Monthly Archives: February 2022

Sunday morning, contractors started putting up the security fence around the U.S. Capitol.  U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger issued the following statement today.    

“In light of the upcoming State of the Union Address, and the possibility of demonstrations in the next couple of weeks, we have been working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners on a security plan to prevent any disruption to the important work of Congress. Out of an abundance of caution, and in conjunction with the United States Secret Service, a plan has been approved to put up the inner-perimeter fence around the Capitol building for the State of the Union Address. I have also requested support from outside law enforcement agencies as well as the National Guard to assist with our security precautions. We will continue to update the community about any information that may impact the roads around Capitol Hill.”  Manger also released a list of road closures for the State of the Union address on March 1, and said these are the same road closures the US Capitol Police has had in the past and are not related to the potential truck and vehicle convoys. 

The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Past Week or So

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 27, 2022

Monday, February 28

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Report on Rosedale Gift Baskets Grant – Elder Sarah Bell
• Hill Hounds – Danielle Yates, Katherine Wynne
• Black Swan Academy – Sela Gebrechirstos (they/them), Ceon Dubose (all pronouns)
• Redistricting – Commissioner Brian Alcorn (6A08)

Tuesday, March 1

Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Go here to register to join the meeting:  https://bit.ly/3JXePxG

Agenda:

• To consider amendments to the initial draft map of new ANC and Single Member Districts.

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 119 6th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application – Special Exception to construct a rear, two-story addition to an existing, detached, two-story principal dwelling unit. 
• 1307 South Carolina Avenue, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a rear deck addition to an attached, three-story principal dwelling unit.
• 344 14th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct third story and rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.
• 1500 D Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a second story, rear addition to an existing, semi-detached, two-story principal dwelling unit.
• 321 D Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept: Construct a rear three-story addition; add a partial third floor on the existing house and renovate the existing house.
• ANC 6B Request to Mail Notice of Intent to File a Map Amendment to Rezone 1323 E Street, SE, from PDR-1 to RA-2.

Wednesday, March 2

ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda;

• Resolution on Reckless Driving in DC – Resident Member John Ten Hoeve.
• Notice of Intent on Raised Walk at Cady’s Way & D Street, SE.
• Request to DDOT to Implement Resident Only Parking Near the Reopened Safeway – Commissioner Holman.
• Walk Without Worry Amendment Act (Bill 21-0566) – Commissioner Horn.
• Safe Routes to School Expansion Amendment Act (Bill 21-0565) – Commissioner Horn.

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3hpDjTW

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 103 4th Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept: to add second story to existing one-story rear addition.
• 634 East Capitol Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept: to construct two-story addition plus roof deck at rear.
• 931 5th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a third-story rear addition and penthouse to and existing attached two story principle dwelling unit.

(Postponed from February 23) Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89702543609?pwd=ZE9LbUJIdkdaV05OcnUrWm9kQ2F1QT09

Meeting ID: 897 0254 3609

Passcode: 750153

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Report of the Chair
• Report of the Market Manager

1. 1. Financial Report
   2. Implementation of the Strategic Plan
   3. HVAC
   4. Leases
   5. Eastern Market Main Street
   6. Signage
   7. Marketing and Promotions

• Testimony at DGS oversight hearing
• Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards:
• HVAC Report
• Tenant’s Council Report: Anita Jefferson

Three Generations of Survivors: Stories of the Holocaust.  Virtual presentation, 8:00pm – 9:15pm

Register here:  https://bit.ly/359n6A3

• How does the Holocaust continue to affect its survivors and frame our thinking today? Join Hill Havurah members Peter Stein (a survivor of the Holocaust), Kim Fellner and Laurie Solnik (the children of survivors), and Dan Rogger (the grandchild of a survivor) for an evening of memory, reflection, and looking forward.
• These speakers will share their perspectives and help us explore. We’ll have a chance to hear from each of our speakers and ask them questions.

Thursday, March 3

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.                                                                                                     

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 1102 8th Street, SE. Taco City DC. Application for substantial change to a Retailer’s Class “CT” Tavern License – Request for a Sidewalk Café with 12 seats. 

ANC 6C Transportation and Public Space Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda not available at press time. 

ANC Task Force Demurs on Proposal to Change Name of Garfield Park

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B’s Livability Task Force, chaired by Commissioner Steve Holtzman, held a virtual community meeting Thursday night to hear input on a proposal to change the name of Garfield Park to Garfield-Anacostan Park.  The Anacostans were a tribe of local Native Americans (now extinct) which had a village on or near what is now the park. 

More than a half dozen neighbors, including several from the Friends of Garfield Park, weighed in, mostly in opposition to the name change.  Opposition appeared to be based on resident perception that to do so would be “taking away the name of our neighborhood,” as one put it.  ANC6B Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk, in whose single member district the park resides, said a name change would lead to confusion with Anacostia Park on the south bank of the Anacostia River.  She and opponents of the change say a better way to recognize the history of the Anacostans and the park is to install one or more historical markers as an educational component of the park’s pending redesign.  ANC6B Commissioner Brian Ready also saw the potential for name confusion and supported a historical marker to commemorate the Anacostans. 

Some neighbors (including those who opined by emailing commissioners) indicated support for the name change, though fewer than those opposed.  Commissioner Jerry Sroufe was supportive of the change, asking why “Garfield” Park was acceptable, given that “Garfield’s attitude toward Native Americans was deplorable.”  A neighbor agreed with Sroufe, saying “renaming could be a wakeup call for the neighborhood.”

The genesis of the proposed name change comes from amateur historian and Capitol Hill resident Armand Lione, who has researched the history of local Native American tribes for years and proposed changing the name of the park to commemorate the previous occupants of the site.  Lione asked ANC6B to support the proposal. 

At Thursday night’s meeting, community input was followed by a discussion among commissioners about options the Task Force had regarding making a recommendation to the full ANC.  Holtzman said that he could not recommend the ANC consider renaming the park, “based on what I heard at this meeting.”  He added, “It’s not a question of renaming but the baggage that comes with it.”   He also said that an anonymous online poll by The Hill Is Home, though it indicated considerable support for the name change, was not an acceptable indicator of community sentiment because of its anonymity. 

The consensus of the Task Force was that there was not a sufficient level of support for the Task Force to recommend that the ANC consider changing the name of the park at this time and that the Task Force should take “No Position” on the question.  It was the further consensus that the Task Force supports the placement of an education monument recognizing the history of the Anacostan tribe associated with the park.  While the questions were not put to a vote, Holtzman said he would circulate draft language for the other Task Force members to consider before referring the matter to the full ANC6B meeting on March 8. 

Procedurally, it appears that the ANC will be asked to consider the report and recommendations of the Task Force in the form of a letter to the office of CM Charles Allen and other city officials as an agenda item at the March meeting.  The language would be open to debate and amendment at that time, if any commissioner chooses to do so. 

Chris Dyer, a Department of Public Works (DPR) representative who joined the online meeting, offered assistance installing any historical marker which interested parties provide.  He also stated that the DPR contract for renovation of the park would be awarded in the next week or so.  After 3 to 4 months for creating a design for the project, DPR will seek community and ANC engagement.

Members of the Task Force present at the Thursday night meeting included Chair, Commissioner  Steve Holtzman and commissioners Jennifer Samolyk, Jerry Sroufe, and Brian Ready.

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, February 22

ANC6A ABC Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Agenda:

• 809 12^th Street, NE. Application by Taqueria Al Lado II for a Class C Restaurant License.

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

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Agenda:

• The Committee will set the agenda for the next meeting of the full ANC on March 8.

Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

To register to join the meeting, go here. https://dccouncil-us.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z0neQfhBSneccHlwah4-FQ

Agenda: 

• To consider the draft map for new Ward 6 ANC and SMD boundaries.

Wednesday, February 23

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

To join the meeting, go here:  TBA

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Report of the Chair
• Report of the Market Manager

1. Financial Report
2. Implementation of the Strategic Plan
3. HVAC
4. Leases
5. Eastern Market Main Street
6. Signage
7. Marketing and Promotions

• Testimony at DGS oversight hearing
• Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards:

1. HVAC Report
2. Signage

• Tenant’s Council Report: Anita Jefferson

Thursday, February 24

ANC6A Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

To join the meeting, go here:  TBA

Agenda:

• Not available at press time.

ANC6B Livable Task Force will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Agenda:

• To discuss and elicit resident views on the issue of whether our Commission will support a proposal to change the name of Garfield Park to “Garfield-Anacostan Park” to recognize the park’s location as the site of a settlement of the Anacostan tribe who inhabited the area of the District of Columbia up until the late 1600s.

For more, see here: 

http://onceasitwasdc.org/

https://nativevillagemarker.blogspot.com/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/09/03/native-americans-dc-culture-lione/

https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2021/11/researcher-stories-armand-lione-and-the-search-for-native-american-history-in-d-c/

https://thehillishome.com/2021/10/lost-capitol-hill-indigenous-people/

With 8 Years Left on Lease, Harris Teeter Reportedly Stymies Effort to Find New Tenant

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday, February 15, the status of the now-closed Harris Teeter on Jenkins Row was the subject of a brief discussion at ANC6B Commissioner Brian Ready’s Capitol Hill Business Interest Group Meeting.  Ready cited an internal ANC email saying that Harris Teeter’s lease on the space it occupied on Jenkins Row will continue for the next eight years and the company is refusing to let the space be shown to potential tenants.  A source familiar with commercial space leasing practices said that leases come with conditions and penalties and surmised that the refusal to permit showings of the property could be related to an attempt to renegotiate the terms for terminating the lease early. 

Earlier in day on Tuesday, PoPville posted a piece on the term of the lease and Harris Teeter’s refusal to permit access to the property.  The popular blog published a portion of a letter which it said came from the Board of Jenkins Row. 

In summary, the letter said that [the board] has been informed that the Harris Teeter lease has 8 years to run and company has not allowed the owner of Jenkins Row’s retail portion –  Edens –  to show the space to potential tenants.  The letter notes that this could result in a prolonged vacancy, but that under the Reciprocal Easement Agreement (REA) the building owner can require Harris Teeter to pay for the property’s security.  The letter concludes with a statement that [the board] has no information about any future plans Harris Teeter has for the property.  See Popville here:  https://www.popville.com/2022/02/the-future-of-dc-harris-teeter-space/                                                              

Asked for his reaction to the report, ANC6B Commissioner Edward Ryder, in whose single member district Jenkins Row lies, says, “If Harris Teeter intends to keep a property vacant for 8 Years, that’s not being a good neighbor.” 

The store opened in May of 2008 and closed in mid-January of this year.  There is another Harris Teeter at 401 M Street, SE, an 8 minute drive away. 

Edens, a national retail real estate investment company, purchased Jenkins Row retail portion in December of 2011, for more than $20 million.  The 45,888-square-foot Harris Teeter store is the largest tenant in the retail portion of the Jenkins Row mixed-use building which includes 247 condo units. 

ANC6D Blasts DGS for Foulger-Pratt Deal on Lansburgh Park

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 17, 2021

Among the four ANCs which are on or touch Capitol Hill, none guards its prerogatives more jealously than ANC6D.  So when residents asked Commissioner Jared Weiss what was going on with the fenced-off area on the north end of Lansburgh Park he called the Department of General Services (DGS) to find out. 

Lansburgh Park borders the construction site where developer Foulger-Pratt is constructing a 200 unit apartment building atop a new 17,000 square foot sanctuary for the Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle Church – with which it has partnered in the venture – aptly named Venture on I. 

Weiss ran into a stone wall as DGS refused to release any information on why the park had been fenced without a Freedom of Information Act request.  So Weiss filed one.  He found that DGS was leasing part of the park for Foulger-Pratt to use as a staging area for construction of Venture on I for $1 a month for up to three years.  Predictably, his report to the full ANC at last Monday’s meeting was not well received.  It wasn’t just the lack of transparency and the $1 a month DGS was charging the developer for its use of a portion of the park, it was the failure to consult or even inform ANC6D. 

Weiss summed up what he sees as DGS’ attitude, telling the Commission, “DGS cares more about developers than residents.”

Commissioner Andy Litsky, was less restrained, saying,   “This is an outrage – if it happens here, it could happen anywhere…I’ll ask the Fox question, ‘Is somebody getting paid?’ This is disgusting – it is not the way government should operate.  Period.”  Litsky clarified he was not suggesting that somebody was getting paid.

The Commission voted unanimously to send a letter to city officials and others expressing concern about the agreement between DGS and Foulger-Pratt.  Recipients included DGS, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and CM Charles Allen, with copies to the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Planning, and a host of other community organizations.

The letter said, in part, “It is particularly disturbing and entirely unacceptable that this agreement had to be discovered via a FOIA request. This agreement also raises broader questions about the process by which DC government allows private companies to use public land to the detriment of city residents. We look forward to your responses regarding what happened at Lansburgh Park and how the process will be improved in the future.”

The building is being built “by right,” meaning that ANC6D has not had any opportunity to review the design for the building or plans for construction. 

Foulger-Pratt anticipates delivering the building for occupancy by the fall of 2023. 

Mayor Drops Vax Proof at Indoor Venues Tomorrow – Dials Back Indoor Mask Mandate on 3/1

by Larry Janezich

At today’s Situational Briefing, Mayor Muriel announced that beginning on Tuesday, February 15, indoor venues will no longer be required to verify that patrons are vaccinated.  Businesses may choose to keep vax requirements in place with appropriate signage.

In addition, she said, the District’s indoor mask requirements will be dialed back on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. 

On March 1, masks will not be required at:

• Restaurant and bars
• Sports and entertainment venues
• Gyms, recreation centers, and indoor athletic facilities
• Houses of worship
• Businesses
• Grocery stores and pharmacies
• Retail establishments
• DC Government offices/areas with no public interaction

On March 1 masks STILL will be required at:

• Any private business that wants to require us of masks by employees or customers
• Schools, childcare facilities, and libraries
• Congregate facilities, nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms, and correctional facilities
• Healthcare/medical facilities
• Public transit, taxis, and rideshare vehicles
• DC Government facilities with direct interaction between employees and the public (e.g. DMV service centers, DHS service centers)

Additional points made during the briefing:

• For venues where wearing of masks is still required, DC Department of Health will provide guidance re lifting those mandates conditioned on achieving low to moderate community transmission.
• The last day of fire house testing will be Saturday, February 26. Ward Covid Centers and library distribution centers will continue in operation.
• The vax requirement for DC employees and health care workers and for school children will remain in place.
• City action against the H Street bar The Big Board for violating city mandates on vax verification and masks will continue to play out within ABRA.
• Since the height of Omicron wave in DC, Covid-19 cases have dropped by more than 90% and there has been a 95% reduction in hospitalization.

Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force Members for ANC6A Brian Pate and Gottlieb Simon at last Thursday’s ANC6A meeting. Pate is a former ANC6B Commissioner and Simon is the former Executive Director of the DC Office of ANCs.

ANC6A met last Thursday night and heard from members of the Ward 6 Task Force on Redistricting as well as a members of the Ward 7 Task Force representing residents west of the Anacostia River.  The Task Force will make recommendations on changing ANC and SMD (single member district) boundaries by April 1.  

Ward 6 Task Force member for ANC6A Brian Pate urged community feedback on what areas of 6A are most important to residents, and where the potential flashpoints are.  Ward 6 Task Force member for ANC6A Gottlieb Simon pointed out that half of 6A is fine, but the boundaries of SMDs 05, 03, 04, and 01 need tweaking.  Simon also raised the possibility of dividing jurisdiction of Lincoln Park (now in 6A) between ANC6A and ANC6B.  That idea received push back from 6A commissioner Mike Soderman, but ANC6A Chair Amber Gove noted that two ANCs advocating for Lincoln Park might be beneficial and more effective than one.   

Ward 7 Task Force co-chair Tamara Blair noted that the term she was hearing regarding Ward 7, was “unity,” perhaps referring to the Ward 7 Task Force’s first “listening session” where residents stressed the importance of cohesive communities.  

Brian Alcorn, one of the members of the Ward 7 Task Force who also serves as ANC6A commissioner (until January when the new SMD boundaries become effective) raised two possibilities:  first, the creation of cross ward boundary SMDs (considered unlikely given the necessity of support by Councilmember Vincent Gray), and second, the establishment of a free standing 7 member Ward 7 ANC west of the river. 

Alcorn said he remained “focused on the goal of working to deliver an ANC structure and ANC SMD boundaries that are logical and enable that ANC to be effective in doing the work for the immediate community.  Having a logical geographical structure and some community cohesion is critical in making agencies effective to arguing their case in front of the DC government and do the routine business of the people.“

For the schedule for all the virtual Task Force Meetings and a link to register to attend, go here:  https://www.elissasilverman.com/redistricting

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Monday, February 14

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

The preliminary, bare-bones and incomplete draft agenda (Inexplicably, 6D waits until a few hours before the meeting to release its final agenda):

• Public Safety Report
• DC Water Potomac River Tunnel Update
• 807 Maine Avenue SW Development PUD

Tuesday, February 15

ANC6B Capitol Hill Business Interest Group meets at 2:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here.  https://bit.ly/3sErTkq   

Agenda:

• Current food safety system. 

Wednesday, February 16

ANC 6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 1207 H Street, NE.  Zoning application.  Request for a map amendment to change the property from its current NC-14 zoning (Mixed Use: Medium Density Residential and Medium Density Commercial) to NC-15 )medium density mixed use) which permits a height of 70 feet and an FAR of 4.8, and will be subject to the enhanced affordability requirements under the IZ+ program.
• 1127 G Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for special exception zoning relief to construct a detached, two-story, garage with second story dwelling unit to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.

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

by Larry Janezich         

ANC Highlights:

• Thursday: Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Ivan Frishberg, Chair and Gottlieb Simon, member.
• Thursday: Ward 7 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Brian Alcorn, member.

Tuesday, February 8

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3GpUuio

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• Alcohol Beverage Control Committee
• Planning and Zoning Committee
• Rock N Roll Half Marathon – Returning to usual Saturday, March 26, 2022
• Transportation Committee
• Letter on Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE Intersection Improvement project
• Request for FY23 Funding for ANC6B Permanent Fixtures to Replace Temporary Flexi-posts

Presentations

• Eastern High School – Elizabeth Braganza (International Baccalaureate Coordinator) and Regina McClure (Eastern Academy of Health Sciences)

Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee

• 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. ZOCA & Crush.  New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license.
• 327 7th St SE, Unit A.   New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license and Stipulated License. 

Planning and Zoning Committee

• 745 10th Street, S.E. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a two-story accessory garage with roof deck, to an existing, attached, three-story dwelling unit. 
• 739 12th Street, S.E. Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Applications.  Special Exception to construct a two story, rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.   

Transportation Committee

• Notice of Intent. Capitol Police-DDOT Signage Reconciliation.

Election of Committee Chairs & Re-establishment of ANC6B Task Forces & Working Group.

Election of ANC 6B Representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Appointment of ANC 6B Resident Members

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

• Letter Regarding Delay of Garfield Park Upgrades – introduced by Commissioner Samolyk
• Letter to DC Council Regarding Neighborhood Concerns on Increased Carjackings – introduced by Commissioner Samolyk
• Letter Regarding ANC 6B Delay in Waitlisted Housing for Neighborhood Unhoused Individuals – introduced by Commissioner Samolyk

Wednesday, February 9

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Environment, Parks, and Events Committee

• National Park Service East, parks in ANC 6C
• Rock ‘n Roll Marathon

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• 202 K Street, N.E. Public Space Application.  Driveway, sidewalk, curb and gutters, retaining wall, landscaping.
• NoMa BID. 3rd Street Metro entrance improvements.
• DDOT performance overview, oversight hearing, February 18, 2022.
• North Capitol Street bus priority and multi-modal safety improvements.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

• 638 East Capitol Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval to demolish one-story rear addition and replace with a two-story addition and one-story screen porch. 
• 632 5th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Revised application to construct a two-story accessory garage.
• 227-235 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application. Revised application to construct a four-story rear addition. 

Thursday, February 10

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

ANC Highlights:

• Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Ivan Frishberg, Chair and Gottlieb Simon, member.
• Ward 7 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Tamara Blair, Co-Chair and Brian Alcorn, member.

Consent Agenda

• Approval of a grant of $1,500.00 dollars to Eastern High School for exercise equipment.
• 1220 H Street, N.E. Protest of the application of the Ocean Lounge for a Class C Tavern License unless a Settlement Agreement is finalized prior to the protest deadline. 
• Letter to DC DOT in support of traffic calming at the intersection of 13th and D Streets, N.E, and in the1300 block of D Street, N.E.
• Letter of support for the March 26, 2022 Rock and Roll Half Marathon and 5K and request that race organizers improve communication and clean-up and communicate an ‘open streets’ time period following the race for use by residents walking and biking.
• Letter of support for DC council to approve the MetroforDC Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0429) and authorize the ANC Chair, Vice Chair or TPS Chair to testify before the DC Council on behalf of the ANC.
• 905 L Street, N.E. Letter of support for Zoning Adjustment Application for special exception to construct a rear deck to an existing, attached, two-story dwelling.

ABC Committee

• 1220 H Street, N.E.  Letter of support for the application for a Stipulated License for Ocean Lounge in the event that a Settlement Agreement is finalized prior to the protest deadline.

Transportaion Commitee 

• Letter to DDOT in support of an installation of a speed camera in 1300 block of H Street, N.E, as well as other prior ANC 6A requests for speed cameras.

Verbal Report – Joint ANC 6A/B/C Planning and Zoning Committees’ Meeting With Office Of The Attorney General (OAG) Land Use Section. 

Ward 6 Task Force Launches Redrawing of ANC/SMD Boundaries

by Larry Janezich

The Ward 6 Task Force on redrawing ANC and Single Member District (SMD) lines met for the first time last night.  CM Charles Allen told the 12 members who were present that he hoped they would each bring their neighborhoods to the Task Force but would “think with their Ward 6 hats on,” calling their efforts an opportunity to bring the Ward together.  Allen downplayed the possibility of ANCs that cross Ward boundaries – an idea he had said he was open to – saying he had not gotten positive feedback from his fellow councilmembers for the idea.

Here is the list – so far – of Task Force Members:

• Ivan Frishberg, former 6B02 commissioner – Task Force Chair
• Marge Maceda, former 6E05 commissioner
• Iris Bond Gill, 6A01 resident
• Sheila White, 6C06 – veteran of redistricting task force
• Ken Jarboe, former 6B05 commissioner
• Brian Pate, former 6B05 commissioner
• Gottlieb Simon, former Director of Office of ANC
• Scott Price, former 6C03 commissioner
• Matthew Oberstaedt, 6B06 resident
• Anna Forgie, former 6D02 commisioner
• Gary Peterson, Capitol Hill Restoration Society
• Georgine Wallace, 6D04 resident
• Christine Spencer (absent)
• Two potential members pending

Allen said that he had followed the practice that no sitting ANC commissioner would be named to the Task Force and added the restriction that no potential ANC candidate would be appointed.  He said his role in the Task Force operations would be limited to that of an observer.

Frishberg said that the reasons for change were to two – first to ensure voting rights and equal representation, and second to stitch together neighborhoods and communities and deliver that package for Ward 6 and the city.

The Task Force heard a presentation by Joy Phillips from the Office of Planning (OP), outlining the role OP will play in the process, offering technical and analytical support.  It is OP that provides the data upon which boundary decisions will be based.

The Task Force assigned teams of two to three members to focus on each of Ward 6’s five ANCs.  Each team will consider a “starter map” created by Frischberg, outlining the obvious things that need to happen.

Frishbeg announced the following schedule for the Ward 6 Task Force

• Feb. 15: Presentation of 1^st draft map to the public
• Feb. 22: Public hearing on 1st draft map
• Mar. 1: Task Force amends initial draft map, based on public input
• Mar. 15: final approval of the map and report

The Task Force map and report then go to CM Charles Allen, who can make adjustments in the recommendations on the map before it goes to CM Silverman by April 1 (possible extension to April 5) and the City Council’s Redistricting Committee and then to the full council for a public hearing.  That will be followed by two city council votes:  first in the Committee of the Whole and then by the City Council. The map goes to the Mayor for signature and then to the Board of Elections for implementation.

Task Force member Gary Peterson noted that ANC6B and ANC6D are “about the right size.  ANC6A is too small. ANC6C and ANC6E need to be divided up” into more SMDs, focusing on the huge population increase in ANC6C. 

Frishberg said that there seemed to be general agreement to do the least change possible on ANC boundaries – but pushing against that is commission size (desire for fewer than ten members) and an the preference for an odd number of seats on a commission.  In addition, he noted, the consensus seemed to be that the Task Force is not the best vehicle to pursue cross ward boundaries for ANCs, and to leave those questions to the ANCs and the councilmember.

Here are the opportunities for public input.

• Ward6RedistrictingTaskForce@gmail.com
• Task Force Meetings
• ANCs (ANC submissions to the TF and TF visits to the ANCs)
• District of Columbia Redistricting Tool / online plans https://bit.ly/3GkefrB
• Comments to Council Member Allen on Final Report
• Comments to the Council

Neighbors Step Up to Help Robbed Owner of Cleaning Emporium on Lincoln Park

by Hilary Russell

Posted February 1, 2022

Lincoln Park neighbors were dismayed to see police cars converging at the corner of East Capitol and 11th Street, SE, mid-afternoon on Friday, January 28. Dismay turned to shock when they learned that Capitol Hill Cleaning Emporium had been held up at gunpoint. Youngmi Choi was alone behind the counter, tending a family business whose revenues have been drastically reduced by the pandemic need to stay home. The lone robber who confronted her was shielded from street view by plywood covering a large window that had been maliciously smashed a few months before. 

On listservs and in person, Capitol Hill neighbors expressed relief that Young – as she’s known – was uninjured, noting the outstanding customer service she has provided for more than 20 years. In addition to her inimitably welcoming smile and uncanny memory for names and phone numbers, customers marvel at her willingness to accept and hold their packages and her generous dispensing of children’s candy and dog biscuits. After strategizing online, neighbors launched a highly successful GoFundMe page that has attracted more than 239 donations to date. Some donors cite the names of dogs who strain their leashes to enter her premises for treats. Other donors are former customers who moved away long ago.

On January 31, the boarded-up window was repaired. Young is very touched by the support from neighbors, while expressing alarm at DC’s rising crime rate and the need for “the Council to make the city safe.”  She didn’t suggest how: whether she favors increased funding for police—Mayor Bowser’s preference—or the Council’s direction: more funding for community services, such as violence-interruption programs. Please feel free to weigh in with your favored approach, using the comment feature.