August 8, 2021 · 10:51 pm

The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Past Week

Congressional Cemetery is open to the public again.  Former Speaker of the House Tom Foley’s marker departs from the standard – the chromed twisted oval seems to reference infinity – but the marker only indicates the resting place of Thomas Stephen Foley, 1929 – 2013, with no attribution to political office.
The ongoing Congressional Cemetery front gate restoration project.
Reservation 13 development update:  Construction is underway on the second of what was to have been developer Chris Donatelli’s two buildings on Res 13 near the Stadium Armory Metro with both affordable and market rate units. 
The original plan called for a larger south building (now complete)  with a 31 affordable units plus 131 market rate units, and a smaller north building (under construction) with 91 units – 38 for households with 0% to 30% of Area Median Income (deeply affordable), 37 for households of 31% to 60% of AMI (affordable), and 16 market rate unit
In November of 2019, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s announced a change in plan:  The second building’s 91 units would be 100% low income housing units at 0% – 30% of AMI.
On Tuesday at mid-day, the protest against the expiring eviction moratorium on the steps of the US House of Representatives was still underway, on-going 24/7 since Friday, July 30.  Organizer Representative Cori Bush (pictured upper left in the white tee shirt being interviewed) had been sleeping on the steps overnight.  A woman with an armload of white umbrellas – protection against the sun – walked up and added them to the pile of supplies on the step.  Later in the day the Biden administration announced an extension of the moratorium on evictions, despite the lack of legal clarity. 
Update on Eastern Market Metro Plaza renovation.  On Wednesday, DGS Project Manager Diego Martinez delivered an update on the renovation.  Of note, two of the pieces of public art are on track to be installed this fall:  “Found You,” featuring large playful rabbits near the playground on Parcel 1, and “Loveful Hands,” featuring large hands clasped to form a heart shape which encourages passersby to sit and be photographed.  A third piece – “Weavings” pictured above and intended for a spot near Trader Joe’s – is on hold, pending confirmation of the availability of funding for site preparation.  Martinez said he is increasingly confident that funding can be found. 
In addition, Martinez told the group that the drainage issue on the site of “Big George” – the signature evergreen which is the centerpiece of the Plaza’s December holiday celebration – have been addressed.  Lack of drainage was responsible for the demise of the original occupant of the site.  The Capitol Hill BID will install a new tree this fall.  “Big George” is named for community benefactor George Didden.

And Saturday morning, over on 6th Street, SE, Brian Ready and a single volunteer continued the restoration of the 6th Street murals on walls of the 295 Underpass.  Ready says the project is on track for completion by the end of August.  He could use some additional volunteers.  Those interested in participating in the project can email Ready at www.anc6b.org

Joining Ready on Saturday morning was Clare Manerow

 The Week Ahead…

August begins its second week, and community organizations’ business has been suspended.  It’s probably just as well.  Here’s a thought from Al Aronowitz: 

“August is the month when wars start. It’s when the water dries up and the spirit begins to wither. Insomniacs pull down their shades and lock themselves in their rooms in August. Lifelong friends have fist fights. People feel like they’re going to burst. Sometimes they do.”

Al Aronowitz was a journalist of the Beat Generation who wrote for the New York Post in the 1950s.  He introduced Bob Dylan to the Beatles in a New York City hotel room on August 28, 1964. (Wiki)

2 Comments

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2 responses to “The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Past Week”

  1. Greg Turner
    August 9, 2021 at 5:41 am

    as always, your reporting and pics very much appreciated. you do a great job

  2. denirenelee
    August 9, 2021 at 8:51 am

    Great work! How do we contact Brian Read if we want to help restore the murals? Ed. Note: Those interested in participating in the project can email Ready at http://www.anc6b.org