Monthly Archives: November 2023

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 12, 2023

New Medical Marijuana Dispensary Looks to Open on Barracks Row.  Last Thursday night, ANC6B’s ABC Committee heard a presentation from attorney Meredith Kinner about the plan of her client – Barbara Bernabe of Virginia – to open a licensed medical marijuana outlet at 727 8^th Street, SE.  The space was previously occupied by Honey Made Boutique which closed in July of this year.  Before that, it was the home for five years of Summit to Soul sports wear which closed in June of 2021.  The ANC Committee is discussing a potential settlement agreement regarding the outlet’s operation prior to receipt of a request for support for the ABCA license needed to open at the location. 

Pacci’s Trattatoria needs expansion to 2nd Floor to survive says owner.  ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee heard from Spiro Goldasis, owner of Pacci’s Trattatoria at 106 13th Street, SE, that the restaurant needs to expand to the second floor in order to survive. The owner says that the restaurant’s dining space in the basement has not proven to be “desireable.” The problem is that zoning regulations require the second floor to be residential – and getting around that is problematic.  ANC6B and ANC6A are lining up to support a zoning adjustment to solve the problem, but the outcome is uncertain.  Concerned neighbors can reach out to Commissioner Chander Jayaraman to lend their voices to his upcoming testimony before the Zoning Adjustment Board.  His contact info is 6b06@anc.dc.gov

New Images of Conservative Partnership’s Plans for Alley Closing behind former Capitol Lounge.  On Thursday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoining Committee heard a presentation from attorney Christine Shiker of Holland and Knight regarding the latest plans for the use of 229, 231, and 233 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, the future headquarters of the Conservative Partnership.  The purpose of the presentation was to solicit the input from ANC6B on mondifications to the façades of the buildings to satisfy a community feedback requirement of the Commission on Fine Arts which reviews changes to historic properties facing major gateway corridors to the US Capitol. 

The applicants also shared renderings of the latest plan for the still-pending application to close the alley behind the Capitol Lounge and additions to the rear of the three buildings.  The drawings show that the alley space could be event space – which appears to be the anticipated use of the roof top of the several connected garages (also owned by the Conservative Partnership) bordering the proposed closed alley.  Or the space could be used for outdoor seating for the restaurant that the Partnership intends to establish in the space formerly occupied by the Capitol Lounge.  The Committee voted 15 – 0 to recommend the full ANC support the changes to the façade and to note that they haves concerns about noise and privacy issues regarding the event/outdoor seating space at the rear of the properties. 

Sunday was the 150^th Anniversary of Eastern Market – one of the longest continuously operating market’s in the country.  Councilmember Charles Allen and Council Chair Phil Mendelsohn were on hand at a 12 noon ceremony to mark the event. 

Allen closed the event by ringing a cow bell – a tradition used by farmers markets across the country to announce the opening and closing of the market. 

ANC6B’s Southeast Library Task Force met Sunday afternoon, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn (center left).  The Task Force discussed DC LibraryExecutive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan’s response to a letter from ANC6B concerning the operation and facilities which will be provided at an interim library services site at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center duing the SE Library renovation.  Commissioner Frank” D’Andrea moved to authorize Chair Sobelsohn to draft a letter for consideration by the full ANC seeking clarification on some issues which are still unclear, especially regarding the services available at the interim site and the hours which the interim site will be open to library patrons.  This was the groups first use of the new hybrid meeting system, simultaneously in-person and virtual, utilizing “Meeting Owl” – a 360-degree camera, mic, and speaker device (shown in the middle of the meeting) that captures a panoramic view of surroundings and allows remote viewers to see all participants.  The Task Force will next meet on Sunday, December 3 at 3:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2^nd Floor. 

The Week Ahead…

 Monday, November 13

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/2023/11/anc6d-november-business-meeting/

Agenda not available at press time. 

Tuesday, November 14

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here: 

Consent Agenda

• TBA

Presentations:

• Chris Williams– President & CEO of Anacostia Watershed Society
• Scott Kratz – 11th Street Bridge Park Director

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

• Dos Toros Taqueria 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Application for a new restaurant liquor license. 
• Omakase of Barracks Row, 522 8th Street SE, 2nd Floor.  Application for a new restaurant liquor license with entertainment endorsement.  
• Radici, 310-303 7th Street, SE. Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license
• Rose’s at Home, 721 8th Street SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” Internet
• Trader Joe’s #622, 750 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s
• Café 8, Class “C” Restaurant License; Establishment requesting a substantial change to their existing liquor license. 

Discussion Items:

• Opposition to Renewal of Harris Teeter Liquor License
• I Egg You Protest and Lessons Learned
• Notice to Cure for Establishments on the 500 Block of Barracks Row
• ACBA Law Review and Revision Upcoming this Fall
• Cannabis Retailers Licensing

Transportation Committee

• DDOT Presentation on D Street Alternatives for 8th Street Bus Priority Project (At Committee Meeting)
• DDOT Presentation on Pedestrian Crossings at 14th/D/Kentucky SE Intersection Near Safeway
• Traffic Concerns Near Watkins Elementary
• Resolution on Parked Dockless Scooters and Bikes Impeding Sidewalk Access

Planning and Zoning Committee

• Pacci’s 106 13TH Street SE, Project: BZA Application to expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street SE, Project: BZA Application to construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street SE. Project.  Historic Preservation Application to construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone
• 231 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Project.  Commission on Fine Arts Review re Conservative Partnership’s planned renovation and expansion of existing buildings on 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. (Sqaure 762, Lots 842, 843, 823). 
• Update on Alley Closing in Square 762. 
• Letter Regarding Enforcement of Historic Preservation Regulations and Vacancies on Zoning Committee, Bureau of Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Review Board.
• Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties.

Other business

• Report of Southeast Library Task Force.
• Letter Regarding the Closing of the Southeast Library.
• Report of the Southeast Library Task Force.
• Report of the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
• Report of the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
• Report of the Special Committee on Public Safety.
• Report of the Special Committee on Public Safety.
• Report of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.

ANC7D will hold a virutual meeting at 6:30pm. 

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc.dc.gov/event/anc-7d-monthly-meeting  

Among items on the draft agenda:

DC Government Updates/Presentations

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

Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.

Community Presentations

• Michael Halvin, President, Friends of the DC Streetcar DDOT (pending).

Public Safety Committee

• October Report of the Committee.

Other Business

• Proposed Motion – ANC 7D to send a letter to Verizon concerning property at 580 23rd Place, NE.
• ANC 7F Letter to DDOT Concerning Unresolved TSI Requests.
• ANC 7D Letter to Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) Concerning Economy Market (License #0094127) .
• ANC 7D Letter to DDOT Concerning NOI 23-106-TESD to Reduce Speed Limit to 20 miles per hour (TBD).

Saturday, November 18

DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative meets from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Southeast Library, 403 7th Street, SE. 

• The organization’s partner with tutoring & mentoring organizations and schools that need help. DCTMI connects tutoring and mentoring volunteers with organizations according to the volunteer’s availability. 

The Chapel at Historic Congressional Cemetery

Vandals Strike Chapel at Historic Congressional Cemetary

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 7, 2023

Last Saturday, the chapel at Historic Congressional Cemetery was vandalized, according to the following  email addressed to the members of the cemetery’s K9 dog walking community by the cemetary staff.

Date: Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 6:57 PM

Subject: Chapel Vandalized Saturday 11/4

Dear K9 Community,

We are sending this email to ask for your help.

This afternoon during a private event, someone entered our chapel and vandalized this historic space. The offender(s) used the fire extinguisher inside and sprayed its contents all over our funeral equipment, chairs, and nineteenth century furniture. We have filed a police report and are currently reviewing security footage.

If you were on the grounds between 2 and 5 PM and saw anything suspicious, please report it to us by emailing staff@congressionalcemetery.org.

Sincerely,

Historic Congressional Cemetery

A staff member told CHC that the chapel is usually locked but had been opened prior to an event. (A souce told CHC that the event – which did not directlty involve the chapel – was scheduled to begin at 3:00pm and that the vandalism likely occurred prior to the event.) The staffer said the vandalism was “strange” because there was no way that someone would know in advance that the chapel would be unlocked.  The chapel has been cleaned up and it does not appear that the incident will affect on-going cemetery activities or events.  There is no new information regarding the identity or identities of those responsible. 

A Sneak Peak into the “New” Folger Library

By Larry Janezich

Posted November 6, 2023

Here’s a view of the new main entrance to the Folger Theater.  Beyond the glass doors, accessible by ramps and stairs, is the East Lobby – the site of the relocated Folger Theater box office.  An elevator and stairs will take patrons to the lobby outside the theater. 

At a media preview last Wednesday, Folger Director Michael Witmore (at right) summarized the thinking behind the $80 million Folger Library renovation: “We asked the designer to make unmistakable that this was a place you could come and visit – you’re going to feel great – you’re going to feel welcome.  Their solution was, ok, what we need to do is use the landscape to start bringing people down the garden path, to come out of out of the federal world and enter the world of story telling…. It’s all designed to bring people in…another thing that was important [was to create] a reliable space to show people what we have…rare books and mansuscripts covering the beginning of the age of print all the way through the creation of the Atlantic world….Shakespeare is still the most performed playwright on the planet.  Stories have a certain kind of power and heartbeat…and the words – specifically the words – have stayng power.” 

Following the introduction, members of the media were led to a a demonstration of the reconstructed printing press – like the one used to print Shakespeare’s First Folio – located in the new Shakespeare Exhibition Hall.  The Hall runs the length of the building with the West Lobby at the end, marked by the glass doors of the west entrance.

Caroline Duroselle-Melish, Associate Librarian for Collection Care and Development, demonstrated how Shakespeare’s First Folio was printed.  The book, published in 1623 after his death, gave us the most complete compilation of Shakespeare’s plays. There are about 900 pages in the First Folio.  The book was made by folding printed sheets of paper in half, with each sheet forming four pages.

Each of the Folios is unique owing to continuing corrections to the text as each page was printed.  Paper was too valuable to discard, so according to Witmore (center), the Folios are a random collection of corrected, semi-corrected and uncorrected pages.

Members of the media were invited to view a display of rare books in the Founder’s Room.  After the press entered the room, staffers removed paper covers which protected the four books on display from the light. 

Four rare books from the Folger collection, left to right:  Joseph Moxon’s printing manual, Titus Andronicus quarto (the equivalent of a paperback today) with this copy being the only one in the world, Robert Greene’s novel Pandosto, and  a Shakespeare First Folio: Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies.

Owen Williams, Associate Director, Scholarly Programs, Folger Institute talked about the books on display.  He said 750 copies of the First Folio were printed and of those, 235 known copies remain.  The Folger has 82 of them and this will be the first time the First Folios in the Folger collection will be made public.  Until now they have been kept in a vault.  The First Folio was the first publication to categorize the plays as comedy, history and tragedy.  Williams says that books are media containing stories that need to be collected, treasured, and preserved. 

This is one of the Folger’s 82 Shakespeare’s First Folios.  The Folger website provides an interactive version through which readers can page.  Here’s a link:  https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeare-in-print/first-folio/bookreader-68/

Here’s a view of the current state of Renaissance Hall – familiar to theater goers – as media members passed through it on the way to the lobby outside of the Folger Theater. 

The Winter’s Tale.  In the lobby of the theater, Folger Director of Programming and Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels (left), introducted Director of this season’s presentation of The Winter’s Tale, Tamilla Woodard.  Woodard spoke about the significance of the play.  (Shakespeare based it on an earlier darker novel by Robert Greene, Pandosto – a copy of which was displayed as one of the rare books in the Founder’s Room.)  The Winter’s Tale was one of the 18 plays first printed in the First Folio.  Woodard called it “a tale of redemption for spring….A tale of lives almost destroyed, reconciliation after years of sacrifice, and then finding a way to move forward together.”  The play opened at the Folger on November 4 and will run through December 17.

As the media left, a staff assistant called attention to artist Anke Neumann’s handmade paper sculpture embedded with fiber optics titled Clouds of Imagination, in the East Stairwell.  The staffer noted the sculpture is “symbolic of what paper means to the Folger.” 

The Folger Library will announce its opening date by the end of 2023. For more information and to purchase tickets to The Winter’s Tale, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/

The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) opened it final show of the year at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) last week.  Here is a selection of images from the show.

Allegra by Jennifer Wilkeson.  Multi Media

Bacchus in Profile by Marilyn Saks-McMillion. Photography

Betelgeuse Erupts by Alan Hirsch. Digital Art.

Andean Trio by Kenneth Bachman. Oil

Azaleas by Tara Hamilton.  Watercolor

Venice 3 by Jane Mann. Photo Montage

Tourist Attraction by Meera Rao. Watercolor.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 5, 2023

The Week Ahead….

Highlights:

• Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:15pm.  MPD First District Citizens Advisory Council.  MPD lists the more serious recent crimes committed in the First District in the agenda for the public safety discussion.  See Tuesday below for link to the complete list.
• Wednesday, ANC6C.  Discussion of commercial use of residential properties.
• Thursday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee.  Pacci’s, 106 13th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.  (City regulations stand in the way of this application, which the restaurant owner says is critical to the success of the restaurant.)
• Thursday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee.  Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties. 
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  Schedule for EASTERN MARKET 150TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND.  See below. 
• Saturday, Kenneth H. Nash DC Post No. 8 will host its annual Veterans Day Program in Folger Park at 11:00am, 224 D Street, SE. 

The Week Ahead….

Monday, November 6

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here (and request a link from the ANC):  6d@anc.dc.gov

Agenda:

• To discuss the agenda for the full commission meeting on November 16. 

The Washington Bach Consort offers a Noontime Cantata performance on Monday, November 6, at 12:10 pm. Free. Visit https://bachconsort.org/ for more info.

Tuesday, November 7

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.  In person at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd Floor Conference Room.

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

Among items on the agenda:

• Dos Toros Taqueria, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License. 
• Omakase, 522 8th Street, SE, 2nd Floor; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License.
• Class A Renewals
• Radici, 310-303 7th Street, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• Rose’s at Home (catering), 721 8th Street, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” Internet Liquor license.
• Trader Joe’s, 750 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• DCanter, 545 8th Street, SE; Application for renewal of Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• Other Business
• Café 8, 424 8th Street, SE; Class “C” Restaurant License; Request to modify their existing liquor license to expand hours of sales on the interior to full hours and add an Entertainment endorsement for a DJ to play amplified music until 2am.
• Discussion Items:
• Cannabis Rulemaking and Retailer Licensing.
• New Cannabis Retailer Introductory Presentation.
• I Egg You Protest and Lessons Learned.
• Notice to Cure for Establishments on the 500 block of Barracks Row.
• ABRA law review and revision upcoming this fall.

MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) meeting 6:00 – 7:15pm

To join (and to see the full list of serious crimes committed in First District), go here: https://1dcac.com

Among items on the Agenda:

• Public Safety Discussion including:
• Shooting and homicide at Tennesee Avenue and C Street, NE.
• 14 year old juvenile arrested and charged with Armed Robbery at 1400 A Street, SE.
• Robbery (force and violence) 1502 A Street, SE.
• Cannabis shops on H Street, NE and license requiremennts .
• Man terrorizing neighborhood near Potomac Avenue and 13^th/14^th Streets, SE.
• Commuity Safety Walks.

Wednesday, November 8

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on D Street Alternatives for 8th Street Bus Priority Project.
• DDOT Presentation on Pedestrian Crossings at 14th/D/Kentucky, SE Intersection Near Safeway.
• Traffic Concerns Near Watkins Elementary School.
• Resolution on Parked Dockless Scooters and Bikes Impeding Sidewalk Access.

ANC6C will hold 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:

• 301 Massachusetts Avenue, NE; Build-out of enclosed Pupatella café along 3rd Street, NE.
• 300 M Street, NE; Outdoor dining space, Chopsmith.
• Capitol Hill Village – sidewalk safety.
• 648 Acker Place, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
• 107 6th Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
• 425 4th Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
• 622 Eye Street,NE; (appeal of permit B2303493).
• Commercial use of residential properties.
• Final report on grant application for Peabody habitat garden.
• Discussion of Stuart-Hobson auditorium grant.

Thursday, November 9

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Pacci’s, 106 13th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street, SE;  Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – Project: To construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
• Former Capitol Lounge at 231 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Commission on Fine Arts Review – Project: Renovation and expansion of existing buildings.
• Update on Alley Closing in Square 762 (behind the former Capitol Lounge). 
• Letter Regarding Enforcement of Historic Preservation Regulations and Vacnacies on Zoning Commission, Bureau of Zoning Adjustment, and Hthe Historic Preservation Review Board.
• Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties. 

150^th Anniversary of Eastern Market Celebration, Friday, November 10; Saturday, November 11; Sunday, November 12.

Friday, November 11

NOVEMBERFEST:  Buy your tickets now for this kick-off fundraiser to celebrate Eastern Market’s 150th Anniversary. This 21+ event features a limited edition beer from Atlas Brew Works and live music by local legends, the Rock Creek Kings. Learn more and buy tickets at https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org/150

• November 10, 2023 | 6PM-9pm
• Eastern Market North Hall, 227 7th Street, SE
• $25 per person, each ticket includes a $10 food/beverage token

Saturday, November 11^th and Sunday, November 12^th will be the days full of music, activities, and festivities, including:

• Stage at the top of the street with music and performances all day long
• Classes, demos, and other activities in the North Hall
• Tours of the market
• Giant chess
• Evening ghost tour
• A world-renowned silhouette artist demonstration
• The Wheelmen give a demonstration of their giant penny-farthing bicycles, Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm

For a complete schedule and event times, go here:  https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org/150

Saturday, November 11

Kenneth H. Nash DC Post No. 8 will host its annual Veteran’s Day Program in Folger Park at 11:00am, 224 D Street, SE. 

Sunday, November 12

ANC6D Southeast Library Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 3:00pm, downstairs at the SE Library, 403 7th Street, SE.  A virtual option is Available: Meeting Link TBD. 

By Larry Janezich

Posted November 2, 2023

“Nathan’s Coney Island” – photo by Rindy O’Brien

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Hosts Capitol Hill Art League’s – “Color Explosion” opening reception tomorrow.

The Capitol Hill Art League members have been asked to challenge their usual palette choices and dive into color.  See the results at this juried art show’s opening reception in the CHAW Gallery on Saturday, November 4th from 5:30-7:00pm. Juror, Jason Bruns will present awards and talk about the art. The show runs through December 2.

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Art Gallery is at 545 7th Street, SE.

Barracks Row – Comings and Gone

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 2, 2023

I Egg You – whose restaurant liquor license finally came through – is set to open on November 18, according to staff.  It will feature 60 seats and a bar for breakfast sandwich brunch and an afterhours event space at 517 Eighth St., SE.

Here’s a peek inside the restaurant

Barracks Row is still anticipating the arrival of a new family style restaurant (like the original Marty’s before the days of CAVA) at  527 8th Street, SE.  Timeline for opening is still uncertain.

ICYMI

Yesterday, Crazy Aunt Helen’s at 713 8^th Street on Barracks Row announced it had closed.

And that follows the closure last week of Mason & Greene at 8^th and D Street, SE, on Barracks Row.