Monthly Archives: February 2023

Saturday morning, the Parasol Patrol and friends numbering about 200 turned out to demonstrate in support of the LGBTO community on the 700 block of Barracks Row.  The event was precipitated by the regular Drag Story Hour brunch at LGBTO-friendly restaurant Crazy Aunt Helen’s where Drag Queen Tara Hoot held story reading time for kids and their parents. 

A similar event last week the Parasol Patrol had confronted anti-LGBTO Proud Boys who were protesting the event.  A large contingent of MPD – dozens of officers – were on hand to keep the peace, and although attendees Tweeted photos of a handful of individuals who the posters claimed were Proud Boys being escorted by MPD officers. no incidents were reported. Inside it was business as usual. 

Drag Queen Tara Hoot interacts with supporters on Barracks Row outside Crazy Aunt Helen’s. Photo: Debbie Curtis.

Sunday afternoon, the ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn (far left), met in Southeast Library with some 20 residents and library stakeholders.  The purpose was to brainstorm and share information, strategize for securing interim services during the two year closure for renovation starting this summer, and find volunteers willing to work on getting those interim services.  Two of the regular library services – Story Time and meeting space for the Book Club – have already found new temporary homes.  The remaining services of concern include a place to pick up and return books, access to computers, printers and a copier, and space for community programs.  Volunteers will investigate the availability of space in the community and research sources of funding.  The group also discussed the special interests of nearby neighbors with respect to the impact of renovation on the community, including construction, staging of equipment and trailers, and rodent abatement.  The Taskforce will hear reports from the volunteers at its next meeting on Sunday, March 12.  An indication of the ANC’s interest in the issue was the presence of a majority of ANC6B commissioners , including Sobelsohn, Jayaraman, Sroufe, Avery, LaFortune, and Marino. 

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee – a photo of a late October 2022 meeting.

Wednesday night, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met in Eastern Market’s North Hall.  Board member Susan Oursler, announced she was relinquishing her seat – which under statute is the slot filled by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society – owing to other responsibilities which she says will prevent her from giving EMCAC proper attention.  CHRS has named Steve Hagedorn to succeed her.  Chair Chuck Burger also announced that Robin Hinson-Jones, representing Capitol Hill Village, was joining the board as a non-voting member.  Burger said he was working on tweaking the statute – which currently limits the number of voting members – to increase that number. 

And Brian Pate, head of the 150th Anniversary of Eastern Market Celebration effort will lead – along with CM Charles Allen – a community meeting next Tuesday night at 7:00pm in the North Hall to solicit public comment on plans for the eight month celebration of the event.  Eastern Market Main Street has filed a request with Events DC for a $400,000 grant to “pre-load” some 3 dozen events and will hear disposition of the request in April.  The start will coincide with the Cherry Blossom Festival.  (For more, see Tuesday, February 28 below.)

On Barracks Row, the former Tortuga Caribbean Bar and Grill is morphing into Playa Ocho (Beach Eight) Cantina.  Might open next month. 

Here’s a detail from another one of Triple Candies’ curious installations in their exhibit space in the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

The Week Ahead (Eastern Market Community Meeting, Electric Vehicle Special Meeting)…& Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 26, 2023

Monday, February 27

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation by HIPS (Honoring Individual Power and Strength) – Chibundo Ewautau and Johnny Bailey.  According to its website, HIPS promotes the health, rights, and dignity of individuals and communities impacted by sexual exchange and/or drug use due to choice, coercion, or circumstance. HIPS provides compassionate harm reduction services, advocacy, and community engagement that is respectful, non-judgmental, and affirms and honors individual power and agency.
• Honoring the late William Outlaw – ANC 6A 07 Commissioner Steve Moilanen

Tuesday, February 28

ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm to set the agenda for the March monthly meeting.  See here for more information:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

• ANC6B will meet next on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:00pm.  See here for more information:  https://anc6b.org/

In person Community Meeting on the 150^th Anniversary of Eastern Market, 7:00pm, North Hall Eastern Market featuring CM Charles Allen and EMCAC Board Member Brian Pate, head of EMCAC’s 150th Anniversary of Eastern Market Celebration effort.

• The community will have an opportunity to provide input for the months-long celebration Eastern Market is planning to celebrate the anniversary.  Some three dozen different activities are being planned and the kick off will coincide with the Cherry Blossom Festival.  The actual date of the anniversary is November 12, 2023

Wednesday, March 1

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

Go here for info on how to join the meeting:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 601 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  Historic Preservation Application.– Revised application of Schmidt Development LLC for concept approval to raze an existing one-story noncontributing building, currently used as a dry cleaner, and construct a three-story residential building.
• 1232 4th Street, NE.  Zoning Application.  Informational presentation on application of 1232 Shift Cubed Partners, LLC for a consolidated PUD with a PUD-related map amendment for the construction of a mixed-use all-affordable residential building with office space and PDR space on an 8,982sf lot at 1232 4th Street, NE.  The applicant proposes to replace the existing industrial building on the site with a ten-story, 105’-tall mixed use building with a penthouse. The building would have 98 all-affordable units at no more than 60% MFI and 20% of the units at or below 30% MFI. The building would also have 314sf of PDR “maker” creative space on the ground floor and a 392sf office space for a nonprofit and/or for supportive services (job training, children/youth programming, etc).
• Zoning regulations rulemaking (ZC 22-25) – Proposed text amendments to BZA and ZC rules.

Thursday, March 2

ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual Special Call Meeting Special Call Meeting at 7:00pm on Electric Vehicles.

To join the meeting, go here:  http://bit.ly/3EEFUpd

Agenda (from former ANC Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg):

• Presentation by CM Charles Allen on Pending EV and E-Bike Legislation.
• Presentation by Thomas Bartholomew on DOEE’s work related to transportation electrification.
• Presentation by DDOT on EV Charging Strategy (pending).  
• Presentation by Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (pending).
• Committee Discussion on Potential Actions – Council Testimony, Letters to DOEE/DDOT.

The Friends of Southeast Library will hold their March in-person meeting on the lower level of Southeast Library at 5:30pm. 

Among items on the agenda:

• The upcoming March second Saturday near-monthly book sale.  Want to help with the sale?  Prospective new members are welcome.  Just show up for the meeting. 

Saturday, March 4

Capitol Hill Art League Show “Environmental Chaos” opens with a reception from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop gallery located at 545 7th Street, S.E. 

• In this show, Capitol Hill Art League artists have created art that speaks to the consequences of environmental chaos on the individual as well as the community, society, and planet.
• The show will display works by the following artists: Anne Albright; Sufie Berger; Tara Hamilton; Allen Hirsh; Jim Huttinger; Camille Kouyoumdjian; Victoria Lakes; Dave Mann; Jane Mann; Rindy OBrien; Nan Raphael; Carolyn Rondthaler; Nafia Syeed: Karen Van Allen; Elin Whitney-Smith; Jan Zastrow; Karen Zens.

Music, Art, & Wine Inside at Mott’s Market – 5:00pm to 8:00pm – 233 12^th Street, SE.

• Art sale featuring local artists.
• Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts
• Live music featuring Michael Yugo (The Mavis), JC Mickenben, and Know Engler. 

For more info or to get involved as an investor, donor or volunteer, visit https://www.mottsmarket.com/

New Residential Development on South Capitol – 1 K Street, SW – Last Monday night, ANC6D heard an informal presentation from representatives of W. C. Smith Development, prior to the ANC’s formal design review of a plan to construct a 13 story 352 unit residential building at 1 K Street, SE, adjacent to the long-time South Capitol fixture, the Skyline Inn.  The plan anticipates 179 below grade parking spaces.  The developer will come back to the ANC for a formal presentation when it is scheduled to go before the Historic Preservation Review Board for design approval.  Here’s a view looking north from South Capitol Street.

As a matter of policy ANC6D regularly pushes for inclusion of additional affordable housing whether projects are required to provide it or not and the ANC did not disappoint.  In 2019, Mayor Bowser announced a goal of building 36,000 new homes by 2025 including 12,000 affordable units.  Here’s a broader view looking north from South Capitol – the US Capitol is visible is faintly visible in the distance.

The project is being built on what is now a parking lot in a D-5 Zone which is exempt from the requirement that new construction of 10 or more units must provide affordable housing.  Commissioner Gail Fast told the representatives, “What you are required to do and what you do do are two different things.”  She urged them to “look inward” and provide affordable housing.

Chair Rikki Kramer told the developers, “I hope you will come around.  I expect you to move closer to our concerns next time [you come back before the commission].” Here’s a view looking southeast with the smaller Skyline Inn in the foreground.

647 G Street, SE – Developer Bojan Peovski of Square Residential Development wants to convert a three floor townhouse at 647 G Street, SE, into a 5 unit condo by digging a new floor ten feet below the building’s English basement.  Neighbors and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society are opposed.  A majority of the ANC voted to support the concept, with the prevailing sentiment seemingly being that increasing the number of residential units in the city takes precedence over historic preservation considerations.  There may be other sub-basement constructions on Capitol Hill but this is the first one CHC has encountered. 

Puppatella – Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza announced in September of 2021 they were opening a new pizza restaurant at 3rd and Massachusetts Avenue, NE, in the former Romeo & Juliet’s.  Not much happened for months.  There has been some recent activity but still no word on a prospecting opening.  Pupatella has five outlets locally. 

Here’s a shot of the line at Angie Brunson’s Blue Iris Flowers in Eastern Market on Valentine’s Day.  Photographer Maggie Hall took this photo about 3:00pm Tuesday afternoon and titled it “Rose Day Line Day.”  And, “Rose Day Line Day” from another angle.

Friends of Kingman Park held their hybrid in-person and virtual February community meeting last week.  The group meets regularly on the third Thursday of the month at St. Benedict the Moor’s Catholic Church.  The Friends heard a presentation on Kingman Island, and reports from Friends Chair Lisa White, ANC7D Chair Wendell Felder, ANC7D Commissioner Ebony Payne (who is also Secretary of the Friends group), and from Eboni-Rose Thompson of the DC Board of Education. See here for more: https://twitter.com/FOKPcivic

At last.  Pacci’s Trattoria on Lincoln Park is open for a “preview.” An official Grand Opening will be announced in the near future. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 20, 2023

Tuesday, February 21

ANC 6A 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 draft agenda: (Ed. Note:  Thanks to the 6A TPS Committee for the clear explanation of agenda items.)

• 8th Street NE Bus Priority Project Update. Yohannes Bennehoff, DDOT Supervisory Transportation Planner, will present the 30% designs for the 8th Street, NE, Bus Priority Project.
• 42nd Annual Capitol Hill Classic 10K, 3K, and Fun Run. Roberta Stewart, Outreach Chair for the Capitol Hill Classic, requests a letter of support for the 42nd Annual Run, and will present race course and logistical details, and answer any questions.
• Public Space Permit Application. Community Members Neale Bergman and Ligia Paina are requesting ANC 6A support for renovation of private property on an existing footprint partially overlapping public space.
• Draft resolution: Calling for Greater Transparency and Action to Address Sidewalk Repairs, Sidewalk Gaps, and Pedestrian Infrastructure. Commissioner Amber Gove will discuss a recent ANC 4B resolution as a template draft resolution from ANC 6A.
• Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE). TPS Co-Chair Shaun Lynch will lead a discussion on DDOT’s ATE process, including a recent incident reporting an RPP violation involving an out-of-state vehicle with excessive outstanding ATE violations.

Wednesday, February 22

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold and in person and virtual meeting at 7:00pm in Eastern Market’s North Hall. 

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87192398587?pwd=NzJ1YVV6Q3c5alBuZHpRVjJycWFldz09

Meeting ID: 871 9239 8587

Passcode: 538967

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,87192398587# US (New York)

+13017158592,,87192398587# US (Washington DC)

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Report of the Chair

• Event Calendar and Improvement in Planning Process
• Strategic Plan Presentation
• 150th Anniversary Update
• Committee Structure
• Progress Updates

Report of the Market Manager

Capital Improvements

Market Operations

Tenants Council Report

Sunday, February 26

ANC 6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold an in-person meeting at 2:30pm in the lower level meeting room of Southeast Library. 

• Community members are encouraged to attend. Since the Library could close as early as June.  The Task Force will discuss the need for interim services during the closure, potential sites and funding for interim services, the impact of construction on the neighborhood, and the potential for tweaking the final renovation design.  

ANC6B held a virtual meeting on Wednesday night. First up on the agenda was a presentation from MPD on Public Safety.

Takeaways from Wednesday’s MPD Public Safety Presentation to ANC6B

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night ANC6B heard a public safety presentation by MPD 1st District Captain Kevin Harding and Lt. Joy Lee.  The meeting had been scheduled prior to the shootings two week earliers at Potomac Avenue Metro Station where Metro engineer Robert Cunningham lost his life while trying to assist a passenger who was being threatened by a gunman.  The ANC began their meeting with a moment of silence in his honor and later in the evening passed a resolution of condolences. 

Takeaways:  MPD 1st District:      

• Has increased its presence at Potomac Avenue Metro Station.
• Has increased its patrols in the areas where shootings have recently occurred – East Capitol and 15th and G Streets.
• Has lost 110 officers through retirements and attrition. Increased MPD presence is being accomplished by paying overtime.  Harding was unable to share insight on why officers are retiring or leaving the force. 
• Has put plans for revamping the operations of the Substation at 5th and C “on hold for now.”
• Checks every Metro bus once an hour. Putting officers on buses is not a good use of resources.
• Statistics show violent crime year to date is down 18% compared with last year (but homicides are up 19% and sex abuse is up 88%).
• Statistics show property crime year to date is up 23% compared with last year (but motor vehicle theft is up 102%).

Commissioners had questions about the operation of the Office of Unified Communication (911 dispatchers), who the Violence Interrupters are and how they operate, and how Safe Passage Programs are established.  Harding and MPD Lieutenant Joy Lee said those inquiries should be directed to higher officials.

ANC6B has resolved to deepen its engagement on public safety issues.  It has established a Public Safety Committee chaired by resident member Lisa Matsumoto which the Commission expects to be MPD’s point of contact for the ANC. 

Here are the most recent statistics from the MPD.  See below and here:  https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/district-crime-data-glance

ANC7D, Chaired by Commissioner Wendell Felder, met Monday night to hear from DDOT Director Everett Lott.

The new ANC7D sprawls from Hill East on the south to the Maryland line on the north.

An Important New Player Gets to Work

By Hilary Russell

Posted February 15, 2003

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D emerged in 2022 from a contentious redistricting process, required by DC law, to ensure populations of all wards are relatively equal in size.  The epicenter was Ward 6’s explosive growth, which necessitated reducing its population by some 20,000 residents.  As the map shows, voters on the west side of 19th Street were relocated to Ward 7, now represented by Councilmember Vincent Gray.  The new ward’s 10 ANC commissioners will thus tackle a host of new challenges flowing from the demolition of RFK Stadium, plans for the jail, the ongoing development of Reservation 13, and extant PEPCO facilities along the Anacostia River.

The February 13 ANC 7D meeting seemed to augur harmonious and productive working relationships.  The main feature was a presentation by Everett Lott, Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), who referenced plans for a streetcar extension along Benning Road; a new Circulator route from Union Station to Deanwood; more car-free lanes and bikeshare stations; and plans to install traffic cameras on buses to support the enforcement of bus-only “red-paint” lanes.  The question period included a critique by Commissioner Brett Astmann of DDOT’s Traffic Safety Input dashboard, along with Commissioner Ebony Payne’s concern that the recent “no-left-turn” sign on Oklahoma Avenue is funneling more traffic onto D and 19th Streets.

Perhaps the most salient part of this meeting was Commissioner Marc Friend’s announcement about five committees to be formed that will directly engage community members across ANC 7D:

• Housing; economic development; economic justice
• Transportation; public space
• Grants; community outreach
• Environment
• Public safety

Capitol Hill Corner will endeavor to report on the work of these committees, whose names may be adjusted.  Of particular interest is how they develop priorities and tackle overlapping issues—for example, the demolition of RFK Stadium. Throughout, the hope is that the 10 new commissioners and these committees will help to negate the thesis that a ward divided by a river or other geographic boundary will not work well.

Mayor Bowser at Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of The Ethel. Photo: Brynn Barnett

The Ethel, at 19th and C Streets, SE. Photo: Elizabeth Eby

Mayor Cuts Ribbon on Hill East’s 100 Units of Housing for the Homeless 

by Elizabeth Eby

Posted February 14, 2023

About 200 people including press and many city officials attended Mayor Bowser’s ribbon cutting ceremony at The Ethel – which will provide permanent supportive housing* for 100 formerly homeless women.  The building, at 19th and C, SE – steps away from the Stadium-Armory Metro Station – is part of the redevelopment of Reservation 13.  The announcement came days before the National Park Service is scheduled to shut down the large homeless encampment at McPherson Square. 

The Ethel is named for philanthropist Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert Kennedy.  Mrs. Kennedy did not attend but her daughter Kathleen Kennedy Townsend did and read a letter from her congratulating the city on the housing and job-training the building will provide.  She talked about her mother’s attachment to the Hill East neighborhood.  Foremost, of course, the stadium named for her late husband and then the Anacostia River.  Townsend said her mother loved attending games at RFK and is still – at 95 – an avid football fan.  Mrs. Kennedy actively participated in Anacostia Rivershed Society activities and clean-up days.  A news story from the 70s featured Mrs. Kennedy pulling up a mud-filled tire from the river bottom and lugging it to shore.  Speaking personally, Townsend mentioned that her mother doesn’t like the name Ethel and has spent the last 20 years making everyone call her Kate.

Here’s a photo of one of the units.  Photo:  Elizabeth Eby

The building hosts 100 spacious one-bedroom apartments each furnished with a kitchen, and a washer and dryer.  Residents will pay 30% of their income for rent and the city will make up the difference between that amount and market value.  The combined rent and subsidy goes to the building owners – Donatelli and Blue Skye.  Amenities include an education center where local organizations will provide programs.  There is also a computer lab, a kitchen for learning cooking and nutrition skills, as well a beauty salon for learning cosmetology and beauty skills.  Residents will also receive intensive case management.  Residents must have a Section 8 voucher but no additional requirements were mentioned.

The Ethel, at 19th and C, SE – steps away from the Stadium-Armory Metro Station – is part of the redevelopment of Reservation 13. 

In 2019, Mayor Bowser announced a goal of building 36,000 new homes by 2025 including 12,000 affordable units.  1,400 of those units were slated for Capitol Hill.

Originally the building now named The Ethel was scheduled to be a mix of market rate and affordable units.  In November of 2019, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development revealed a plan to change the building to 100% low income housing units.  The surprise left Hill East residents with deep feeling of distrust toward the city.  Across C Street from The Ethel lies the 262 unit Park Kennedy luxury apartment complex, 31 of which are classified as affordable under Inclusionary Zoning regulations.

*Supportive housing refers to affordable housing with wrap-around support services for those who are homeless or have disabilities.

What’s going on at the MPD 1st District Substation at 500 C Street, SE?  This afternoon, former ANC6B01 Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk sent an email to MPD 1^st District Commander Tasha Bryant referencing a decision to “drastically shrink the footprint” of the Substation and calling for a pause and a public meeting to hear from the community about the impact of the decision.  Samolyk asked Bryant for a meeting to discuss the matter.  Bryant responded that the Substation is not closing and offered to discuss the matter one-on-one with Samolyk.  Samolyk responded that she understands that the Substation is not closing, but stated that “90% of the patrol officers that reported there are now moving to M street to begin and end their shifts – which will remove their presence from Capitol Hill.”  Bryant replied that that number is “not accurate” and again offered to meet with Samolyk.  Samolyk’s successor, ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery (who Samolyk had copied on the email chain), weighed in later Sunday night via Twitter, saying his understanding is that the Substation will continue to staffed 24/7 and that there may be a plan being discussed to address neighbor concerns about over-parking in the community by asking officers to report for duty elsewhere before covering their normal patrols.  If this is the case, he urged residents to express to the ANC and MPD their preference to prioritize MPD presence in the neighborhood over parking.  Avery has asked MPD to put out a statement clarifying the status of the substation with details of any proposed changes.  The full ANC6B has a previously-scheduled presentation from MPD 1st District Captain Kevin Harding next Wednesday at its February meeting. 

CM Charles Allen and ANC6B Commissioner Matt LaFortune at Thursday’s Public Safety Meeting:  The Public Safety meeting at Chamberlain School, organized by ANC6B10 Commissioner Matt LaFortune with help from CM Charles Allen’s office, featured Allen, LaFortune, Metro Transit Police and representatives from the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.  Discussion focused on ways to improve public safety in the immediate neighborhood, including increased MTP visibility in the area, establishing a Safe Passage site for school kids, and ways to activate the space to increase a sense of public ownership.  Asked for reaction afterward, LaFortune said, “Thursday’s meeting provided a valuable opportunity for neighbors to share their experiences and hear directly from public safety leaders. We’ll continue to work together to make Potomac Avenue Metro a safer and more positive community space moving forward.”

Update on Vybrations:  Also Thursday night, a full ANC6A Commission meeting heard from the owners of the Vybrations – a restaurant proposed to occupy the space at 1123 H Street, NE, formerly the home of the problematic XII Lounge and Touché Supper Club.  Owners Kathon and Karie Van Hook tried hard to persuade skeptical neighbors that their proposed 350 seat vegan restaurant (with non-vegan options) was not going to turn into a club.  In the end, the Commission voted 4 – 1 to support the license application conditioned on receipt of a signed Settlement Agreement.  Commissioner Mike Velasquez voted to oppose. 

Mott’s Market Mardi Gras.  Saturday afternoon, some 50 neighbors gathered to celebrate Mardi Gras and renovation progress at Mott’s Market, 233 12^th Street, SE.  When the market closed last spring, a group of neighbors came together to buy back the building with the goal of creating a revitalized corner market and community gathering spot.

Constrution Progress: Work has already begun on the project by the self-described  “Old Home Experts,” Keil Construction. The renovated market will include about 1,000 f\square feet of retail space and a two bedroom residential apartment on the second floor.  Those who want to find out more about participating in this community project, can email community project managers here:  SaveMottsMarket@gmail.com 

At the Hirshhorn: Four Talks   In 2021, as part of her exhibit The Weather the Hirshhorn invited Laurie Anderson to create a new work on site.  She painted 10 hours a day for more than two weeks to create this remarkable installation taking viewers on a journey through her mind.  Four Talks refers to the four sculptures – a raven, a parrot, a canoe and a shelf. 

The Week Ahead – Photos from the Past Week & What’s going on at the 1^st District Substation?

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 12, 2023

Monday, February 13

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:

• Presentation: DC Office of US Attorney
• DDOT Update
• 807 Maine Avenue Update
• Upcoming races/marches
• March of Dimes
• Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K
• 48^th Marine Corp Marathon
• Purple Stride 5K
• Pride March

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation: Honorable Everett Lott, Director, DDOT
• Establishment of ANC7D Committees
  • Housing/Economic Justice (includes zoning)
  • Transportation/Public Space
  • Grants/Community Outreach
  • Environment
• ANC 7D Bylaws
  • Introduction of Draft Bylaws and Supporting Materials
• Resolution regarding DC State Board of Education and Youth Safety
• DDOT Notice of Intent re public space: 23-1-PSD

Next 7D Meetings TBD, February

• ANC 7D Special Meeting on Board of Zoning Adjustment Application: #20821 (1717 E Street, NE)

Wednesday, February 15

ANC6B will hold a virtual Special Call meeting at 6:45pm and a virtual full Commission meeting at 7:00pm.

To join either or both meetings go here:  http://bit.ly/3YHX4dd

Agenda for Special Call meeting:

• Establish ANC 6B Committees, Task Forces & Working Groups.
• Proposal to Create a Special Committee for Public Parks and Space.

The February ANC6B Full Monthly Meeting will begin immediately after this meeting is adjourned. The meeting link will remain the same for both meetings.

Draft Agenda for the full Commission meeting:

• Presentation: MPD First District – Captain Kevin Harding
• Hill East Burger, 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Request for an Entertainment Endorsement for Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern license. 
• 2023 Capitol Hill Classic – May 21, 2023.
• 732 7th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept review – vertical and rear addition to an existing one-story non-contributing commercial building. Proposed building to be four stories. 
• 4-5 Library Court SE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to combine one tax lot and two record lots in the RF-3 zone. 
• 647 G Street SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Consideration of revised plans regarding basement design and windows.  Concept Review: New three-story rear addition. 
• DDOT Updates:
• 9th & I Streets SE Intersection
• Community Petition for Traffic Signal at 11th and D Streets, SE.
• 19th Street & Potomac Avenue, SE, Corridor Safety Project.
• Incorrect Restoration of 4th St SE / South Carolina Ave Pedestrian Safety Features.
• Letter to DDOT re: ANC 6B TSI locations that did not make the initial list of 200 priorities.
• Letter to DPW re: Virginia Ave bus.
• Upcoming Transportation Committee Meetings – Special Session on Electric Vehicles
• Special Committee on Public Safety – Discussion on Proposed Structure for new special committee
• Southeast Library Taskforce – Discussion on Proposed Structure for new special Committee
• Amendments to Bylaws
• Election of ANC 6B Representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.
• Appointment of ANC 6B Resident Members.
• Election of Committee Chairs.

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning 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:

• 1000 – 1016 H Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for Special Exceptions to construct a new, detached, five-story with cellar and penthouse, 80-unit apartment addition, to existing mixed-use buildings. 
• 915 Maryland Avenue, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Request for area relief  to construct a second story to construct an accessory dwelling unit addition to an existing detached, accessory garage in the rear of an existing, attached, three-story principal dwelling unit.
• Racial Equity Tool. Discussion of the revised DC Zoning Commission Racial Equity Tool, and how it will be used on zoning projects within ANC6A.

The K Street Underpass between 1st and 2nd Streets, NE.

Member of the ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee with Brian Smith of NoMa and Jeff Grantz, Creative Technologies at Design Communications, Ltd.

Artist My Ly at her studio: My Ly Design http://www.mylydesign.com/work

First Look at the Proposed K Street NE Underpass Digital Art Installation

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday night the ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee saw for the first time the digital art installation proposed for the K Street underpass located between 1st and 2nd Streets, NE.  The committee is chaired by resident member Joe McCann, 6C01

The proposal was created by public space artist My Ly, of My Ly Design, a multidisciplinary design practice based in Washington.  The firm specializes in public and private sector projects and has created several installations in the city. 

The technology for the concept was executed by Jeff Grantz, director of Creative Technologies at Design Communications, Ltd, in Boston.  DCL is a leading signage fabricator of architectural specialties – custom signage, integrated digital media, wayfinding and themed entertainment. 

The process leading to ANC6C’s consideration of the proposal was outlined by Brian Smith – NoMa Bid’s Director of Planning & Economic Development – NoMa BID is sponsoring the project.    

• The concept presented to the EPE Committee in April 2022.
• Artist RFQ* was issued in September – and included the ANC Committees’ topeic suggestions: transportation, bicycles, and neighborhood history.  The RFQ produced nine applications, which were narrowed to five from which two finalists were selected. 
• (*A Request for Quotation is sent when you know exactly what product/service you want, and you only need to know the price.)
• Curator: Andrea Limauro
• In December of 2022, artists My Ly and Nekisha Durrett selected for the first two exhibits. Nekisha Burrett’s proposal will be presented at a later meeting of the Committee. 

My Ly explained her concept, saying that the underpass is a hub of circulating patterns, with a train overhead and pedestrians, cyclists, and cars below.  As such, it represents a multimodal community and the goal was to establish art which speaks to that.  The question was how to translate the movement into art.  Ly created an animated layering of colors and shapes depicting vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and train movement as a matrix – projected art that captures the movement through the site.  The installation will employ 12 laser projectors and plays out in a loop-able state which runs over several minutes and repeats.  The light and shapes appear to be moving with the traffic to avoid being distracting.  The apparent motion is timed to travel in 30 to 35 seconds what a car would take 14 seconds in real time.  This is to discourage drivers from racing with the light.   

Here’s a rendering which allows one to see the overlay in the context of the texture of the wall.  Light passes in low gradient wash the lights don’t move but are revealed.   Relative to nature everything moves at the same pace as the movement around it, so to fit into its surroundings.

Time Line:  After consideration and a letter of support from ANC6C, DDOT will have to sign off on the project from a safety perspective.  That will permit the design team to begin installation which will take an estimated several weeks.   

The Committee voted unanimously to recommend the full ANC support the proposal and the full ANC agreed to the recommendation on Wednesday, February 8, by a vote of 6 -0-1.  Commissioner Patricia Eguino voted to abstain, after expressing concerns about displacement of the homeless who might seek shelter under the underpass.    

MPD 1st District Community Advisory Committee held a virtual meeting last night. Among issues discussed was the recent gun violence at Potomac Avenue Metro.

Metro Transit Police Talk About Shooting at Potomac Avenue Metro Stop

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 8, 2023

Update:  5:00pm, Wednesday.  After a Metro employees was killed a week ago, this afternoon Mayor Bowser announced a new public safety partnership between MPD and WMATA that would provide increased police presence at five Metro Stations in the city during the morning and evening commutes:  Gallery Place, Metro Center, Union Station, Georgia Avenue, and Congress Heights.  Metro Transit Police are already maintaining a higher presence – for the time being – at Potomac Avenue Metro. 

Last night, Captain Beau Perrizo, Commander of Metro Transit Police (MPT) District 3, talked to the MPD 1^st District Citizens Advisory Committee* about last week’s shootings at Potomac Avenue Metro Station.  The virtual meeting which provides an opportunity for MPD brass to interact with residents is held monthly. 

Perrizo said MTP was surprised at the recent gun violence at Potomac Avenue Metro because “we don’t usually face that issue.”  In response to the shootings, he said, MTP has detailed a lot more officers to the 3^rd District system by paying overtime.  The increased presence includes plain clothes officers, Special Response Units, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers.  He said that teams of plain clothes officers ride the buses every day. 

Replying to a question from Robert Pittman, President of the 1^st District CAC, about how long the increased police presence at Potomac Avenue Metro would last, Perrizo said that as always, staff is deployed based on crime data and complaints. 

He added, “Transit crime is not often seen in the First MPD District and not at Potomac Avenue Metro Station.  One tragic incident is the reason for increased police presence in this one station.  There is no reason to believe it is an ongoing issue or related to crime in the overall system.”  Near the end of the meeting, he offered a comment that provided additional insight on the shooting:  “Since the pandemic, there are more mentally unwell people in the system and more people on edge.”

The MTP 3rd District includes rail and bus transit including the Branch Avenue, New Carrolton and Potomac Avenue stops as well as the stations up to L’Enfant Plaza.  MTP jurisdiction extends to rail transit, buses, transit facilities, parking lots and to the area within 150 feet of any bus stop – although in the latter case MTP relies on MPD police for street crime. 

Fare Evasion

Perrizo was also asked about fare evasion on Metro.  (The city barred arrests but allowed citations for fare evasion in 2018, and enforcement effectively ceased.  Metro estimates the loss of $40 million annually through fare evasion.  Metro decided to enforce fare evasion by resuming issuing of citations last October.)

Perrizo said, “Metro is always looking for ways to enforce fare evasion but you can’t enforce your way out of the problem.  Metro’s latest position is that they do not want to change the basic look and operation of the fare gates.  Our system doesn’t operate like most systems. Our goal is to allow large numbers of people through small spaces.  NYC turnstiles work because there are so many more stations.  Metro is always looking for a better solution.” 

He made the following points:

• DC is still experiencing a high level of fare evasions – issuance of citations ($50) has increased since Metro began citing fare evaders. There are different fines in different jurisdictions ($100 in MD and VA). 
• The most effective way to keep the system safe is fare enforcement at the gate.
• The lowest incidence of transit crime is associated with highest the level enforcement of fare evasion.
• DC law provides no mechanism for requiring compliance (no arrests) – there is no application for civil violation if a jumper flees, ignores an officer, or refuses to provide ID.

L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station

Perrizo fielded another question about transit crime at L’Enfant Plaza.  He noted that L’Enfant Plaza has its own MTP District – the 2^nd District – which has the largest number of officers in the system.  As a transfer point, more people move through the station.  Many are juveniles and their coming together associated with dismissal from school results in fights, but, he said, there is not a lot of serious crime.  There has been a reduction in disorderly conduct and misdemeanor assaults because there are a lot of officers here.     

Overall, Perrizo said, the uptick in property crime and gun violence is scattered over the system.  Younger adults don’t have anything going for them in life – there are more guns and simple arguments escalate.  He said, “There was a time when juveniles were responsible for most of the crime.  Now, half the crimes are committed by adults.”

According to ANC6B09 Commissioner Matt LaFortune, there will be a community safety meeting on Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm at Chamberlain Elementary School, 1345 Potomac Avenue, SE, for the neighbors around the Potomac Avenue Metro Station.  MPD, Metro Transit Police and others will participate.

*The MPD 1^st D Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) is one of the advisory panels in each police district that provides the district commander with information and recommendations from the community on the public’s safety problems and police service needs.  Regular CAC meetings in each district allow residents to meet and discuss police-related issues with the commander. The meetings also provide an opportunity for police officials to assess the impact of their crime-fighting efforts on the community.  See here: https://1dcac.com/ and here:  https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/citizens-advisory-councils-cac

A makeshift memorial pays tribute to Robert Cunningham, a Metro mechanic who died Wednesday morning at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Cunningham intervened in a hostile confrontation on the station platform with an active shooter to “prevent what could have been another mass shooting,” in the words of a WaPo editorial.  There were other heroes that day who disarmed and subdued the suspect when he boarded a Metro car and threatened to kill more people. Friday morning MPD and Metro Transit Police handed out hot chocolate to Metro riders at the Potomac Station.  That helped to relieve the dread, but not the profound feelings of sadness that enveloped the station, evident even later in the day.  See the WaPo editorial here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/03/metro-subway-shooting-robert-cunningham-hero/  

The current drycleaners and former long-time barber shop at 601 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, kitty corner from Stanton Park, is going residential.  Schmidt Development has a proposal before ANC6C to raze the site and construct a three story residential building.  Since the building is a “non-contributing structure,” (i.e, does not reinforce the cultural, architectural, or historical significance of the Capitol Hill Historic District) there’s no problem with demolishing the building, but HPRB still needs to sign off on what replaces it.  That process starts with the ANC, and ANC6C’s Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee had some problems with the design elements at last Thursday night’s meeting.  The committee voted 7 – 1 against recommending that the full ANC support the plan.  The developers will likely come back to the full ANC on March 8 with tweaks to the design in hopes of winning support. 

There’s considerable activity at the former BB&T Bank at 317 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which appears to be undergoing some expensive interior renovation.  Beyond saying that the site would not be a restaurant, workers deflected questions about the future tenant. 

Signage on the rear wall of the retail outlet could be an indication of what kind or retail is planned. Taste Budz.

Also last Thursday night, the Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) met to elect new officers.   Succeeding long time president Neal Gregory will be Capitol Hill author Robert Pohl (11 o’clock center in black sweater).  Also elected were Vice President Bob Gellman, Secretary Elizabeth Teegarden, and Treasurer Mary Granger.  All were elected unanimously.  ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn was on hand to explain the functions of the new ANC6B Southeast Library Taskforce, meant to help find space to operate during the two year renovation of the library which will close later this year, represent the concerns of neighbors to DC Library, and provide input on any design tweaks that arise.  Community members can hear more on this at Tuesday night’s ANC6B meeting (see below). 

Pacci’s Trattoria keeps teasing the community regarding its opening on Lincoln Park.  The latest is that it will happen this coming week.  Last Thursday, they fired up the pizza oven. 

Here’s a shot of the dining room. 

And here’s Chef Luis Flores – a longtime associate of owner Spiro Goldasis. 

The Week Ahead …& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 5, 2023

Monday, February 6

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee 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:

• The Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Hotel liquor license.
• Ted’s Bulletin, 1005 First Street, NE.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant liquor license. 

Tuesday, February 7

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/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 2023 Capitol Hill Classic – May 21, 2023
• 130 E Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application for a two story rear addition above an existing one-story structure (on a three story house).
• 732 7^th Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application for a vertical and rear addition to an existing one-story non-contributing commercial building. Proposed building to be four stories.  
• 4-5 Library Court, SE.  Zoning adjustment application for a Special Exception to combine one tax lot and two record lots in the RF-3 zone. 

ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee 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:

• K Street Underpass Virtual Gallery – Brian Smith – NoMa Bid’s Director of Planning & Economic Development – will discuss the new gallery installation which is scheduled to go-live in February. The underpass is located between 1^st and 2^nd Streets, NE. 
• Swampoodle Terrace – The Committee and NoMa Bid will discuss how things are going at Swampoodle Terrace, which opened to the public this past October.

MPD 1^st District Community Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting from 6 pm – 7:15pm for an open public safety discussion including updates on gun violence and the recent murder at the Potomac Avenue Metro, with First District Commander Tasha Bryant. 

• Log-in Information: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=m8295cbfc41e8f3f4e9b6f47ba7d7b6a1
• For full agenda, go here:  https://1dcac.com/

Wednesday, February 8

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:

• Discussion of K Street Underpass Virtual Gallery.
• Discussion of Swampoodle Terrace.
• The Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class C Hotel license.
• Ted’s Bulletin, 1005 First Street, NE.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class C Restaurant license. 
• 718 3rd Street, NE.  Public Space Application to replace existing exterior metal/concrete to all metal stairs and stoop.
• The Boiling Crab, 400 H Street, NE.  Public Space Application re trash room design review.
• Report on Buildings Strategic Enforcement Plan. 
• 601 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  Historic Preservation review of plan to raze/ construct new three-story residential building.
• 523 2^nd Street, NE.  Historic Preservation review for rear/third floor addition and rear alterations. 
• 616 Lexington Place, NE.  Historic Preservation application for rear/upper-floor addition. 

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: 

• DDOT Updates:
  • 9^th & I Streets, SE, Intersection
  • Community Petition for Traffic Signal at 11th and D Streets, SE.
  • 19^th Street & Potomac Avenue, SE, Corridor Safety Project.
• Incorrect Restoration of 4th Street, SE/South Carolina Avenue Pedestrian Safety Features.
• Letter to DDOT re: ANC 6B TSI locations that did not make the initial list of 200 priorities.
• Letter to DPW re: Virginia Ave bus.   
• Upcoming Transportation Committee Meetings – Special Session on Electric Vehicles

Thursday, February 9

ANC6A 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:

Presentation:  Vacant/Blighted Properties in ANC 6A – Mark-Anthony Tynes, Account Manager, Office of the Director, the Department of Buildings. 

• Consent Calendar:
  • Appointment of resident members to the Community Outreach Committee: Angelique Dorazio-Sanders, Clare Dougherty, Elizabeth Corinth, Stephanie Myers, Gail Sullivan.
  • Letter to the Department of Public Works (DPW) in support of curbside composting and additional compost drop off facilities.
• Smokin’ Pig at 1208 H Street, NE.  ANC 6A to take no action with regard to the application for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
• Motion that ANC6A oppose the application of Vybrations Restaurant and Lounge at 1123 H Street NE for a Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
• Motion authorizing ANC6A  Commissioners Gove, Chatterjee or Shapiro to testify at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) performance oversight hearing, requesting: 1) improved responses to rising traffic violence, 2) increased transparency in the traffic safety investigation process, and 3) increased automated traffic enforcement and—through the Department of Public Works (DPW)–booting and towing of chronically violating vehicles.
• Motion to appoint appoint Erin Blumenthal (6A02) as a member of the Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) Committee.
• Motion to appoint Ayisha Lockett as a member of the Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee.

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control 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:

• Hill East Burger, 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, NE.  Request for an Entertainment Endorsement for Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License. 

Saturday, February 11

• Friends of Southeast Library hold their monthly second Saturday book sale from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Southeast Library.