Monthly Archives: September 2023

ANC6B’s Special Committee on Public Safety met with Ward 6 CM Charles Allen last Wednesday night.

ANC6B Commissioners Talk Crime with CM Charles Allen

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 30, 2023

ANC6B’s Special Committee on Public Safety met with CM Charles Allen on Wednesday night.  Five ANC6B  Commissioners attended the hybrid in-person/virtual meeting as well as several  resident members of the committee and community members.  The agenda included a discussion of the “Secure DC” package of proposals to address crime (some of them controversial) which was released by CM Brooke Pinto (Chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee) on September 18.  This is the promised follow up to the emergency measures the city council passed in July.  Pinto will schedule hearings on the measures this fall.  Here’s a link to Pinto’s plan:  https://bit.ly/45ehbCL

Afterward, CHC asked the ANC Commissioners and the Resident Member Committee Chair, Lisa Matsumoto about their reaction to the meeting.  The response – edited for brevity – of those who commented follows:

Public Safety Committee Chair Lisa Matsumoto:  We were pleased to hear from Councilmember Allen.  He discussed many of the current legislative initiatives relating to public safety and also highlighted the collaboration, and often the tension, between different government entities in trying to address crime and public safety-related social programs.   I think there is recognition from the committee, the community, and from CM Allen that public safety is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach to stemming crime and protecting the public.

ANC6B Commission Chair and ANC6B06 representative Edward Ryder:  “It was useful to learn more about what is in the Secure DC package of bills and how some elements look to address things that the [Congressionally vetoed] revised criminal code would have addressed.  I was distressed to hear about the number of vacant social worker positions and I share Councilmember Allen’s thoughts that we need to do more to attract people to fill those vacancies.”  

Commissioner Kasie Durkit ANC6B05: “ I think neighbors have a genuine and well-founded fatigue for crime, but perhaps even greater fatigue for conversations that feel like they don’t lead anywhere.  Anecdotally, neighbors don’t feel like another committee or another meeting will help such a mired issue.  That said, I was very encouraged last night that Councilmember Allen met almost two hours’ worth of questions with patience and thoughtful responses, and we seemed to gain new pieces of information we didn’t have before.  There has been a lot of reporting, for example, on certain portions of this story—like understaffing at the OUC, the lack of accreditation for DFS, and recruitment issues within MPD—but this was the first time I really heard other shades of what has potentially led to crime as we are experiencing it now.  Some of those things, discussed last night, being the 40 vacancies within Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), leading to more than 1,000 missed home visits among areas experiencing violence.  Other elements included the deployment strategies of MPD with respect to their less tenured officers, and the impact of new legislation like ‘Secure DC.’”

Commissioner David Sobelsohn ANC6B03:  I ran for ANC in part because, as Councilmember Allen reminded us Wednesday, Washington has a “broken” crime-control system….  At my first meeting as a Capitol Hill ANC commissioner, I got the ANC to revive our public-safety committee.  That makes crime fighting an ongoing ANC priority.  Crime threatens all of us….Our meeting with Councilmember Allen proved invaluable to get his overview of the problems facing the city’s crime-control efforts.  As a result of information shared at this week’s meeting, our ANC will work with Councilmember Allen to secure “Safe Passage Zone” status for the Eastern Market & Potomac Avenue Metro areas….”         

Commissioner Frank D’Andrea ANC6B:   ….”I think Charles Allen provided a frank assessment of where things stand and answered the questions about what is being done.  Now, whether the answers he gave are sufficient is a different question.  I think the answer to that is that we aren’t thinking big enough or about crime in an integrated enough manner.   I think we are all very focused on the short term spike in crime and “fixing” that without realizing how much of an overhaul our justice system and social safety net/support systems need to support a long term durable reduction.  It was revealing to know that the agency that does home checks on at risk kids is woefully understaffed.  Could that be leading to the rise in carjackings as young kids who usually would be nudged away by a visit from a social worker slip through the cracks?  It would stand to reason….  If we don’t think about those big changes now (as they will take years, if not decades to implement) we will be left scratching our heads at why we are in the same place we were years ago.”

CM Charles Allen (at right) heard from a group of New Jersey Avenue, SE, residents on a tour to look at residential properties near the U.S. Capitol which are being used for non-residential purposes by corporations or non-profits or political organizations. ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery is at left.

SE Residents Cite 22 Corporate Owned Residential Properties Near U.S. Capitol

By Larry Janezich

Posted September 27, 2023

CM Charles Allen and ANc6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery led a community walk to hear neighbors’ concerns about what they see as an existential threat posed to the South Carolina Avenue SE neighborhood posed by the increasing practice of corporations illegally buying up residential houses to use for corporate purposes including fund raising events and social gatherings.  The corporations, they say, are a nuisance presence who make the neighborhood less desirable for residents and inflate the value of properties beyond what families can afford or are willing to pay. 

Avery says that he and neighbors have identified at least 22 corporate owned properties located on New Jersey Avenue, 1st Street, D Street, and 2nd Street, SE.  They have forwarded the list to CM Allen and the Acting Director Brian Hanlon, Department of Buildings.  The exact locations are not being made available owing to ongoing legal issues with some of the properties.

Allen told residents, that he didn’t care about the politics of the corporations using residential properties. “My biggest frustration is that it’s blatantly illegal – they aren’t allowed and there should be enforcement.  Getting the Mayor’s agencies to do enforcement has been incredibly difficult.  They have found every reason why they can’t do this – ‘we found a technicality – we can’t do that’….  So Brian Hanlon, our new Director of the Department of Buildings, should be here tonight – they are not.  That being said…he met with me…and the very first thing I talked about was this issue.  He did say, ‘I get it.  I will work on this, just give me a little bit of time to get in the agency to figure out how do I get the right people in the right place‘.  But the clock is ticking Many of you know Brian – he’s a really good guy.  But we also are expecting that he has to deliver in this job and be able to do the enforcement.”

Hanlon is in a hard place.  On one hand, Allen is pressuring him to enforce the city regulations that ban commercialization of residential real estate.  On the other, there are good reasons the Mayor might not want to push city agencies to poke this bear.   Residents say one of the corporate houses is owned by Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s Super PAC.  Other houses are owned by major corporations such as UPS, General Dynamics, and Amway.  Still others are occupied by lobbyists.  

Allen pointed out that the problem is not unique to ANC6B and that ANC6C shares similar concerns.  Some NE residents have pushed ANC6C to take a more active role in ramping up the pressure on the city to address the problem.  But despite 6C Chair Mark Eckenweiler’s pledge to make the issue a discussion item on the Commission’s agenda last July, that discussion has not taken place.  (In 6C, the Heritage Foundation owns an entire block of commercial zoned offices on Massachusetts Avenue, NE, and has bought a half dozen properties around the corner on 3rd Street, NE, which it uses for residential purposes.  Similarly, the Conservative Partnership has bought several commercial properties on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and several residential properties on 3rd Street, SE, which will apparently be used for residential and entertainment spaces.) 

Residents cite the un-neighborliness of the businesses operating on New Jersey and near-by blocks and say the activities associated with the houses affect their quality of life.  They say that the corporations are paying less in property taxes than they would for commercial property and that the inflated purchase price for the commercialized properties based on the purchase price increases the property taxes on their own homes. 

Hanlon’s nomination has to be confirmed by the City Council and that confirmation hearing is coming before the Committee on the Whole on October 18.  Here’s a link to the hearing:  https://bit.ly/457QYpo  

Allen said he told Hanlon, “I want to see a set of policy recommendations before I can vote for you.  Can you help me with that so I can feel more confident that yes, you get this issue and you’re truly going to be working on it?  Those are some of the things…how  I can use the seat that I have to compel them into different kinds of solutions.”

Allen said he would like DOB to come and do a similar walk.  Hanlon was scheduled to participate in such a walk last week, but cancelled.  Allen said, “We tried really hard to get them to be here tonight… I think it would be helpful for them to have to stand here and hear what you are describing.  And I want them to be in a position to say, ‘Well, here’s why that’s legal or here’s why I can’t do that” – I want to be able to put them on the spot in front of constituents.  We’ve got to have an agency that will enforce and inspect – not be afraid to knock on the door.”

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 24, 2023

A new family-oriented restaurant on Barracks Row?  A source told CHC that the owner of the building at 527 8th Street Barracks Row – previously the home o f CAVA and before that Marty’s – is going to open a new family place similar to Marty’s.  Nothing yet on a time line…

… but there has been some work going on behind the screens.

Here’s Alicia “Decoy” Cosnahan’s latest – and probably last – mural on the walls of The Fridge.  This tribute to The Fridge’s passing is a reference to the recent “For Sale” signs found elsewhere on the building. The image is the centerpiece of a larger work by several artists, including Taxi Gang, a tag used by Fridge owner Alex Goldstein.  Cosnahan, a friend of both Goldstein and The Fridge itself is deeply involved in DC public art and education – as is Goldstein. The Fridge is located at 516 1/2 8th Street, SE, in the rear alley.  Go here for more on Cosnahan:  https://s.si.edu/3rzeIVr   Go here for a visual history of photos of The Fridge:  https://www.instagram.com/thefridgedc/ and here:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFridgeDC The Fridge is located at 516 1/2 8th Street, SE, in the rear alley.

Here’s some new signage celebrating the pending arrival of Los Caballeros coming to 310 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in the space formerly occupied by La Lomita II. 

Here’s a reminder about Yard Waste Pickup:  With yard waste bags lingering on sidewalks for weeks – as in the photo above – residents may not know that DPW has changed their procedures and residents must schedule a yard waste pickup request in the 311 app or by calling 311 and submitting a verbal request.  It usually takes about a week to ten days for the baggage to be picked up.  Yard waste must be placed in paper bags (plastic bags will not be collected) and placed where your trash gets collected.

This Friday night, Art All Night on Barracks Row celebrates the performing and visual arts.  Free and Open to the Public.  This year Barracks Row is introducing Dark Glow Park, from 5pm – 10pm – a one of a kind experience with dazzling lights and vibrant colors. Also at Eastern Market Metro Park:

• Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation performs 5pm – 6:30pm
• DJ Throw Down from 7pm – 8pm
• Too Much Talent Band from 8:30pm – 9:30pm

And: The Laser Man Show at the Ugly Mug.

Other “activation” venues include Eastern Market Main Street, as you are, Taoti, Aunt Helen’s, the Brig and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Black Box Theater. For more, go here: https://www.barracksrow.org/coming-soon-02

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, September 26

ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:

• To set the agenda for the ANC6B October 10^th monthly meeting.

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 of Bloom at 1402 H Street, NE, for a Class C Tavern License.

Wednesday, September 27

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee meeting holds 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: 

• Vote to approve Committee’s contribution to ANC 6A’s Annual Report.
• Discuss calendar for remainder of 2023.
• Delegate tasks related to November 2023 educational meeting.

ANC6B Special Committee on Public Safety will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Guest speaker – Ward 6 Councilmember, Charles Allen
• Discussion – Secure DC Package of Bills

Thursday, September 28

ANC6A will hold a virtual special 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:

• Approve Fiscal Year 2023 2nd Quarter Report. 

American Trucking Association Show Truck parked illegally on the 400 block of First Street, SE.

Part of the American Trucking Association lobbying complex on the 400 block of First Street, SE.

Trucking Association Flouts the Regs and City Shrugs

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 23, 2023

Ten days ago, the American Trucking Association (ATA, HQ at 430 1^st, SE) decided to hold a little celebration of “National Trucking Day” by illegally parking an 18-wheeler in the street outside their lobbying office and keep it idling all day long – 8:00am until 4:00pm – despite neighbors’ polite requests that they turn off the diesel engine.  Even more, neighbors allege, the truckers “mocked and laughed” at them, apparently reacting to community opposition to holding such events on the block in the past.

If you haven’t been in close proximity of an idling semi-tractor trailer you’d be surprised how annoying it is after a few minutes, not to mention living across the street from it and hearing it all day long. 

Nearby residents say that nobody at city agencies or the Mayor’s hotline did anything to help them and the only one who did was ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery. 

Avery says he tried to approach the situation in three different ways:

• ATA’s failure to obtain an event permit (which would have required neighbor notification).
• ATA’s failure to abide by the restrictions of the posted reserved parking permit (which in fact turned out to be invalid).
• Violation of the city’s idling laws.

He says the initial responses from city agencies to his requests for city intervention were:

• DC Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP) confirmed there was no event permit but apparently took no further action.
• The Department of Public Works (DPW) confirmed that the parking permit wasn’t “verified,” meaning it wasn’t valid and the vehicle didn’t have the right to be parked where it was, let alone block the (northbound side of the) street.  The agency said they would send someone over.  (Maybe they did – maybe they arrived after the event – it’s hard to say.) 
• DC Department of Public Works parking enforcement dispatch misinformed Avery by saying the idling law didn’t apply because “it wasn’t over 90 degrees.”

Next, Avery reached out to CM Charles Allen’s office and the Mayor’s Ward 6 Office of Community Relations.  Avery says CM Allen’s office attempted to contact the DC Department of Energy Efficiency   (DOEE) on the idling issue, but to his knowledge, didn’t receive a response.  Avery did not hear back from the Mayor’s liaison until the event was over.

Avery’s litany of disappointments includes:

• No Front Line Enforcement Attempt:  No agency, particularly DC DPW as the “first line of enforcement” for parking issues, would address the issue directly.  
• Inaccurate Information:  Being provided with inaccurate information by DC DPW.
• Burden of Proof on the Resident:  Neighbors and Avery collected all the information that made it clear that something was likely going on that justified an agency inspection.  There were four agencies that could have responded to gather evidence – DC DPW, DDOT (who issued the parking permit), DLCP (who issues event permits for street closures), and the DOEE (anti-idling enforcement).  None did, despite neighbors and their commissioner demonstrating that a violation of some kind was likely occurring and warranted action.

In Avery’s follow-up with DDOT, he was told that MPD could have enforced the parking placard – information that somehow failed to get transmitted by any of the agencies engaged.   And despite many neighbors having called the Mayor’s Hotline the morning of the event with complaints, none received adequate follow up or enforcement.

Currently, the issue of the commercialization of residential properties near the Capitol Building is a hot topic in the ANCs who have been successful in getting the issue on the Department of Building’s radar.  Though in this instance, the transgression involves occupants of commercial property, it points up the failure of commercial entities to be good neighbors to nearby residents.  CM Charles Allen will participate in a walking tour of commercial entities occupying residential properties on and near New Jersey Avenue, SE, on Monday night at 6:00pm.  The previously scheduled tour was organized by Commissioner Avery. 

Photos from the Capitol Hill Book Fest on Sunday Afternoon

By Larry Janezich

Posted on September 18, 2023

CHC visited the Capitol Hill Book Fest in the North Hall of Eastern Market on Sunday afternoon.  Dozens of authors from across the city were there, promoting their works.  Panels of writers discussed their works outside on the west side of the Market under a tarp protecting from the occasional rain drop. 

Here are some random photos of some of the vendors:

Robert Pohl, Capitol Hill resident and President of Friends of SE Library.  Has half a dozen books to his credit, the latest being 101 Hours in a Zeppelin: Ernst August Lehmann and the Dream of Transatlantic Flight, 1917.  Based on the original letters of physics professor Robert Wichard Pohl this book tells the story of the first flight to exceed 100 hours in the air.

Adrienne Tropp.  Capitol Hill Resident.  Author of Shanghai Losses.  “Ever since young Rachel Weiser and her family fled Nazi Germany for Japanese-controlled Shanghai, her grandfather’s tours of the city, her close friendship with a Russian schoolmate, and her doll, Mary, are what enable Rachel to endure this new life.”

Sunu P. Chandy.  Author of My Dear Comrades.  “In this poetry collection, Sunu P. Chandy includes stories about her experiences as a woman, civil rights attorney, parent, partner, daughter of South Asian immigrants, and member of the LGBTQ community.”

Louis Bayard.  Prolific Capitol Hill resident author.  His latest is Jackie and Me.  His 2006 award winning novel The Pale Blue Eye is a historical murder mystery featuring a young West Point cadet – Edgar Allan Poe – and was adapted for the screen by Scott Cooper and features actor Christian Bale.

East City Books had a presence ….

as did Capitol Hill Books. 

Monday night, CM Charles Allen led a public safety walk with 60 plus attendees through the neighborhood around Watkins School.  He encouraged residents who attended to engage him and MPD officials on their specific concerns about crime in the neighborhood. 

Council Chair Phil Mendelson was in attendance and pointed out that he lived half a block away from the starting point outside the Peter Bug Shoe Academy, adding “Your concerns are mine as well.”

Commander Colin Hall, MPD First District since August 3, said he was encouraged by seeing the turnout –and that it is “people who make the difference.  We want to hear your thoughts and concerns – things that affect people personally.” 

L-R – ANC6B Commissioner Vince Mareino, MOCR Jake Stolzenburg, (unidentified), ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder, Ward 6 CM Charles Allen, Peter Bug Mathews (seated with friends), Council Chair Phil Mendelson, First District Commander Colin Hall.

Union Kitchen Still on Track for Barracks Row:  A source tells CHC Union Kitchen’s plan to open on Barracks Row in the space formerly occupied by Subway at 8th and E, SE, “hit some snags,” but that Union Kitchen still has the property and is looking forward to opening at 430 8th Street.  Reportedly, it will be a small store about the same size as the one on 3rd Street, NE, near Union Station.  As of yet, there’s no time line.

New Commissioner joins ANC6C.  David Wethington sworn in as Commissioner for ANC6C05 on September 12. by Ward 6 CM Charles Allen.  Wethington was the only candidate for the seat vacated by Commissioner Laura Gentile, who resigned after a work promotion brought her new responsibilities and less time for community service.  As such, Wethington was declared the new commissioner by the DC Board of Elections.  In his day job, Wethington works as a liaison between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Congress.

Controversy over DDOT 8^th Street Bus Priority Plan.  The plan – intended to more efficiently move some 3,000 people a day up and down 8^th Street, SE, has a couple of elements which are causing some grumbling by businesses and residents.  Barracks Row merchants don’t want to lose some 60 parking spots which the plan anticipates and some of the businesses on D Street south of Pennsylvania Avenue are unhappy about the proposal to reverse traffic on the street and make it west bound.  Similarly, the residents on D Street on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue oppose reversing the flow of traffic there to make it east bound.  A previous ANC was successful in defeating such a plan in 2017.  ANC6B voted unanimously to send a letter to DDOT which states regarding D Street south of PA Ave, that the ANC “recommends DDOT incorporate recommendation from Barracks Row Main Street on this project”….and for D Street north of PA Ave, the ANC requested “alternative options to be presented with an assessment of their potential safety impacts including and not limited to potential closure of either section or adjacent road.”   For the full text of the letter, go here:  https://bit.ly/3ZsBT0f (Photo DDOT)

ANC6C Wants Public Safety Answers from Mayor Bowser:  At the ANC6C September meeting last Wednesday night, on the issue of public safety, Commissioner Joel Kelty called up two letters for the Commission’s consideration.  The first had been sent to Mayor Bowser 11 months ago which she never responded to and which Kelty suggested the Committee resend.  The second was to the Attorney General for DC urging the AG to prosecute two cases involving the distribution of drugs stemming from two MPD arrests on H Street, NE.  The ANC agreed to send both letters.  The debate sparked a discussion on the idea of creating a new public safety committee.  There appeared to be considerable enthusiasm for the move.  Committee Chair Eckenweiler, who had recused himself from the discussion on the public safety letters, rejoined the Committee and said there were “lots of ways a public safety committee could be unproductive and he preferred a longer conversation.” 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted September 17, 2023

Monday, September 18

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

• Florida Ave NE Streetscape Project Update. The Florida Ave NE Streetscape Project outreach team will provide project updates and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
• Honorary Renaming of the 1300 through 1600 Blocks of A Street NE, to recognize the Eastern High School Blue & White Marching Machine. ANC 7D has requested the support of ANC 6A for their recent resolution requesting the honorary street renaming. 
• Public Space Construction Permit Application at 1101 H Street, NE.
• Other outstanding public space permit applications, as necessary. 
• TPS Committee contribution to the ANC 6A Annual Report.

 Tuesday, September 19

Meet the editors of The Hill Rag, 11:00am – 2:00pm, Lobby of National Capitol Bank

Readers of The Hill Rag will have a chance to meet editors Andrew Lightman and Liz O’Gorek in the lobby of National Capitol Bank, 316 PA Avenue, SE.  They will take questions, hear concerns and suggestions. 

Wednesday, September 20

ANC6A Economic Development and 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:

• Resolution of previously heard BZA/HPRB cases (Brad Greenfield)
• Annual Report of Activities: Discuss requirement to submit a summary of our economic development and zoning activities for the year. Designate a writer to draft the Committee contributions.

Photos – Lincoln Park – 6pm Saturday – The Capitol Hillbillies’ Concert

By Larry Janezich

Posted September 17, 2023

The Capitol Hillbillies brought their music – 1920s era Blues and Jug band – to Lincoln Park Saturday night.  The National Park Service hosted the event, reminiscent of programs held in the late 1960s as part of the “Summer in the Parks” program, which promoted racial harmony and use of outdoor space through music, reading, sports, and other activities.  A Park Service Ranger told CHC this was the second concert sponsored by the NPS this year and anticipated additional concerts next year. 

The Capitol Hillbillies, (S-R) Brendan Bailes, resonator guitar; Pearl Bailes, harmonica; Will Ward, guitar; Brent Meier, bass and tuba; Joel Bailes, piano and band leader. 

Here’s part of a Blues standard by Robert Johnson, “Dust my Broom.”  Johnson, an American Blues musician and songwriter was a master of the Delta blues style and according to Wiki, influenced generations of musicians, including Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Keith Richards and Johnny Winter.

DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee Talks School Safety with ANC7D

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 15, 2023

Last Tuesday night, Dr. Lewis Ferebee, Chancellor of DC Public Schools since 2018, visited ANC7D and answered questions from the commission on a wide ranging series of topics.  His opening remarks summarized DCPS programs and performance. 

ANC7D Chair Wendell Felder (7D03) posed a series of questions on behalf of the Commission to the Chancellor. Here are some of the questions and Ferebee’s responses, in some cases edited for brevity:

What sets us apart as a school system? 

• Universal Pre K 3 and Pre K 4.

What would you like the ANC to know about DCPS that they don’t know? 

• Families continue to choose DCPS as reflected in our growing enrollment.  We prioritize equity through student support and funding.

What are the biggest challenges facing DCPS?

• Recovering from the pandemic, lack of mastery in math, insuring equity is strong given we have some on the most significant socio-economic disparities in our city.

What unmet needs do you have? 

• We never have enough resources.

What other priorities other than equity do you have for the coming year?

• New strategic plans regarding ways to bolster academic achievement.
• Addressing students’ mental health issues including shortage of mental health staff.
• Rethinking high schools: some high schools are developing focused agendas such as entrepreneurship, Afro-futures, and international work.

What is being done regarding new school boundaries in Hill East?

• Boundaries have not been adjusted since 2014.  There is a new study being conducted and Hill East is part of that.  There will be town hall meetings on September 26 and 27.  For more info, go here:  https://dme.dc.gov/boundaries2023

Can you explain the current public safety resources being used to insure students and faculty security and safety inside our schools?  As MPD school resource officers are being phased out how are you coordinating with safety officers such as using safety advocates or other coordinators and how is DCPS police used and what is DCPS’ purview in this matter?

• “In summary, we all work together.  DCPS relies on contract security that we have in schools, then we have armed DCPS police officers that support our schools, then we have MPD police officers which support schools.  Within MPD we have our school resource officers assigned to schools based on need.  There’s training for contract officers who work independently and in partnership with school communities as well.  And training for DCPS police and MPD as well.   We meet regularly to be proactive on any issue that our school community is facing.  We also incorporate in those sessions – in add to MPD – we have Metro Transit Police, the Office of the Attorney General, and also the public safety team as well – and internal schools are also included in daily calls.  This is an opportunity to insure we are at the top of the landscape in any potential threat to schools – and the DCPS police team is also monitoring schools across the District on a 24/7 shift rotation.”

Two schools in our ANC – Eastern High Schools and Caesar Chavez Public Charter School – were listed as participating in the Deputy Mayor’s Education’s Safe Passage Program.  We regularly see the program  in the morning and afternoon around Eastern High.  Is this program having a positive impact?  Is funding and deployment adequate or is more support needed?

• “In general, I believe the Safe Passage strategy has served us well. From my view, when I talk with students they felt a sense of safety when were able to provide safe passage support to and from school.  Obviously, in some places students like to see that presence in their neighborhood so we’re working with the public safety team to insure we see those supports.   In terms of details and funding, I would have to defer to Deputy Mayor’s team.  From my point of view,  it’s a very strong resource for school communities. 

Last Thursday, Scott Kratz, head of the non-profit Building Bridges Across the River, updated ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee on the 11^th Street Bridge Park Project.  The 100% design for the project is due to be completed this year and a general contractor will be solicited.  The time line anticipates a ground breaking in 4-6 months and a ribbon cutting on July 4, 2026.  Project Goals: 

• Environment:  Re-engage residents with the Anacostia River.
• Health:  Improve public health disparities.
• Social: Reconnect long divided communities.
• Economic: Serve as an anchor for equitable and inclusive growth.
• The project will include an environmental education center, a kayak and canoe launch facility, public art, a performance space, a playground and a café/restaurant.

ANC6B’s SE Library Taskforce met Sunday afternoon in SE Library chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn.  The latest info is that SE Library will close in late fall, preceded by six week’s notice and a community meeting.  Outstanding questions yet to be answered include how long it will be after closing before interim services are available at the Arthur Capper Rec Center, how many days each week and hours each day will the interim facility be open, and whether a copier and scanner will be available at the interim facility and not just a printer.  As far as the concerns of nearby neighbor regarding how they will be affected, two of those in close proximity to the library report being satisfied after a meeting with the contractor that their concerns would be addressed.  The Taskforce will next meet at 6:30pm Monday, October 2, in SE Library. 

Here’s one of six sculptures in a temporary exhibit on the National Mall entitled “Beyond Granit: Pulling Together.”  This piece, by Native American Wendy Red Star “The Soil You See” represents the thumbprint by which Crow chiefs signed treaties with the U.S. Government.  At seven feet tall, the glass sculpture features reds whorls between which are the names of all the signers of those treaties between the years 1825 and 1880. The exhibit runs through September 18.   For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/3PyL2Be and here: https://monumentlab.com/projects/national-mall-project

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill still hopes to open in September in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, but it looks iffy, as the permitting process routinely takes longer than anticipated.  As of now, the windows are all papered over with photos of offerings from Mezeh’s menu. 

Lorenz A. Wheatley demonstrates his talent with single reeds and flutes at Eastern Market on Saturday.  He offers solo and ensemble performances for all occasions.  (202) 841 5249  Here’s a WIN TV video and interview on youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g604umEXNfg

Hill Center Opening Reception celebrating their newest Fall Solo Exhibitions, Wednesday, September 13^th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.  11 local artists have had their work chosen for the 2023 Fall Solo Exhibitions: Suzi Balamaci, Alan Braley, Barbara Brennan, Paula Cleggett, Jeffrey Felten-Green, Scot McKenzie, Isabella Merlos, Terence Nicholson, Rindy OBrien, Felicia Reed, & Naaz Sadri.  The entire gallery will be both online and in-person as of September 11th.  All art is available for purchase. The exhibition runs September 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024.  FREE but register here:  https://bit.ly/3r0m1Wb

The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos

by Larry Janezich

The Week Ahead…

Monday, September 11, 2023

CM Charles Allen leads a public safety walk at 7:30pm starting at 12^th/13^th and D/E Streets, SE near Watkins School, with MPD, the Council Chairman’s office, ANC leadership, Community Connections, and residents.  The walk will include the blocks nearby the starting location and visit several nearby businesses.

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Public safety Report.
• Presentation:  DDOT M Street, SE Construction, DDOT.

Consent Agenda

• 1700 Half Street, SW.  Letter to ZC re conditional support.
• DC Bike Party – Letter of support.
• Resend June 13 letter to Interim Director, DCHA.

Development, Planning, Transportation

• Application for OAC expert funds for 807 Maine Avenue, SW.
• Letter to Zoning Commission re 129 Q Street Valet Parking.

ABC Committee

• Merchant Marine Update.
• New placard for Kinfolk Southern.
• Hell’s Kitchen – Application for Substantive Change.
• Hive  Wharf – Application for new liquor license.
• Del Mar – Application for Streatery endorsement.
• Thrashers Rum – Application for new trailer on Market Pier.
• Committee Chair resignation and new appointment.

Tuesday, September 12

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• Proposed Alley Renaming in Square 969 “Sladen’s Walk.”
• 223 8th Street, SE, Project.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a rear addition to an existing, semi-detached, three-story principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 116 5th Street, SE, Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Addition of a third floor containing a bedroom and bathroom and enclosure of a second-floor rooftop deck to extend an existing bedroom.
• 744 13th Street, SE, Project.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 Zone.

Presentations

• Director Everett Lott – Director, District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
• Ashley Wells – DC Smart Street Lighting Project.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

• The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon/Valor Brew Pub; 723 8th Street, SE.  Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License, Application for a Games of Skill Endorsement.
• Dos Toros Taqueria.  215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License, Application for new Class “C” Restaurant License.
• Wine and Butter; Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” liquor license with a tasting endorsement.

Transportation Committee

• DDOT Presentation on 8th Street SE Bus Priority Project.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:

• The Honorable Dr. Lewis Ferebee, Chancellor, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).
• The Honorable Dr. Christina Grant, State Superintendent of Education, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). 

DC Government Updates/Presentations

• Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS).
• Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.

Community Presentations

• Alley Naming in Square 4564.
• District of Columbia Chapter, American Red Cross.

New Business

Honorary Renaming of a Portion of 1300-1600 Block of A Street, NE to Honor the Eastern HS Blue Marching Machine.

Wednesday, September 13

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

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

Agenda not available at press time.

Thursday, September 14

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentations:

• Everett Lott, Director, District Department of Transportation.
• Ashley Wells, DC Smart Street Lighting Project.

Consent Agenda

• Recommendation: ANC 6A take no action with regard to the application of The People’s Kitchen at 816 H Street, NE, for a Class C Restaurant License, and that the Chair of the ABL Committee and the Chair and Vice Chair of the ANC represent the ANC in negotiating a settlement agreement with The People’s Kitchen.
• Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter requesting that the District Department of Transportation, in a timely fashion, perform an evaluation of the 11th and F Street and 10th and F Street intersections, meet with the staff of School within Schools @ Goding to discuss traffic safety, and make a proposal for raised crosswalks and other traffic calming measure.
• Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to BZA in support of a 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 at 1244/1246 H Street, NE.
• Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to BZA in support of a request for a Special Exception from the minimum vehicle parking requirements to construct a new, attached, six story with roof deck, 30-unit, mixed use building at 1371/1375 H Street, NE.

Economic Development and Zoning

• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA in support in support of a request for a special exception to construct a two story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit at 314 9th Street, NE.

New Business

• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter to HSEMA in support of Eastern High School’s proposal for their annual homecoming parade on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Friday, September 15

MPD Community Walk, Fri Sep 15, 7 pm at Lincoln Park. With CM Charles Allen and MPD First District Officers.  Meet at the Bethune statue.

MPD hosts showing of Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse on the center lawn at Lincoln Park, 8:00pm.  Movie and popcorn by MPD. Lemonade by neighbors. Bring a blanket and picnic if you like.

Saturday, September 16

The H Street Festival is back in full force. Join neighbors from across the city and support local H Street Businesses. For details, go here:  https://www.hstreetfestival.org/

National Park Service and Friends of Lincoln Park conduct a park cleanup from 10 am-noon.  Later that evening, the Capitol Hillbillies perform from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee met with DOB Director Brian Hanlon and three members of his team last Thursday night.

Commercialization of Residential Properties –Dept of Buildings Chief Talks to ANC6B Committee

By Larry Janezich

Posted September 9, 2023

DOB Director Brian Hanlon joined the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee on Thursday night to discuss the commercialization of residential buildings, particularly those near the US Capitol.  (See CHC post here:  https://bit.ly/44kb2oR )

Resident P&Z committee member Betsy Rutkowski, representing ANC Single Member District 6B01, told Hanlon that a lot of neighbors along New Jersey Avenue south of the Capitol were concerned about the commercialization of residential properties.  She said that corporations blatantly listed their companies as owners of these residential properties on the tax rolls.  Neighbors say these corporation-owned homes are vacant most of the time and are used for parties and fundraisers which leave trash bins on the curb outside the days of scheduled pickups.  She said that the properties change the fabric of the community, affecting affordability as corporations pay high prices in cash, outbidding families and residential homeowners.  Conversely, their presence lowers the value of homes used for residential purposes because corporations neglect their properties and demonstrate other behaviors inconsistent with being a good neighbor.

She told Hanlon, “We’ve identified these properties and sent you a list.  What can we do to help your department work through these issues and concerns?”

Hanlon said that the list of addresses the concerned neighbors supplied was being uploaded to the DOB system and staff will be looking at all of them in preparation for an internal analysis of each property.  The department has created a spreadsheet allowing consideration of the properties according to a whole variety of data points.  “So,” he said, “I would say you are already doing it – you are our eyes and ears and you are alerting us to your concerns.  We want to make sure the properties are in compliance and the first step is letting us know.  It’s a bit of an ongoing process for us so I don’t have a neat and tidy answer regarding exactly what we’re going to do.  It’s certainly on my radar – a conversation we’re having internally, and work that we’re doing. That’s the response for now.”

There was another issue related to DOB’s operation regarding oversight and enforcement of construction which was called to Hanlon’s attention.  This concerns the “slap on the wrist” for serious violations of building permits.  Sometimes, it appears that developers take advantage of the minimal fines involved by deliberately exceeding what has been authorized for demolition connected with renovation of a house in the Historic District, and then claiming that they had no choice but to demolish most or all of the entire structure for safety reasons.  The maneuver allows a developer to build an entirely or mostly new structure and market it for much more, rather than trying to preserve elements of the building they agreed upon when they got approval for the renovation from the Historic Preservation Office.

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, who had brokered Hanlon’s appearance before the committee, said that he was concerned about the fines levied or not levied for violation of construction permits where renovation/demolition exceeds what is authorized and results in the entire removal of the building which was supposed to be improved. 

(CHC has reported on two instances in Sroufe’s SMD of what might have been willful exceeding of permits for renovation which subsequently resulted in the claim that this then necessitated removing most or all of a historic structure.)  https://bit.ly/43cnQwV and https://bit.ly/3lLBHtH

Sroufe said, “The fine for that is $5,000 – if collected – generally it is not…it is generally negotiated down, in one case, to $500.”  He asked Hanlon if the fine is commensurate with the loss of a historic building, i.e., “does the fee structure reflect the loss of historic housing?”    

Hanlon said he would get back to Sroufe and asked that Sroufe detail the complete question in writing, and “we will dig in.”