Monthly Archives: October 2022

Restrauteur Spiro Goldasis hopes to open Pacci’s Trattoria on Lincoln Park at 106 13th Street, SE, by the end of November.  Seating will be expanded to the second floor and the cellar – increasing the 50 person occupancy to 130.  The building formerly housed the Park Café, Ninnella, and the Lincoln Park Kitchen and Wine Bar in succession.  Goldasis has another Pacci’s Trattoria in Silver Spring, Maryland.  You can check out that menu here:  https://www.paccistrattoria.com/

Here’s a look at progress inside on the first floor.

 

Last Wednesday, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee held its first in-person meeting since the pandemic started and elected officers:  Chuck Burger, Chair; Susan Oursler, Vice Chair; Monte Edwards, Secretary and Tom Kuchenberg, Treasurer and community representative.  The committee discussed a proposal to hold an “Open Street Event” on 8^th Street from Florida Avenue NE, to M Street, SE, which would involve closing 8^th Street to traffic on most of a Saturday next spring.  The committee’s concern relates to the impact on Eastern Market.  The ANC6B Transportation Committee will continue its consideration of the proposal on Wednesday – see below. 

 

In other business, EMCAC formally installed committee member Jacki Krieger as Mayor Bowser’s representative to EMCAC.  She joins CM Charles Allen’s representative Brian Pate who was installed last month to round out the EMCAC membership.

 

A CBD outlet is headed for Barracks Row – Mother Blossom space is under construction at 406 8^th Street, SE.  Their website lists CBD, Delta 8, and Hemp CBD products.  Some of these types of establishment are involved in the “gifting” cannabis trade. 

 

DPR and DGS are hosting a community meeting on the development of Spielberg Park next Wednesday.  See below for a link. 

 

CM Elissa Silverman (I) was soliciting votes for her bid for reelection as a Member at Large Councilmember on Saturday afternoon at Eastern Market. 

The Week Ahead & Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 30, 2022

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, November 1

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 1320 E Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application.   Peterbug Shoe Academy Landmark Nomination.
• Review and comments on Draft Environmental Impact Study of land transfers at Washington Navy Yard. Concept plan to create potential for 2 million square feet of residential, retail, office, and parking use ~1300 at 11th and O Streets, SE.

Wednesday, November 2

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 11th Street 695 Ramp Study 30% Design
• Electric Vehicle Curbside Charging Program & Rules – Abraham Diallo, DDOT
• Program: https://ddot.dc.gov/page/electric-vehicle-charging-station-program
• Regulations: https://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/page_content/attachments/Notice%20of%20Final%20Rulemaking-%20EV%20Charging%5B94%5D.pdf
• DDOT National EV Infrastructure Program – Matthew Gaskin, DDOT
• Discussion on Letters to DDOT for TSI status of 11th & G Streets, SE, Intersection.  And 9th & I Streets, SE, Intersection. 
• Discussion on Transportation Committee Motion on 2023 Open Streets Event along 8th Street, SE/NE. 

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

For info on how to access the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Agenda was not available at press time.

                                                                        ***

DGS hosts virtual community meeting on improvements at Spielberg Park, 17^th & C, SE

• The meeting will be at 6:30pm.  For additional info and a link to join the meeting, go here:  https://17thandc.splashthat.com/

Thursday, November 3

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• as you are, 500 8th Street, SE. Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Live Entertainment & Sidewalk Café – on Consent Calendar for November 9, 2022.
• Kaiju Ramen Bar, 525 8th Street, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Summer Garden. 
• Rose’s at Home, 721 8^th Street, SE.  Class “C” Restaurant License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Sidewalk Café.  – Amendment to the current Settlement Agreement
• Trusty’s Bar, 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Summer Garden, Live Entertainment & Sidewalk Café. 
• Extreme Pizza, 520 8^th Street, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Sidewalk Café.
• ABRA-086141: Lola’s, LLC t/n: Lola’s, 711 8TH ST SE: Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Sidewalk Café. Applicant: (202) 391-1176, Petition Deadline: Nov 28th, 2022 [6B03]
• Crazy Aunt Helen’s, 713 8^th Street, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Cover Charge Dancing Entertainment & Sidewalk Café.
• Tune Inn Restaurant, 331 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Sidewalk Café. Applicant
• Hawk N’ Dove, 329 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Cover Charge Dancing Entertainment & Sidewalk Café.
• Hill East Burger, 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Class “C” Tavern License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Entertainment
• Fight Club Restaurant, 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Class “C” Restaurant License: ENDORSEMENT(S): Entertainment. 

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to access the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Agenda not available at press time.

                                                                        ***

Friends of Southeast Library hold and in-person meeting at 5:30pm, in SE Library, lower level.

Map showing the new ANC6D and Single Member District boundaries post 2022 redistricting. These new ANC and SMD boundaries will take effect on January 1, 2023.

Map showing current ANC6D and Single Member District boundaries.

ANC6D Election:  One “No Candidate,” One Contest and Six “No Contests”

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 27, 2022

This is the fourth in a series of profiles of ANC candidates from Single Member Districts on or near Capitol Hill.

Redistricting reduced the area of ANC6D by moving the Navy Yard and Capitol Riverfront into Ward 8 but a population explosion resulted in adding one more seat (from 7 to 8) to the Commission which has Nats Park and The Wharf at its heart.

This move of residents to Ward 8 comprised everything east of South Capitol Street and south of the Freeway including the entire Single Member District of ANC6D’s forceful Chair, Edward Daniels.  His retirement from the Commission was involuntary but three other sitting commissioners voluntarily decided not to seek reelection:  Marjorie Lightman, D01; Jared Weiss, D02; and Andy Litsky, D04.  Some city agencies – especially DDOT – and some developers must have breathed a sigh of relief at the long-serving Litsky’s retirement, given his strenuous efforts to hold agencies accountable and to pressure developers for more affordable housing. 

The seat held incumbent by Ron Collins whose single member district includes Greenleaf Gardens is being contested by Tom Seidman.  The seat for 6D04 has no candidate and is up for grabs via a write in campaign.  The remaining six seats are uncontested.   

Several of the candidates were unresponsive to requests for profiles, but those who did respond are listed below.  The three candidates who are incumbents are marked with an asterisk. 

If you are not sure if redistricting changed which single member district you’re in, go here:  https://bit.ly/3V3002Z 

6D01 BOB LINK.  “I am running to represent the residents of the new 6D01 SMD which is geographically centered around The Wharf.  I have lived in SWDC since 2016 and love the diversity of our residents and neighborhoods.  As a member of the Gangplank Slipholders Association (GPSA) Board for 5 years, I have been persistently engaged in and become knowledgeable of the LOCAL issues and challenges which are important to 6D01 residents.  I am a problem-solver who listens first, processes the facts and then attacks the issues that impact many in a logical, linear manner.  I bring few preconceived agenda items to my proposed service as the ANC 6D01 commissioner and am most passionate about public policy that relates to how infrastructure is built and development is accomplished which serves the needs of many and not the gains of a few.  The entirety of our district has committed to and sacrificed for the long-running, ongoing re-development of the Southwest Waterfront at The Wharf and Buzzard Point. I truly believe this commitment was made with the mindset to “pay it forward” and as the ANC 6D01 representative I pledge to focus on how we ensure that the entirety of this district reaps the full benefits of what the residents, businesses and community organizations have invested in.”

*6D02 RONALD COLLINS (Did not respond to requests for profile information.)

6D02 TOM SEIDMAN.  “Rising housing costs is the number one challenge facing the neighborhood.  Applying inclusionary zoning principles, and, while controversial, promoting greater housing density are the tools available to the ANC.  It bears mention that my neighbors are exasperated by issues such as porch pirates, vandalism of vehicles, carjacking, and gun violence. I’ll do all I can to support enhanced public safety.  I suppose that anybody filing to run for office should be prepared to answer a “Why are you running?” question.  In my case, I was not happy that nobody stood for the ANC6D02 position two years ago.  I want my neighbors’ voices heard.  I vowed that would not be the case next time.  Due to redistricting, our current commissioner will soon live in Ward 8. The incumbent in neighboring district 6D03 will now live in 6D02.  For voters in 6D02, it’s an embarrassment of riches this time around.  You have a choice.  Consider supporting my candidacy.  Whomever you choose, choose to vote in the General Election.  It is an important and meaningful right to exercise.

6D03 GAIL FAST.  “Gail Fast is running again in a newly formed SMD, after a two-year hiatus. Issues such as affordable housing and multi-modal transportation and safety will continue to be her priorities.  During her previous tenure on the ANC, Fast served as Secretary and ANC Chair. Projects included working with residents on the Shakespeare Theatre development at 501 I Street, SW; petitioned and lobbied to bring back the Circulator and extend the 74 bus to include Buzzard Point; was a member of 6D’s Wharf Phase II negotiation team; provided oversight on DPR’s renovation of the Southwest Duck Pond; was a member of the Jefferson Middle School modernization team; and lobbied to finally get a bus shelter in front of the school.  She looks forward to working with new Commissioners and feels that she can bring a historical perspective to the Commission.

6D04  Write in, if any. 

6D05 ASHTON ROHMER.  “Since moving to Southwest, Ashton’s active involvement in the community has given her an opportunity to learn about the issues her neighbors care about. Through coordinating public engagement efforts for a proposed community center, leading a local story-sharing initiative, and joining with other residents to advocate for walking and biking infrastructure, she has talked with dozens of fellow residents about their concerns, hopes, and ideas for Southwest.  These conversations have shown her the impacts (good and bad) development has had on the community and given her an appreciation for how the built environment – our parks, our homes, our streets, our civic spaces – can influence our ability to connect with our neighbors and access opportunities for our families.  Using her training as an urban planner and her work as a PhD student in peace and conflict resolution, Ashton will continue to learn from her constituents, will seek opportunities for collaboration and community-building, and will advocate for high-quality affordable housing, improved public spaces, and safer streets.

6D06 BRUCE LEVINE (Did not respond to requests for profile info.)

*6D07 FREDRICA “RIKKI” KRAMER.  “Fredrica (“Rikki”) Kramer has lived in SW for over 40 years, and been an activist and advocate for the community for most of that time, with particular concern for maintaining the social diversity in all its dimensions that makes Southwest unique. On ANC 6D since 2020, she has injected that perspective in negotiations to increase affordable housing and other design features in redevelopment projects, to reflect Southwest’s historic heritage in new development, and to ensure that “Build First” keeps our public housing residents in Southwest as that housing is rehabilitated or redeveloped.  Her work overall has focused on poverty and social welfare policy and remedial programs for vulnerable populations, and on urban policy and its effects on equity and diversity.  She understands policy and implementation at federal and local levels, which provides a basis for understanding the opportunities and constraints we face as an ANC in weighing in effectively on the problems we confront.  She looks forward to expanding our toolbox to increase affordable housing for a range of income levels and household types, to support locally-based and neighborhood-serving amenities, to maintain our open and common spaces, and to confront our increasing problems with traffic management as redevelopment continues.”

*6D08 RHONDA NATALIE HAMILTON (Did not respond to requests for profile info.)

Lime Electric Vehicles Responds to Complaint on Scooter Parking

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 26, 2022

On Monday, Hill East resident Mark Ugoretz – with support from ANC6A Transportation Committee Chair Maura Dundon – raised concerns regarding the parking for pickup of the company’s electric scooters in ways that disregard public safety.  Late morning on Tuesday, Erika Duthely, Director of Government Relations at Lime, issued following statement:

“Lime takes pride in providing top quality service to the District and its residents and will immediately rectify this issue moving forward. We thank the community members for bringing it to our attention and will work with our city and community partners as we always do to keep improving our service. We train our team to deploy our vehicles in the best spots for all residents, out of the way of pedestrians and especially out of accessible rights of way, and we will double down to ensure that model is observed moving forward.”

The company’s communication representative added that they would appreciate the statement being added to the CHC story.

The other issue which remains unaddressed is the lack of enforcement of scooter parking regulations which apply to users – DDOT’s purview.  That concern may not receive such a prompt response.  DDOT has long been viewed my some ANCs as one of the agencies least responsive to community, resident, and ANC concerns.  Many of those complaints concern lack of parking enforcement:  parking in bike lanes, parking in bus lanes, parking in crosswalks, double parking of delivery trucks, parking in alleys, and parking for construction workers.  All of these come up regularly in ANC meetings with DDOT officials.  The DDOT default position is to pledge to respond to public complaints, but as many ANC commissioners who have tried doing just that can testify this has been an empty promise.  This is a big issue and one not confined to Capitol Hill.  Its resolution will require a concerted city-wide effort to exert community pressure on DDOT.

(On a related matter, a new parking issue will be aired on Friday, when the City Council Transportation and Environment Committee will hold a hearing to make Residential Parking Permits specific to an ANC rather than to a Ward.  For more on that, go to the committee’s schedule here:  https://bit.ly/3SFwqOP )

Lime Vehicles Company/DDOT Faulted for Disregard of Public Safety

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 25, 2022

Some Hill East residents have had enough with Electric Vehicles Company distributors casually disregarding public safety by parking scooters for pick up on sidewalks and – shockingly – in handicapped pedestrian ramps. 

DC law requires scooter riders to lock electric scooters to bike racks, scooter corrals, or signposts after use and has rules for how companies can distribute vehicles.

Shared Fleet Device Parking Area: the following areas where shared fleet devices may be parked, provided that a minimum 3-foot clear zone for pedestrians is maintained at all times:

• On a public sidewalk;
• In the public right-of-way between the sidewalk and the curb; and
• At a bike rack, if the bike rack is located in the public right-of-way but somewhere other than a public sidewalk, or the public right-of-way between the sidewalk and the curb.

Neither the law nor the regulations appear to be enforced against the company or users.

Hill East resident Mark Ugoretz called attention to this transgression by posting the above photo taken last night in an email distributed to CM Charles Allen and others. 

Ugoretz’s suggestion is that the “The District should levy a $500 fine against the scooter and/or bicycle company for any scooter or bicycle left on the sidewalk in such a way as to hinder pedestrian passage.  Moreover, the District should pick up scooters left unlawfully in the sidewalk and not return the scooters until the fine has been paid….The rule would apply to all scooter and bicycle rental companies.” 

While appealing, a solution along the lines suggested above may not be that easy.  The problem is that the China-made scooters cost much less than the suggested fine.  https://bit.ly/3N5Bnz8

CM Allen responded, thanking Ugoretz and agreeing that “this is not allowed and is extremely dangerous/hazardous for anyone needing use of that ramp.  And I think you’re also right, given the neat line up, this wasn’t a coincidence of riders arriving at the same location, but they were placed there by someone relocating scooters…DDOT is supposed to be responsible for monitoring the permits of all scooter companies and enforce when an operator is acting out of compliance – which includes financial penalties or impacts on their permit applications. I’ve added Mr. Diallo [Ward 6 DOT rep] from DDOT, as well as the general mailbox for dockless scooters at DDOT, to this email. Through this, and your note, I’d ask that they report this through their channels for follow-up and enforcement of the infractions noted in your email.”

Here’s the email address for DC DOT Shared Fleet to register concerns: dockless.mobility@dc.gov

Update: 

a suggestion by Ugoretz that Allen be further engaged because “he’s in charge,” Allen responded:

“…I definitely appreciate the sentiment, but sadly I am not in charge of scooters. The Mayor and Department of Transportation are in charge of enforcing the rules put in place by the Council. The Council set forth many requirements – none of which seem to be adhered to in the picture you sent and in my mind represent a serious violation.  The Council also set up a structure to levy fines to the company when not adhered to, but DDOT must issue them.  DDOT has set up a mechanism to report violations like this for their follow-up, which is who I added to those earlier emails.  I saw your note Mark referring to “channels”, but I’m not clear what you mean.  DDOT is in charge of enforcement, citing, and holding any company accountable.  I do not have any mechanism to levy fines or citations myself.  That’s why I included the DDOT representatives on the email and I’ll continue to press them to do the job they’ve been tasked with when you, I, or any neighbor sees a violation like this. Thanks and let’s try to work for some collaboration on improving this.”

And here’s the email of the Mayor’s Ward 6 DDOT representative, referenced above:  abraham.diallo@dc.gov

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 23, 2022

Monday, October 24

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold 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:

• Presentation: MPD (attendants TBA)
• Presentation: Henry Moten, Rosedale Recreation Center
• Presentation: US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia – AUSA Douglas Klein (1D), AUSA, Magdalena Acevedo (5D), Christopher Wade, Community Outreach Specialist (1D)

Tuesday, October 25

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold 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 application by the following establishments for liquor license renewals:

• Dangerously Delicious Pie Shop at 1339 H Street, NE. Tavern License.
• Biergarten Haus at 1355 H Street, NE. Tavern License.
• Brine at 1357-1359 H Street, NE. Tavern License.
• Sospeso at 1344 H Street, NE.  Tavern License.
• Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar at 1104 H Street, NE. Tavern License.
• H Street Country Club at 1335 H Street, NE. Tavern License.
• Copycat Co. at 1110 H Street, NE.  Tavern License.
• Capitol Square Bar & Grillat 1500 East Capitol Street, NE. Tavern License.
• Langston Bar & Grille at 1831 Benning Road, NE. Tavern License.

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

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

Agenda:  To set the agenda for the November meeting of ANC6B. 

ANC6C – Another Ward 6 “No Contest” Election

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 20, 2022

This is the third in a series of profiles of ANC candidates from Single Member Districts on or near Capitol Hill.

ANC6A includes Union Station, NOMA, the H Street NE corridor between 1^st and 5^th Streets NE, and the Stanton Park neighborhood – all lying between its East Capitol and Florida Avenue boundaries. 

Redistricting reduced the size of ANC6C but all of the above components remain (NOMA shrinks to the part east of the railroad tracks).  An increase in population requires adding another single member district and a new commissioner, up from six to seven.  Early on, one seat (ANC6C01) was contested until Lauren Kuritz dropped out and endorsed Christy Kwan, leaving the seven races uncontested (barring the success of an unlikely write-in effort).  ANC6B, likewise, has a “no contest” ANC election this year. 

The turnover in candidates marks the retirement of long serving ANC6C02 commissioner and Commission Chair Karen Wirt, as well as ANC6C01 Christine Healey and ANC6C06 Drew Courtney.  

If you are not sure if redistricting changed which single member district you’re in, go here:  https://bit.ly/3V3002Z

Here’s a list of ANC6C candidates and profiles supplied by the candidate – incumbents are designated by an asterisk:

6C01 CHRISTY KWAN says “(she/her) has been serving as an appointed citizen member of ANC6C’s Transportation and Public Space Committee since 2017 and chaired the committee for two years during the pandemic.  This experience has given her a deeper appreciation and understanding for ANCs and their roles in community engagement and input on proposed projects and legislation.  Christy first moved to the region over 13 years ago and has worked professionally as a city planner on a number of issues, including transportation, land conversation, and healthy food access.  She lives with her husband, teen, and rescue cat in the Near Northeast neighborhood, and is an active volunteer with DC Families for Safe Streets and Casey Trees.”

6C02 LESLIE MERKLE (Did not submit profile information)

*6C03 JAY ADELSTEIN says he “is running uncontested to represent SMD6C03, seeking the position that he has held since 2019.  Adelstein has lived on the Hill since 1979, where he and his wife Patricia have raised their two daughters, Rose and Lily.  Adelstein retired from the Federal government in 2018, having devoted his career in the field of civil rights to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Labor.  With a particular distaste for the use of single-occupancy vehicles, Adelstein hopes to respond timely to constituent concerns with a concentration on transportation, accessibility to housing, and preventative crime measures.  He plans to focus on representing the concerns of the neighborhood with District and federal officials, including those concerns related to recovering from the pandemic, pushing for improvements in the proposed massive Union Station Expansion Project, advocating for transportation safety, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists and seeking to preserve residential properties for residential purposes.  Adelstein was a former head of Stanton Park Neighborhood Association and is currently active in the Friends of Northeast Library.”

*6C04 MARK ECKENWILER says, “For the past ten years, I’ve had the honor of representing the residents of single-member district 6C04.  In that time, I’ve pursued three main objectives: 1) Constituent service.  I’ve cajoled and badgered DC agencies into repaving alleys, fixing sidewalks, replacing missing or damaged street signs and traffic signals, and much more.  District agencies are more responsive today than when I moved here 26 years ago, but there is still room for improvement.  If you’re not receiving basic services or answers to inquiries, I’m happy to intercede on your behalf.  2) ANC 6C transparency.  Along with my colleagues, I’ve worked to make ANC 6C itself responsive and transparent.  Our meetings and agendas are posted in advance, and our minutes, reports, and correspondence posted afterward.  As chair of 6C’s Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee, I aim to run informative, efficient meetings in addressing the important public business before us.  3) Good government/DC agency effectiveness.  I’ve been proactive in demanding better performance from DC agencies and have testified at scores of DC Council hearings on agency performance and proposed legislation.  Years ago, I and others began advocating for major reform of DCRA, an effort that culminated on October 1, in the breakup of that agency into two separate departments (and eventually new agency leadership).  Because of population growth and the resulting redistricting, 6C04 is losing a few blocks (north of H Street & east of 5th) but remains largely unchanged.  I look forward to serving these long-time constituents, as well as new neighbors recently arriving in this great neighborhood.”

*6C05 JOEL KELTY says “I’m running for re-election for Commissioner of ANC 6C05.  A resident of ANC 6C for the past 22 years, I’ve served both as a Commissioner and also as a member of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee. The role of Commissioner is to represent constituents at the most local level, including being available, receptive and responsive to community input.  I will advocate on local concerns, including refocusing District government on quality of life issues that directly impact our neighborhood: 1) Crime. The recent increase in crime in our ANC requires a coordinated multi-agency response that includes enhanced law enforcement and prosecution for quality of life crimes, many of which currently go un-prosecuted. nI support transferring responsibility for criminal prosecutions to a locally accountable, elected prosecutor.  2) Sidewalks, rats and trash. Maintenance and repair of public space, collection of refuse and rat control are core government functions with which the District must do better.  3) Illegal construction. The city must improve its processes for identifying and addressing illegal construction and zoning violations, particularly by house flippers working in residential districts.  4) A vibrant H Street Corridor. Poor streetscape maintenance, lax regulatory oversight and inattention to the needs of local residents and businesses have contributed to a decline in the H Street experience. We need to develop a renewed vision of how our neighborhood commercial corridor can best serve the residents and businesses of ANCs 6C and 6A.  5) Homelessness. The ANC should continue to advocate for additional assistance for encampment residents while simultaneously working to prevent establishment of new encampments.”

6C06 PATRICIA EGUINO says “Unlike many politicians, I actually have guts. I’ve faced off white supremacist groups throughout the years, like yelling at the Proud Boys to get the hell out, and did not back down from protesting the January 6 rioters outside the Capitol, even when armed men assaulted me and one took out a knife.  I will use that energy to fight tooth and nail on behalf of my constituents.”

6C07 TONY T. GOODMAN says “I look forward to serving my Near Northeast/NoMa neighborhood, where I have volunteered on ANC committees and as a previous Commissioner for the past 12 years.  I am a professional emergency manager, with a background in sustainability and construction, and previously was a DC Councilmember’s Chief of Staff.  I am also the former Chair of DC’s Pedestrian Advisory Council, and currently serve in leadership roles for trail advocacy and green building organizations.  Our neighborhood has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, and new apartment buildings continue to be built in our area.  I plan to support our new and existing neighbors and businesses in particular by continuing to advocate for more places for people to gather, including public benches, and for improved transit and bike lanes to ensure that residents and visitors don’t need to drive to reach their jobs, activities, or services.”

Correction:  An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated ANC6C01 would be part of ANC6B after redistricting.  

Out and About in Congressional Cemetery

by Elizabeth Eby

Congressional Cemetery is a busy place. Even so, I feel quiet and far away from everyday life when I go there.  Dogs frolic in the grass while their owners chat, volunteer gardeners beautify graves, staffers ferry supplies around in golf carts and prepare graves, and visitors stroll the paths.

Congressional is an example of the Rural Cemetery movement which became popular in the mid-19^th Century.  Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown is another example.  The key element of the movement was to make cemeteries park-like settings so people could use them for recreation and picnics when visiting a gravesite.  The idea was popular in cities and helped drive recognition of the need for city parks and green spaces.

A group of local residents bought the land in 1807 and later donated it to Christ Church located on G Street, SE.  Over the years, the cemetery fell into neglect and disrepair.  All kinds of people wandered in and out, day and night.  There were rumors of drug deals, FBI agents relieving themselves on J. Edgar Hoover’s grave, and Marion Barry making nighttime visits.  Prisoners in the old jail banged on the windows, hooted and exposed themselves.  Things began to change in the mid-1970s, according to church congregation member Marion Connolly.  Christ Church was not able to both oversee the conduct of the parish and the cemetery.   Connolly says that she and her husband Gerry were members of the Christ Church Vestry that made the decision to form the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery and to lease the management of the Cemetery to the Association which now oversees the management and maintenance of the grounds.

Another positive development was the formation of the Congressional Cemetery K9 Corps in the late 1990s which helped both to activate the space and eliminate the drug trafficking.  Members pay annual fees that now comprise 25% of the operating budget.  The number of dogs is limited to prevent them from over taking the grounds.  The waiting list is so long it is temporarily closed.  However, dog walkers can buy one-day passes. People are always welcome and there is no entry fee.  Guided tours and free maps are available.

The church donated a large number of gravesites for burial of Congressmen who died in DC, thus establishing the Congressional link to the name.  They are memorialized by large square stones with conical tops called cenotaphs – markers for persons buried elsewhere.  An exception is that of Chief Pushmatqha, a Choctaw, who died in DC while petitioning the Federal government against further cessions of Choctaw land.  He is buried under his cenotaph.  The cenotaph practice was discontinued in the 19th century but in 1975 a cenotaph was provided for House Majority Leader Hale Boggs and Representative Nick Begich who together disappeared in a flight over Alaska.  Journalist Cokie Roberts – Boggs’ daughter – was recently buried near her father’s memorial. 

Many notables are buried at Congressional but I think more people are aware that J. Edgar Hoover is buried here than know that John Phillip Sousa is.  The Gay Corner attracts visitors; its location was inspired by Hoover’s grave.

Decorated gay activist Leonard Matlovich was discharged by the Air Force after he deliberately came out to fight the ban on gays in the military.  A few years later, before he was diagnosed with AIDS, Matlovich visited Gertrude Stein, Alice Toklas, and Oscar Wilde’s graves in Europe.  The experience gave him the idea that gay people in the US needed heroes. 

After Hoover was interred, Matlovich bought a gravesite near Hoover’s and created a memorial for all gays.  The memorial has a cherry tree, lantern and a bench.  Matlovich died from AIDS on June 22, 1988.  His tombstone at the  Gay Corner nameless and reads “When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one.”

Check https://congressionalcemetery.org/ for tours and site prices and availability.

Out and About is an occasional photo feature by artist, photographer, gardener, and Capitol Hill resident Elizabeth Eby.  She finds vignettes while out and about on or near Capitol Hill.

(Correction:  An earlier version of this post neglected to mention the establishment of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery and its role in overseeing the cemetery.)

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 16, 2022

Monday, October 17

ANC6A Transportation 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:

• Among items on the agenda:
• Review pending Traffic Safety Investigation (TSI) requests.
• Discuss curbside electric vehicle charging with DDOT representative, including progress on vendor permits granted under the DDOT regulation.  (https://ddot.dc.gov/page/electric-vehicle-charging-station-program ), alternative/additional curbside solutions beyond the DDOT regulation, and limitations on use of Level 2 charging cables over the sidewalk.  (The Committee heard a presentation from Coul St, a company with a plan for curbside chargers last July.   See here:  https://bit.ly/3ookmVr )

Wednesday, November 19

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3TmOWN7

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Briefings on Current Legislation under Review at DC Council– Christopher Laskowski, Legislative Director, Office of CM Allen:

1. B24-0673 Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022
2. B24-0978/0977 Department of For Hire Vehicles Delivery Vehicle Traffic Enforcement Expansion Temporary Amendment Act of 2022

• Review of Residential Parking at 4th & Independence Avenue SE– Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk
• Discussion on Holding 2023 Open Streets Event along 8th Street SE/NE– Commissioner Edward Ryder
• DDOT’s EV Curbside Charging Program & Rules (tentative)

                                                                       ***

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning 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:

• 223 8th Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Historic review of a plan to construct a rear three-story addition; add a partial third floor on the existing house, and renovate the existing house for a home in the Capital Hill Historic District.
• 1717 E Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.   Request for Special Exception zoning relief  to construct two new, semi-detached, four-story, 4-unit, apartment houses in the RF-1 zone.
• 1219 K Street, NE. Discussion of the situation facing tenants at the Havana Building at 1219 K Street NE, and what support and actions the ANC could take to support them.
• Green New Deal for Housing Act (B24-0802): Consideration for ANC6A’s input to the Green New Deal in Housing Act, currently before the DC City Council.
• Text Amendment to zones NC-9 though NC-17: Discussion and consideration of sponsoring a text amendment to zoning districts NC-9, NC-10, NC-11, NC-12, NC-13, NC-14, NC-15, NC-16 and NC-17 to actively encourage use for the arts.

 

Three Contests and a Recall in ANC6A Election

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 14, 2022

This is the second in a series of profiles of ANC candidates from Single Member Districts on or near Capitol Hill. 

Redistricting reduced the size of ANC6A by one single member district and thus the size of the commission from 8 members to 7.  Three of these seats are being contested:  ANC6A01, 6A03, and 6A04. 

This ANC is losing four commissioners with long records of service:  Commissioners Toomajian and Soderman are retiring, and the districts of Commissioners Phillips-Gilbert and Alcorn will be in Ward 7 on January 1.  Only Alcorn is seeking election to the new Single Member District in Ward 7.   

The other issue in 6A is an effort to recall ANC6A04 commissioner and ANC6A chair Amber Gove by residents who are unhappy with her support for a DDOT plan making the 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue, NE, one-way with a protected bike lane.  Recall supporters, led by resident Alexandra Kelly, claim Gove did not give enough weight to the concerns of the affected residents when she supported DDOT’s proposed change for the street.  The full commission subsequently voted unanimously to support the proposal.  The vote on whether to recall Gove will occur in person on Sunday, October 23, from 1-5 PM at Northeast Library or Maury Elementary School.  All registered voters residing in the current 6A04 district are eligible to vote.  Gove’s bid for re-election keeps her name on the ballot for the November 8 election, regardless of the outcome of the recall vote.  Kelly is also a candidate for Gove’s 6A04 seat in the general election. 

If you are not sure if redistricting changed which single member district you’re in, go here:  https://bit.ly/3V3002Z

Here’s a list of ANC6A candidates and profiles based on information supplied by the candidate – incumbents are designated by an asterisk:

*6A01 KEYA CHATTERJEE  (Did not provide candidate profile info)

6A01 CHRISTINA GOODLANDER (Did not provide candidate profile info)

6A02 MIKE VELASQUEZ.  Mike Velasquez and his family are longtime G Street NE fixtures.  For years, Mike has helped bring his neighbors together for an annual block party, on-going for 13 years, and works closely with neighbors to build community and engage the District agencies, the ANC, and the Council to help bring attention to community concerns.  Mike has been engaged on H Street issues, street safety, traffic calming, housing, and development.  He’s been a parent leader at local schools Ludlow-Taylor and Stuart Hobson and has been a volunteer in Capitol Hill Little League.  Mike serves on the ANC’s Alcohol and Beverage Licensing Committee where he helps support navigate good relationships between the businesses and neighborhood residents.  Mike’s goals moving forward include focusing on making our streets safer by slowing down speeding cars, especially commuter traffic, and  making sure that DC government is responsive, especially regarding services such as consistent trash pickup, parking enforcement, and rodent control. 

6A03 NICOLE “NIKKI” DELCASALE.  Nikki Delcasale demands that our government is inclusive and accessible so that more of our neighbors can participate.  She is active in her neighborhood and across DC, whether she’s walking dogs or advocating for tenants’ rights.  Nikki helped create a system for eviction prevention canvassing throughout DC. When she is not working for tenants, she is assisting restaurant workers recovering from the effects of the pandemic, serving our unhoused neighbors, and encouraging measures to increase safety on our streets.  Nikki serves as an adoption counselor with City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue and is passionate about keeping our pets safe.  Nikki will listen to the community and be a voice for their concerns, including advocating for safer streets via traffic calming measures.

6A03 ROBERTA SHAPIRO Roberta Shapiro is a longtime F Street, NE, resident who currently serves on ANC6A’s Economic Development and Zoning Committee.  She has an extensive record of volunteer work in the community and is a fixture on F Street NE where she works to bring neighbors together to address community issues.  Shapiro has helped address street safety, pedestrian and cyclist concerns, residential parking, construction and housing affordability.  She’s previously been a leader with the Capitol Hill Village where she helped coordinate services and assist seniors with aging in place.  She is a retired health care and not-for-profit manager, having served stints at non-profit hospital, Ronald McDonald Charities of Alabama, and CommunityHealth, a Chicago free clinic.   She also held executive positions in several health insurance entities.   Since moving to DC in 2013, Shapiro worked with non-profits, both as an employee and volunteer, including Capitol Hill Village, the Association of American Medical Colleges, Compass Pro Bono, Good Neighbors Capitol Hill and Washington English Center. She serves on ANC6A’s Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee.

*6A04 AMBER GOVE  Gove says:  Since 2017, I’ve been honored to serve as your volunteer Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. I’ve prioritized the safety of our streets and sidewalks for all users, whether they walk, roll or drive.  I’ve served on the Eliot-Hine and Maury school modernization teams, successfully securing additional funding and expanded play and field space.  I’ve increased our Commission’s community grants program, supported affordable housing projects, and partnered with DC Police on a balanced approach to public safety and community engagement.  And I am excited to run to represent our neighborhood again!  I am experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about helping our entire community.  I ask for your vote to spend two more years advocating on your behalf.  This election is particularly important because rather than simply running against me, my opponent is also leading a campaign to recall me for the remainder of my 2021-22 term.  Please be sure to vote at the in-person only special election on Sunday, October 23 from 1-5 PM at Northeast Library or Maury ES.  Thank you for your support. For more: https://bit.ly/3rVBzXM

6A04 ALEXANDRA KELLY Kelly says:  I have an extensive background in work for non-profit organizations that prioritize people, families and communities, and I want to use those skills to benefit this community where I live.  I am an attorney.  I was the general counsel and daily advisor to a consortium of 50 elementary schools.  I also handled hundreds of property transactions, the construction of hundreds of units of affordable family housing, and the financing and construction of three new full service residential shelters.  I was a director and the lead counsel of an organization that planned, funded and built three brand new high schools in Southern California.  I handled all the land acquisitions, construction contracts, and corporate structure of that half-billion-dollar project.  As a volunteer, I have supported Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in their work along the border.  I was a mentor for a teen attending a high school for unhomed students.  I assisted that school in the development of a permanent, custom-built facility.  In my work as a trustee for our neighborhood high school I was part of a complete redesign and expansion, which included adding required parking, new classrooms, technology and labs.  I am most fulfilled by problem solving at a group and individual level, mediating and negotiating compromises, and clearing obstacles to allow others to do their best work. For more:  https://www.alexlistens.com/

*6A05 LAURA L GENTILE  Laura Gentile has lived in the neighborhood since 2007 and is completing her first term as ANC 6A05 commissioner.  She currently serves as ANC6A Secretary and, during her first year, led the effort to substantially overhaul the Commission’s bylaws – for the first time in ten years – to ensure meetings and activities are inclusive, efficient, and effective in supporting the community.  Laura has advocated for constituents with DC agencies on a range of issues including trash, illegal construction, public health, traffic calming, vacant properties, and crime.  Laura has worked to improve communications by creating a google group which includes hundreds of constituents.  She shares periodic updates with residents about local issues and how they can weigh in on proposed actions that could impact the quality of life in our community.  Laura has worked for the U.S. EPA for over 25 years and, early in her career, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

*6A06 ROBB DOOLING Robb Dooling is the current Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 6A06, representing the eastern end of the H Street Corridor.  He previously won ANC elections in 2018 and 2020 and is seeking re-election this year.  Robb advocates for housing as a human right, safe streets, and humane solutions to public safety.  In the 2020-2022 term, Robb’s largest accomplishment was securing $819,000 in DC’s annual budget for a new government agency, the Office for Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing.  Robb also convinced the District Department of Transportation to propose DC’s first 24/7 transit-only lane for H Street NE, which would begin construction in 2024.  Finally, Robb helped small businesses expand outdoors to survive the pandemic and brought multiple agencies to 6A06 for public safety walks in a whole-of-government approach to reducing gun violence.  Robb is Deaf, queer, and originally from Nebraska. 

6A07 STEPHEN MOILANEN  Moilanen says:  My wife Daphne, our three-year-old son Emory, and I have lived at 211 10th Street, NE, since September 2021.  My wife and I have both spent considerable time in DC as we have grown up – my wife was raised in the area and we’ve both lived in DC for more than five years as adults.  I’m currently the Chief of Staff to the CTO at Embark, a leading developer of autonomous vehicle technology.  I come to the tech industry after having worked in clean energy policy for Columbia University, the United Nations, and the White House.  When I’m not chasing my toddler, I love trying my hand at improv comedy, testing out nerdy board games, and taking in non-fiction books.

Election 2022.  Mail Ballot Drop Boxes Open Today, October 14.

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 14, 2022

Mail Ballot Drop Boxes opened today.  You may drop your voted mail-in-ballot in ANY Ballot Drop Box at ANY time until 8:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8. Here’s what else you need to know about voting:

Mail Ballot Drop Boxes in Ward 6 are at the following locations:

• Northeast Library, 330 7th Street, NE
• Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place, SW
• Eastern Market, 225 7th Street, SE
• BOE Headquarters, 1015 Half Street, SE
• DCPS Headquarters, 1200 First Street, NE
• Payne Elementary School, 1445 C Street, SE

Important dates:

• Deadline for receipt of all voter registration applications: October 18, 2022
• Deadline to request Absentee Ballot*: October 24, 2022
• Deadline for UOCAVA voters to request an Absentee Ballot: November 5, 2022
• Early Voting period: October 31 to November 6, 2022
• General Election Day: November 8, 2022
• Deadline for DC BOE to receive voted Absentee Ballots: November 15, 2022
• *Given that DCBOE is mailing all registered DC voters a mail-in ballot, you do NOT need to request an Absentee Ballot unless you will be away from your DC residence during the 2022 General Election.

Vote early in one of four ways:

Return your ballot quickly by mail – no postage required. Leave plenty of time for your ballot to reach the Board. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 8), and they must be received by the Board no later than November 15.

Return your ballot in one of the Board’s 55 secure drop boxes across the District until 8 p.m. on Election Day:  https://dcboe.org/Voters/Where-to-Vote/Mail-Ballot-Drop-Boxes

Drop off your ballot at any early Vote Center from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. during “Election Week” (October 31-November 6) and from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 8)  https://earlyvoting.dcboe.org/

Vote early in person at any early Vote Center during “Election Week” (October 31-November 6) from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Voters can vote at any Vote Center during Election Week, regardless of residential address within the District. Early Voting Vote Center Locations:   https://earlyvoting.dcboe.org/

If you choose to vote in-person on Election Day, plan ahead! Bring water, snacks, and a mask, and dress comfortably. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Voters can vote at any Vote Center on Election Day, regardless of residential address within the District. Vote Center Locations on Election Day:  https://www.dcboe.org/Voters/Where-to-Vote/Election-Day-Vote-Centers