Monthly Archives: April 2023

Friday night, Capitol Hill Village hosted its 2023 Gala and Fundraiser – A Night of Mystery – at St. Mark’s Church.  The mystery involved Solving the Murder – Who, When, How – from among the six suspects who attended the Gala in costume and character.  The Gala – the first since February of 2020 – also celebrated CHV’s 15th Anniversary.  The proceeds support CHV programs helps older adults navigate the opportunities for aging in place.  Through the efforts of volunteers, members, partners, and staff, CHV provides services and programs that promote the well-being of older adults in the community.  For more information on CHV and membership, go here:  https://capitolhillvillage.org/

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met last Wednesday in a conference room at 700 PA Ave, having gotten bumped from Eastern Market North Hall by a wedding.  Brian Pate, Chair of the 150th Anniversary Committee, told EMCAC that a decision on an application for a $400,000 EventsDC grant for funding the 150th Anniversary has been delayed again with no indication on when decisions on grant applications might be made.  Eastern Market Main Street applied for the grant earlier this year and were optimistic based on the enthusiasm with which the application had been received.  EMCAC planners have begun to assess how to mitigate the potential lack of funding by scaling back expenditures to new Market signage, historical lectures and tours, and a major event in November.  EMCAC Chair Chuck Burger suggested that EMCAC and community stakeholders might consider a community fund raiser to support the Anniversary. 

On Saturday afternoon, April 29, the very active local effort to reopen Mott’s Market on 12th Street, SE as “a revitalized corner market and community hub” featured members and friends of the Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian (HCSC) Music Ministry.  This “Motts Legacy Event” offered copious free treats and testimonies about Mott’s, including fond memories of buying penny candy there decades ago.  The event also collected donations for HCSC’s Food Pantry on East Capitol Street and promoted the purchase of inscribed bricks that will help fund the renovation. One purchaser said she will inscribe the name of her father, who grew up on Walter Street in the 1920s. Photo and caption: Hilary Russell

The Folger Library reopens Friday, November 17, following a three year, $80.5 million renovation project.  The Library will feature two new exhibition halls, a learning lab, new gardens, social gathering spots inside and outside the building, a café and gift shop.  Performances will return with the Folger Theatre and Folger Consort.  Season announcements will follow.  For more on the Library, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/

The Library of Congress Opens Floor of Main Reading Room to Visitors.  The LOC has begun a pilot program – through September – to allow visitors to visit the grand Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building.  A designated portion of the floor of the Main Reading Room is open for visitors to view from 10:30 to 11:30am and 2 to 3pm on Tuesdays through Fridays.

Visitors will also be permitted to view the Main Reading Room on Thursday evenings as part of Live at the Library, when the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours from 5 to 8pm.  Happy hour drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the Great Hall at that time.  

Visitors during regular visitor hours, including Live at the Library, must reserve free timed-entry passes.  Due to strong interest and limited capacity, those with timed-entry passes are not guaranteed access to the floor of the Main Reading Room.

The number of visitors allowed in the space at one time will be restricted.  Visitors may take photos of the space, but flash photography is not allowed. Visitors may not photograph or video researchers or staff.    For more on visiting the Main Reading Room, go here:  https://bit.ly/3LK5u08   For timed free entry passes, go here:  https://loc.gov/visit

Here’s Triple Candie’s May installation in their exhibit space in the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  For more, go here: http://www.triplecandie.org/  

The Week Ahead … & Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 30, 2023

Monday, May 1

The Bach Consort’s final Noontime Cantata takes place on Monday, May 1st at 12:10 pm. Free.  St. Mark’s Church, 301 A Street, SE.

Tuesday, May 2

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

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3AK6Dy4

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Lola’s, 711 8th Street, SE. Application for an Entertainment Endorsement for existing Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License. 
• Mason & Greens, 400 8th Street, SE. New Application for a Retailer’s Class “B” Full-Service Grocery Store license. 
• I Egg You, 517 8th Street, SE. New Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license.
• Democratic National Committee, request to amend the existing Settlement Agreement to increase the hours of operation and sales, service, and consumption of alcohol. Current: Mon-Fri: 11:30 am – 1:00am. The requested hours are: Sun-Thur. 7:00am – 2:00am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00am.
• Discussion about an organized process for handling ABCA cases within ANC 6B.
• Discussion on new Cannabis regulations and licensing.

Wednesday, May 3

ANC6B May 2023 Transportation Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3Hq7eZB

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on Penn/Potomac Intersection Redesign.
• DDOT Presentation on Infrastructure Hardening in 6B.
• DDOT Presentation on Relocating and Standardizing Commercial Loading Zones in Barracks Row.
• Capitol Hill Village Pedestrian Safety Advocacy.
• Capitol Hill Sidewalk Survey (https://forms.gle/9QWiSCyWb3LrZwqG9 )
• Metro Better Bus Visionary Network (https://betterbus.wmata.com/comment/ )

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

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

Among Items on the draft agenda: 

• 407 3rd Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application for concept approval for alterations and rear addition to an existing two-story row dwelling.
• 300 M Street, NE. Zoning Application of LCOR for a PUD modification, styled as a modification of consequence, for revisions to two conditions in the PUD order: 
  • Condition B.8.d – This condition required a $25,000 contribution to Playable Art DC, a District government-led placemaking initiative focused on urban art installments. The Playable Art DC program has been de-commissioned and is no longer in operation.
  • Condition B.8.e – This condition required a $50,000 contribution to WMATA in order to install two additional fare gates/turnstiles at the NoMa/Gallaudet Metro Station. WMATA does not have any current plan to add the turnstiles and would not accept the funds.
  • The applicant proposes to replace these conditions with the following:
  • Contribute $75,000 to the NoMa Business Improvement District (“BID”) to support placemaking improvements in and around the 200 and 300 blocks of M Street, NE and the 100-300 blocks of L Street, NE, including the public space at grade and the elevated railroad tracks and Metropolitan Branch Trail, with such improvements including: ground-plane artistic elements; wall art celebrating the NoMa neighborhood; bicycle play infrastructure; and/or similar improvements as developed in coordination between the NoMa BID and ANC 6C.
• 1232 4th Street, NE. Zoning Application of 1232 Shift Cubed Partners, LLC for a consolidated PUD with a PUD-related map amendment from PDR-1 to MU-9 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.

Thursday, May 4

ANC6B May 2023 Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/426jBC6

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Request for Oversight by Council of DOB Vacant Building Enforcement.
• 706 15th Street, SE, Project. Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a rear deck addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 12^th Street SE, Project. Historic Preservation Application to add a third floor and roof deck to an existing two story row house and construct and to add a second story/accessory dwelling unit to an existing garage structure in the RF-1 zone.
• Alley Closing in Square 762 Project. Closing NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762. (Square 762, Abutting Lots 842, 843, and 823). Between 2nd & 3rd Street SE; Pennsylvania & C Street SE.

ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda not available at press time.

Friends of Southeast Library will hold their May in-person meeting at 5:30pm at Southeast Library, Lower Level. 

Agenda:

• Discussion of the second Saturday Book Sale
• Report from SE Neighborhood Library Branch Manager Julia Strusienski

Friday, May 5

Live! on the Hill Presents: CHESS – Free Play Fridays. 

• FREE Play Chess, Fridays 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
• For more, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-on-the-hill-presents-chess-free-play-fridays-tickets-590110545527

Saturday, May 6

Live! on the Hill Presents: Fitness in the Park  

• Onelife Fitness and Barracks Row Main Street have teamed together to offer Fitness in the Parks – a series of FREE outdoor fitness classes, 10:00am. (Through July 29)   Eastern Market Metro Park (near the playground), Pennsylvania Avenue, SE & 8th St SE/ 
• For more, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-on-the-hill-presents-fitness-in-the-park-tickets-619914128847

Sunday, May 7

Video Game Music in the Park, sponsored by Barracks Row BID, at Eastern Market Metro Park on Sunday May 7, from 1-2 PM.  

• Musicians from the Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (WMGSO) will play an assortment of music from video game series like Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario.
• For more, see here: https://www.facebook.com/events/924547535519330/

Ruta launched on Tuesday evening with an unannounced opening. 

Here’s the view early evening on Tuesday, shortly after the restaurant opened. 

Your host, Ruslan Falkov, Director of Operations, wears his country’s colors on his wrist.

Capitol Hill’s Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant Is Open

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 25, 2023

Ruta restaurant at 327 7^th Street, SE, near Eastern Market opened Tuesday night – Washington’s first full service Ukrainian restaurant.  Dinner is served six days a week plus brunch on the weekends. 

Dima Martseniuk, formerly an executive chef in NYC’s East Greenwich Ukrainian restaurant Veselka for more than 12 years will head up the kitchen.  As you might expect, the menu includes the Ukrainian Borscht (beef or vegetarian), pierogi, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage and Beef Stroganoff.  Many of the menu items are gluten free including seldom-served buckwheat.  See the complete menu below.

Hours:

• Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 9pm
• Friday – 5pm – 11pm
• Saturday and Sunday 11am – 10pm
• Monday – closed

Contact:  202 492 7986

For more information and reservations, go here:  https://www.rutadc.us/

The name comes for a Carpathian legend that tells of the “Red Ruta” – a yellow flower that turns a flaming red for a few minutes on the night of the summer solstice.  The legend says that the lucky one who finds the flower and plucks it during those few minutes will find true love.

The space was formerly occupied by the short-lived Newland and before that, the long-time neighborhood favorite Montmartre.

ABRA’s orange Liquor License placards announce the future location of I Egg You on Barracks Row – brought to you by the creative team behind Chiko. The Liqour License Application comes up before ANC6’s ABC Committee next Tuesday.

I Egg You – from Chiko – Will Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 25, 2023

I Egg You is opening soon in the Barracks Row space at 417 8th Street, formerly occupied by Mekki Moroccan Restaurant and before that, by Las Placitas.  The new concept is an all-day breakfast sandwich place which will serve designer brunch cocktails.

I Egg You is the creation of Danny Lee and Scott Drewno – the Fried Rice Collective – that founded the widely acclaimed three Chinese/Korean Chiko restaurants at 428 8th, SE, and on P Street, NW, as well as on Bethesda Row.  They are also behind Anju, the Korean restaurant on 18th Street, NW. 

I Egg You breakfast sandwiches have been served out of the Chiko Barracks Row outlet, but the owners decided that the demand justified opening a new location devoted to breakfast food. 

Here’s a link to the I Egg You menu:  https://www.ieggyou.com/   

And here’s a link with more about Chefs Drewno and Lee.  https://www.ieggyou.com/about

Capitol Hill Artist and Photographer Elizabeth Eby – R.I.P. 

by Larry Janezich

Elizabeth Eby, long time Capitol Hill resident, artist, photographer, gardener, and Capitol Hill Corner contributor died on April 20, from injuries suffered in a fall 12 days earlier.  Her daughter, Carolyn, posted on Face Book: 

“On Thursday, April 20th, we said goodbye to my mother, Elizabeth Eby.  She touched so many souls with her fun,  funky personality, always shaking things up and making you look at them a different way.  She shared her passion for gardening, cooking, and art and so much more with me or anyone who was interested. She will be sorely missed.”

Her longtime friend and partner Ben Richter, posted that day:  “Elizabeth Eby, my dearest friend, life partner and constant companion for the past twenty years, passed away this afternoon due to injuries and complications from a fall twelve days ago.  I am inconsolable.”

In November of 2012, CHC featured Elizabeth’s glass work in the first post of a new series called “Piece of the Story” featuring the work of local artists.  Her work also appeared in CHC posts on art exhibits held by the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, the Capitol Hill Art League, and The Hill Center.  Here’s a link to the first Piece of the Story Post:  https://bit.ly/3AmIltQ

In March of 2022, CHC asked Elizabeth to write a column on items that interested her and she suggested an occasional post for a series called “Out and About.”  She posted and wrote about art, flowers, gardens, and “vignettes” she observed while walking on Capitol Hill.  One of her most popular posts was on the “Acme Mood Indicator” guerrilla art piece on Independence Avenue, SE.  Here’s a link:  https://bit.ly/3wAgvtD  

Elizabeth contributed to the richness and depth of the Capitol Hill community.  She had many friends and colleagues in the Capitol Hill Art Community and was a presence in the lives of many who were better for it.  Rest in Peace, Elizabeth. 

About a week ago, Barracks Row Nooshi morphed into Akeno.  Akeno means “sunrise.” 

The back story, according to Akeno staff, is that the owners of Nooshi had difficulty finding staff for their Barracks Row outlet and decided to consolidate their efforts at their second Nooshi location at 1120 19th Street, NW, in Dupont Circle.  They offered to lease their Barracks Row space to Akeno located in Alexandria. 

Here’s a shot of their roof deck overlooking Barracks Row. And here’s a link to their menu:  https://www.akenosushibar.com/

Sunday afternoon featured a book sale on Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  Turning The Page is a philanthropic non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and Chicago, dedicated to improving the education of public school students.  Part of their fund raising activities includes the sale of used books, CDs, DVDs, & Vinyl.  The organization holds several book outdoor book sales every week in different locations around the city.  Staff says a crew of three or so volunteers set up the sales, transporting boxes of books to the site in rented U-Hauls.  Sometimes it takes two hours or more to set up.  For more, go here:  https://turningthepage.org/

The meeting featured a representative from City Council Chair Phil Mendelson’s office who said that the Chairman would take his lead on supporting interim services from CM Charles Allen.  DCPL is resisting a large expenditure of funds to rent space for an interim facility but might be more flexible with respect to funding interim services in a city-owned facility.  So far, the likeliest candidate for space appears to be the Arthur Capper Recreational Center at 1000 5th Street, SE.  Some ANC6B Commissioners say the rec center would be more accessible for members of the community than the alternative DCPL is suggesting, i.e., using NE Library.  Mendelson’s office will continue to explore possibilities with CM Allen’s Office and DCPL.  The Taskforce will meet again on Sunday, May 7^th. 

Digital Art Installation at K Street NOMA Underpass is operational.  Artist My Ly’s concept speaks to the multimodal community of pedestrians, cyclists, cars and trains the location represents.   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 employs 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.  

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 23, 2023

Tuesday, April 25

ANC6A Alcohol 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 Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Multipurpose License.
• Discussion of request by Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for a stipulated license while its application for a substantial change to its license is pending.

ANC 6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:

• The Executive Committee will meet to set the agenda for ANC6B’s May meeting.

The full ANC6B Commission will next hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm on Tuesday, May 9.

Wednesday, April 26

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold an in person as well and a virtual meeting at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market.   at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE at the Yards Meeting Room on 2^nd Floor.  Please arrive before 7:00pm to assure access.  Important as all will be buzzed into building and elevator.   If you have entry problems, please text 202-258-5316

To join the virtual meeting go here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88683331818?pwd=RG5sakE1ZFRPZ3R2N0xxN1E1UVVzdz09

Among items on the draft agenda:

TBA

Saturday, April 29

Free Earth Day Concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.  The 21st Century Consort returns with “Music for Earth Day” on April 29th. A pre-concert discussion will take place with the performers at 4:00pm in Baxter Hall and the concert will begin at 5 pm.  St. Mark’s is at 301 A Street, SE. 

Southeast Library, 403 7th Street, SE

ANC6B SE Library Task Force Meets Sunday, April 23, at 1:00pm.

The Task Force, chaired by 6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn, will hold an in-person meeting at SE Library, lower level, at 1:00pm.

Among items on the agenda:

• Briefing on the prospects for funding interim SE Library services during the upcoming renovation. Bijan Verlin, staff, DC Council chair Phil Mendelson.
• Discussion of the impact of renovation on neighboring residents
• Discussion of the recent budget hearings of the DC Council’s Library Committee.
• Next steps

Jazz Trumpeter Joe Herrera Photo: Joe Herrera

April 21 Friday Night Live – Jazz at Eastern Market Metro – 5pm – 6:30pm

This Friday Night Live features Jazz Trumpeter and band leader Joe Herrera.  For more on Herrera see the DCist interview here:  https://dcist.com/story/11/03/22/dcist-interview-joe-herrera/

Hosted by the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation and Barracks Row Main Street, in partnership with: the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of Councilmember Charles Allen. 

The Week Ahead…& Photo Essay on Lead Pipe Replacement

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 16, 2023

Photo Essay on Lead Pipe Replacement

DC Water is in the process of replacing the city’s lead pipe infrastructure by 2030.  As work proceeds throughout the city, when DC Water shows up and initiates the replacement the cost on both the public side (to the property line) and the private side (to the point of entry) is paid for by the city.  For most Capitol Hill residences, the front yards are public (though maintained by the residents) and usually extends to the front of the house point of entry.  For some homes, the point of entry is on private property, for example, under the house. 

For those who do not want to wait for DC Water to get to them and want their lead pipes replaced now, the city offers two programs.

Private side only replacement when the public side (to the property line) is already non-lead.  The replacement program uses city funds to provide a free or discounted replacement for lead pipes on the homeowner’s property.  All property owners in this category receive a 50% discount.  Some residents will qualify for 100% coverage depending on household size and income. 

Voluntary full lead pipe replacements.  If both the public and private side are lead, customers can enroll in  the Voluntary Replacement Program.  DC will pay for all work in the public space and the owner pays for work on private property. 

For more on this go here:  https://www.dcwater.com/lead and here:  https://www.dcwater.com/replacelead

Here’s a photo essay on the process when DC Water initiates the process and replaces lead pipes to the property line AND to the point of entry on the private side:

Digging a trench from the street to the house is unnecessary.  Most replacements start with a hole or two in the sidewalk or yard and one at the public side entry point next to the house.  (The contractor restores the surface to the original condition.)

DC Water has a supervisor (at right) on site to oversee the contractor’s work.

This is the “Mole” – the compressed air-powered digging device that is guided by hand along the existing lead pipe between holes.  A rope is attached to the Mole when it is withdrawn, which is then used to pull the copper pipe to the point of entry. 

The replacement copper pipe.

The new copper pipe after installation – the lead pipe it replaces is left in place. 

If the point of entry is on the public side – in this case under the house – the replacement is more complicated.  One of the contractor signals “We got this.” The owner’s dog inspects the work. The contractor restores the work area to it’s original condition. On this block 3 houses out of 20 had lead pipes in the private side.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, April 17

DC Emancipation Day Holiday.  No trash or recycling pickup. 

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

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

Among items on the draft agenda:  (A more complete agenda is usually released on day of)

• MPD Public Safety Report
• Presentation: DPR Programming
• Presentation: May 6 Duck Pond Event
• Race for Hope DC
• Updates on Development, Planning, Transportation

ANC6B Special Committee on Public Safety will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/40g2lZM

CANCELLED

Tuesday, April 18

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space 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:

Update on sidewalk survey

Response to request for speed limit change from 25 MPH to 20 MPH

• Notice of Intent Traffic Enforcement Safety Device: 11th Street between Florida Avenue NE and East Capitol Street
• Notice of Intent Traffic Enforcement Safety Device: 13th Street between Florida Avenue NE and East Capitol Street
• Notice of Intent Traffic Enforcement Safety Device: 14th Street between Florida Avenue NE and East Capitol Street
• Notice of Intent Traffic Enforcement Safety Device: 15th Street between Florida Avenue NE and East Capitol Street
• Notice of Intent for 8th Street Bus Priority Project.  See here:   (https://buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/pages/a9f788c2398f46ba85659809dad85739

• Update: Notice of Intent for Traffic Enforcement Safety Device for 11th Street & Constitution Avenue NE Traffic Signal to Stop with DDOT. 
• Parklet applications on H Street NE:
  • at 1238 H Street NE
  • at 1206 H Street NE

Wednesday, April 19

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:

• Racial Equity Tool. Discussion of the revised DC Zoning Commission Racial Equity Tool, and how it will be used on zoning projects within ANC 6A.
• 721 H Street, NE. Zoning Application. Proposed map amendment to rezone the property from NC-16 to NC-17.
• 1371-1375 H Street, NE: Informational presentation on a residential development concept for the address range 1371-1375 H Street, NE.
• 424 10th Street, NE: Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit.
• 1112 8th Street, NE: Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception from the building height requirements to construct a third story addition to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, flat.

Mayor Bowser joined ANC7D virtually on Tuesday night from Skyland Town Center in Ward 7

ANC 7D’s April Meeting Featured Mayor Bowser

by Hilary Russell

Posted April 13, 2023

DC mayors have rarely graced ANC meetings.  The ability to dial in facilitated Mayor Bowser’s attendance at 7D’s April 11 meeting, where she outlined her almost $20-billion budget proposal now before Council and answered myriad questions.  Her participation may reflect the fact that 7D is a large, new ANC within Councilmember Vincent Grey’s purview, extending from 15th Street on the Hill to the Maryland border and encompassing Reservation 13 and the RFK campus.

A later presentation at this meeting by architects of Phase II of the Hill East Redevelopment Plan for Reservation 13 underlined 7D’s important role with respect to Mayor Bowser’s goal of attracting thousands of new residents and visitors to the city, given that plans includes a Marriott hotel, about 2000 housing units, 60,000 square feet of retail space, and a one-acre central park and playground that will memorialize, respectively, Robert F. Kennedy and Relisha Rudd.  For a timeline and more details on the development of Reservation 13 Phase II see CHC’s December 2022 report here: https://bit.ly/3HRNIX3

The Mayor stated that her budget proposal reflects reductions in city revenues and “cost growth,” but no additional taxes.  She highlighted investments in schools, childcare, infrastructure, and broadband improvements and maintained that her proposed budget fully funds the Police Chief’s request for 4,000 officers and “the whole spectrum” of violence prevention.

Closer to home, she noted that her budget supports another full-service grocery store at the Capitol Gateway at the intersection of East Capitol and 58th Streets, and the streetcar extension along Benning Road.  She acknowledged “tough decisions” on transportation with respect to Circulator buses but didn’t add that the Eastern Market – L’Enfant Plaza route is one of three eliminated by her proposal. And she didn’t reference the prospects for free Metro bus service.

Commissioners posed a raft of questions on community issues, most of which centered on public safety and transportation.  They itemized incidents and complaints, including high-profile shootings and carjackings in specific locations; dangerous intersections (e.g., at East Capitol and 16th); illegally parked and fraudulently licensed vehicles; and a need for more integration between violence interrupters and the “safe-passage” workers attached to schools.

She did not address a question on plans for the RFK stadium and the level of community engagement in this process, though noted later the key role of Events DC and its priorities and promised to meet with a community member enthused about adding a skate park to the campus.

Mayor Bowser was back on the Hill the next morning (Wednesday the 12th), outlining her budget proposal and the goal of increasing DC’s downtown residents and tourists for a gathering in Union Station’s great hall that kicked off Jazz in Bloom, a series of concerts at the station organized by DC’s Office of Cable TV Film Music and Entertainment.  Concert dates announced so far are Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27. Watch this space for more information.

Trey Daniels:  Saxophonist Photo: Trey Daniels

Friday Night Live – Jazz at Eastern Market Metro – April 14 – 5pm – 6:30pm

This Friday Night Live features award winning saxophonist Trey Daniels: soloist, composer and bandleader performing in the genres of jazz, funk, R&B and Hip Hop.  For more info, go here:  https://treydanielsmusic.com