Monthly Archives: July 2023

Last Monday, ANC6B’s Subcommittee on Street and Alley Closing met to consider the Conservative Partnership Institute’s request to close the alley behind the former Capitol Lounge. (Left to right, Chair Frank D’Andrea, Commissioners Jerry Sroufe, Chander Jayaraman, and David Sobelsohn.)  If the ANC supports the application, a second question is what community benefits should the ANC ask for in exchange for the privatization of public space.  The Subcommittee will make a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Committee, which will in turn make a recommendation to the full ANC.  The final decision will be up to the City Council. The Subcommittee scheduled another meeting for August 15^th.  In the meantime, they will tour the alley in question with the applicant’s representatives and begin soliciting a list of items to be included in any public benefits agreement. 

ANC6A Public Safety Meeting.  CM Charles Allen participated in the ANC6A Community Outreach Committee Public Safety Meeting last Monday.  He told the some 50 participants in the virtual meeting that his three main areas of concern are the violent crimes involving gun violence, armed robbery across the DC area, and auto thefts and carjackings. 

Allen said, “What we’re seeing is individuals and small groups committing a large number of offenses.  We’re studying not only the arrests but working to address crime on the front end – a both/and approach rather than either/or.”  He said there were special problems with the Office of Unified Command (911 Center) and a shortage of call takers.

Regarding drug dealing hot spots on H Street, NE, Allen said (in response to MPD saying their top priority isgun violence) that the Crime Suppression Team was working to address drug issues, that there recently had been three significant arrests related to drug dealing on H Street, and that he had asked MPD to focus on the H Street problems.

In response to a question related to a perceived decline in prosecutions and conviction rates, Allen said the numbers need to be placed in context, citing an example of multiple individuals arrested when a gun is found in a car and only one charged:  “That could be perceived as a decline in prosecution rate.”  To the claim of prosecutors that MPD doesn’t always bring them cases which can be prosecuted, Allen said part of the problems is that MPD never gets feedback from the US Office of the Attorney General.  He said he was working to put MPD and USOAG in greater communication.

(One avenue for the community to advocate on crime is the monthly meeting of the CAC in each MPD District, where citizens interact with MPD and a representative of the US OAG who routinely attends the meetings.  Here’s the a schedule and access info for the First District Citizens Advisory Council which meets every month:  https://1dcac.com/ )

Last Wednesday’s meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee. Left to right: Robyn Hinson-Jones, Capitol Hill Village; Jackie Krieger, Mayor Bowser’s Representative and Vice Chair of EMCAC; Nikki Dean, Nonfood Vendors Representative; Chuck Burger, CHAMPS Representative and Chair of EMCAC; Gerry Sroufe, ANC6B; Brian Pate, Council Member Allen’s Representative.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee Meeting.  EMCAC met last Wednesday to review an analysis and recommendation for the Strategic Plan, commissioned by DGS to ensure the survivability of the Market.  Many found the plan wanting, providing little more than a compilation and re-hash of proposals which had been floating around for a number of years.  EMCAC members tasked with the analysis were Brian Pate, ANC6C Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, and Jackie Krieger.  The assessment is still in draft form and will be circulated among Eastern Market vendors to bring as many stakeholders as possible into the process.  EMCAC is also circulating a draft letter to city officials urging adoption of measures – beyond the already-scheduled installation of bollards to close the perimeter of the market on weekends – to increase public safety at the market.  EMCAC is also soliciting community volunteers to serve on a newly created Eastern Market Ad Hoc Committee for Public Safety. 

Last Friday night was the Funky Friday Celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of Eastern Market.  Featured were free samples of Atlas Brewery’s Commemorative Beer.  Here’s a photo of thirsty beer samplers lining up on C Street, SE.  CM Charles Allen was present, and later raised a glass to toast the Anniversary.  Other events that night included a silent disco and line and two-step dancing in Eastern Market’s North Hall.

Bitter Grace, Barracks Row Women’s Clothing Boutique at 526 8th Street, SE, is leaving and relocating to Union Market.

Here’s a photo of Crepe Myrtle in full bloom in the park on the north side of the Russell Senate Office Building.  Photo by Marilyn Saks-McMillion. 

It’s a Quiet Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 30, 2023

It’s a quiet week ahead, as civic and community associations take the month off. There are a few meetings near the end of the month. Capitol Hill Corner will continue to report on community events as the situation requires.

Julia Irving, Deputy Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE)

Violence Interrupters and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 28, 2023

Last Monday night, Julia Irving, Deputy Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), delivered a presentation to the ANC6A Community Outreach Committee’s public safety meeting.  She explained how her office works to head off violence in the communities where it is most likely to occur.  The programs offered are under scrutiny during a time when violent crimes are seeing a regional and national increase.  After DC homicides declined 11% at the end of 2022, MPD statistics show a 15% increase through July 28 of this year. 

Irving said that a very small subset of individuals commit a large number of violent offenses in DC (fewer than 300, according to press reports) and her office focuses on those individuals: they identify individuals who are likely to become victims or perpetrators of violent crime who could benefit from additional services. 

ONSE has three programs:  the Violence Interventions Initiative (Violence Interrupters), the Pathways Program, and the Family Survivor Support Program. 

ONSE calls the individuals they try to engage “People of Promise” and their first point of contact is often the “violence interrupters” – whose primary goal is to take the temperature of a community, anticipate conflict, and bring resources to head off trouble.  Violence interrupters attempt to interact with People of Promise (which so far have turned out to be male) and connect them to city services and share with them the different opportunities available.

Those opportunities come through the Pathways Program and include helping participants to find gainful – not transitional – employment related to a goal the individual had in life, as well as stable housing. 

Irving says that The Pathways Program is a nine week cognitive behavioral therapy transformational program.  To illustrate the challenge, she notes, “For most of us, when we have an emergency we pick up a cellphone.  When People of Promise have an emergency – because of the trauma they’ve experienced – they pick up a gun, and that’s how they resolve it.  We’re able to take them from picking up a gun to picking up a cell phone to call somebody in their support network to help them navigate a potential conflict in their community.” 

If someone in the program is in imminent danger, she said, we have the ability to place them in emergency housing and work with the family unit to identify housing conducive to the safety of the individual or family. 

Initially, the Pathways Program participant enters into a subsidized employment opportunity through the Department of Employment Services.  According to Irving, in the most recent cohort of 14 which graduated three weeks ago, 8 have moved into unsubsidized employment opportunities averaging $23 an hour – one in a public school.  Of the 14, 3 have found transitional or permanent housing.  After graduation, the Pathway Program continues to provide support through life coaches and a Brotherhood Circle. 

The Family Survivor Support Program provides support to survivors of the victims of violence; victims without support may become victims again or become perpetrators.  Irving says the office engages with survivors of violence within 24 – 72 hours.  They assist with funeral arrangements (including protection from inflated costs in funeral homes), behavioral health services that are culturally sensitive to victims, candlelight vigils, and emergency moves to safe housing.  If in an individual is in a Pathways Program, ONSE has resources to help relocate victims for 30 days – or sometimes out of state through the Office of Victim Services in the Justice Grant Administration.”

Summing up, Irving emphasized, “We respond to every single shooting in DC.”  Every Tuesday, there is a partnership meeting with the Violence Interrupters, the Office of Gun Violence and Prevention, the Court’s Social Services and the Department of Youth Rehabilitations Services.  There, decisions are made on staffing shootings and figuring out who knows the individuals attached to them.  In addition the group assesses the likelihood of retaliation and decides what resources are needed for the community and for potential perpetrators, victims, and families.  Irving summed up, adding “Through collaborative efforts we’re able to intervene in the violence.” 

In the most recent budget cycle, Mayor Bowser reduced funding for violence intervention programs in the next fiscal year, questioning their effectiveness. 

Earlier this year, the philanthropy Arnold Ventures funded a four year effort by two Johns Hopkins gun violence experts to study DC’s gun violence prevention programs.  The researchers expect to release preliminary findings in about 12 months.  https://dcist.com/story/23/04/11/dc-violence-interruption-data-effectiveness/

According to Influence Watch, Arnold Ventures is a center-left philanthropy founded by Texas hedge fund billionaires Laura and John Arnold. 

Here are a couple of links related to ONSE. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/04/people-promise-list-missteps-violence/

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/06/08/dc-violence-interruption-audit

July 28 Funky Friday Celebration at Eastern Market Honors the 150^th Anniversary

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 27

July 28 Funky Friday Celebration at Eastern Market

Featuring: 

• Atlas Brew Works Commemorative Eastern Market Beer Tasting: 4pm – 8:00pm, C Street Plaza
• Silent Disco: 7pm – 10pm, C Street Plaza
• DC Rawhides Community Line Dancing and Two Step: 5pm – 9pm Eastern Market North Hall

Attendees can purchase Atlas’ special Eastern Market Anniversary Kolsch Beer on C Street Plaza and receive a tasting map to sip and shop with participating stores offering complimentary sips of Atlas beer.

Participating retailers include:

• Capitol Hill Frame & Photo
• East City Bookshop
• Groovy dc Cards & Gifts
• Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
• Relume
• Rewild

Eastern Market Main Street is preserving our historic corridor, supporting small businesses, and fostering a vibrant, neighborhood serving corridor through public and private space improvements, capacity-building resources, and community events and campaigns. For more information on Eastern Market Main Street, its events, and initiatives please visit easternmarketmainstreet.org or contactinfo@easternmarketmainstreet.org

ANC6A’s Community Outreach Committee, chaired by Adina Wadsworth, held a virtual meeting last Monday night to discuss public safety.

MPD Expects Closure in July 3 Murder of Afghan Lyft Driver on 11^th Street, NE

by Larry Janezich

Monday night, ANC6D’s Community Outreach Committee held a Public Safety Meeting with CM Charles Allen, MPD Lt. Araz Alali, and Julia Irving, Deputy Director at DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.  The virtual meeting was attended by some 50 community members. 

CHC will post separate articles on CM Charles Allen’s comments, as well as on the presentation of Ms. Irving on the work of the violence preventers and the office’s neighborhood engagement programs. 

Here are the main takeaways from the Q&A portion of the meeting. 

• Lt. Alali reported on the status of the investigation of murder of Lyft driver Nasrat Ahmed Yar, US Afghan Interpreter, near 11th and D Streets, NE on Monday, July 3.  Alali said, “I’ve been in touch with the homicide branch.  That investigation is making significant progress and we should be anticipating a closure in that imminently” 
• Alali said he could not discuss MPD’s investigative process in a homicide other than in the most general terms:  gathering evidence, seeking out and interviewing witnesses, and collaboration with the city medical examiner.
• The investigation into the June 4 fatal shooting at the Chick-fil-A in the 1400 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, is ongoing.
• After recent failure by MPD to post alerts regarding several armed robberies in ANC6A, Alali thinks that will be remedied, moving forward. 
• Dysfunction at Sherwood Recreation Center.  CM Charles Allen responded to a question about lack of programming and maintenance at Sherwood Recreation Center.  He expressed frustration with the Department of Parks and Recreation saying the lack of programming a huge problem.  He cited his success in getting funding last winter to get the playground resurfaced and worked to get a contract out but DGS “is so far behind” that they delayed the project until this fall which is prime time for the playground.  He said that we’re not seeing DGS and DPR invest in Sherwood the way they need to and noted that Sherwood is one of a handful of DPR facilities used as hypothermia shelters and that has a significant impact on the community.
• Commissioner Roberta Shapiro added her own frustration at trying to determine accountability for the lack of programming and maintenance at the facility citing a meeting with DPR staff last Friday.  She said she found herself in a Catch 22 bureaucratic situation with nobody accountable.  Programming is do it yourself with nothing for seniors and no arts programs and two hours for small children.  ANC6A wrote a letter to DPR in June, received no response, followed up two weeks ago, and as far as she knew, received no response to that.  Regarding the hypothermia shelter, she said when you ask how they are allocated and for a list of shelters, DPR says it comes from the Department of Human Services, and they both say the Mayor makes the final decision.
• For people in mental crisis, call 911 – if not acute call Department of Behavioral Crisis Response:  202 673 6495

The Slutty Vegan makes advances on H Street, NE.  Last Wednesday, ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee voted to support a special fast food exception at 1244/1246 H Street, NE, to allow  for a proposed popular Slutty Vegan outlet.  The Slutty Vegan chain has been featured in articles in the NYT, the New Yorker, and Forbes magazine. Owner Pinky Cole has established a Foundation associated with the company to pursue a range of broad philanthropic initiatives to empower people of color. Here’s a link to their website and menu:   https://sluttyveganatl.com/

Here’s the the future H Street NE home of the Slutty Vegan. A substantial buildout is planned. The restaurant will be the latest in a new chain of fast casual dining vegan burger restaurants which opened their first outlet in October, 2018 in Atlanta.  Now the restaurants number twelve units in several states with the latest opening planned for H Street, NE.  Since the vote to support was 3 – 1 – 0 (the nay vote based on concerns about parking for delivery and pick up on the heavily-trafficked H Street) the applicants will have to make a presentation to the full ANC at its September meeting.  

New Mixed Use Building for the 1300 block of H Street, NE.  Also last Wednesday, the ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee agreed to support a special exception from a parking requirement for a new mixed use 30 unit residential building at 1371/1375 H Street, NE.  The application comes to the ANC from developer Chris Martin of Martin-Diamond Properties who developed a commercial building on the last empty lot on Barracks Row – the former Shakespeare parking lot at 526 8th Street, SE.  The proposed project has been scaled-back from the planned 50 unit building the developer first brought before the committee in May of 2022.  The six story building will have an expanded first floor retail space for a current tenant – Doggie Day Care – and four 400 square foot junior bedroom units and two one bedroom apartments on each of the upper five stories.  The Inclusionary Zoning component – usually 10% of the square foot residential space – is uncertain, according to Martin.  The vote was 3 – 1 – 0, with the nay vote coming from one committee member who would have liked some of the residential units to be two and three bedroom apartments.  Again, this means that the matter will come up before the full ANC at its September meeting rather than going on the consent calendar for routine approval. 

Last Monday saw the installation of two new banners at the main entrance to Eastern Market.  They celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the Market.

New Retail on the 300 block of 7^th Street, SE.  Zen Renovations, a home renovation contractor and designer is opening an office at 370 7^th Street, across next to Sephora.  According to their website, Zen Renovations “is dedicated to transforming your kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more.”  Here’s a link to their website:  https://zen-renovations.com/

Maintenance of Eastern Market Playground Park.  Last Tuesday, Parks and Public Space Task Force – Chaired by Commissioner Jerry Sroufe – met.  Recent reports of erratic splash pad in the playground area behavior prompted Commissioner Frank D’Andrea to propose a letter to DGS regarding “host of things amiss at the Eastern Market Metro Park.”  The Task Force agreed to formulate a letter identifying issues and urging a regular maintenance plan for the park, noting that during renovation a plan for maintenance of the park came up many times in stakeholder meetings but a commitment was never received from DGS. 

The artworks in the Renwick’s current exhibit – Sharing Honors and Burdens – honor the tradition of making objects honoring Native American family, community, or clan. 

Here’s a piece by Joe Federman entitled Fish Trap.  The beauty of a fish trap he saw on a visit to the Salish Kootenai Community Center some 20 years ago inspired him to create this interpretation from fused glass and metal.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Monday, July 24

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

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the agenda:

• Public Safety Presentations:
  • Lieutenant Araz Alali, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) 1st District.
  • Julia Irving, Office of Neighborhood Engagement & Safety, Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM).
  • Kate Mitchell, Office of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen.

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Subcommittee on Alley & Street Closings will hold an in-person meeting at 6:00pm at Hill Center – 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Alley Closing in Square 762
• Discussion/Overview of Alley Closing Procedure
• Discussion of Applicant’s Memo
• Discussion Regarding if Alley Should Be Closed
• Potential Items for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)
• Next Steps
• Future Potential Alley Closings

Wednesday, July 26

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee holds an in person and virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  North Hall, Eastern Market.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81223899224?pwd=cXhxR05WYTU1eXZlTWVQVHFxQncvdz09

Meeting ID: 812 2389 9224

Passcode: 025924

Agenda unavailable at press time.

Friday, July 28

Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, with Too Much Talent Band

Sunday, July 30

Southeast Library Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at 3:00pm.

Agenda: 

• To continue consideration of efforts to broaden interim services for SE Library during upcoming renovation. 

CM Charles Allen at his community office hours this morning at The Roost.

CM Charles Allen Reacts to Commanders Sale and What It Means for RFK

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 21, 2023

With the sale of the Washington Commanders to the Josh Harris group, a top priority for the new owners will be a new stadium.  It appears that the selection of a new stadium site is wide open with executives going back to the drawing board to on the site selection process. 

RFK is one of some six options, but the site is owned by the federal government and the lease to DC includes restriction on how the land can be used.   

The RFK site is in Ward 7 since redistricting in 2012 (an earlier version of this post said January of this year).   Since January, Ward 7 encompasses Hill East east of 15th Street, thus theneighborhoods lying closest to RFK border on Ward 6 and will feel the effects of any new development on the RFK site.  CM Charles Allen was a strong opponent of a new stadium at RFK when the site was part of Ward 6 and has not changed his opposition. 

At his regularly scheduled community office hours this morning at The Roost, CHC asked Allen for his reaction to the sale and how it might affect the chances for a new Commanders Stadium at the RFK site in Hill East. 

Allen said, “Everybody is pretty excited to see Dan Snyder go, but outside of that I think it provides an opportunity for the whole franchise to kind of reboot for a team that DC has a lot of excitement and nostalgia about.  That still doesn’t mean to me that a NFL stadium at RFK is a good idea.  It is proven and shown that an NFL stadium is not a good development tool; it doesn’t matter how many pretty pictures they are going to show you of buildings and parks and development – it is not an effective tool.  So I still don’t support an NFL stadium at RFK just because you have a better billionaire.  It would require a massive, massive subsidy of your taxpayer dollars that we frankly don’t have.”

Asked for his preference for developing the RFK site, Allen said, “Housing, parks, businesses, retail – it’s right on top of Metro.  I would rather use that kind of Metro where you can get transit oriented development to be an everyday type of use and build more city – build more housing – than something that’s going to be used eight days a year.” 

Asked if he foresaw action within the DC government either to promote or oppose using the RFK site for a new stadium, Allen said:  “Not right now.  I think what you’re going to see is an absolute epic bidding war between Virginia – who has surplus revenue and a Republican governor who would love to yield whatever the NFL wants and I think you’ve got Maryland which already has a stadium and a really compelling story about how to redevelop that entire site in a different vision – and some people in DC who want to throw the bank at it as well.  So I think you’re going to see really big bidding war and that usually isn’t good for the taxpayer.   

Asked what he thought would happen next within the DC government, Allen said:  The first step think you’re go to see and – what I hear will be introduced later today – is that James Comer (Rep. James Comer, Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability) will introduce legislation providing that DC will have a 99 year lease on the site and that is a good thing – in that DC should have control of that land – we want that.  It is my understanding that he is including language which would allow for an NFL stadium.  And that’s not what I want to see there and not what a lot of other people want to see at that site.  I just don’t think that’s the best decision for the city.  But of course, we do and should want control of that land so we can build the type of expanded services and housing that the city really needs.“  (Comer’s bill would reportedly extend DC’s lease for the RFK site for 99 years and allow for construction of a stadium or mixed use development, but would not include a land sale.)

Most residents in Hill East, including those in Ward 7 ANC single member districts west of the Anacostia River, oppose developing a new stadium at the RFK site.  The rest of Ward 7 lying east of the river appear to be more supportive of a new stadium at the site, in part for nostalgic reasons, in part for what is seen as the potential economic benefits for Ward 7.

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe (at left) reported last week – following a conversation with CM Charles Allen at the councilmember’s Hype Café community office hours – that Allen said it will take a cultural change at DOB to affect commercialization of residences.  Now Allen says, Brian Hanlon, the new Acting Director of DOB will make it a priority. 

The new Acting Director of DOB Brian Hanlon is a registered architect with more than 35 years of private and public sector experience.  He worked in District government as the Executive Program Manager at the Department of Real Estate and was the first permanent Director of the Department of General Services (DGS).  He was responsible for $2.3 billion in new construction, renovation, and other capital projects including schools, parks, recreation facilities, office buildings, laboratories, senior centers, police stations, fire stations, and residential shelter facilities during his tenure.   He lives on Capitol Hill not far from Eastern Market. (In an earlier post, CHC mis-identified Hanlon. CHC regrets the error.)

CM Charles Allen Stakes Out His Position on Commercial Use of Residential Properties https://bit.ly/3ryBxIA

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 18, 2023

On Tuesday afternoon, CM Charles Allen said new Department of Buildings Director Brian Hanlon had committed to him that he would make the issue of commercial use of residential properties a priority. 

The statement came in response to an email from Valerie Jablow, community activist and education blogger, who earlier in the day had sent Allen an email signed by ten neighbors who are concerned about the effects on the community when corporations and non-profits buy residential properties and use them for commercial purposes. 

The text of Allen’s email is as follows: 

“I share the frustration of neighbors with the inaction from several of the agencies.  We’ve brought properties up repeatedly to DOB and others with little or no action taken.  Recently, with the appointment of Brian Hanlon as the new DOB Director, I sat down with him to talk about his priorities. I’ve known Mr. Hanlon for a number of years and think very highly of him.  He lives on Capitol Hill and I pressed him on this issue of residential buildings being used illegally.  As a neighbor close to this issue, I urged him to see this as a more serious problem that needs action from DOB.  He committed to me that as the DOB Director, he would make this a priority and I’m going to work with him to ensure that …. I want to hold him to this commitment and I trust that I’ll be able to work in partnership with the ANC on this well.”

In her email earlier Tuesday to Allen, Jablow asked him to “demand DLCP, DOB, and OTR enforce zoning, building, and business regulations and proper taxation for properties reported to them as being used solely for corporate events.”

Adding, “Without your urgent action, we fear businesses will continue to be incentivized to use our neighborhood’s residential properties for corporate activities because it is cheaper than using commercial space in our Capitol-adjacent neighborhood and, as we have seen, there is no effective oversight.” 

That email followed a statement Jablow delivered last week to ANC6C in which she appealed to the ANC to join with ANC6B to “ensure our neighborhood houses are not used illegally as offices or corporate event spaces.” 

Part of her statement follows: 

“Earlier this year, I told you about several houses in our ANC apparently used solely for corporate functions—despite their tax coding as primarily residences.

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) only cared whether the properties were rented out for corporate functions – but they aren’t, because the businesses that use them thusly own them.  The Department of Buildings (DOB) only cared whether the houses were vacant – which is not exactly true, because they are used for corporate events regularly.  And the office of tax and revenue appeared uninterested in possible tax fraud, despite the clear violation of tax coding.

But those properties are hardly the only ones in our ANC that are … inappropriately used by way of exploiting ineffective DLCP and DOB oversight.  So I am here to ask, again, for you to work with ANC6B in demanding that those same agencies define how a corporation “resides” in a house and in ensuring our neighborhood houses are not used illegally as offices or corporate event spaces.

One path forward may be pressing both DLCP and DOB to work with the office of tax and revenue to ensure that tax coding for a property matches its main use – i.e., changing the coding to a more expensive commercial rate….

In response, ANC6C Chair Mark Eckenwiler noted that he had had a number of exchanges with Ms. Jablow about this and said that if there’s unlicensed activity going on that should be addressed. 

Commissioner Joel Kelty said that he thought the issue should be discussed at the committee level, adding that he was “somewhat sympathetic to (Jablow’s) concerns…I feel that many of these uses are potentially running afoul of the zoning regulations and I do actually … understand and agree with her comments on properties being used for commercial use but being taxed as residential property.…” He said he would encourage putting this on the agenda for the next Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development committee at the next meeting.   Eckenweiler, who chairs the Committee, supported Kelty’s suggestion. 

Honey Made Boutique at 727 8th Street, SE, has pulled up stakes for unknown reasons.  A June 25 Tweet announced their last day on Barracks Row, but added, “we will be back.”  In January of 2022, the shop made national news when President Biden stopped in to demonstrate his support of small businesses.  Biden bought a necklace, a sweatshirt and a mug featuring VP Kamala Harris. https://twitter.com/honeymadedc?lang=en

I Egg You has hired well-known liquor license lawyer Andrew Klein to shepherd their application for a restaurant liquor license through the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration.  Last April, the application ran into opposition from the restaurant’s across-the alley-neighbors who are pressuring ANC6B to require the I Egg You to adopt best practices regarding trash, odor and noise management.  The attorney and the ANC went into mediation last Wednesday and ANC6B ABCA Committee Chander  Jayaraman is brokering a meeting between neighbors and the restaurant representatives.  Klein has a take-no-prisoners style of litigating. 

Here’s what I like to think of as the Sherlock Holmes reading nook at Capitol Hill Books, across from Eastern Market.

Eastern Market Lunch, circa 11:00am, draws a mid-July Sunday morning crowd.

ANC6A05 Commissioner Laura Gentile announces resignation.  Thursday night, Gentile announced she was resigning, effective at the end of July.  She said, “It was a difficult decision, but based on a new job and promotion (at EPA) I…just don’t have the time I did before and I’m not able to give the time necessary for this role.”

The Board of Elections will announce the vacancy sometime in August and there will be a special election in September.  Gentile said several folks have reached out to her indicating they might want to run “so there are people who are definitely interested.”

She said, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with all of you – it’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together….It’s been an honor and I’ll be supporting you from the sidelines.”

Here’s a piece by Julie Byrne “Peony Portrait” currently on exhibit in the juried art show at Hill Center.  The artist used colored pencil – a medium not often seen in local shows. 

Here’s some more information on the exhibit which runs through September 10. 

Ward 6 Week – Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22

Here’s a list of this year’s annual Ward 6 Week events:

Tuesday, July 18

• Ward 6 Day Trivia Night at Union Pub, 301 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  7:00pm-9:00pm.

Wednesday, July 19

• Ward 6 Day at Artechouse – Timeless Butterflies Exhibit.  1238 Maryland Avenue, SW.
• Tunes in the Triangle – Concert by Michael Bard’s Duo Caliente.  Milian Park, 499 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. 

Thursday, July 20

• Ward 6 Day at National building Museum – Summer Block Party Exhibit. 
• Ward 6 National Youth Academy Summer Plan.  Free developmental baseball/softball clinic for kids 5 – 12. 

Friday, July 21

• CM Charles Allen holds community office hours at The Roost, 9:00am – 10:30am.  1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
• Friday Night Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza 5:00pm – 6:30pm.

Saturday, July 22

• Lemonade Stand Contest
• Ward 6 Day at Nats Park.  Limited number of free tickets, RSVP by 5:00pm on Monday, July 17. 

Go here for more info and/or to RSVP  https://www.charlesallenward6.com/calendar?utm_campaign=2023_7_11_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=charlesallendc

The Rest of The Week Ahead:

The Week Ahead…Ward 6 Week Schedule & Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 16, 2023

Monday, July 17

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 agenda:  TBA

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Update from the Florida Avenue, NE, project team since the June 2023 ANC6A TPS Committee meeting and subsequent walk through with Commissioner Chatterjee and Team.  (TBC: Mr. Mohamed Dahir, Nandlal Gevaria), Washington Gas.
• 10th and F Street, NE: Request to add raised crosswalks and consider other sidewalk and traffic safety modifications.
• Public Space Construction Permit Application at 1101 H Street, NE.
• Maury Elementary School Parking Zone update and request for comment, (Jason Meggs, DDOT).

DDOT plans to install School Parking Zone Permit Only signage to replace the existing “DCPS Authorized Vehicles” signage on the east side of Maury Elementary, located at 1250 Constitution Ave NE.

• 14th Street and Tennessee, NE, safety walk.

Tuesday, July 18

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

• Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, July 19

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

For info on how to join the meeting:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Resolution of previously heard BZA/HPRB cases.
• 1244/1246 H Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for a Special Exception to permit a fast food establishment use, to an existing, attached, two-story commercial building. 
• 1371/1375 H Street, NE.  Request for a Special Exception to construct a new, attached, six-story with roof deck, 30-unit, mixed use building.

Friday, July 21

• CM Charles Allen holds community office hours at The Roost, 9:00am – 10:30am. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
• Friday Night Live Jazz at 5:00pm on Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 

This property at 214 First Street, SE, next to Pete’s Diner, is a residence which is being used as meeting and event space by Prolegis, a nonpartisan information and policy analysis service. 

Here’s a shot of their first floor.

Here’s their building permit stating the intent to continue use as a single family dwelling – R-3 Zoning.  A DOB inspector who visited the site to check for illegal construction of a wet bar, stage and sound system in the back yard shortly after this photo was taken, apparently did not question the commercial use of the property. 

Illegal Use of Residential Properties for Commercial Purposes Continues to Plague Capitol Hill

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 11, 2023

In late June, ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe convened a community meeting attended by some 25 community members on illegal use of Capitol Hill residences by commercial entities and non-profits.  Sroufe acted on behalf of requests from residents – including a large number living on or near New Jersey Avenue, SE. 

Most of the objections neighbors have regarding this illegal use of residences are quality of life issues, including:

• Use of the properties for events, including breakfasts, dinners, parties and fund raisers.
• Parking by those attending events, including double parking.
• Trash issues including routinely putting out trash on Friday night.
• Having a property on the block, vacant much of the time, often deserted at night, with no permanent occupant.
• Cash offers for purchase, pricing homeowners out of desirable school districts.
• Local restaurants being undercut because of events hosted in residential properties.

The issue is not a new one.  A 1985 Washington Post article cited the illegal conversion of residential spaces in Georgetown and Dupont Circle as well as Capitol Hill.  Back then, complaints came from owners of commercial office space who said they were being undercut by entities who buy residential properties for business purposes because it is so much cheaper than commercial space. 

A DC law passed in 1985 allowed the city to prosecute businesses operating out of residences without living in them as civil offenses, theoretically making zoning violations easier to enforce.  The city was allowed to issue citations and levy fines.  The problem then, as now, is enforcement.  The city appears not to have the desire or the capability to enforce the law.   

417 A Street, SE.

Jeff Gene, a Capitol Hill resident attending the meeting, distributed a spreadsheet of some of the businesses and organizations which have purchased residential properties on Capitol Hill for commercial purposes.  He cited 417 A Street, SE, as being used illegally as business offices by multiple individuals who do not own the property or live in the property.  See others on the list below: 

In an email shared with Capitol Hill Corner, Gene says, “The spreadsheet…shows numerous issues with other organizations in the immediate area.  Most are zoned single family residences, but are being used for other purposes and most without the requisite business licenses….This is clearly a blatant violation of DC zoning laws and residents’ expectations.”

Some of the property owners are not subtle about what they are up to, as at this residence at 415 New Jersey Avenue, SE. 

A representative from CM Charles Allen attended the community meeting, but left after residents expressed their unhappiness with what they perceived as Allen’s inattention to the problem of illegal conversion.   Sroufe told those in attendance that he couldn’t agree with the complaints of unresponsiveness, both regarding the staffer and Allen’s office in general.

The power of a council member to require the Department of Building to enforce the law is limited.  Earlier this year CHC reported on the ten month effort by a resident to force the business owners of a Capitol Hill townhouse to get a certificate of occupancy for a building used to house college students. The post is instructive.  See here:   https://bit.ly/3I6RA5R

In this case, it took the commitment and dedication of one resident dealing directly with the Department of Buildings and DLCP to resolve the issue.  It’s clear from an extensive email chain shared with CHC that there is substantial internal resistance at the agencies to engage in taking action against violators. 

Asked for comment after the meeting, Sroufe said he found the number of residences involved “alarming,” leading to a “Swiss cheese neighborhood that looks like one thing but is another.”  He said after broaching the subject with CM Charles Allen that Allen thinks that Brian Hanlon, the new acting Director of the Department of Building, is supportive of neighborhoods on this issue but that Allen also believes that there will need to be a cultural change at the Department of Buildings to resolve it. 

Sroufe would like to get the issue on the agenda of the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee for discussion, but the committee’s next meeting will not be until September.  In the meantime, Sroufe is pursuing a meeting with city officials, including Allen, Hanlon, and the Architect of the Capitol.  Sroufe had hoped to ally with ANC6C – which faces similar issues – but so far they have shown little interest in getting invoved. 

Here’s a link to the Washington Post’s 1985 article:  https://bit.ly/44k1ry7

Councilmember Charles Allen held community office hours at Hype Café, at 11^th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Friday.  Commissioner Jerry Sroufe pictured above talks to Allen about the problem of Capitol Hill residences which are illegally being used by corporations, non-profits, and political parties for office and fundraising event space.  Sroufe hopes to get ANC6B to invite Acting Director of the DC Department of Buildings, Brian Hanlon to appear before the Commission to answer questions on the issue. 

Last Wednesday, MPD made a presentation to Eastern Market vendors and others about what to do in case of an active shooter at the Market.  The briefing comes in light of increased security concerns at the Market, following an assault of a Market employee by an individual involved in a traffic accident near the 7^th and North Carolina Avenue.  Funding has been approved for the installation of security bollards to better protect 7^th Street in lieu of the random collection of vehicles that currently block access to the street during the weekend vendor and flea markets. 

According to MPD, an active shooter is one targeting multiple individuals in a public space.  The officers stressed the importance of having a plan in place in case of an active shooter inside the market; vendors should have an individual safety plan for themselves and get out as quickly as possible.  They reminded vendors to be mindful of surroundings and to watch for out-of-the ordinary behavior. 

Much of the responsibility for a response lies with the Market and the vendors in creating a plan for what should happen in case of an event inside and outside the Market.  To that end, Market Manager Barry Margeson said that questions raised during the meeting expressed a desire for more specific, Eastern Market focused training and the management is currently working to update the Emergency Response Plan; a contractor and funds have been identified for this purpose. 

On Wednesday, the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously voted to support a plan for the creation of an “gathering space” on the grounds of Hill Center.  Here’s a rendering of where it will be located.  The Hill Center hopes to start the project in fall and complete it over the winter. 

And here’s a rendering of what it will look like.  The new structure will:

• Provide seating for events which currently take place in the East Parking Lot. 
• Provide space which can function in multiple ways including accommodating tables and chairs, amphitheater seating, or lecture seating.
• Provide a gathering space for community members before and after attending events or classes at Hill Center.
• Provide a new revenue stream for rentals to support maintenance of the exterior of the building.

Barracks Row apparently needs a new retail liquor store.  On Wednesday, ANC6B voted to support a retail liquor license for 725 8^th Street, across from the Marine Barracks and cheek to jowl with Valor and the Ugly Mug.  The space is currently occupied by the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

Los Lomita II at 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, is changing hands.  Last Wednesday, ANC6B voted to support a Class C Restaurant liquor license for the owners of the in-coming Los Caballeros.  When one door closes, another one opens. 

Sunday afternoon, the ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force met at the library.  Chair David Sobelsohn (center left) said that library staff had cautioned that the closing of the library may not happen this summer.  That would be in accordance to DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan’s statement to ANC6B a few weeks ago that he expected the library to close this summer but “I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.”  In any event, it appears library staff members have been told that there will be six weeks’ notice before closing.  The Task Force laid plans for members to testify for the upcoming Library Board of Trustees Meeting on July 26 to press their case for additional interim services for patrons of SE Library. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 9, 2023

Monday, July 10

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

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

Among items on the agenda: 

• Follow-Up Discussion: City 911 System
• Status of Recommendations from 06/12/2023 Meeting
• Councilmember Brook Pinto – Pending
• Councilmember Pinto Fare Evasion Legislation
• Identify Agenda Items and Potential Expert/Guest Speakers for Next Meeting

ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:

• Committee business and agenda for the July meeting of the full commission.

Tuesday, July 11

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Presentations:  Sukrit Mishra – Solar 101
• Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE; Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License, Application for an Entertainment Endorsement.
• 725 8th Street SE; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store.
• Los Caballeros Restaurant; 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.
• Update on I Egg You liquor license protest.
• Public Space Permit for New Sidewalk Cafe Un-Enclosed at 106 13^th Street, SE (Pacci’s Trattoria). 
• Letter of support to Hill Center to add a gathering terrace at the Hill Center for public use and events.
• 116 5th Street, SE, Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval for addition of a third floor containing a bedroom and bathroom and enclosure of a second-floor rooftop deck to extend an existing bedroom.
• 405 4th Street, SE, Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval for a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
• 405 4th Street, SE, Project. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit. 
• Update on Subcommittee on Alley Closing in Square 762, behind the former Capitol Lounge, 229 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 
• Draft testimony on Electric Vehicles for upcoming hearing by City Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment.
• Resolution supporting a raised crosswalk 13^th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, SE.
• Letter Supporting Efforts to Create Virginia Avenue Connector and Provide Pickle Ball.
• Resolution Supporting SYC/W6MA 4th Annual Back to School Bash at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.

Wednesday, July 12

ANC6C holds 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:

Consent Calendar

• Notice of intent for K Street Protected Bike Lane
• NY Avenue Trail
• Chop Shop DC/Nice N Easy.  Protest Class C Tavern License.
• Zoning regulations amendments. 

Plenary Agenda

• 601 Massachusetts Avenue – Capitol Bikeshare Docking Staation
• Two Rivers Public Charter School – School Parking Zone (SPZ)
• ANC 6A Sidewalk Survey Results
• National Park Services properties discussion.
• 616 7th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for rear deck.
• Grant for Capitol Hill Cluster/Peabody
• Proposed letter on 1165 3rd Street, NE.   

Thursday, July 13

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

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

Among items on the agenda: 

Presentations:  Anthony Hall, Department of Behavioral Health

Consent Agenda:

• Motion to oppose the application of Providencia at 1321 Linden Court, for a Class C Tavern License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date. 
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support for Maury Elementary School’s application for a School Parking Zone, with four recommendations: that Maury prioritize on-site spaces for mobility-impaired staff and staff using carpools; that staff not utilize Resident Only Parking Zones (e.g. west side of 200 block of 12^th Place NE); that the school comply with the intent and spirit of the Transportation Benefits Equity Act; and that school leadership would not solicit Visitor Parking  Permits for staff use.
• Letter of support to DDOT for extending the bicycle lanes on K Street, NE, to meet the pocket park to be installed at 8^th and K Streets, NE, and connect to the bicycle lane on West Virginia Avenue, NE.
• Letter of support to DDOT for Public Space Permit Application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.
• Letter of support to DDOT to urge the installation of vertical traffic calming measures, including but not limited to a raised crosswalk and speedbumps near Miner Elementary School (15th Street and Tennessee Avenue/on 15^th Street and at 15^th and G Street, NE) prior to the beginning of the SY23-24 school year (August 28, 2023).
• Letter to DDOT requesting attention to and prioritization of traffic safety input requests for the 1400 block of G Street, NE.
• Letter of support to the Zoning Commission for a proposed map amendment to rezone the property at 721 H Street, NE, from NC-16 to NC-17.
• Letter of support to Bureau of Zoning Adjustment for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse, 175-210 dwelling unit, mixed-use building at 1207 H Street, NE, with the stipulation that the apartment lease documents include a prohibition against amplified music on the roof deck after 11:00 pm, or comply with DC code, whichever is earlier.
• Letter of support to BZA for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit at 1216 Constitution Avenue, NE, in the RF-1 zone.

Regular Business: 

• Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application by Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for Substantial Changes to its Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
• Letter to the DC Council to commission a formal assessment and plan for systematically maintaining and replacing, if necessary, dangerous sidewalks in ANC 6A.
• Letter of support for the following traffic calming and safety measures:

Installation of all-way-stop at 11th and F Streets, NE.

• 900 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 800 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 700 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 600 block 11th Street, NE – Two speed tables.
• North leg of 11th Street, NE and E Street NE – Raised crosswalk.
• 400 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• South leg of 11th Street, NE and D Street NE – Raised crosswalk.
• 300 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 200 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 100 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.