Remembering Capitol Hill Watercolor Artist Virginia Warren
by Ron Tomasso FAIA
Capitol Hill watercolor artist Virginia Warren – who died a few years ago at nearly 100 – lived for many years on the 600 block of D Street, SE.
She was an exquisite watercolor artist, and I expect many of her drawings survive in households throughout Capitol Hill, including mine. She preceded the internet age; sadly, I cannot find anything about her or her accomplishments there. It’s an interesting lesson about the mark we leave in life. I knew her in life but had not spoken to her for more than 10 years due to her illness and aging but I have fond memories of her from the time I first moved to the Hill in the early 1980’s. In remembering her I have only those memories and the art she left behind.
Her daughter, Cindy Warren, was the primary caregiver to her mother and I just learned that she recently died. I have not found an obituary for her or for Virginia Warren. Her mother would have been 107 years old this year. Many residents of the Hill will recall Virginia’s watercolor paintings including many scenes of Eastern Market (above) and other Hill landmarks such as Friendship House. I believe Virginia also did house portraits around the Hill (there are other artists doing that now) – she was one of the first.
Virginia and Cindy are survived by Cindy’s son Leo.
New Eastern Market Retail. A new family-owned Kashmir Boutiques is coming to 700 Penn starting July 1, 2021. Previously at Union Station, Kashmir Boutiques has a nearly 30-year history of bringing fine, hand-embroidered garments from the Kashmir Valley and designer pieces to the Capitol Hill community. The store is at 760 C Street, SE, between the two buildings which comprise 700 Pennsylvania Avenue. Kashmir Boutiques will feature styles from a variety of designers including Luna Luz, Petit Pois, and Beau Jours among others. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday 1am to 7pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.
Application for Liquor License at 11th & K Street SE likely headed for a protest hearing. ANC6B Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg hosted an on-line community meeting last Monday to provide an opportunity for residents near 1100 K Street, SE, to hear from the applicant for a liquor license for a retail liquor store for the corner of 11th and K Streets, across from Gingko Gardens. Applicant Dinesh Madaan says his intent is to operate an upscale shop selling wine and high end liquor. More than two dozen neighbors joined the meeting; all opposed the license, pointing to issues on the block including violence, drugs, and loitering. A petition against the license is being circulated. The application is due to come up before the ANC6B ABC Committee meeting on July 8 and before the full ANC on July 12. It’s hard to imagine the ANC not protesting this license.
C Street NE Implementation Project. Council Member Charles Allen joined ANC6A’s Transportation and Public Space Committee meeting last Monday night to give an update on the long-awaited C Street NE Implementation Project. Allen cited massive problems with traffic on the corridor, including lost lives. He said residents are at risk and it has to change and pledged to work with DDOT to make sure the project stays on track . Construction is scheduled to begin shortly and will extend through September of 2022. For more information on what to expect, go here: https://www.cstne.com
Library of Congress will re-open to visitors and Movies on the Lawn resumes. The Library of Congress will reopen for visitors on Thursday, July 8. Visitors must reserve timed-entry passes. Visitors with passes will be able to to view the Great Hall, the Gutenberg Bible, the Abel Buell 1784 U.S. map and the overlook into the Main Reading Room. The Library Shop will be open to timed-entry visitors beginning July 8. Also, every Thursday, beginning July 8, the Library will resume its Movies on the Lawn Series, starting with “The Princess Bride.” Here’s a link to the Library’s public events where you can track coming attractions: https://www.loc.gov/events
Eastern Market Stakeholders to Meet with CM Allen on Concerns. The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met on Wednesday night and heard Treasurer Chuck Burger announce that CM Charles Allen will join a group of stakeholders for a breakfast meeting on July 1 to hear concerns being voiced by EMCAC and Eastern Market/Barracks Row businesses. The stakeholders include Eastern Market management, representatives from EMCAC, Eastern Market vendors, Eastern Market Mainstreet, Barracks Row Mainstreet, and abutting ANC single member districts. Issues on the agenda include traffic, noise abatement, Metro Plaza, use of public space, Eastern Market area definition, law and regulation enforcement by MPD, public use of drugs, shoplifting,, and public services and assistance for our street population. Burger said the goal is to understand the issues and establish a procedure for moving forward to address them’
On Sunday, July Fourth, the annual Fourth of July parade returns to Barracks Row, having taken a year off owing to the pandemic.
The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Week Past
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 27, 2021
Highlights:
Monday – Metro DC DSA and the MPD Coalition Metro DC appear before ANC6A Community Outreach Committee.
Sunday – The annual July 4th Parade returns to Barracks Row.
The Week Ahead:
MONDAY, JUNE 27
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
CM Charles Allen meets with community stakeholders regarding concerns about issues affecting businesses and the quality of life at Eastern Market and nearby commercial corridors. Time and place have not been announced.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
The annual Fourth of July Parade returns to Barracks Row at 10:00am.
Brian Ready spearheads the restoration of the 1988 6th Street Underpass murals by Byron Peck. Here he is assisted by Guerilla Gardener volunteers, Claire Kaliban (at left) and Lisa Smith.
Jim Guckert (at left) who heads up Guerilla Gardeners brought funding and volunteers – including Joseph Kondrot – to the project. Guckert says it will take all summer to restore the 13 paintings. Ready is looking for more community volunteers. He can be reached at www.anc6b.org for info on how to participate in the Saturday morning two hour work sessions.
Repainting the Sixth Street SE Underpass Murals
By Larry Janezich
Posted June 26, 2021
Restoration of Byron Peck’s 12 murals on the walls of the 6th Street, SE, underpass began earlier this month and the actual painting started on Saturday morning. The project is being led by ANC6B Chair Brian Ready who said he had been asking the city to re-do the project for two years before deciding to do it himself. While Ready was collecting paint chips to reproduce the colors, the activity caught the attention of Jim Guckert of Guerilla Gardeners. Guckert liked the restoration project and offered to help. That resulted in a grant from the Awesome Foundation https://bit.ly/2ULpVBP and volunteers from Guerilla Gardeners https://bit.ly/3xcJ51P .
Ready says he hopes the city will help preserve the paintings so “we don’t have to come back and restore it again in ten years”. Guckert says the project will take the rest of the summer and Ready is looking for volunteers to help; work sessions on are on Saturday mornings (except for July 4th weekend) from 9:00am until 11:00am. Those interested in participating in the project can email Ready at www.anc6b.org
Piet Mondrian was the inspiration for the 13 murals on the walls of the underpass painted by Byron Peck in 1988 during the administration of Mayor Marion Barry. Peck still lives and paints in DC. He has created over 80 murals throughout the US and abroad. The murals on 6th Street were supported by a grant from the DC Arts and Humanities Commission and provided jobs for the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program for youths who assisted with the project.
Until a couple of weeks ago, the paintings have remained free from graffiti for 33 years. Guckert says he hopes the restoration will serve to prevent similar acts of vandalism in the future.
Mayor Bowser joined ANC6D’s virtual meeting last Monday night to talk about her budget priorities and to take questions about the ANC’s concerns. On the $17 billion budget presented to the city council a couple of weeks ago, Bowser said she prioritized Covid relief, recovering from Covid, and growth. Regarding growth, she said her focus was on investing in more affordable housing including public housing. The ANC had a handful of issues to discuss with the Mayor and Chair Edward Daniels asked them on behalf of the commission. These included why is the city not doing a better job re parking enforcement and signage near the SE Waterfront and what measures are being taken to address gun violence? The Mayor pledged greater agency cooperation on parking and endorsed the city’s new Director of Gun Violence Prevention, Linda Harper. The Mayor’s scheduled time was up and she left before addressing ANC6D’s concerns about the homeless encampment at the Virginia Avenue underpass.
On Wednesday, the Mayor was at Eastern Market Metro Plaza to officially cut the ribbon marking the completion of the renovation of the Plaza. In remarks, the Mayor took the opportunity to support her budget now pending before the City Council. In the Q&A, she welcomed the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday, saying she was surprised at how quickly the legislation moved through Congress. But, she said, it did not address the remedy for the outstanding civil rights issue – statehood for the District.
ANC6B04 Commissioner Jerry Sroufe stood in for Councilmember Chariles Allen who was chairing a committee hearing downtown. Sroufe touted Allen’s efforts and his vision regarding the Plaza renovation and noted that the project is not finished yet and awaits three pieces of public art due to be installed later this year.
The East Wing of the National Gallery of Art opened last Friday. Fully vaccinated visitors are free from the requirement to wear a mask. The Atrium bears little resemblance to the one visitors remember before the pandemic and the current renovation which involves replacing of the skylights. The iconic Calder mobile has been temporarily removed. A 45 foot site-responsive painted canvas by Sarah Cain entitled My favorite season is the fall of the patriarchy dominates the space.
Karen Rosen’s work Sorry, covers the main entrance to the East Wing, which is a little confusing until you find the new temporary entrance to the right.
And Hahn/Cock – German artist Katharina Fritch’s monumental electric powder-blue 14-foot rooster on the Roof Terrace of the East Wing – overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue. The sculpture was illuminated in mid-March as a symbol of hope and renewal, anticipating the re-opening of the museum.
The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Week Past
By Larry Janezicb
Posted June 20, 2021
Highlights: CM Charles Allen at ANC6A Transportation Committee on Monday.
MONDAY, JUNE 21
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
DDOT C Street, NE, improvements update. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will be present to give an introduction.
Public space permit application for an outdoor patio at the Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street.
Update on pending DDOT requests (time permitting)
H Street NE: Joint ANC letter, curb extension, and speed cameras
1200-1500 C Street Traffic Calming Assessment from 2017
All-way stop requests at 14th and A Streets NE, 15th and A Streets NE, 13th and I Streets, NE
Petition to officially name alley “Mamie Peanut Johnson Court.” The alley is the primary access for residences being constructed in the alley lot between 17th Street, 18th Street, E Street and D Street NE.
Request to DPW for a change in trash collection location for K and 9th Streets and West Virginia Avenue, NE, from the front of West Virginia Avenue NE to the alley.
Speed bump TSA for 1000 block 10th Street, NE, (intersection with Florida Avenue NE).
Discussion of pending 311 sidewalk requests.
300 Block 8th Street, NE – parking.
TUESDAY, JUNE 22
ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of amendment to the Pie Shop Settlement Agreement – Request by licensee to modify current Settlement Agreement to allow entertainment in outdoor spaces.
Discussion of amendment to the Gold Room Settlement Agreement – Request by licensee to modify current Settlement Agreement to allow entertainment in outdoor spaces on Sunday-Thursday 12:00 pm -10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturdays 12:00 pm -12:00 am.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23
ANC6A By Laws Review Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Sadly, after five years, Summit to Soul at 727 8th Street on Barracks Row has permanently closed. The store had a strong on-line presence but the website currently shows no products available. And the signature logo on the side of the building “The Future is Females Running” has been painted over.
If all goes according to plan, the two story building at the former location of Howl to the Chief at 733 8th Street on Barracks Row will get two new stories. The owner plans three floors of residential units while keeping the first floor for retail. Howl to the Chief moved a few doors down to 719 8th Street. Aboe is the before (image from architect’s Powerpoint presentation to ANC6B)…
…and here’s the after. (image from architect’s Powerpoint presentation to ANC6B)
Crazy Aunt Helen’s has it’s sign up at the former Finn McCool’s at 713 8th Street, SE. The comfort food breakfast, lunch and dinner hopes to open this month.
The Pennsylvania Avenue SE Corridor program providing dedicated bus and bike lanes between 2nd Street and Barney Circle will proceed in two phases: Phase 1: 2nd Street to 13th Street with installation from the fall of 2022 to 2024 and Phase 2: 13th Street SE to Barney Circle with installation from 2022 and 2024. Here’s a rendering of the raised Zicla bus loading platform at at the corner of 7th and PA Ave which pedestrians will reach by crossing the dedicated bike lane. The platforms are modular and flexible and made from recycled and recyclable plastic.
The Mayor’s budget provides $215 million to replace the 44 year-old H Street (Hopscotch Bridge) behind Union Station. So-called for the 1997 public art installation “Hopscotch” by Deirdre Saunder – with installation assisted by inner city youth as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program. Replacing the bridge will enable a major expansion of Union Station and development of air rights north of the station
The Week Ahead … Highlights … and Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted: January 13, 2021
Highlight:
Monday – Mayor Bowser, DDOT Director Lott at ANC6D virtual meeting.
Discussion of the standard and approaches to be used for reviewing special exception requests to regulations governing the building of a rear wall that extends more than ten feet past an adjoining property.
1226 Duncan Place, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the lot occupancy restrictions, the minimum rear yard requirements, and the rear addition restrictions, to raze an existing rear addition and construct a new, two-story, rear addition.
Comments Off on The Week Ahead … Highlights … and Some Photos from the Past Week
ANC6B says the parking spaces and loading zone in front of the old Frager’s building are feet short of what is required by DC Zoning Reglations and this will interfere with use of public space in front of the building.
ANC6B Votes to Appeal DoorDash’s Building Permit for Capitol Hill DashMart
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 10, 2021
Last Tuesday night, ANC6B voted unanimously to appeal DoorDash’s building permit to renovate the old Frager’s building on E Street, based on their assertion that the site’s parking spaces and loading provisions are illegal.
Prior to the vote, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Chair Brian Holman told his colleagues that there are currently no legal parking spaces for the site and no legal loading platform. The practical effect is that DoorDash’s proposed business will interfere with the use of public space, specifically the sidewalk and E Street bike lane. He said he had received 46 emails supporting an appeal. If the appeal moves forward it goes to the Board of Zoning Adjudication for a hearing, possibly in January. In the interim, the permit could be withdrawn and revised and resubmitted.
(The Board of Adjudication could revoke the permit, or find that the use of non-conforming parking spaces and loading dock are ok owing to prior use.)
Neighbors say that DoorDash (according to their building permit) would bring a “storage of goods and delivery by drivers” business to the middle of an otherwise residential block. Such a business is not appropriate, they say; because some 100 vehicles will pick up orders every day, there are no legal parking spaces and no legal loading platform and that will interfere with the use of public space in front of the building.
DoorDash says there are no grounds for appealing the permit. DoorDash’s attorney, Kyrus Freeman, partner in the real estate section in the Washington office of Holland & Knight, says that DoorDash’s by-right project has non-conforming parking and loading space which is grandfathered in by Zoning Regulations.
Building owner John Weintraub’s attorney, James Loots, said that appealing a building permit to determine which tenant occupies the space is not an appropriate use of the law.
The open discussion revealed new details on the operation:
Hours of loading and pickup initially will be from 8:00am until midnight.
Deliveries will occur between the hours of 8:00am and midnight with 100 to 150 couriers (pedestrian, bike, and auto) over the course of a day.
If demand justifies it DoorMart could operate from 6:00am to 3:00am.
DoorDash has a five year lease on the space.
DoorDash is talking to DC Murals to add value to the building.
Josh Neergaard, DoorDash’s project manager, said that there is no legal basis for the appeal and that DoorDash views it as an abuse of the process. He said DoorDash could continue to operate while the building permit is under appeal. Cars will use parking in front of the building. Employees will use public transportation or park elsewhere. Vendors will be limited to use of small box trucks for deliveries. He said, “We are committed to operating responsibly and safely and will work with neighbors collaboratively on an operating plan. Whether the appeal goes through or not we will work in the building.”
During discussion of the motion to appeal, members of the Commission and nearby neighbors made the following points:
Commissioner Oldenburg: The bottom line is can loading be done legally? She said she would vote in favor of the appeal as the only way we may get an answer to the question.
Former Commissioner and nearby resident Nick Burger: An appeal triggers a Zoning process with the potential for neighbors to work out issues. Enforcing parking on public space and bike lanes is difficult.
Former Commissioner Chander Jayaraman: DoorDash has no control over their contract drivers – they can fall back on saying “We told them to do this – they didn’t do it….We should err on the side of caution”.
Neighbor: DoorDash drivers are contract employees and DoorDash has less responsibility for their actions.
Neighbor: What DoorDash sees as an abuse of the process is viewed by neighbors as their only opportunity to resolve problems if DoorDash makes promises they don’t keep.
Neighbor: Parking is inadequate for delivery drivers and employees.
Neighbor: The space is too small for the business DoorDash is trying to put there. How will DoorDash coordinate 100 drivers a day using those four spots?
Neighbor: The impact of the proposed use is counter to ongoing residential use of the block. Load is the real issue and we need to hold them legally accountable.
Winding up the debate, Holman asserted that any reading of the regulations requires a loading platform. He expressed disappointment that DoorDash did not reach out to the community prior to applying for building permit. He said that DoorDash’s claim that their operation will not be a detriment to the community is “an insult to us in the community” and he expressed gratitude to Frager’s for relocating in the neighborhood during their period of recovery.
Afterward, the motion to appeal the permit passed 9 – 0 (Commissioner Krepp was absent but had previously announced her support for the motion to appeal.)
Newly installed traffic control cameras at the intersection of 11th Street and the Southeast Freeway become operational on Monday, June 7.
A liquor license application for a retail liquor license at 1100 K Street, SE, (formerly Atlas Fitness across from Ginko Gardens), will come before ANC6B in July. Many nearby neighbors are opposed because of shootings and drug dealing in the 1100 block of K Street. A formal ANC protest of the application is likely.
Hiroshi Jacob’s pubic art proposal “Weavings” is on track to be installed as part of the Eastern Market Metro’s renovation. Originally the piece was offered for placement near the entrance to Eastern Market Metro where the striking color would attract the attention of passersby. Since the backdrop will now be the grey brick facade of the Hine Project, Jacob’s sense is that black would be a more suitable color.
The plan is for “Weavings” to reside parallel to the long side of the triangular plot of greenery above. The piece is 20 feet by 4 feet and 9 feet high.
7th Street in front of the Southeast Library was supposed to open this week but it looks like it will be early next week. Workmen are installing the “table top” – a sort of elongated speed bump that facilitates pedestrian traffic between the Plaza and the library. The oval of grey pavers extends into the street as if reaching for the Library, emphasizing the connection of the Plaza with its green spaces, pavilion, and tables and chairs to the library.
Some 50 friends and neighbors of community activist Barbara Riehle gathered in the space in front of the former Corner Store at 9th Street and South Carolina Avenue on Sunday afternoon to remember her. Riehle died on April 18 at George Washington University Hospital after a long illness. Photo credit: Jerry Sroufe.
The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Week Past
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 6, 2021
Highlights:
Monday:
ANC6B – Virtual Community meeting on Reservation 13.
Tuesday:
ANC6B – 733 8th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to add two stories plus penthouse to existing two-story building (former location of Howl to the Chief).
ANC6B – Potential Appeal of Building Permit for renovation of the former Frager’s Hardware store and 1323 E Street, SE.
Santa Rosa Taqueria 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. Application to transfer a Class “C” Restaurant License to a new location.
Wednesday:
ANC6C – Presentation: Property crimes on Capitol Hill—MPD Captain Tatjana Savoy, Sector 2.
ANC6C – Cru Hemp Lounge, 816 H Street, NE. New Class C Restaurant License. Letters to ABRA and DOH opposing smoking exemption.
Encampments—Post-pandemic efforts to help homeless, clear parks.
Thursday:
ANC6A – Presentation: Executive Office of Mayor Bowser FY 2022 Proposed DC Budget – Dr. Chris Rodriguez, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).
ANC6A – Cru Hemp Lounge at 816 H Street, NE. Application for a Class C Tavern license.
THE WEEK AHEAD…
MONDAY, JUNE 7
ANC6C Alcohol Beverage Control Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Hayden’s, Inc., 700 North Carolina Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Retail Liquor License.
Chat’s Liquors, 503 8th Street, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Retail Liquor License.
818 Potomac Avenue, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application – Modification of Significance to change the principal use of and add special exception relief for the approved project at 818 Potomac Avenue, SE. Applicant wants to change the approved long term residency use to short term residency and remove the requirement for a loading dock
13 7th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application for Area Variance to construct a rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.
241 11th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application – infill dogleg; rebuild existing one-story garage as a two-story dwelling.
515 5th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to construct two-story addition at rear.
647 A Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Application for Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit
Regular Order:
Gandel’s Liquors, 211 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Tasting Endorsement for Class A Retail – Liquor Store.
JJ Mutt Wine & Spirits, 643 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Liquor License.
South East Market & Liquors, 1500 Independence Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Retail Liquor License.
World Wine and Spirits, 1453 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Liquor License with Tasting Endorsement.
Albert’s Liquors: 328 Kentucky Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Retail – Liquor License.
Harvest Tide Steak House: 212 7th Street, SE. Application for a Retailer’s Class C Restaurant License.
Santa Rosa Taqueria 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. Application to transfer a Class C Restaurant License to a new location.
900 South Carolina Avenue, SE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept: remove awning and bays at front and add two new door openings; add two window wells at west elevation and larger basement areaway at rear; new window openings at rear second story; new openings and cladding at rear one-story addition; new openings at one-story garage.
733 8th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to add two stories plus penthouse to existing two-story building.
Potential Appeal of Building Permit for renovation of the former Frager’s Hardware store and 1323 E Street, SE.
Presentation: Executive Office of Mayor Bowser FY 2022 Proposed DC Budget – Dr. Chris Rodriguez, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).
$1,500 grant to Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid.
Resolution in support of rank choice voting.
Toki Underground at 1244 H Street, NE. Application for a Class C Tavern License.
Dangerously Delicious Pie Shop, 1339 H Street, NE. Request to amend Settlement Agreement to permit outdoor entertainment.
Exotic Wine & Spirits, 801 Maryland Avenue, NE. Application for a Class A Retailer’s License.
Cru Hemp Lounge at 816 H Street, NE. Application for a Class C Tavern license.
Letter of support for DDOT’s proposed Option 3 on the 800 and 900 blocks of West Virginia Avenue, NE, (1-way with protected bike lanes) plus additional traffic calming measures, such as high visibility raised crosswalks and/or speed humps.
Letter of support to DDOT for the permit application for Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street, provided that the application be amended by the applicant to provide 15 feet of passageway on all sides of the patio; the outdoor patio cease operations at 10:00 pm on Sunday – Thursday and 11:00 pm on Friday – Saturday; and the patio capacity be limited to 35 seats and 40 standing.
Letter of support to DDOT for a permit application to be filed or already filed for a reinforced fence at 1369 C Street NE, including a new enclosure of the driveway, provided that the fence design conforms to the existing fence height and openness.
Letter to DDOT requesting speed humps, raised crosswalks, and other traffic-calming measures on the 1500 block of Isherwood Street NE.
Letter to Mayor Bowser and the DC Council in support of full funding for the Vision Zero Act in DC’s FY22 budget.
Resolution providing comments regarding the DDOT’s draft MoveDC 2021 update.
Monday morning will bring another US Capitol Police training exercise to evacuate the Capitol. No signs yet that the fence protecting the Capitol is coming down anytime soon.
Helicopters and Emergency Vehicles to Converge on US Capitol Building Monday Morning
by Larry Janezich
On Monday morning, the US Capitol Police will hold a routine training exercise with federal, state and local agencies which will involve emergency vehicles and low flying helicopters. Timing is uncertain, but the last one occurred – without notice – at 6:00am on a Sunday morning.
The notice of the event may have had something to do with CM Charles Allen unhappiness over that previous training event in February.
At the March meeting of ANC6C, Allen complained that several weeks earlier 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.
Comments Off on Helicopters and Emergency Vehicles to Converge on US Capitol Building Monday Morning
These images of the space in front of the proposed location for DoorDash’s new DoorMart in the 1300 block of E Street are from Commissioner Corey Holman’s presentation to ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee last Tuesday night. They illustrate how DoorDash’s use of the site intrudes into public space.
ANC6B Appears Ready to Take on DoorDash Over Parking/Loading Dock Issues
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 4, 2021
Last Tuesday, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full ANC appeal DCRA’s issuance of DoorDash’s building permit for renovation of the old Frager’s Hardware store at 1323 E Street, SE. DoorDash plans on using the location for a warehouse distribution center for last mile delivery of convenience items. The recommendation comes up before the full ANC at its meeting next Tuesday where passage is virtually certain.
DCRA’s appeal process is backed up owing to the pandemic and a hearing is not likely to occur until January. In the meantime, it’s unclear what happens to work on the project while an appeal is pending.
The Committee says the building permit is flawed – that it claims four private parking spaces and a loading dock when in reality the existence of those claims is based in part on the use of public space. In addition, the building permit does not address required screening, lighting, zoning use and trash issues.
Actually, Frager’s Hardware had operated at the location for years without its incursion into public space being challenged, but things are different now. When it opened the temporary Frager’s on E Street in 2015, the site was surrounded by commercial and non-residential property. Now the site is a commercial island in a sea of new high rise residential property. In 2015, neighbors and the city looked the other way in the aftermath of the devastating 2013 fire which destroyed the beloved store on Pennsylvania Avenue. Holman says, “It would be a shame if the neighbor’s leniency grandfathers in a greater nuisance.”
DoorDash Manager Josh Neergaard told the committee at last Tuesday night’s virtual meeting that he is committed to operating the parking and loading dock legally. He called the planned DoorMart a small convenience store with 10% pickup by purchaser and 90% delivered by foot, bike, or car within a 3 – 5 radius. He suggested there were ways to work around the problems perhaps by converting street parking into a commercial loading zone which would be used two or three times a day.
Holman said that the city could resolve the major issues by granting a special exception to accommodate the company’s needs, but DoorDash has not filed for a special exception. Holman stressed that any agreement with the ANC can’t be legally enforced – but a special exception granted by the city can. As is, he said, the site doesn’t comply with zoning restrictions and can’t be used without mitigation from the Zoning Commission.
Holman says the solution is going through the special exception process which would include mitigating the impact of the business on the neighborhood, and he hopes DCRA reexamines and revokes the permit on its face when it reviews it. The applicant can then revise the building permit application to address ANC concerns and resubmit. Holman allowed that no one good compromise will make everyone happy.
Former ANC6B Commissioner Nick Burger lives on the block and worries about DoorDash overburdening the site and then finding out it can’t handle it. He says that even with a valid permit there will be a use issue – what was formerly a retail outlet is now a warehouse. He and other nearby residents are concerned about the amount of traffic the business will attract to the street.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 