.

*Sign up for the 1^st District listserv Group here:  https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/207402 Go to the First District and click on this link: MPD-1D-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

**A link to information on the Mayor’s Private Security Camera Rebate Program is here:  https://ovsjg.dc.gov/service/private-security-camera-system-incentive-program

 

The Week Ahead…Community Safety Meeting Monday Night

by Larry Janezich

Monday, September 16

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meets at 7:00pm, Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE.

Among the items on the draft agenda:

Consideration of support for closing the 800 – 1000 block of East Capitol Street on the evening of October 31, 2019, if requested by the residents of those blocks.

Drafting of initial recommendations to improve safety and accountability for shared bikes, scooters and mopeds. These may include: requiring companies to provide usage and compliance data to DDOT or another City agency, establishment of appropriate parking locations and regulations governing their use, transfer of enforcement to DDOT (to include enforcement of age and occupancy restrictions). A DDOT representative will attend.

Revisiting the issue of maintaining public access to pocket parks. If families with young children are in attendance, this item will be taken out of order at the beginning of the meeting.

If time permits: consideration of proposing specific “micromobility corral” locations.

Community Safety Meeting at 7:00pm, Friendship Chamberlin School, 1345 Potomac Avenue, SE.

Agenda:

MPD First District Commander Kane and MPD officials are expected to attend the meeting which will focus on the recent shootings in Hill East, at 12^th and I Streets, SE. This follows Kane’s appearance at ANC6D last Monday night to discuss a series of shootings in SW.

Tuesday, September 17

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of recent changes to ABL Committee membership.

Duffy’s Irish Pub, 1016 H Street, NE – Discussion of substantial change application for addition of sports wagering to operations.

Gold Room Bar/Lounge, 1370 H Street, NE – Discussion of restaurant liquor license application.

ANC6B Working Group on Barracks Row meets at 6:30pm, at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 1st Floor Conference Room.

Agenda not available at press time.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors meet at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE.

Agenda not available at press time.

Wednesday, September 18

ANC6B holds a Special Call Meeting on Eastern Market Metro Park Project at 7:00pm at The Corner Store Arts, 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE. The purpose of the meeting will be to finalize and vote on ANC6B’s formal review of the DC Department of General Services (DGS) Eastern Market Metro Park Project (EMMPP) for submission to the DC government Public Space Committee as an input into its September26th hearing on the project.

Residents will be given an opportunity to speak and are also encouraged to send ANC6B any written comments prior to the meeting. Detailed information on the project can be found at https://dgs.dc.gov/page/eastern-market-metro-park-project

Agenda:

Brief Summary of the Plans submitted by DGS to the DC Public Space Committee

Comments and questions by members of the Community

Commissioners’ discussion and finalization of draft text of ANC6B’s submission to the Public Space Committee re the EMMPP application.

Vote of ANC6B on final text of Review Submission.

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10^th Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

114 15th Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application, to permit construction of a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.

901 H Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application for a Modification of Consequence to an approved PUD to permit veterinary hospital use in the ground floor of the approved mixed-use residential building on the Property.

1101–1107 H Street, NE – Zoning Application to re-zone the five properties along the south side of the 1100 block of H Street, NE – from NC-16 to NC-17.

1356 North Carolina Avenue, NE – Historic Preservation Application for special exceptions to construct a one-story rear addition to an existing, attached principal dwelling unit.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Preservation Café meets 6:30pm at East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Agenda:

Presentation: Advice from Our Arborists – Ward 6 Arborists, Steve McKindlely-Ward and Alex Grieve will be the featured speakers.

Opening Reception for art exhibition at Hill Center, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

Hill Center Galleries invites you to an opening reception with the following artists as they celebrate a series of exhibitions featuring:

Holly Ahrens

Alan Braley

Nico Gozal

Tara Hamilton

Warren Jackson

Khanh Nguyen

John Pacheco

Tim Eggers, Tex Forrest & Rance Rupp

Young Artists from Nairobi

Exhibitions run September 12-December 1, 2019 For more info see here: http://bit.ly/2kMz2QK

Thursday, September 19

Third Thursday Event, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, on the C Street Plaza SE, between 7th & 8th Streets, SE.

Live music, games, interactive art, kid’s activities, business specials, etc. – organized by Eastern Market Main Street.

House Committee on Oversight and Reform meets at 10:00am in Room 2154 Rayburn to hold a public hearing on a bill provide statehood for the District of Columbia.