Monthly Archives: December 2022

The Week Ahead & Photo Essay: Raven & the Box of Daylight

The National Museum of the American Indian is exhibiting “Raven and the Box of Daylight.”  The museum describes it as “an immersive, multisensory experience” which tells a creation story – the story of the transformation of darkness to light. 

The Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska share a creation myth about how the culture’s iconic Raven brought light into the world.  The myth has many variations among the Tlingit villages but all have common elements.  The Tlingit American artist Preston Singletary has woven these myths into a narrative and illustrated the story in glass sculpture. 

The Raven of the Tinglet myths is a trickster, teacher, and transformer. 

According to the myth, the world was once enveloped in darkness and the Raven decides to do something about it.  Following the Nass River, he encounters the Fishermen of the Night who tell him about the local Nobleman who has light captured in three boxes.  Raven finds a devious way to enter the Nobleman’s house. 

Raven birth. After an immaculate conception of the Nobleman’s daughter, Raven is reborn as a “precocious and precious” human boy.

The Boxes of Light: The Moon, The Sun, The Stars. Given the boxes of light to play with, the now-human Raven releases the contents one by one to take their places in the heavens.

Freed from the darkness the people become the Animal People, the Winged People, and the Water People according to the regalia they wore when the world was dark.  “Those who remained strong (and stubborn) became Human People,” the myth says. 

The exhibit runs through January 29, 2023. 10:00am – 5:30pm.

Happy Holidays from Capitol Hill Corner.

The Week Ahead…. Is pretty quiet. 

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing 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:    

  • Discussion of application by Cru Hemp Lounge at 816 H Street, NE  Renewal of Class C Tavern License. 

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Update on Development of Reservation 13 Phase II – Tentative Timeline

Here’s the concept for R13 Community Partners plan for developing their three parcels of Phase II Bundle II.  There are three components: The two residential buildings nearest RFK (with ground floor retail) and the Marriott Residence Inn (parcel C), the Central Park mid-screen (parcel E), and the Condos and Town Houses at the bottom (parcel H).  (These depictions are concepts only and the final product may look substanially different.) 

The Donatelli and Blue Skye development team was awarded a contract for Bundle 1 comprised of parcels A, B-1, B-2, F-2, G-2.

Update on Development of Reservation 13 Phase II – Tentative Timeline for Bundle II

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 20, 2022

In November of 2021, the city awarded development contracts to build over 2,300 units in Hill East on Reservation 13 to R13 Community Partners and to Donatelli and Blue Skye Development. 

Last Tuesday night R13 Community Partners (a team of 8 developers) gave an update to ANC6B on the planned construction of a mixed use project with 1,246 units and 60,000 square feet of retail near RFK – part of Phase II of the Reservation 13 development plan.

The briefing was ostensibly to seek ANC input on development of the central park component of the project, but a since the project is in Ward 7 it had the feel of being a demonstration of good will by the developers after Donatelli and Blue Skye had received criticism for demonstrating indifference to Ward 6 residents of Hill East during their planning of the Phase I development of Res 13.     

Evans Charles of the contracting firm Frontier Development and Hospitality Group, gave a tentative time line for the project:   

The development will proceed in three phases:

Phase 1 – two apartment buildings, retail and infrastructure near RFK is scheduled to break ground in the spring of 2024.

Phase II – the central park including the RFK Memorialization and Relisha Rudd Playground will overlap with Phase 1 and break ground about 12 months later.   

Phase III – the start time on the condos and townhomes “will probably be about 12 months after that.”

Charles added that construction time would be about 24 months

The project anticipates delivery of 1005 rental units in two buildings: 334 Affordable Units (184 at 30% MFI Median Family Income and 150 at 50% Median Family Income); 334 Middle Income and Workforce Units at 80% Median Family Income; and 333 at Market Rate.  There will be studios and 1 – 3 BR units at each income tier evenly dispersed. (Median Family Income:   https://bit.ly/3PGLMT4 )

The project will include 115 fully furnished co-Living units (presumably in the smaller building) with common kitchens:  19 at 30% MFI, 16 at 50% MFI, and 80 at Market Rate.

The Central Park including the RFK Memorialization and Relisha Rudd Playground.

Also, 126 For Sale condos and townhomes: 38 affordable: 19 at 50% MFI, 19 at 60% MFI, and 87 at Market Rate.

The project will include a 150 unit Marriott Residence Inn

The R13 Community Partners provided the unit numbers used above on their website and they don’t quite add up to 1,246 units, but that’s not unusual as numbers are tweaked to account for studio and 1-3 bedroom units.  Here’s a link to the website:  https://bit.ly/3HVYBHz

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The Week Ahead … Update on Pacci’s & Some Photos from the Past Week

Update on Pacci’s Restaurant on Lincoln Park.  Last Tuesday night, ANC6B voted to support restaurateur Spiro Goldasis’ request for a stipulated alcohol beverage license allowing him to operate before his liquor license is formally approved.  He told the ANC that he hoped to open this coming week.  On Friday morning, however, he had pushed that back to “early January” pending receipt of his license to operate.   Pacci’s is at 106 13th Street, SE.  The building formerly housed the Park Café, Ninnella, and the Lincoln Park Kitchen and Wine Bar.  Goldasis has another Pacci’s Trattoria in Silver Spring, Maryland.  You can check out that menu here:  https://www.paccistrattoria.com/

Here’s a shot of how the interior is shaping up.

Meanwhile, over at 1430 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Olga & Manny’s Pizza is making progress on their build out but they don’t look close to opening any time soon.

ANC6B.  Last Tuesday night, ANC6B held it’s final meeting with many expressions of mutual appreciation exchanged among commissioners.  One of the main recipients was outgoing Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg who is retiring after 15 years of service as an ANC commissioner.  The commission awarded its Distinguished Public Servant Award to Naomi Mitchell, who recently retired from the staff of CM Charles Allen and whose work as community liaison touched numerous lives in Ward 6 over the past 16 years.  The commission also received a briefing on the development of Res 13 11/Bundle II – which will be detailed in an upcoming post on Capitol Hill Corner.  The commission will see a major turnover in January with the retirement or redistricting of Oldenburg, Samolyk, Ready, Holtzman, Holman, Horn, Krepp, and Wright. 

ANC6C.  Wednesday night saw a brief last meeting of the current commissioner.  Three commissioners are retiring including the long serving chair Karen Wirt who has a 24 year record of serving as a 6C commissioner.  Expressions of gratitude went to her as well as Commissioners Healey and Courtney who are also retiring. 

ANC6D.  Like the other ANC meetings this month, this one was heavy on the sentiment and plaudits, especially for retiring Commissioner Litsky – who like Commissioner Wirt in 6C marked the end of 24 years of service on the ANC.  Also leaving 6B either through retirement or redistricting:  Commissioners Daniels, Weiss, and Lightman.    

 In some substantive ANC6D business regarding the BZA Application for 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, (The Portals) the developer, Lowe Enterprises, floated a compromise regarding a dispute over affordable housing.  ANC6D is pushing for more affordable housing in a 450 unit luxury condo conversion of the commercial building which – because of zoning – has no requirement that affordable housing be provided.  The developer initially offered two units in recognition of the need for housing in the city.  After a lot of back and forth the developer proposed using the $2 million cost of the proposed two units in The Portals for affordable housing in another development to provide “9 or 10” affordable housing units that would benefit more than just two families.  The ANC lent conditional approval to the idea and to continue to negotiate while preserving the two units currently on the table. 

The Week Ahead … Update on Pacci’s & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 18, 2022

The Week Ahead…

Monday, December 19

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space 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 agenda: 

  • 9th/K Streets, NE, pedestrian fatality. The DDOT Vision Zero team will discuss the fatal car crash that killed a pedestrian in November 2022 and actions to prevent additional fatalities.
  • 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue, NE, project (traffic calming/protected bike lanes). Will Handsfield from DDOT will discuss final design.

Tuesday, December 20

ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm to set the agenda for the January meeting of the full ANC6B.

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

Neighbors for Justice invites residents to send virtual letters to our neighbors in the DC Jail.  Tuesday in the deadline.  The website makes it easy to download a form with guidelines on what to write about.  

  • Help let the 1,500 men and women in the jail know that we are thinking of them this holiday season and help provide some encouragement during what has been a very difficult year with lockdowns, mistreatment, and inhumane conditions at the jail.
  • Neighbors for Justice was founded in August 2020 by neighbors who live a few blocks from the DC Jail and wanted to do more to support our neighbors at the jail during COVID and beyond.

Go here:  https://neighborsforjusticedc.org/send-a-virtual-holiday-letter-campaign-to-our-neighbors-at-the-d-c-jail/

Wednesday, December 21


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

 

 

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Mott’s Winter Wonderland Attracts a Crowd – Photo Essay

A family poses for a photo with Santa.

Mott’s Winter Wonderland Attracts a Crowd

by Hilary Russell

Posted December 18, 2022

Local investors in Mott’s Market, 233 12th Street SE, are making sure that the location continues to bring the community together and offers needed resources.  On Saturday, December 17, “Mott’s Winter Wonderland” provided family photos with Santa, hot cider, Christmas treats, gift-wrapping services, a toy-donation box, and opportunities to buy Christmas gifts and baked goods from local vendors. Visitors seized the chance to tour the opened-up market space and the two-bedroom apartment above, both available for rent.

The outdoor pop-up market featured local vendors.

A fund-raising poster flanks a table groaning with Christmas treats.

Tours were available of the building’s interior.

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Out and About – Kingman and Heritage Islands

Kingman Island shoreline.

Out and About – Kingman and Heritage Islands

by Elizabeth Eby

Posted December 14, 2022

In need of post-Thanksgiving exercise my partner and I walked to Kingman Island.  We didn’t expect much given the time of year and late afternoon sunlight.  But it was fun.  It was so quiet we could hear our footsteps as we crossed the wooden bridges.  We saw a gigantic beaver, ducks, a variety of grasses, and a splendid Bengal cat wearing a harness and exploring with his human.

It’s a good destination for a winter nature walk suitable for adults and children.  If duck and beaver viewing isn’t sufficient incentive for the kids, there is a large playground and restrooms at the nearby Fields at RFK.  Checking the tide on a Kingman-tide related websites may add another dimension to further a child’s interest in the hike.

Wide angle view of the bridge.

Getting There. You can park in RFK Lot 6 near the Ethel Kennedy Bridge (AKA Benning Road Bridge). Or take the Metro. Kingman is between the Stadium/Armory and Benning Road stations. A short downhill walk from Lot 6 leads to the road sign in the parking lot that directs you to the Anacostia River Trail.  The Trail runs between Kingman and the Wharf .  It is designed for bikes, pedestrians and is wheelchair accessible.

The Anacostia River Trail.

A little History.  In 1742 the Anacostia was a deep tidal river and wetland with a commercial seaport in Bladensburg.  But grasslands and forests were quickly cleared as the populations grew. By 1840 unchecked erosion filled the river bed and closed the port.  Eroded soil formed huge mud flats covered with American lotus, lily pads, and wild rice.  It sounds ideal but human waste from local sewage systems was drained into the Anacostia and the area became a breeding ground for disease bearing insects.  Malaria became so prevalent that the US Surgeon General got involved.  With his help civic groups petitioned Congress to fix the situation.

Enter the Army Corps of Engineers.  Under the direction Col. Dan Christie Kingman in 1898, the Corps created the recreation area by dredging the Anacostia.  Drying out the mud eliminated the public health danger and provided material to create Kingman and Heritage Islands.  The restored area is named for Col. Kingman who died before the work was finished.  Ideas for developing the island included a major effort to develop a children’s amusement park but money and lack of parking killed those ideas.  Ownership was eventually transferred to DC in 2021.

Grasses in ceramic planters.

Grasses have long served humans as food, shelter, vessels, clothing and musical instruments throughout history. Today, one species, phragmites australis, is a case history of how a plant becomes invasive.  Stalks are sometimes as thick as 20 stems per foot.  You have probably seen their gigantic plume-like blossoms in roadside wetlands.  Each plume contains thousands of seeds that sail in the wind.  They are rapidly replacing other grasses, native plants and wildlife by absorbing nutrients and space.  They pose a fire hazard and block access to the water for wildlife and humans.  They are next to impossible to eradicate without chemicals.

DC and the non-profit Living Classrooms together manage on-going conservation efforts on the island.  Clearing dense mats of wild honeysuckle and other brush that block access to the river bank for erosion management is an on-going battle. 

Living Classrooms (https://livingclassrooms.org/programs/kingman-heritage-island / ) is active in Baltimore and DC.  They are a great resource for information, activities and educational programs ranging from job training for adults to watershed and Invertebrate exploration for families.  They also host canoes for public use.  Volunteers are invited to participate in clean up days posted on the website.  Activities include clearing brush and planting seeds in the newly cleaned up areas.

A walk to Kingman might make a good end to a day of holiday excitement.  Have a wonderful holiday and may 2023 be packed with happy trails.

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.

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The Library of Congress Scrubs the Oculus Project

The Library of Congress Scrubs the Oculus Project

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 13, 2022

Last Sunday, Capitol Hill Corner reported that sources say that the controversial oculus project is dead.  The project had envisioned removing the central circulation desk in the Main Reading Room to make way for a 24 foot oculus affording visitors a view of the interior dome from a new Orientation Gallery on the floor below.

Capitol Hill Corner has confirmed that the oculus project has been cancelled.  According to Brett Zongker, Chief of Media Relations, LOC, some changes to the plan to make the LOC a friendlier visitors’ destination were necessary due to “budget overruns and a suboptimal design that has emerged from the design process.” 

In a November 14, 2022 letter to Senator Roy Blunt, Ranking Member of the Committee on Rules & Administration which oversees the Library, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said:

“Preparations are underway to create a new 8,600 square foot orientation gallery… The Library recently received the final design plans with associated budget and schedule requirements for the oculus feature proposed as a centerpiece of the Orientation Gallery. Several changes required during the construction design process resulted in a significantly less impactful and engaging outcome, including the addition of fire safety equipment that reduced the size of oculus from a diameter of 24 feet to 16 feet. At the same time, the cost for the feature escalated considerably, and the Architect of the Capitol estimated that they would require additional time to complete construction for the Orientation Gallery, based on the final oculus design plans.

The suboptimal design, significant increase in cost, and unacceptable extension of the entire project’s timeline led the Library to make the difficult decision to eliminate the oculus from the Orientation Gallery plans. The Library’s leadership will move quickly to develop a new approach that will enhance the Orientation Gallery’s design, while minimizing the budget and timeline impacts on the overall project.

While we are disappointed that the new Orientation Gallery will no longer provide visitors with the new and exciting perspective into the Main Reading Room that we initially envisioned, plans for a glass vestibule extending from the Great Hall entrance into the Main Reading Room for visitors will also move forward…..”

The plan, which would have eliminated all – and then part under a revised oculus concept – of the historic central circulating desk in the Main Reading Room drew wide opposition from preservationists.  Recently, The Society of Architectural Historians released a September 8, 2022, letter from the SAH Heritage Conservation Committee to Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla D. Hayden opposing the proposed alterations to the Main Reading Room.  See here: https://bit.ly/3HtWrhY

Zongker told Capitol Hill Corner:  “We will provide updates on the project as the designs are further refined and finalized.”

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The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

Another CBD (read weed gifting) outlet on Barracks Row.  Strawana opened at 427 8th Street, S.E., in the space formerly occupied by the sneaker laundry Sole Wash next to the 7-11.  When it opens across the street, Mother Blossom – where the buildout is underway – will be the second CBD/weed gifting outlet on the 400 block of Barracks Row.  There are several CBD/weed gifting outlets on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on the 500 block and the 1100 block.  Last April, the City Council voted down a proposal to close down weed gifting shops. Some councilmembers said gifting would move to a harder-to-monitor delivery service while others decried stifling entrepreneurship.  Those who voted against the bill (which fell one short of the 9 votes needed for emergency legislation) were Silverman, George, Henderson, Robert C. White, and Trayon White. Sole Wash has relocated to The Yards at Eastern Market –700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Suite 2066. 

Here’s a shot from last Friday of the Christmas tree in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress.  You’ll need a timed entry pass to get in to see it.  Go here:  https://www.loc.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/ 

And speaking of which, here’s a shot of the Library’s Main Reading Room and the central desk which is the subject of a controversial plan which would entail removal of the center tower to permit construction of an oculus window giving visitors on the floor below a view of the interior dome of the Library.  One of the LOC volunteers who are present to answer questions said that the oculus project was dead. (Later, a second source told CHC it had been scrubbed a few weeks ago.) In November, The Society of Architectural Historians released a September 8, 2022, letter from the SAH Heritage Conservation Committee to Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla D. Hayden in opposition to the proposed alterations to the Main Reading Room.  See here: https://bit.ly/3HtWrhY

Across the way, here’s a shot of the Capitol Christmas Tree.  This year’s tree is a 78 foot red spruce from North Carolina.  Nicknamed “Ruby” the tree is decorated – according to tradition – with handmade ornaments from residents of North Carolina.

Thursday, December 8, saw the 100th anniversary of South East Library.  The hope was to have the renovation done in time to re-open the Library on the date of its anniversary – but, bureaucratic delays, you know….

Last Thursday was the last meeting of the current members of ANC6A.  The business of the commission was routine and was followed by commissioner comments on the accomplishments of the commission and expressions of thanks from Chair Amber Gove.  When the Commission convenes in January 2023, it will be a 7 members commission (down one seat from the current 8, owing to redistricting) and will be comprised of ANC6A01 Keya Chatterjee, 6A02 Mike Velasquez, 6A03 Roberta Shapiro, 6A04 Amber Gove,  643, 6A05 Laura Gentile, 6A06 Robb Dooling, and 6A07 Stephen Moilanen. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 11, 2022

The Week Ahead…

Monday, December 12

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Public Safety Report.
  • DDOT Updates.
  • Development at 1301 South Capitol Street, SW.
  • BZA Application for 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, The Portals.

Tuesday, December 13

ANC6B 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:

Consent Agenda

  • Letter of Withdrawal for ANC 6B applications for Barney Circle Historic District as the entirety of the application is no longer in ANC 6B.
  • Letter to DDOT on Safety Measures at 9th & I Streets, SE.
  • Letter to DDOT on Traffic Signal for 11th & D Streets, SE.

Presentations

  • Southwest/Southeast Freeway Rehabilitation project.
  • R13 Community Partners Phase II/Bundle II.

Plenary Session

  • Rose’s at Home, 721 8th Street, SE. Class “C” Restaurant License: Request for Stipulated License for Internet Sales, Hours: 7am-12am. 
  • 531 12th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application – Concept Review.  Third story-addition and roof deck garden, new front window well and expanded areaway. 
  • 647 G Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application – Concept Review.  New three-story rear addition.

Wednesday, December 14

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Taqueria Rosticeria Fresca, 701 H Street, NE. Liquor License Application.  Class C restaurant license – entertainment endorsement.
  • Elevate, 15 K Street, NW. Liquor License Application.  Class C tavern license – renewal.
  • Hillsdale College, 219-299 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Public Space Application.  Plaza alterations.
  • Discussion: Metro for D.C – Free bus fare beginning July 1.
  • 301 Florida Avenue, NE. Public Space Application. 115 unit all-affordable housing community development and building projections for proposed affordable housing.
  • FedEx, 300 Maryland Avenue, NE. Public Space Application. Knee wall to 30”. 
  • Discussion: K Street NE, safety issues.  K Street underpass and corridor generally. 
  • Discussion: 3rd and 4th Streets NE – Truck traffic concerns.
  • 775 H Street, NE. Informational presentation, zoning map amendment, change from zone NC-16 to NC-17.
  • 507 Florida Avenue, NE. Discussion of potential BZA appeal of permit to remove cornice and mansard. 

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Brickies Awarded to Save Mott’s Market and to the “Mayor” of 10th Street NE

Mott’s Neighborhood Market LLC President Mike Skinner receives the Civic Pride Award. 

Jerome Jefferies – The “Mayor of 10th Street, NE.”  

Brickies Awarded to Save Mott’s Market and to the “Mayor” of 10th Street SE

by Hilary Russell

At the 16th Annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards at the Hill Center, Councilmember Charles Allen presented inscribed commemorative plaques attached to bricks to the five winners of a very competitive nomination process, along with short videos that highlighted their invaluable contributions to our ward.

Capitol Hill residents turned out in force Wednesday night to celebrate Jerome Jeffries, winner of the Neighbor Award.  Jeffries grew up on 10th Street, NE, and tirelessly looks out for the interests of residents and provides innumerable volunteer services, including raking leaves and shoveling snow.

It came as no surprise to followers of this blog that Save Mott’s Market won the Civic Pride Award.  The complex and ingenious grassroots campaign to save the historic corner store on 12th Street, SE, “…represents the best of what we’re all capable of,” said Allen, noting the importance of small businesses that bring the community together.  One such enterprise, The Queen Vic on H Street, NE, won the Business Award.

Friends of Southwest DC received the Community Organization Award.  Southwest was also represented by Nathaniel “Coach Skip” Green of DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation, winner of the Public Service Award for his outstanding success in engaging youth in sports.

A scene from Wednesday night’s Brickie Award Ceremony at Hill Center. 

The event attracted a wide range of local sponsors, including providers of delicious food and drink for attendees.  The Annual Brickie Awards in December recognize the people and organizations that strengthen Capitol Hill and help to make it a special community.

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Eastern Market Advisory Committee Plans Restructure

Change is coming to Eastern Market.

Eastern Market Advisory Committee Plans Restructure to Focus on Future Health of Market

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 5, 2022

Last Wednesday night, the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), began consideration of a series of restructuring moves prompted by long standing concerns over the future of the Market.  The concerns have been heightened by a growing recognition of Eastern Market’s vulnerability in terms of support from the city owing to erosion of the tax base because of continuing stress in the commercial real estate market.

EMCAC is a community-based advisory body and has no real power re governance of the Market.  The Market is managed by the Department of General Services (DGS), which is not really in the business of running a business, and though DGS’s management has been adequate for the day to day management of operations, the agency itself appears to have little interest in utilizing city resources to invest in the long term financial well-being of the Market.  EMCAC appears ready to step in to fill the vacuum and seems to have the support of Ward 6 CM Charles Allen.

The restructuring proposals came out of a brain-storming retreat on November 9, where EMCAC members and Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson came up with a list of politically and financially feasible actions meant to further the goal of promoting financial stability of the market. 

Several of the proposals were brought up for consideration at last Wednesday’s meeting.  These proposals are part of a larger plan which will be pursued depending on early success of the initial actions. 

The first action EMCAC agreed to was to consider the expansion of EMCAC membership and to reorganize EMCAC’s committee structure.  Currently the Eastern Market statute limits EMCAC voting membership to 11 members.  There is one seat vacant.  The statute allows bringing on new members by a 75% vote of EMCAC but once the 11 seats are filled, new non-voting member organizations can also be added by 75% vote.  According to EMCAC Chair Chuck Burger, this action item will include taking a look at tweaking the law to allow more voting members.  Under the statute, potentially eligible new organizations must be broad-based and long standing in the community.  The committee authorized Burger to seek out potential organizations and submit a list of possible candidates for discussion. 

In conjunction with expanding EMCAC, the committee considered a proposal to re-organize and expand EMCAC’s committee structure.  The need for at least one new committee in particular was cited – an Outreach Standing Committee to manage digital and social media outreach as well as oversee outreach to solicit new EMCAC volunteers.  Burger said he would make recommendations regarding a new committee structure including the establishment of a new committee and detail the responsibilities of each committee by January. 

EMCAC also agreed to a third action, to explore establishing EMCAC as a 501C3.  According to Burger, nothing currently bars EMCAC from going out and raising money, but funds raised go into a city-controlled Enterprise Fund.  Burger said, “If we raise money [for operational costs], we want to control it.”  He said this would require a minor tweak of the legislation, and the committee authorized EMCAC Treasurer Tom Kuchenburg to investigate the possibility of setting up EMCAC as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Further initiatives are expected to be forthcoming, building on the success of the initial proposals.  In addition to the major initiatives above, the Committee also agreed to several other proposals which were generated in the retreat.  Among these: 

  • Obtaining a “seat at the table” to discuss the update of the Natatorium. The city is expected to begin discussions next spring with the issuance of a Request for Proposals for concepts regarding what can be done on the renovation of the city-owned building.   EMCAC wants to insure they have a voice for input, influence and information in the planning process.
  • Creating an Emergency Response Subcommittee to discuss security and safety and examining both the need and the cost benefits ratio.
  • Creating a plaque to honor long time EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder.
  • Investigating the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing leases for the inside South Hall Vendors vs keeping the status quo of no leases.

EMCAC will not meet in December, and will next meet on Wednesday, January 25th.

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The Week Ahead … & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 4, 2022

Enrollment up at Eastern High.  Last Monday night, ANC6B’s Community Outreach Committee held its virtual annual education forum and heard from several principals and officials from Capitol Hill Schools.  Among them was the new principal of Eastern High, Steve Miller.  Miller reported that enrollment at Eastern High continues to increase and is projected to increase next school year:  (2021 – 728)  (2022-2023 – 835)  (2023-2024 –  projected 895).  Miller attributed the growth to “the strength of a lot of the schools feeding into us and as the result of more families choosing to stay on the Hill.”

Among wide range of education and extra curricular opportunities offered by Eastern High:   International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (early college credit in HS), Honors Cohorts, NAF Academy of Health Services (grads are EMT certified), 18+ Athletic teams, E-Sports Team, The Blue and White Marching Machine Band and Lady Gems Dance Squad, and JROTC cadet training.

Since the committee will not meet in December, the night’s meeting was the last for resident Chair Roni Hamilton’s since redistricting placed her residence in Ward 7 as of January 1.

Here’s a photo of Eastern Marker’s North Hall on Saturday afternoon – many street vendors had opted to set up inside owing to the heavy rain earlier in the day.

Some vendors displayed offerings outside the market after the weather cleared in the afternoon.

Kashmir Boutiques at 760 C Street is closing its doors.  The shop opened on July 1, 2021.  

Last week, the Capitol Hill Christmas tree (in the background) nicknamed “Big George” after George Didden, was lit to great fanfare and large crowds.  Meanwhile, a companion tree – ” Little George” – maintains a stately presence near the playground on the NE quadrant of the Metro Plaza.  

The Week Ahead … & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 4, 2022

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

Tuesday, December 6

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • 531 12th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Concept Review. Third story-addition and roof deck garden, new front window well and expanded areaway.
  • 647 G Street, SE. Historic Preservation Concept Review. New three-story rear addition.
  • Motion to withdraw ANC6B applications for Barney Circle Historic District as the entirety of the application is no longer in ANC6B.

Wednesday, December 7

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • 9th & I Streets, SE, Intersection Traffic Study Request – Scott Kratz
  • Community Petition for Stoplight at 11th and D Streets, SE – Joe Howard, 400 11th Street, SE.
  • Speed Hump Request for 300 block of 3rd Street, SE – Eric Monaghan & Frank Avery

Thursday, December 8

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will not meet this month.

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ANC6A 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:

Community Presentations

  • Safety improvements at West Virginia Avenue NE and 8th Street NE & West Virginia Avenue, NE and 9th Street, NE – District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Consent Agenda

Community Outreach Committee

  • Motion that ANC6A honor Edna Jane “EJ” Truax with the ANC 6A Good Neighbor Award at the December 2022 ANC 6A meeting.

Alcohol Beverage Licensing

  • Motion that ANC6A recognize a change in the membership of the ABL Committee, reflecting the departures from the Committee of Ian Stanford (as of 11/1/2022) and Mona Hatoum (as of 12/1/2022), and the upcoming departure of Mike Velazquez (as of 1/1/2023), resulting in an ABL Committee membership consisting of incumbent members Erin Sullivan, Kara Hughley, Joe Krisch, and Mike Velasquez as of 12/1/2022, and Sullivan, Hughley, and Krisch as of 1/1/2023.
  • Motion that ANC6A write a letter of support in favor of Daru at 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of Hill Prince at 1337 H Street NE,for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of Nomad Hookah Bar at 1200 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of Ocean Lounge at 1220 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC 6A take no action with regard to the application of The Pug/Toki Underground at 1234 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of The Haymaker Bar at 1015 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC6A write a letter of support in favor of The Elroy at 1423 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC6A oppose the license renewal application of On the Rocks, at 1242 H Street, NE, unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
  • Motion that ANC6A write a letter of support in favor of Bronze DC at 1245 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application of Sol Mexican Grill at 1251 H Street NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
  • Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application by Cru Lounge at 1360 H Street, NE, for a Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date. Further, that if a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date, ANC 6A write a letter of support in favor of the applicant’s request for a stipulated license.
  • Motion that ANC6A oppose the application by Noble Convenience and Tobacco at 1305 H Street, NE, for a Class A Liquor Store License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.

Transportation and Public Space

  • Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT opposing Chick-Fil-A’s application for a taller fence because the DC code does not allow fences greater than the current 42 inches in public space, and exceptions are only for high-security sites such as embassies.
  • Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting that ANCs receive 30 days notice to review public space applications because ANCs meet only once a month.
  • Motion that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT recommending the installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of 16th and East Capitol Streets, NE and SE, and in that letter it should state that safety reasons necessitating the action are to mitigate crashes, and improve pedestrian, bicycle and student safety in the immediate area.
  • Motion that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting traffic calming or speed for the 300 to 700 blocks of 19th , NE, and in making that recommendation we would also reference various open TSIs for that stretch.
  • Motion that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT recommending the creation of a reasonably-sized loading zone on a portion of the 1500 block of East Capitol Street, NE (north side), recommend loading zone restrictions apply 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and allow the prevailing residential parking permit (RPP) designation with exceptions at all other times, recommend the ANC include in its letter a recommendation to install Zone 6 RPP signs with a 2-hour exception for any remaining curbside parking that is presently ambiguously signed and that is not used for a loading zone.

Economic Development and Zoning Committee

  • Motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the request for special exception zoning and other relief to construct two new, semi-detached, four-story, 4-unit, apartment houses at 1717 E Street, NE, in the RF-1 zone with the caveat that the owner make best efforts to get a letter of support from the neighbor at 1709 E Street, NE.

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Plenary Session: 

Economic Development and Zoning

  • Motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the request for specialbexception zoning and other relief to permit a health care facility for up to 15 persons in an existing, three-story, detached building at 1022 Maryland Avenue.

 

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