Monthly Archives: June 2023

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Committee met.  Committee Chair Commissioner Jerry Sroufe announced Resident Member Eileen Dougherty’s appointment as Vice Chair.  (Photo from the May meeting of the Committee – Sroufe is at left, Dougherty is center, front). Commissioner Frank Avery is at right.

The PP&S Committee is circulating among its members a draft letter to city officials in support of the proposed Virginia Avenue Corridor Vision Plan via a public space permit from DDOT, to include improvements in Virginia Avenue and the area under the SE/SW Freeway where 2^nd Street intersects Virginia Avenue just south of Garfield Park. The letter could be on the agenda for the July ANC6B meeting.  Here’s a link to Capitol Riverfronts vision plan:  https://ctycms.com/dc-capitol-riverfront/docs/underpass-vision-plan.pdf

It looks like the owners of the former Tandoor Grill on Barracks Row at 419 8^th Street have spruced up the façade of the For Lease building with an enlarged city scape photo.  (An alert reader points out the signage indicates the photo was provided by the Capitol Hill BID – an earlier version credited Barracks Row MainStreet.) The conditions outside the front of the building had become pretty nasty what with the bird droppings and such, adding another layer of distress to the forlorn building. 

The ANC6A Transportation and Public Space Committee met Tuesday night to consider Commissioner Roberta Shapiro’s Capitol Hill Sidewalk Survey. (Shapiro is top row, center.) Among the revelations:

• 473 households responded to sidewalk survey.
• 305 respondents reported that they or a member of their household fell in the community over the past two years – many experienced multiple falls.
• 263 injuries were reported and 114 required medical care.
• 105 were younger than 40.

The Committee unanimously voted to request the city council to commission a formal assessment and a plan for systematic maintenance and replacing if necessary, dangerous sidewalks in the ANC6A, 6B, and 6C area to achieve a safe pedestrian friendly environment. 

Whither building Biker Barre?  Word on the street is that a new lessee will open up a dance studio in the space at 738 7^th Street, SE, which hosted Capitol Hill’s first barre studio.  As of now, it’s only word – CHC has not been able to confirm. 

The Interior Life at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art.  The curators found the theme of the show in the words of James Baldwin in Nobody Knows My Name:  “Though we do not wholly believe it yet, the interior life is a real life and the intangible dreams of people have a tangible effect on the world.”  From the National Gallery’s website:  “Baldwin highlighted the power of people’s interior lives, specifically those of artists, to move our world forward.”   The painting above is Paradise for A Tourist Brochure, by Freddy Rodriquez.  The exhibit runs through September 10. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 25, 2023

Tuesday, June 27

ANC6A Alcoholic 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 Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for Substantial Changes to its existing license.
• Discussion of application of Providencia, 1321 Linden Court, NE, for a Class C Tavern License.

ANC6B will hold a virtual Executive Committee meeting to set the agenda for the July meeting of the ANC.

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

Wednesday, June 28

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

Items on the draft agenda:  

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS 

150th Update  

Up Date Strategic Plan 

Emergency Response Update 

TENANTS COUNCIL COMMITTEE  

CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE 

MARKET OPERATIONS COMMITTEE 

REPORT OF THE MARKET MANAGER 

CHAIR REPORT – PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW, UPDATE & COMMENT 

• DGS Response  
• Market Public Safety Update (Bollards, Strategic Plan, Emergency Response)
• Report, Ongoing/Past Actions 
• Proposals for Market  
• Concierge Staff Program 
• DMPED Officer Funding Inquiry 
• Police & Self Training 
• Camera/Speaker (Interior / Exterior) 
• Expand Scope and Membership in Establishing an Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee 
• Establish Incident Report System and Protocol 

COMMUNITY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS 

EMCAC STATEMENTS AND MOTIONS

Thursday, June 29

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe is hosting an in-person neighborhood meeting to discuss illegal use of residences as business offices on Thursday, June 29, at 7:00 at the 700 Pennsylvania Building

An earlier version stated this would be a meeting of the 6B Parks and Public Spaces Committee.  CHC regrets the error.  

Saturday, the community celebrated the annual and the designation of the Peterbug Shoe Academy as a Historical Landmark. The Academy and Buchanan Park were so honored for its architecture and history in November, 2022. 

The Ladies of Distinction, wearing their distinctive pink blazers, hosted a tree planting ceremony to spotlight Lady Bird Johnson’s commitment to the Beautification Program under which Buchanan Plaza was created in 1968.  After the purpose of the Plaza faltered in the 1970’s Peterbug Matthews picked up the mantle and established his Shoe Academy to continue the work of improving inner-city neighborhoods.  The Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was established in 1964 as a non-profit educational and humanitarian organization.

Ladies of Distinction leaders pose with Peterbug Matthews.  From left to right:  Lady J. Allison Riley, Lady Karen Cherry, Lady Hope V. Ruffin, Lady India Gray, Lady Dolores Brazil, Lady Michelle Smalls, and Lady Pauline Hunter. 

Ladies of Distinction and Peterbug participate in the ground breaking for the tree planting.

A high five from an appreciative parent expresses gratitude for entertainment skills. 

Peterbug Matthews, community leader, activist, mentor and inspiration. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Peterbug Matthews Day

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 19, 2023

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, June 20

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting 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: 

• Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. Mr. Mohammed Dahir, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Project Manager, and Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT Program Manager will provide and update on the Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project and address community safety concerns with related contractor work. A representative of Washington Gas will also attend to address community concerns.
• Maury Elementary School Parking Zone application. Jason Meggs, DDOT School Parking Zone Program Manager and Maury Elementary School representatives will provide an update on the application for daytime permits for Maury staff to park in Residential Parking locations in 6A.
• Vision Zero streetscape hardening. Mr. Othman Chebli of the DDOT Vision Zero Team will provide an update on streetscape hardening at 13th Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE, and at 11th Street, NE, and East Capitol Street.
• Ward 6 Sidewalk Survey and Traffic Safety Investigation data. Commissioner Shapiro will report on the results of the survey and the results of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests pertaining to Traffic Safety Initiatives.
• Pedestrian concerns in 6A. Cheryle Adams, Ward 6 Representative, Pedestrian Advisory Council.
• Public Space Permit Application Commissioner Dooling will present the permit application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.

ANC6B Parks And Public Spaces Taskforce will hold a public meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, June 21

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: 

• 721 H Street, NE. Zoning Application:  Proposed map amendment to rezone the property from NC-16 to NC-17.
• 1207 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse
• 1216 Constitution Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.   Request for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 1244/1246 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for a Special Exception to construct a side and rear addition, and permit a fast food establishment use, to an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the NC-14 zone.

Mezeh’s construction team members assess buildout requirements for the new fast casual restaurant.

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill Coming to 333 PA Ave SE (Formerly Roland’s)

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 15, 2023

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill hopes to open in September in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s convenience store at 333 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, according to the firm’s construction manager.  The store will be the latest in the Mezeh’s chain of more than 40 fast casual restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region. 

Mezeh specializes in fresh food and natural flavors, made from scratch in-house daily with 100% olive oil halal protein, no hormones, no preservatives, and or additives. The restaurant targets young health conscious professionals, 21 – 45. 

The most popular menu item is “create your own bowl” with some 65 toppings that fits any diet – vegetarian, vegan, Keto, gluten free, etc. 

“Mezeh” is the company’s twist of a host of similar Eastern Mediterranean words all of which mean some variation of taste, flavor, nibble or small plate. 

Here’s a link to Mezeh’s menu:  https://mezeh.com/menu/

The visionaries behind the chair are Saleh Mohamadi, head chef Steve Walker, and Tai Chiao.  The five- partner organization is based in Annapolis, MD.

Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of DC Public Libraries, gave an update on the closure of Sourtheast Library to ANC6B on Tuesday night. The image depicts a cross section through the rendering of the renovated library.

SE Library Closure/Interim Services Update

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 15, 2023

Executive Director DCPL Reyes-Gavilan appeared before ANC6B Tuesday night to provide an update on the closure of SE Library as well as what interim services will be available during the estimated tw0 year library renovation project.  

Here are the take-aways:

Closure

• Gavilan: SE Library Closure targeted for this summer, but “I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.”   
• Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023.
• There will be one final community meeting prior to the building’s closure to discuss all issues related to the project.
• DCPL will give approximately 6 weeks’ notice prior to the closing.
• The construction team will start after 6 – 8 weeks of building closure. This provides time for move out, mobilizing the construction team, putting up required site protections, interior abatement and selective interior demolition.
• DCPL and the Design Build teams continue doing pre-construction work, responding to comments and reconciling sub-contractor bids

Interim Services.

The main go-to for library collections and services will be NE Library:  (20 minute walk, 10 minute bus ride via the 90/92 bus from Pennsylvania and 8^th Street.  Additional NE Library services include:

1. Two weekly morning story times, one weekly Todler Explorations program, and one weekly “Not a Box” play party.
2. SE school engagement – outreach, class visits, etc.

Laptop computer and printer/scanning services will be provided at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center several days a week starting in the new calendar year.  At present, no books, videos, audio books or book pick-up/drop-off services are planned for the Arthur Capper Center.  Estimates are that up to a dozen laptops will be available at the Center, as well as the services to two staffers – “digital navigators.”  (Afterward, the ANC unanimously voted to urge DCPL to provide drop-off/pick-up services at Arthur Capper.)

Other interim services at non-library locations:

• Weekly Story Time at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue
• Outdoor programming in Turtle (Marion) Park and EM Metro Plaza
• Adult Book Clubs at Little District Book Store
  • Travel Fiction Book Club (monthly)
  • BookTok Book Club (monthly)
  • Travel Fiction Book Club (monthly)
  • BookTok Book Club (monthly)

The former Frager’s Hardware finds a new life in day care.  The blue building at 1323 E Street, SE, is morphing into a day care center.  The owner, John Weintraub, found a tenant who in the view of neighbors is a welcome addition to the community.  A current ANC6B application to rezone the building into residential has been put on hold, even though it appears that a day care center would qualify a legitimate use of the site after rezoning.  The ANC doesn’t want to muddy the water until the new enterprise has its Certificate of Occupancy. 

Work is already underway inside the building and the build out for the former occupant – Door Dash – has been pretty much demolished.

Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 15th and East Capitol, NE, is in trouble with the neighbors who say blatant noise violations are upending their quality of life.  Councilmember Charles Allen has requested the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration to investigate the alleged violations.  And three ANCs – 6A, 6B, and 7D – are piling on, considering a letter requesting action against the management  because  they allegedly violated their Settlement Agreement.  The issue comes up in the ANC6B meeting on Tuesday night.

PA Avenue’s new Bike Lanes will be open by month’s end.  Last Wednesday, DDOT Project Manager Greg Matlesky told ANC6B’s Transportation Committee, that Phase I of the PA Avenue Southeast Project will be complete by the end of June.  He listed the remaining work:

• Add bike lane barriers to remaining blocks in East Bound direction
• Add correct handrail opening at bus platforms
• Install trench drain at 7th Street and PA Avenue, SE
• Install pavement markings on boarding platforms.
• Now traffic signal configuration
• Bike Lane Close signs removed

Phase II from 13th to Barney Circle schedule will begin in 2025.

The Capitol Lounge served its last drink in September of 2020.  The current owners – The Conservative Partnership – want to close the alley behind the legendary bar to create what will likely become event space for the organization’s new headquarters comprised of several buildings in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Frank D’Andrea told the Committee at its June meeting last Tuesday that the Conservative Partnership’s legal reps have agreed in principle to community benefits to compensate the community for privatizing public property.  The committee unanimously agreed to a motion to set up a subcommittee to consider the application to close the alley and consider all issues related to the application.  The ANCs are advisory bodies and can only make recommendations, but city regulations require city agencies to give those recommendations “great weight.”  In this case, the DC City Council will ultimately decide the fate of the alley closure.  The Conservative Partnership is led by former South Carolina Senator Jim Demint, Chairman; and former White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, Senior Partner. 

Friday evening The Too Much Talent Band took over the Eastern Market Metro Plaza with their high-energy explosion of jazz, funk, and rhythm & blues.  If you missed it, they’ll be back in two weeks according to Brian Ready, Barracks Row MainStreet Executive Director.  If you want to know more about them, go here:  https://toomuchtalentband.com/

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

Monday, June 12

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Public Safety Report
• Presentation:  Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
• Presentation:  Department of Licensing and Consumer protection
• DDOT Update
• ABC Report

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Introductions – New Members
• Discussion – City 911 System
• Identify agenda items and potential Expert/Guest speakers for next meeting

Tuesday, June 13

ANC 7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

To join the meeting – which will be on Zoom – find the link here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation:  Brian L. Schwalb, Attorney General, District of Columbia

Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS)

• Presentation: Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray
• Presentation: Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) [pending]
• Presentation:  Lead Free DC – Stephen Akyereko, DC Water
• Presentation:  DC Public Library Rosedale Project. Martha Saccocio, DCPL

New business

• Special July Meeting for Q3 QFR Adoption
• Adopt Revised ANC 7D Bylaws (Commission) 10 minutes
• Consideration of a Resolution or Letter Concerning Parkside Development.
• Consideration of a Letter to DC Department of Energy and Environment (DDOE) concerning Playground Application.
• Motion to send a letter of support concerning BZA #20921 (Hill East).
• Motion to adopt ANC 7D Resolution re: Installing Left Signal at C Street, NE, at 21st Street, NE Pipestem/Oklahoma and Conducting Area Traffic Study.
• Motion to send letter of support to DOB/DOEE re: Apogee Farms/Rosedale Urban Farm.
• Motion to send letter of support to DC Historic Preservation Board (HPRB) re: Proposed Eastern High School Historic designation #23-08.  

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Consent Agenda – TBD
• Presentations:  DDOT Presentation on 8th Street SE Bus Priority Project; Andrew Grinberg, DDOT Transportation Planner.

New business:

• Extreme Pizza, 520 8^th Street.  Consideration of application for an Entertainment Endorsement for Tavern License. 
• National Democratic Club (NDC), request to amend the existing SA to increase the hours of operation and sales, service, and consumption of alcohol. Current: Mon-Fri: 11:30am – 1:00am.  The requested hours are:  Sun-Thur. 7:00 am – 2:00 am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00 am. 
• 202 10^th Street, SE:  Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached two-story with basement.
• 202 10th Street, SE:  Historic Preservation Application to construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached two-story with basement.
• Consideration of application of LLC affiliated with the Conservative Parnership proposing closing the NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762 behind the former Capitol Lounge.
• Discussion on Progress of Rezoning of 1323 E Street, SE, the former Frager’s Hardware.
• Resolution on Better Bus Visionary Network (including 96 bus route).
• Report for the Southeast Library Task Force.
• Report for the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force
• Resolution Supporting SYC/W6MA 4th Annual Back to School Bash at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
• Report for the Special Committee on Public Safety.
• Report for Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.

Wednesday, June 14

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

To join the meeting, go here:

Among items on the draft agenda:

TBA

Thursday, June 15

Friends of Kingman Park will hold an in person and a virtual meeting at 7:00pm at St. Benedict’s the Moor. 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://fokpdc.com/event/fokp-community-meeting/?instance_id=455

The ANC6B Task Force met Monday night at Southeast Library

Council Approves Funding for SE Library Interim Services

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 5, 2023

Monday night, ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn told the ANC’s SE Library Task Force, that CM Charles Allen reports that the city council had approved $191,000 for interim library services at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center.  SE Library is scheduled to close sometime this summer for a two-year renovation.  The funding is intended to pay for two support staff, computers, and a printer and it appears there is some flexibility in how the funds will be used, depending on what the community wants.  Sobelsohn chairs the Task Force. 

Locating interim services in the Arthur Capper Center will also work to benefit Ward 8 Navy Yard residents who have been pushing for their own library, according to Sobelsohn.  CM Trayon White  chairs the council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs. 

The Task Force has been pushing for a near-by interim services library location rather than acceding to the DC Public Library’s suggestion:  “Use Northeast Library.”  Various locations were considered and proposed to Allen, but the only one which caught his attention was the Arthur Capper Rec Center, given that it is already owned by DC; it has space, utilities, auxiliary staff and security.  Allen was dead set against renting commercial space for the interim site.

Task Force members Raiford Gaffney and Susan Sedgewick visited the site and identified suitable space on the second floor which is currently unused.  The center is a 15 minute walk from the Marine Barracks and it is near a Circulator stop. 

The Task Force agreed unanimously to a motion by Commissioner Frank D’Andrea to recommend to the full ANC that it pursue the Arthur Capper Center for interim library services.  The full ANC meets on June 13, when Sobelsohn will ask for support for a letter of support to city and library officials.

In other news from the meeting:

• Commissioner Frank D’Andrea reported on his analysis of the DCPL construction design/construction contract with Whiting-Turner. The contract specifies a two-year construction process but start and completion dates will have to be negotiated after the design element is complete.  The contract does not get into specifics regarding construction management decisions.  The treatment and management of the site plan is yet to be formulated and will be an internal approval process by the Department of Buildings.  Decisions on staging and parking are potentially problematic and the ANC will have a voice in representing the community as issues arise.  The project manager will come from the ranks of DCPL.
• DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan is tentatively scheduled to appear before ANC6B’s virtual monthly meeting on June 14, to discuss the library renovation and the impact on the community. Residents hope for answers to two top concerns:  when will SE Library close, and will patrons be able to check out and drop off books at the location? 
• Susan Sedgewick, representing Capitol Hill Village, stressed the importance of receiving assurances on access to interim services for seniors and others with mobility issues and on making sure there is a commitment by the contractor to a rodent abatement plan during construction.

Thursday afternoon, Eastern Market, circa 3:30pm.  Senator Bernie Sanders waits for his sandwich to come up at Canales Delicatessen. 

Here’s how to get your sidewalks fixed:  Scott Price, representing the Capitol Hill Village, appeared before ANC6C’s Transportation Committee last week as part of CHV’s effort to improve safety of Capitol Hill sidewalks. 

CHV is launching an effort to help residents get their sidewalk s fixed.  Send pictures and addresses of sidewalk hazards to chvpedestriansafety@gmail.com   CHV will report to 311 and follow-up

Separately, ANC6A Commissioner Roberta Shapiro is conducting a survey sponsored by ANCs 6A, 6B, 6C and Capitol Hill Village to collect resident experiences with hazardous sidewalk conditions resulting in falls or injuries.  The data will be used to inform a request to DDOT to improve sidewalk safety conditions.  The survey takes only a few minutes:  https://forms.gle/31FceiB4kGHDdUhA8

The Barracks Row Pride Weekend Kick Off led DC into Pride Month and CM Charles Allen held his community office hours in “as you are” on Friday afternoon.  The bar bills itself as “A safe space for LGBTQIA+ in Washington, DC, a café/bar/dance boutique.”  The space was formerly occupied by District Soul Food and before that, Banana Cafe at 500 8th Street, SE.

Next Thursday, representatives of the Conservative Partnership will come before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee to press their case for closing an alley behind the former Capitol Lounge, which is now part of a complex of buildings on the 200 block on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which comprise the new HQ for the organization.  Closing the alley would permit construction of an outdoor event space behind a re-opened restaurant formerly the Capitol Lounge.  ANC commissioners are talking about what community benefits to tie to the proposed closure. 

Also on Thursday, 6B ‘s Planning and Zoning Committee will discuss John Weintraub’s application to change the zoning of the former Frager’s Hardware at 1323 E Street, SE, reportedly from commercial to residential/mixed use.  Door Dash was operating its delivery service there, but ran into opposition from irate neighbors and city restrictions on the parking lot and sidewalk obstruction.  Any other retail operation would likely face the same issues, leading to the proposed zoning change. 

And from Friday night’s Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro, here’s saxophonist extraordinaire, Herb Scott. 

The Week Ahead…And Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 4, 2023

Monday, June 5

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet.  Details TBA.

The ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold an in person meeting in Southeast Library, lower level, at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:

• Report on the DC budget .
• Capitol Hill Village’s Susan Sedgewick’s report on a leading site for interim services while the library’s closed.
• Commissioner D’Andrea’s analysis on the SE Library renovation contract.
• Vote on picking the Task Force preferred choice for an interim services site.
• Preparation for the upcoming appearance at the June ANC6B meeting of Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director, DC Library.

Tuesday, June 6

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE; Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License, Application for an Entertainment Endorsement.
• National Democratic Club (NDC), 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 – 1:00 am.  The requested hours are:  Sun-Thur. 7:00 am – 2:00 am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00 am
• Discussion on new Cannabis regulations and licensing. Update on city-wide ANC Commissioner Caucus discussions. Major points in Chair Jayaraman’s testimony at the June 7 public hearing.

ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet.  Details TBA.

MPD First District Citizens’ Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting from 6:00pm – 7:15 pm                                                                                                . 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://1dcac.com/

Agenda:

• Crime and safety discussion
• Crime Updates for the 1^st District

Wednesday, June 7

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

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3MRDF54

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• DDOT Presentation on Penn/Potomac Intersection Redesign.
• DDOT Presentation on Update on Annual Safety Improvement Plan Projects in ANC 6B.
• DDOT Presentation on Installation of Commercial Loading Zone in the rear of Frager’s Garden Center.
• DDOT Presentation on Pennsylvania Avenue Bike Lane/Bus Lane Project.
• RM Kruger on DDOT’s Freight Plan Update/Traffic Enforcement Oversight Hearing.
• Resolution on Better Bus Visionary Network (including 96 bus route).

ANC6C Planning and Zoning Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet.  Details TBA.

Thursday, June 8

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation: 

• Paul H. Smith, DC Taxpayer Advocate, DC Office of Tax and Revenue, Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Consent Agenda

Transportation and Public Space

• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT that references all previous Traffic Safety Inputs (TSIs), as well as pending TSIs, on the 11th Street NE Corridor (Florida Avenue NE to East Capitol Street), stating that changing the signs from 25 to 20 mph would not be sufficient to ensure safety, and that ANC 6A would welcome more engagement from DDOT and a comprehensive safety analysis of 11th Street based on the safety walk that ANC 6A had conducted with DDOT, addressing a more extensive length of 11th Street NE rather than only the 11th Street and Constitution Avenue NE intersection.
• Recommendation: ANC 6A write a letter of support of the DDOT streetscape permit application for 1101 H Street NE.

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 202 10TH Street SE Project. Zoning Adjustment Application. To construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 202 10th Street SE Project. Historic Preservation Application.  To construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• Alley Closing in Square 762 Project: Closing NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762. Between 2nd & 3rd Street SE, Pennsylvania & C Street SE. (Square 762)
• Discussion on Progress of Rezoning of 1323 E Street SE

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet.  Details TBA.

Saturday, June 10

• Friends of Southeast Library will hold a Book Sale from 10:00am until 3:00pm. SE Library, lower level. 

Sunday, June 11

Annual Capitol Hill NE Neighborhood Concert

Capitol Hill NE Neighborhood will partner with Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW.org) to host the annual Jazz concert.  This year’s concert will be on Sunday June 11th at 11:30am.   It’s free.  Please register via the following evite link to and learn general details about the event. This event is open to all. http://evite.me/DKxdyqetjs

This year’s concert will feature a local saxophonist, Jonathan Yanik.  Yanik is part of the US Navy band and he will be performing with his quartet. https://www.yamaha.com/artists/jonathanyanik.html

This is a free event but will also be a fundraiser for the musicians and CHAW.  All contributions will go directly to both parties.  https://chaw.org/

Similar to years past this will be a potluck style event, please consider bringing a dish and beverages to share with the neighborhood, come enjoy, and let’s ring in this beautiful summer together.

This is a dog and kids-friendly event and is open to all. Please feel free to invite your friends even outside the neighborhood.

639 A Street, SE

All that is left of 639 A Street, SE – the front facade – exterior and interior view.

 “Embarrassed” Historic Preservation Board OK’s Rebuild of Illegal Demolition

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 2, 2023

Last March, Capitol Hill Corner reported the illegal demolition of the Historic District townhouse at 639 A Street, SE.  On Thursday, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) considered the historic compatibility of the developer’s proposed reconstruction of the townhouse.  At the end of the hearing, HPRB Chair Monique Heath called for the vote:  “All right then – holding our nose – all those in favor?  All those opposed?  The motion passes 4 – 0.” 

The project is being developed by an LLC owned by real estate agent Jessica Bachay and her husband.  Last year, they hired architect Jennifer Fowler and contractor Manuel Acosta to carry out the city-approved plans to partially demolish the 19^th century townhome and add a cellar and a two story addition.  In the process, the scope of the work was exceeded, the house was demolished (except the front façade), tarps were erected, a stop work order was issued, and apologies were made. Thursday, the Preservation Board sanctioned the new plans, moving forward the rebuild.  But, as comments and actions during the hearing show, it was embarrassing.

HPRB, the ANC Commissioner in whose single member district the project resides, a representative of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society and nearby neighbors are all skeptical of the contractor’s claim that he undertook the additional demolition on his own without consulting the architect, Jennifer Fowler or  Jessica Barchay, the owner. 

The contractor, Manuel Acosta of MAAC Construction, explained how the additional demolition occurred:  He testified that when doing the approved demolition they tried to keep the portion of house supposed to be preserved but “found the wood not useable – rotted.”  And for the safety of the crew he made the call “to remove those.”   He said it was easier to “build and do it new instead of preserving and then rebuild.”  He added, “I didn’t make the call to the architect or the engineer and we proceeded to the demolition and complete the work.”  Later in his testimony, Acosta said, “It was my call here…the issue is…protocols.  If you find something not right, you have to go to the owner and architect.  I didn’t think about that – that was the issue.  We try to preserve as much as we can.”  

Board member Gretchen Pfaehler, Architectural Historian, said that when she looks at the photos and how the pictured joist “is all jagged, that does not look like a rotted joist to me – that looks like something that got hacked or cut or overcut, but it does not look like it’s rotten, and so it’s a shame because once it’s gone it’s gone forever.  This should not fall on the shoulders of the inspectors; it falls on your shoulders as a contractor and the architect working with you.” 

Acosta said, “I know pictures show (the wood) was basically not completely rotten but it was in bad shape.  I always take pictures and … when I showed up on site and saw the demolition – from my perspective this was creating a big impact on this house – it looked bad – the cost of material may be more but I always want the best for my client. “

Pfaehler interrupted Acosta, telling him he was not really helping himself by continuing to talk, “You’re just making matters worse.”   She added that, in the end, the owner is responsible, “regardless of their ability to understand…it’s just a shame that were here at this juncture and talking about this now.” 

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, in whose single member district the project lies, was highly critical of both the developer and the process.  Stressing that his comments were his own and not an official statement of ANC6B, Sroufe said:  “I am discouraged by the loss of yet another historic building on A Street,* and angry because of the apparent willingness of those given the responsibility for historic preservation to consider the loss of historic homes as acceptable.  To state, as a top official unfortunately has said, that the tear-down was “unfortunate” is to equate a planned action by individuals with a natural disaster, perhaps a fire caused by lightning. The loss of this building was the result of intentional actions made by individuals working within the framework of historic preservation; it is not unfortunate – it is wrong and disturbing….I am dissatisfied that there is apparently no investigation of instances of this type beyond assurance by the contractor that the action needed to be done.”

Sroufe went on to say, “Also, many find it difficult to believe the explanation that a building contractor working in the Capitol Hill Historic District – in existence since 1973 – and working with an established architect, simply was unaware of preservation procedures and went ahead with a demolition on his own.”

Sroufe offered three suggestions:

• Increase substantially the penalty for demolition without a permit. Four thousand dollars is a totally inadequate disincentive for demolition.** 
• Investigate the circumstances leading to demolitions without a permit. This should precede consideration of any application necessary to carry forward a project.  It is not sufficient to assess a penalty and move forward.
• Inspectors from HPRB should pay more attention to projects involving contributing structures in the Historic District while they are underway. Perhaps more inspectors are needed to move away from the present passive system of inspection that relies on neighbors calling problems to their attention.

Beth Purcell, Chair of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society told the Board, “We deeply regret the demolition and loss of fabric on this 19^th century building which…cannot be replaced.”  She said that the revised proposal is consistent with the Historic District, then added:  “Mr. Acosta’s testimony left me wondering whether there was a plan or possibility of removing the façade or front exterior which is the only fabric remaining from the 19^th century house.” 

 Several neighbors who live near 639 A Street spoke up in opposition to the scale of the project and the process which they felt had failed them.  Among them was Enise Han, who neighbors credited with alerting them and city officials to the developer’s transgressions. 

Bachay, one of the property’s owners, told the board she was embarrassed and upset and had “worked with Jennifer and Manuel” with the best intention of following the plans.  Despite the fact that it is her and her husband’s LLC that is developing the property, she said it was their intention to live there with their three kids. 

HPRB Chair Monique Heath said, “I understand why people are frustrated – I am frustrated by this and other cases like that … but that’s not what’s before us today….Taking it upon yourself to demolish existing fabric and not salvaging is not a process that is acceptable.  We’re in this unfortunate situation of having to approve the rebuild and – given the circumstances – I think that is the acceptable recourse.”  

Pfaehler reiterated her opinion:  “This action is inexcusable.  It puts us in this embarrassing position where we have to approve this solution which is compatible, but it’s embarrassing to the process, to the staff at OP (Office of Planning) and the inspectors who put in so many long hours and so much professional integrity…. So it’s a shame.  It’s a real shame.” 

Board member Carisa Beatty said, “I wish I could vote against this but I realize that doesn’t get us anything.” 

Chair Heath concluded, saying she agreed with Commissioner Sroufe that penalties should be greater:  “I don’t know what they are…but they should be significant enough so they should be a real deterrent.”

Asked to comment, Councilmember Charles Allen told Capitol Hill Corner: “If the penalty is intended to act as a disincentive and it’s not working, it clearly needs to be higher.”

*In February, 2021, at 326 A Street, SE, there was a similar tear-down of an entire historic building that went well beyond what was authorized in the permit. 

**Violations of the preservation law and building code are subject to a $4,068 civil infraction fine for failure to obtain or stay within the scope and conditions of a building permit and that fine may be yet be levied as part of the ongoing enforcement action which is separate from HPRB consideration. 

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met in Eastern Market’s North Hall last night.

Eastern Market on track to receive $200,000 Events DC grant

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 1, 2023

Last night, Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson, reported to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) that market management has received an award letter from Events DC for a $200,000 grant – half of the amount applied for by Eastern Market Main Street to fund the nearly-year-long ongoing celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the Market.  Margeson said he is “waiting for clarity” on what the funding can be used for, but part of it – some $12,000 – will be used for banners for the Market’s exterior.  Funding for programming Market events will likely be shifted to start on November 12, the anniversary of the Market, and continue through the holiday season and into the new year. 

In other news coming out of last night’s meeting:

• EMCAC Board Member Jackie Krieger – the Mayor’s appointee – was elected Vice Chair.
• Chair Chuck Burger opened a discussion regarding the areas of responsibility of the six new EMCAC Subcommittees (Events, Outreach, Web and Technology, Capital Improvements, Operations, and Budget). Burger said he intends to put out a call for volunteers through the city’s media outlets to cast a wide net and bring as many interested residents into the process as possible rather than just relying on near-by neighbors.  (One of those outlets will be Capitol Hill Corner.)
• Ann Blackwell, Executive Director of Eastern Market MainStreet has resigned to become Executive Director of Dupont Circle Main Street. EMMS will begin a search for a successor.