Last Thursday, Scott Kratz, head of the non-profit Building Bridges Across the River, updated ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee on the 11th 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 13th, 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 12th/13th 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
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 