Monthly Archives: March 2021

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The National Park Service announced today that the cherry blossoms are at their peak.  Road closures are in place for vehicular traffic around the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and West Potomac Park, effective Friday, March 26. Here’s a link to the latest information on access: https://www.nps.gov/nama/cherryroads21.htm Here’s a link to a piece by Capitol Hill writer Stephanie Cavanaugh on other places to enjoy the blooms:  https://mylittlebird.com/2021/03/green-acre-234-cherry-blossoms-2021/

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The Week Ahead…ANC Highlights & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

ANC Highlight:

• Tuesday: ANC6D Special Meeting to discuss two redevelopment projects, Greenleaf Gardens & Westminster Church. 

Monday, March 29

DC 101: Community Safety.  Join Serve Your City and Moms Demand Action DC and other local leaders for an in-depth conversation on community safety in the District. 

To join the meeting, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvceqprz0iE9DfTbY3sNdV_Dx2NzEprKA2

Speakers include:

• Ron Moten, Don’t Mute DC
• Ryane Nickens, The TraRon Center
• Sean Blackmon, Stop Police Terror Project DC
• Tia Bell, The Trigger Project
• Lashonia Thompson-El, Women Involved in Reentry Efforts – The WIRE

Tuesday, March 30

ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Agenda:

• Determining the agenda for the Commission’s April 13 meeting.

ANC 6D will hold a special meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting

Agenda:

• Discussion of two redevelopment projects, Greenleaf Gardens & Westminster Church in SW DC.

Wednesday, March 31

RESCHEDULED FROM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 34.  The Department of General Services holds a virtual meeting at 1:30pm.

The meeting is open to the public and a link to join the meeting is distributed the day of. 

Agenda: 

• Update the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Taskforce on the renovation of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, at 1:30pm.

Saturday April 3

Call for volunteers.

• Help needed with the Potomac Avenue Pocket Parks. Meet at 10:00am at the park along K (the one with the splash pad). We will be mulching and planting hostas along the back fence, and clearing up at the point to create a space for colorful flowers. Same rules apply: Volunteers should bring water, gloves, and hand tools if they have them. Folks can register to volunteer at https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/volunteer

Volunteers turned out on Saturday March 27 for Phase 1 work of the fist Potomac Triangle Park. Next Saturday, Phase II. Photos courtesy of Guerrilla Gardeners.

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Noose Found In Capitol Hill Church Courtyard

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 27, 2021

Friday morning, members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church choir found a noose on a tree in the church’s courtyard.  The progressive church is at 301 A Street, across from the Library of Congress Adam’s Building and two blocks from the East Front of the US Capitol.  Over the past few months, two “Black Lives Matter” signs have been stolen from the church.  In addition, two nearby protest sculptures in fire boxes featuring Thomas Jefferson and Sally – at 3^rd and Independence, SE, and at 3^rd and C Street, NE Hemings – have been damaged or destroyed.  These sculptures were part of a series on installations across the city by “Fearless Girls 2020”.  

Councilmember Charles Allen tweeted a photo of the noose and condemned the act:

“A noose was found today at St Mark’s Episcopal Church on the Hill, a despicable symbol and act of hate. MPD has been on scene and is working with church leadership. Denounce it out loud and clear –hate has no home here.”

MPD is investigating the incident at a possible hate crime.

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Mayor Bowser Situational Update – More Essential Workers become Vaccine-Eligible on Monday

by Larry Janezich

Mayor Bowser announced today that the following essential worker populations will be eligible to pre-register for the Covid vaccine on Monday, March 29:

• Individuals working in non-public transit transportation (for hire vehicles and ride share)
• Individuals working in logistics/delivery/courier services
• Essential employees working in media and mass communications.

To pre-register, go https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc or call 1 855 363 0333.

As of today, Thursday, March 25, 177,229 have pre-registered and are awaiting appointments.

Friday, March 26, will be the last day of testing at the Geico Garage at Nationals Park because of the opening of baseball season.  Go here to find other testing locations: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

Here’s a link to Mayor Bowser’s situational briefing powerpoint presentation: https://bit.ly/2PtUbOV

Here’s a list of those currently eligible to pre-register for vaccination:

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Likewise at East Capitol and Second Street…

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In celebration of the Cherry Blossom Festival, organizers have commissioned 26 giant sculptures, painted by 25 talented local and national artists and installed in various locations across Washington, DC, and in Maryland’s National Harbor and in Virginia’s Aurora Highlands and National Landing neighborhoods.  This one – near the playground at Pennsylvania Avenue and 9^th Street – is “Flower Kuties” by 17 year old Kaila Garcia, a senior at Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  To see all 26 sculptures and for more information, go here:  https://bit.ly/317KSXa

The Week Ahead – and Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted March 21, 2021

Call for Volunteers:  Former ANC6B Commissioner Kelly Waud, continuing community involvement after retiring from the ANC in January, is appealing for volunteers to continue the upgrading of the Potomac Avenue Parks.  See Saturday entry below. 

Monday, March 22

CANCELLED ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee (COC)

Tuesday, March 23

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of a potential future application for a license by an unspecified establishment at 1500 East Capitol Street, NE.
• Finalization of and discussion of delivery of a letter from the ANC to all ABRA licensees with ANC6A re discontinuing use of anti-loitering language in Settlement/Community Agreements.

Wednesday, March 24

The Department of General Services will hold a virtual meeting to update the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Taskforce on the renovation of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, at 1:30pm.

Typically, info on joining the meeting is distributed shortly before the meeting.

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Typically, info on joining the meeting is distributed a day or two before the meeting.

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Report of the Chair
• Budget Review Status
• Report of the Market Manager
• Strategic Plan Update
• Security update
• Budget update
• Outdoor Covid operating procedures: any changes?
• Status of the conflict resolution proposal
• Signage and banner update
• Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards
• Tenant’s Council Report
• Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update

Thursday, March 25

ANC6A Ad Hoc By-Laws Committee holds a virtual meeting

Info on joining the meeting will be posted 24 hours prior to the meeting here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Saturday, March 27

• Call for volunteers to help with the Potomac Avenue Pocket Parks. Meet at 10:00am at the park along I Street, SE (with the playground equipment).  The plan is to mix in more mulch/ soil conditioner, weed around the hedge in the back and add some plantings. Volunteers should bring water, gloves, and hand tools if they have them. Folks can register to volunteer at  https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/volunteer

Also:

On Saturday April 3

• Call for volunteers to help with the Potomac Avenue Pocket Parks. Meet at 10:00am at the park along K (with the splash pad). We will be mulching and planting hostas along the back fence, and clearing up at the point to create a space for colorful flowers. Same rules apply: Volunteers should bring water, gloves, and hand tools if they have them. Folks can register to volunteer at  https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/volunteer

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Citywide Caucus of ANC Commissioners Pushes for More Funding, a Louder Voice, and Maybe a Paycheck

By Larry Janezich

The City-wide ANC Caucus held a virtual meeting last Monday night agreed to push for better funding for the ANCs, a louder voice in addressing city-wide issues, better organization, and maybe paychecks for commissioners.  The Caucus also discussed police reform and the Mayor’s amendments to the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Maps.    

The meetings typically draw 10% or so of the city’s 300 commissioners, but it was the consensus of those who attended Monday’s meeting that the city is missing an opportunity to directly enlist the assistance of commissioners in addressing city issues.

Commissioner Chuck Elkins (ANC3D01) said that what’s missing from the Commissions is money and that limits the ANCs’ ability to look at issues.  He said the ANC’s are a “boot-strap” organization and he was not sure if that was intentional or the result of benign neglect…. “If commissioners were paid, it would make a difference as well, but as of now, we have been relegated to a minor role in the city.  Maybe we deserve it, but I don’t think so.”  He added, “We want more support for what we do, not just as ANCs but on city wide issues.  [The Office of ANCs] doesn’t’ believe that’s our job but [they] have a narrow view of what our job is.” 

Commissioner Fredrica Kramer (ANC6D05) agreed that the “crux of the problem is that there are no resources for what we do”, and urged the city to provide funding for people to do studies and research. 

Commissioner Andy Litsky (ANC6D04) said he has always opposed paychecks because he feels serving is a civic duty.  But, he said, Elkins and Kramer “are spot on – I’d rather have funding which would make the ANCs self-sufficient – to do things beyond just our community…. We need funds to allow us to challenge things put before us by agencies and the city council.”

Commissioners Brown (ANC7B02) and Patel (ANC2A03) supported paychecks as compensation for the full-time demands of the job.  Commissioner Ready (ANC6B03) supported the pay issue as a way to broaden the appeal of serving as a commissioner.

Commissioner Lucio (ANC5A03) said she could take or leave the paycheck but added the ANCs need better organization from the top down including more support and a larger staff. 

Commissioner Brannum (ANC5E08) agreed with Lucio and was mildly critical of the Office of ANCs which is headed up by Gottlieb Simon.  He continued, “The OANC thinks the ANCs report to it instead of being a legislative council….  We report to our constituents and the people of DC…. I think we have to demand respect as an institution.  Many ANCs focus locally, but our outreach and impact are beyond that.”    He appealed to the city to give the ANCs support “so we can do what we do.”

Lucio suggested drafting a letter to city officials and four commissioners and Caucus coordinator Chander Jayaraman volunteered to write a draft which the Caucus will consider at its next meeting on Monday, March 29.

The City Wide Caucus – which is currently an informal organization – was organized by Jayraman in 2020 while he was Chair of ANC6B after virtual meetings offered a way for commissioners across the city to meet and discuss areas of common interest. After losing his bid for an At-Large City Council seat, the Caucus asked him to stay on as coordinator.  The caucus usually holds a virtual meeting every other Monday night. 

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CM Charles Allen on Homeless Encampments… and Helicopters

by Larry Janezich

Last week at ANC6C’s March meeting, chaired by Commissioner Karen Wirt, CM Charles Allen briefed on the state of Ward 6 and other issues of interest to the Commission.  One of those issues was the homeless encampments near Union Station.  Allen talked about encampments, especially the one in the triangular park at 2^nd and Massachusetts Avenue, NE, across from the Heritage Foundation, but there are also significant encampments beneath the railroad overpasses between 1^st and 2^nd Streets NE in NOMA.  About the Mass Ave encampment, Allen noted the pocket park belongs to the National Park Service, whose actions regarding the homeless are apparently governed by the Center for Disease Control. 

• Those guidelines advise that: “If individual housing options are not available, allow people who are living unsheltered or in encampments to remain where they are.
• Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers. This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”

See the agency’s Guidance on Unsheltered Homelessness and COVID for Homeless Service Providers and Local Officials here:   http://bit.ly/30AHwMe

Allen said that the city is struggling to deal with inhabitants of encampments in a way that preserves their dignity; “We can’t force people off the street into a shelter”. There are enough shelter beds, but shelter beds alone won’t solve the problem.  Many of the homeless are fearful of congregate housing during the pandemic, many have everything they own in plastic bags and there are no storage facilities in shelters, some have pets which shelters will not accommodate, shelters don’t accommodate couples or adult children, and some homeless have behavioral or mental health problems. 

Allen noted that the policy leaves the encampments in the hands of DC’s Department of Human Services which continues to reach out to the homeless through its Homeless Services Program.  He said, “There are good people on the Mayor’s team who are trying to solve the problem”. 

Another issue came up during the question and answer period and concerned the seemingly ever- increasing number of low flying helicopters over Capitol Hill neighborhoods. 

Allen said a number of agencies are responsible and named the U.S. Park Police, medical aircraft, and MPD.  The challenge, he said, is that the “federal agencies just don’t care about us”.  Allen related a personal incident of some 6 to 8 weeks ago when he was walking his dog near Stanton Park early one Sunday morning and saw military helicopters “30 feet off the ground” coming from the direction of RFK Stadium to the Capitol, without notice.  He said that was “incredibly disrespectful to the Capitol Hill neighborhood” and he was visibly annoyed at the idea that someone in the Pentagon thought that a training mission to evacuate the US Capitol at 6:15am was a good idea. 

Commissioner Joel Kelty – who is a pilot – noted that many of the helicopters are UH-1 single engine military aircraft which pose a threat to the community in case of engine failure and opined if these are operating during training missions, they need to be at a higher altitude.

Allen held out hope that “with a change of tone and administration we’ll be able to make some progress” in lessening the intrusion of the noise on the community. 

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Mayor Loosens COVID Restrictions – Announces New Vaccine Eligibility Groups

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 15, 2021

At today’s situational briefing, Mayor Bowser announced the extension of the District’s Public Health Emergency until May 20, 2021

The Mayor announced the following loosening of restrictions.  On March 22:

• Indoor fitness classes may resume with up to 10 people.
• In restaurants, alcohol can be sold until midnight instead of only until 10:00pm. (Indoor dining will continue at 25% capacity or up to 250 people.)
• Movie theaters may open with no more than 25 people or 25% capacity, whichever is less) in an auditorium.
• Outdoor gatherings can include up to 50 people.
• Outdoor fitness classes may have up to 50 people.
• Professional sports may operate pursuant to a waiver with plans for fans.
• HSEMA and DC Health will resume reviewing and approving live entertainment waivers.
• Guided tours of museums, galleries, and exhibits can resume in these venues which will remain open with capacity limits of 250 per floor and 25 persons per room.
• Grocery stores may operate buffets only if staff serves the food. Self-service continues to be prohibited.

On April 5, reassessments will occur on all of the above, as well as childcare, higher education, personal services, recreation centers, travel and places of worship. 

Beginning March 29, 18 currently operating libraries will begin offering limited indoor services:  access to public computers, printing pick-up, book pick-up, and library card registration – at 25% capacity limit.

As of March 15, some high school sports can resume under DCSAA guidelines and field permits will be issued for spring sessions.

Beginning March 15 the following essential workers are eligible for the vaccine.  Here’s the link to the preregistration portal https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc and the number for the call center (855) 363-0333.

• Staff working in Courts and individuals providing legal services.
• Frontline employees of public mass transit.
• Employees of the US Postal Service.
• Staff working in food service.
• Essential employees in local government agencies.
• Essential employees of public utilities..
• Essential employees in health, human, and social services organizations/agencies who were not vaccinated as outreach workers.
• Individuals working in commercial and residential property maintenance and environmental services.

Beginning March 29 the following essential workers are eligible for the vaccine:

• Individuals working in non-public transit transportation services (for hire vehicles, ride stare).
• Individuals working in logistics/delivery/courier services.
• Essential employees working in media and mass communications.

Beginning April 12 the following essential workers will be eligible for the vaccine:

• All essential employees of institutions of higher education (colleges, universities, trade schools).
• Individuals working in construction.
• All essential employees working in info technology.
• Essential employees in federal government agencies.
• Individuals working in commercial and residential property management.

Beginning May 1, DC will begin Phase 2 of Vaccine eligibility and all DC residents who are 16 years old and older will become eligible.  By the end of May, the supply of vaccine should be sufficient for all adults in DC to receive vaccinations.

Here’s the link to the graphics from Mayor Bowser’s situational update:  https://bit.ly/38LdTw6

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The Week Ahead… and Photos from the Past Week

Monday, March 15

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/ (scroll down to March meetings)

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion and Q&A with Verizon representative regarding equipment installation in the Rosedale community.
• Public Space Permit Application for 424 11th Street Northeast, replacement of retaining wall.
• Discussion of possible letter to DDOT to support funding for the DC Streetcar extension to Benning Road in the FY2022 budget.
• Discussion of possible letter to federal officials regarding the fence surrounding the Capitol Complex.
• Additional public space applications if received prior to the meeting.

Wednesday, March 17

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/ (scroll down to March meetings)

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 1701 H Street, NE. Zoning Application – PUD Modification of Consequence (modify number of balconies on eastern facade).
• 211 13th Street, NE. Zoning Application for a Special Exception to construct a new three-story with cellar and roof deck, rear addition to an existing, two story with cellar, semi-detached, principal dwelling unit.
• 17 9th Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application for approval of the renovation of an existing single family row home with a rear and third floor addition in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
• 308 11th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a third story addition and roof deck, to an existing two-story flat, and a second story addition to an accessory detached garage. 

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Mayor Bowser Update:  Preregistration, Parking Enforcement, Relaxed Restrictions Coming

by Larry Janezich

• Today marks one year since declaration of Public Health Emergency.
• Yesterday, 77,141 preregistered – 33,098 were those not eligible yet.
• On Friday, DC Department of Health will send out 13,550 invitations to sign up for a vaccination, randomly selected from those eligible preregistered individuals.
• Those registered by 11:59pm on Thursday night – or any future night before the invitations go out – will be in the pool from which randomized selections will be drawn.
• No one will be turned away from a vaccination appointment because of a lack of documentation.
• Health care providers also have vaccine.  (One reader of CHC after receiving an invitation to book an appointment recently said he arranged an appointment at a Medstar facility near Nats Park by calling 833-205-1553, and added that many appointments were available.)
• CDC recommendations for how fully vaccinated individuals (2 weeks after the last shot) can interact can be found here: https://bit.ly/3erzoG9  Scroll down to the section which starts on page 12.

On other matters: 

Parking has started to be enforced by DPW.

No parking in school zones will be enforced starting next Monday. From March 15 through March 19, warning tickets will be issued – no fines, but vehicles could be relocated (call 311 to locate the vehicle in that case).   $25 tickets will be issued starting March 22.

Full parking enforcement will be phased in gradually.

Here’s what’s being enforced:

• No parking is school zones.
• Non-commercial vehicles illegally parked in commercial loading zones.
• Large vehicles (22 feet +) illegally parked next to a recreational park, school, church, or residential domicile.
• Safety violations – parking near bike lanes, cross walks, fire hydrant, etc.

Here’s what’s not being enforced:

• Emergency No Parking violations (vehicles may be relocated).
• Expired DC license plate and inspection stickers.
• Expired Residential Parking Permits.
• Expired Meters.
• Vehicle booting and towing.

Asked about relaxed restrictions in MD, Mayor Bowser said that sometimes Maryland and Virginia have done things at the state level which do not translate to the county level – and what happens in the counties surrounding us has been the most concern.

DC Department of Health is taking a look at the restrictions and the Mayor said she will talk next Monday about loosening some Phase 2 restrictions.  And more as spring unfolds. 

An announcement on restrictions on access to the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms will be announced soon.

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Groups Plan Protest Against Capitol Fence on Saturday

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 10, 2021

Two separate neighborhood grass roots groups will use different tactics to oppose the US Capitol fence which has come under fire from local officials as well as members of Congress.  The efforts will give residents of the Capitol Hill neighborhoods an opportunity to participate in the resistance.

Last night, Tiffany Davidson of “Don’t Fence the Capitol” spoke to ANC6B’s virtual meeting to announce the give-away of 250 “Don’t Fence the Capitol” yard signs at Eastern Market this Saturday between 10:00am and 2:00pm.  The yard signs grew out of a “Don’t Fence the Capitol” petition started by Allison Cunningham four weeks ago which has garnered about 30,000 signatures as of today.  Here’s a link to the petition:  http://bit.ly/3t7Wq9a 

Davidson started the yard sign campaign by giving away 150 yard signs, and then raising $2,000 and ordering another 250 which will be distributed on Saturday. 

Another effort, spearheaded by EatDC and The Hill Is Home calls for a peaceful gathering at 2^nd and East Capitol at 10:00am on Saturday to express opposition to the fence and its adverse impact on our neighborhoods.  Here’s a link to a piece in The Hill Is Home with additional information:  https://bit.ly/3rBDbEs

Yesterday, a US Capitol Police request to extend the presence of the National Guard at the Capitol through May 23 was approved by the Department of Defense.  It’s not clear, but it seems likely that the fence around the Capitol complex will remain in place at least that long.  If not removal, then reducing the footprint of the fence to alleviate its disruption of bike, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic would be welcome.

Earlier this week, a task force appointed by Speaker Pelosi and headed by retired Army General Russel Honore found the USCP understaffed, insufficiently equipped and inadequately trained.

Today, an editorial in the Washington Post points out that the US Capitol Police is one of the largest and best funded police forces in the country – and questioned whether instead of a lack of resources it was the lackadaisical preparation for January 6 – in contrast to the preparations for the Black Lives Matter protests over the summer – that resulted in their failure to protect the Capitol.  The US Capitol Police is an overconfident, secretive, highly insular, non-transparent organization that continues year after year as their elected overseers rotate into and out of office.  This has left them presiding over the Congressional security system with a “we know what’s best” attitude and little accountability.  For example, the USCP, like Congressional offices, are exempt from FOIA requests.  They operate at the direction of the US Capitol Police Board (and indirectly at the direction of Congressional leadership) comprised of the Architect of the Capitol (appointed by the President) and the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms (appointed by House and Senate Leadership).  Any reform effort should take a long look at USCP oversight, management, and accountability.