Monthly Archives: February 2024

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 25, 2024

Last Friday, CM Charles Allen met stakeholders on the 700 block of Barracks Row in response to concerns of businesses and residents who back up on the block’s sprawling alleys where there has been some criminal activity including break-ins and stolen cars. 

Allen brought in MPD and the Departments of Transportation and Health to the alley complex and it looks like a greater MPD presence, more lights from the DDOT lighting team and increased rodent control are in the offing.  Maybe more security cameras.  That’s MPD 1^st District Commander Colin Hall with Allen. 

Inside Solid State Books at 600 H Street, NE.  The swooping paper sculpture above the central checkout counter and work station was created by the design firm Spaeth Hill.  Bookstore owners Scott Abel and Jake Cumsky-Whitlock commissioned the piece when the store opened on H Street in 2018. 

For more on Solid State Books, go here:  https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com/   For more on Spaeth Hill, go here:  https://spaethhill.com/  (There’s a second Solid State Books on 14th Street, SW.)  

The rogue artist street art outside of Solid State Books has held up pretty well since its installation in November of 2022.  ICYMI WAPO had an article on Chicago artist Jim Bachor who contracts with individuals and organization to fill potholes with concrete topped with a mosaic.  This one, on H Street, NE, in front of Solid State Books, was commissioned by the #Relist/Wolves Campaign to re-list the Rocky Mountain Northern Wolf as an endangered species.  For more, go here:  http://bit.ly/3ANDGBO  

A few doors away – still at 600 H Street – the Wydown in the lobby of the Apollo Apartments, Malcolm serves up cappuccinos.  Here’s more on the Wydown, which is IN the Apollo but not WITH the Apollo:  https://thewydown.com/ CHC will bring more on H Street, NE, in the weeks ahead. 

Triple Candie’s latest “curatorial riddle” is on display in the space in the front of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  This one is a little edgier than some, but you have to visit to see it up close and read the text. 

The Week Ahead… Some interesting items this week… 

Monday, February 26

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold an in-person meeting on the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) proposal to pair Maury and Miner Elementary Schools at 6:00pm at Miner Elementary School, 601 15^th Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Jenn Comey, Director of Planning and Analysis, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, Paired School Model Implementation Questions
• Small Group Activity: Implementation Considerations for Maury-Miner Paired School Model – Marc Friend, 7D06 and Amber Gove, 6A04*
• Small Group Report Out
• Summary and Next Steps, (Paul Spires, Chair, COC)
• Grant Application, H Street Youth Art Project

*The Advisory Neighborhood Commissions of 7D and 6A include Miner Elementary School at 601 15th Street NE, (in ANC7D06) and Maury Elementary School at 1250 Constitution Avenue, (in ANC6A04).  Miner ES boundaries include Single Member Districts (SMDs) 6A02, 6A05, 6A06, 7D05, 7D06 and 7D07, while Maury’s include 6A04, 6A05, 6A07 and 7D08.  Until the 2022 redistricting, which moved the Ward 6/7 boundary from 19th to 15th Street NE, much of the Miner and Maury boundary areas were represented by ANC 6A, which held its meetings at Miner ES.  The purpose of this activity is to gather input from the 6A and 7D communities on implementation considerations regarding the DME proposal to pair Maury and Miner Elementary Schools, including from residents who are not currently part of either school community. The report from this meeting will be developed by the ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee and submitted for consideration to the team preparing the DME’s Boundary and Student Assignment Study Report.

ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee 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 agenda:

• Committee Updates
• Select date, identify agenda items for next meetings

Tuesday, February 27

CANCELLED ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee has schedule a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

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

Agenda:

• The Committee will meet to set the agenda for the March meeting of the full ANC on March 12. 

CHRS Preservation Café Virtual Presentation on Restoring and Reimagining Capitol Hill’s Southeast Library at 6:30pm. 

Agenda:

Jaspreet Pahwa, Director of Capital Planning and Construction, and Martha Saccocio, Director of Community Engagement, DC Public Library will present a virtual Preservation Café “Restoring and Reimagining Capitol Hill’s Southeast Library,”  Details: https://chrs.org/selibrary-renovation-pc/

Thursday, February 29

South Carolina Avenue Community Safety Walk with Councilmember Charles Allen and MPD will begin at 5:30pm at 9^th and South Carolina and will cover the South Carolina venue corridor from 9^th Street to the east. 

Saturday, March 2

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Subcommittee On Street And Alley Closings will hold a virtual meeting at 10:00am.  (Community benefits for alley closing on 300 block of PA Ave, SE)

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Consideration of Finalized Community Benefits Agreement for the alley closing behind the former Capitol Lounge in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  *
• Next Meeting/Steps
• *Note that the CBA will be posted publicly at least 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Talk of the Hill with Bill Press Featuring Alex Prud’homme at Hill Center.

Tuesday, March 26 |7:00 pm | $10 | Register Here:  https://bit.ly/49tjODm

Veteran journalist Bill Press sits down for an in-depth conversation with acclaimed writer Alex Prud’homme, author of DINNER WITH THE PRESIDENT: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at The White House. 

The Week Ahead … & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 19, 2024

Patriots Row Public Benefits Agreement on Alley Closing:  ANC6B Commissioner D’Andrea who chairs the ANC’s Subcommittee on Alley and Street Closings announced that an agreement in principle regarding public benefits has been reached with the representatives of the Conservative Partnership Institute.  The “Patriots Row” backers are seeking an alley closing behind the former Capitol Lounge in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue.  Details of the agreement are still being finalized, but will most likely be presented to the Planning and Zoning Committee in March. The agreement will be subject to public comment and a vote at both the P&Z Committee and the ANC. The next meeting of the P&Z Committee will be on March 7, and the full ANC meets on March 12.

SE Library Interim Services at Arthur Capper Community Center.  Here’s a photo of the new Interim Library at Arthur Capper Community Center established while SE Library is being renovated.  The facility has 13 computers, three of which are desktops, a scanner, a printer, a shelf for books ordered for pickup, and a dropbox for returns outside the Center.  The Interim Library is also giving away free covid tests – two per customer.  Pictured is Melissa Weiss, MLK Library staffer and Digital Navigator. 

Pupatella Pizza Stalls:  Last Wednesday, ANC6C02 Commissioner Leslie told ANC6C that Pupatella Pizza at 3^rd and Mass Avenue, NE hoped to open in February.  It doesn’t look like they’re going to make it judging from a visit to the site last Friday and the stop work order on the window regarding the high wooden fence under construction, the notice of a pending lawsuit for non-payment of rent, and the lack of progress on the buildout.  Pupatella announced in September 2021 they were opening a new pizza restaurant at 3rd and Massachusetts Avenue, NE, in the former Romeo & Juliet’s.  They have five outlets locally.  Here’s here’s a link to the Dupont Circle restaurant’s menu:  https://bit.ly/31mgIDy

SE Library Renovation: ANC6B’s SE Library Taskforce met Monday night to hear a presentation from MLK Library Staff on the status of the renovation of SE Library.  Selective demolition is proceeding on the main floor. Here’s an image of the ceiling removal in prograss. Photo: MLK Library.

And here’s a photo of on-going demolition on the lower level. Photo: MLK Library.

SE Library Safety measures:  The Taskforce also presented MLK staff and Whiting-Turner Construction with a list of proposals designed to improve public safety around the construction zone, including a protected pedestrian walk way on the edge of the construction site on South Carolina Avenue, removal as much as possible of the screens on the chain link fence which obstruct the view of oncoming traffic, speed bumps on South Carolina Avenue, and addressing crosswalk concerns on the D Street side of the library.  The Taskforce will next meet on March 21, at 6:30pm, at a place TBA for another status report from MLK staff and Whiting- Turner Construction. 

The Week Ahead …

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 19, 2024

Tuesday, February 21

ANC6D Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• Details TBA

Wednesday, February 21

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee is scheduled to 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:

• 1432 F Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a two-story rear addition to
• An existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.  Special exceptions: rear yard requirements and lot occupancy requirements.
• 257 Warren Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct two new, attached, three-story with basements, principal dwelling units in the RF-1 zone.  Area Variance to lot dimension requirements to construct a third story and rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.  Special Exceptions: The rear addition requirements of lot occupancy requirements.

Capitol Hill Corner would like you to know about:

Thursday, February 22

• National Margarita Day 10am – 10pm, Barracks Row
• On Thursday, February 22nd, and continuing into the weekend, Barracks Row will celebrate National Margarita Day. Guests will be able to enjoy margaritas/food specials at each participating establishment. This event will start on Thursday, February 22nd, and continue into the weekend.  Participating establishments:  Playa Ocho Cantina, As You Are, Taco City, Barracks Row Joey’s, Las Placitas, Matchbox, Chat’s, Extreme Pizza, Lola’s, I Egg You, The Brig, Ted’s Bulletin, Hawk & Dove, Ophelia’s, Box Car, and Classy Corks Wine and Spirits.
• See here for additional information:  https://www.barracksrow.org/

Hill Center Happenings for February. 

• See here:  https://bit.ly/42OlEMS and here:  https://bit.ly/48owlXm

Eastern Market Metro Plaza, Southwest Quadrant, Friday afternoon.

Missing sculptures: There are various reports about the status of “Loveful Hands,” (left) but no definitive reason why it has not been installed on the granite base that awaits it outside the entrance to Metro. The status of “Weavings,” (right) which was scheduled to be installed near the entrance to Trader Joe’s is even less certain. The third element of the public art commissioned for the plaza “Found You,” by Beth Nybeck, was installed on the Northeast quadrant near the playground in August of 2022.

Rethinking Eastern Market Metro Plaza

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 17, 2024

Last year, CM Charles Allen’s office secured a written Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among five agencies regarding responsibilities for maintenance of Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 

Last Wednesday night, ANC6B unanimously agreed to send a follow up letter to the Councilmember urging the open design of the Southeast quadrant of the plaza with the Metro entrance be rethought to make it function as well as the Northeast quadrant with its children’s playground and splash pad.

The letter lists successes and failures of the current plaza and recommendations for expanding the scope of services of agencies responsible for its maintenance.  The letter was generated by the ANC’s Parks and Public Spaces Task Force chaired by Commissioner Jerry Sroufe. 

Sroufe told the ANC that in many ways the plaza has been a great success and in other ways it has been a disappointment.  The letter to the Councilmember lists these as well as some recommendations. 

Among the successes, the letter lists the evening concerts, the July Fourth ceremony, the community holiday tree lighting and the Saturday summer programs for children of all ages.  For younger children, it notes that the splash pad and play equipment on the Northeast quadrant have been popular and attractive additions.  The ANC says it looks forward to linking programs of the remodeled SE Library with the plaza. 

Among the concerns listed:

• The plaza remains incomplete.  Sculptures planned for the plaza or adjacent to it have not been installed.  These include the Jay Coleman’s “Loveful Hands” sculpture which is supposed to reside on the granite platform near the Metro entrance, and Hiroski Jacob’s “Weavings” which was to be sited near the entrance to Trader Joe’s. 
• The movable furniture that was an integral part of the plaza design near the Metro entrance has largely been removed and has not been replaced: a recent count revealed that there were only 13 tables remaining and only six chairs. Also, the landscaping program has been generally inadequate.
• Maintenance continues to be spotty. There are three light posts on the ground on the plaza near the Metro entrance. The problem of gravel spreading across the pavement with each rain has not been addressed.  Fencing necessary to protect the shrubs has not been provided.
• The plaza near the Metro entrance does not provide a safe, attractive environment.  It has attracted groups of unsupervised students and the homeless in sufficient numbers to discourage activities such as a quiet lunch or reading in the park. The Metro and MPD are frequently called to the plaza especially in the after-school hours.  (The letter does not mention that some observers allege illegal drug activity on the plaza.)  

Recommendations: 

First, that a group of community representatives be convened to determine if the best approach moving forward is to rethink the design components of the park (e.g., movable furniture, open design), or to suggest other changes or actions designed to make the Southwest side of the park work as well as the Northeast side. The group might include the Stakeholder’s Taskforce engaged in the original design of the park, among others.

Second, the roster of agencies contributing to the current MOA should be expanded, formally or informally, to include the MPD and the Board of Education.

Third, the MOA signatories be regarded as a continuing body and be re-convened on occasion to assess progress being made toward achieving the objectives of the MOA.

Fourth, the ANC urged the establishment of public restrooms on the Eastern Market Metro Park. 

The covered stained glass windows of the Church of God at 700 A Street, NE.

A view of the interior of the church from circa 2011.

Covering Stained Glass of Capitol Hill Church Prompts Neighbor Outrage

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 13, 2024

Neighbors of the World Mission Society, Inc. (Church of God), at 700 A Street, NE, are up in arms again over the issue of preservation of the stained glass windows of the Romanesque Revival Capitol Hill church at 700 A Street, NE. 

The backstory:  A tenet of the current owners of the Church of God is that they cannot worship in the presence of images such those in the church’s numerous stained glass windows.  To that end, they attempted to remove the windows in 2012, but were blocked by the city’s enforcement of the Historic Preservation Act. 

Recently, the church applied for a permit to install acrylic glass over the stained glass and staff in the Historic Preservation Office found that the regulations did not prohibit that and that a permit was not required for installation of storm windows.  The project description on the application says regarding the Exterior Alteration nature of the project:  “We would like to add acrylic glass to the exterior of the windows.”  The church cited options of differing opacity and stated their preference was a white option.  With no objection from the city, the church proceeded to install the opaque plastic over the stained glass, prompting neighbors to cry foul, accusing church officials of misrepresenting the installation and the Historic Preservation Office of not exercising due diligence to protect the historic structure.

Last Wednesday, ANC6C’s Planning and Zoning Committee, chaired by Mark Eckenweiler, met and heard from outraged nearby neighbors over the covering of the windows.

The committee considered and passed a motion by Eckenweiler to recommend that the full ANC send a letter to the Historic Preservation Office that would:

• Set forth the facts of the installation and ask for clarification from the Chief Building Officer (CBO) regarding the designation of the action as installation of storm windows, including an invitation to the meet on site with representatives of the ANC to discuss the decision;
• Express the committee’s concern about the adverse impact on the building;
• And to ask the CBO to provide a written explanation of why the CBO believes what has been installed qualifies as storm windows.

The motion was agreed to 5 – 0 and the recommendation will come before the full ANC at the meeting of the full commission on Wednesday, February 14.

The Week Ahead..Photos & Help Name the Folger Library Cafe

By Larry Janezich

Posted February 11, 2024

A Go Fund Me effort to raise $150,000 to keep Barracks Row’s Queer café/bar in business has raised $165,000 in six days.  The owners made the appeal for urgent support as they faced some financial hurdles after a slow season at the end of last year.  The funds raised will go toward catching up on overhead costs and debts.  Here’s a link to the Go Fund Me page:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-as-you-are

Barracks Row MainStreet Executive Director Brian Ready led the Second Line Band in a sidewalk parade on Barracks Row Friday Night to kick-off weekend activities celebrating Mardi Gras.

The shelves are stocked and the new Eighth Street Beer Wine Spirit at 725 Barracks Row looks set to open.

The iconic Barracks Row building at 8^th and G SE – the former home of landscape architects Oehme van Sweeden is up for sale.  The asking price is $5.5 million, and includes the adjacent and attached row house on G Street (far right).  The former bank (built in 1900) and the row house combined total 7,000 square feet. 

According to Wiki, notable works of the landscape firm include the National World War II Memoria and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.

Here a view of the building’s first floor looking toward 8^th Street.  Image credit: Real estate companies  MLS images.

Here are the winners in Hill Center’s 2024 Regional Juried Exhibition.  1^st Place:  “Uplift” by Abol Bahdori; 2^nd Place: “ADHD Enter Formula” by Jeff Bohlander; 3^rd Place: “Golden Hour” by Cincin Fang.  Image credit:  Hill Center.

The Week Ahead..Photos & Help Name the Folger Library Cafe

By Larry Janezich

Posted February 11, 2024

Monday, February 12

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Community Concerns
• Public Safety Report from MPD
• DPR Summer Camp and Town Center Park Updates
• TOPP Planning
• Additional Trash Can Requests
• Cherry Blossom 5K
• Purple Stride 5K
• ABCA Applications
• Chair’s Report

Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

ANC6B will hold an in-person and virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentations
  • Scott Goldstein, Executive Director of EmpowerEd
• Community & Commission Announcements
• Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee
  • Update on status of Settlement Agreements for  No Kids Allowed, 637B Pennsylvania Avenue SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer; DC Dash, 727 8th Street SE, New Medical Cannabis Retailer; UpnSmoke 427 8th Street SE, New Medical Cannabis Retailer.
• Transportation Committee
  • Request to Endorse Report on Sidewalk Safety
  • Request for ANC Support: Capitol Hill Classic 2024
  • Testimony for Council Oversight Hearing on DDOT
  • Letter Regarding Traffic Safety Input at 14th & C Street SE
• Planning and Zoning Committee
  • 1362 K Street, SE Project.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a two-story addition to an existing accessory building, of an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
  • 633 E Street, SE Rear Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  To construct a two-story addition to an existing accessory building, of an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
  • Update from Subcommittee on Alley Closings
• Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force
  • Response to CM Allen Regarding MOA on Management of Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park
  • Support for Request for Pickleball Space at VA Avenue /Garfield Park
• ANC 6B Administrative Matters
  • Election of ANC 6B Representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee
  • Appointment of ANC 6B Resident Members and Alternates
  • Election of Committee and Taskforce Chairs

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Speakers

• TBD, Prologis
• TBD, Pepco

DC Government Updates/Presentations

• Lawrence Davlin, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS) Ward 7 Representative
• Francis Campbell, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray

Community Presentations

• Tara Morrison, Superintendent, National Capital Parks East
• Kathy Harrison-Crews, Parking Enforcement, DC Department of Public Works

Public Safety Committee (Chair Brynn Barnett)

• January 2024 Committee Meeting Update

New Business

• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to relevant DC Government Offices requesting enforcement of DC traffic violation reciprocity.
• Letter to Zoning Commission Regarding Hearing Rescheduling Date Request for ZC 23-28 beyond March 11, 2024
• Letter to Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Reaffirming ANC 7D Support for an Anacostia River Arboretum Bridge
• Resolution in Support of Extending the DC Streetcar

Wednesday, February 14

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Calendar

• TBD

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• Bus priority/safety improvements on H St NE (3rd St. to Benning Rd.)
• Request for resident-only parking on certain blocks
• Public alley closure, C St. NE
• Proposed Capital Bikeshare station at 601 Mass. Ave. NE
• Capitol Hill Village/sidewalk survey
• Union Station expansion project update

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee (Mark Eckenwiler, Chair)

• 700 A St. NE (installation of plastic panels on exterior of stained-glass windows)

Capitol Hill Corner would like you to know about:

Help name the new Folger café

When the Folger reopens on June 21, it have a brand new café in the Great Hall. The Folger will offer grab-and-go breakfast options, coffee, tea, soups and sandwiches, snacks to eat in the garden, and drinks and light dinner fare in the evenings.  The Folger would like to crowdsource the name of the café.

They are looking “for clever wordplay worthy of the building that houses the world’s largest Shakespeare collection.” Poetic turns of phrase that fit having coffee or a snack just steps from the stacks of rare books. Folger staff will share their favorites starting February 16 for Folger followers to vote on.

The form below will close at 11:59pm ET on February 12. Check back on February 16 to vote for the finalists.

https://www.folger.edu/blogs/folger-story/help-us-name-the-new-folger-cafe

A panel discussion moderated by CM Charles Allen discussed the causes of juvenile carjackings at a community meeting held at Hill Center. 

Editorial: The New “Joy Ride”: Carjacking in the District

by Larry Janezich

On Tuesday, January 30 The Hill Rag sponsored a panel discussion on the spate of young people committing the crime of carjacking.  Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who moderated the discussion, said that understanding the “why” was necessary in order to identify measures to curb carjacking.

The panel included MPD First District Commander Colin Hall, US Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, “Guns Down Friday” founder Jawanna Hardy, “Credible Messenger of Building Blocks DC” Reginald Mathis, and foster parent and advocate Kevin McGilly.

In opening remarks, Allen informed the audience that in “2023, there were 958 carjackings in DC, a 100% increase over 2022 – 77% involved a gun. Of those arrested, 62% were juveniles.

Allen then repeated his formula for addressing DC’s crime issues: “We both have to ensure accountability…and we have to work to prevent violence in the first place.”  He said, “People who commit harm by carjacking…no matter what the age, have got to have consequences and accountability.”  The Ward 6 community Allen represents would likely agree.  But the panel discussion revealed how accountability is perceived from the perspective of those who deal directly with youth offenses.

Most of the carjacking discussion centered on the question of “why?”  Commander Hall, MPD 1st District, says it’s because kids in troubled homes use carjacking as a means to build status and reputation in their peer group, often posting their crimes on social media.  He added that some juvenile carjacking behavior is baffling: numerous carjackings in one night, each time the vehicle being driven only a short distance.

DC Attorney General Schwalb said that it’s the disconnect between a particular young person and the protective factors which satisfy human needs of belonging, including family, home, and school.  He added that “celebrating the joy of stealing cars” is a factor, as is easy access to guns.

Credible Messenger Reginald Mathis of pointed to dysfunctional homes that encourage young people to develop “trauma bonds” with peers, sometimes resulting in peer pressure to commit these offenses.

McGilly agreed that young people carjack because it gives them status in their peer group and on social media and because there are no consequences.

Accountability

Accountability in most juvenile justice systems is interpreted as punishment or adherence to a set of rules laid down by the system, and that’s the definition the community likely thinks of when it hears the term.

But among criminal justice professionals, accountability starts at an institutional level.

Jawanna Hardy of ”Guns Down Friday” says there is no accountability for the government or the programs that are supposed to provide assistance but fail, or from schools, or from parents. The city is reportedly “resource rich.”  Yet Hardy describes having to “scramble for resources” like financial assistance:  her organization relies on donations as well as Building Block grants for funds to transport kids to school who are trying to avoid violence occurring between “beefing” young people in neighborhoods.  Hardy also lamented the lack of accountability from schools and parents regarding truancy.  The most recent data – according to Allen – shows a significant increase in chronic truancy and absenteeism among DC’s high school students:  a 60 percent chronic absenteeism rate and a 47 % truancy rate.  Pre-pandemic, both were about 30%.  While there is no single “cause” of carjacking, it does not seem possible to separate the increase in the offense rates with the pervasive problem of truancy.

Deterrence

Hill Rag on-line editor Liz O’Gorek – who wrote two articles on juvenile carjacking which resulted in Tuesday evening’s panel – told the group: “The goal of DC criminal justice system is to prevent kids from reoffending – not to punish them – to protect their future from their past.”

DC Attorney Schwalb summarized criminal justice research on the deterrent capacity of criminal penalties:  “We know that when we want to see deterrence in a system we need to have prompt arrests and certain swift consequences.”  He added that when “so many cases are not cleared we have a challenge in the criminal justice system.”

Several factors get in the way of “certain and swift consequences” for youth carjacking.  First, these offenses have a low arrest rate and a low case closure rate because of the difficulty of identifying masked perpetrators.  Another factor is the low rate of prosecutions of arrested juveniles.  Schwalb says that the MPD arrest standard of probable cause is different from the standard of due process – or proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.  He says, “We will not charge if we can’t in good faith prove beyond a reasonable doubt.”  This usually requires evidence from a reliable eyewitness, a cooperating witness, a camera, or social media evidence on phones of suspects.  Without these, there is usually not enough evidence to charge on the day of arrest.  Parent and advocate Kevin McGilly related a personal experience of his foster son when a case was dropped.  McGilly lamented there was no referral to a diversion program which served to show other young people that criminal offenses often carry no consequences.

Another obstacle to criminal deterrence is expense.  DC Attorney Schwalb says prevention should be the focus.  “If we want to be safer in the long run we cannot prosecute and arrest our way out of it.  Even doing our best…we’re go to be having this same conversation if we don’t focus on the need to change the underlying conditions including housing, health, education, economic and job development, and mental health support – that’s what a whole of government approach looks like.  Prosecutors can’t solve social issues,” he warned.

Schwalb also alluded to crime legislation pending before the city council which expands pre-trial detention for some juveniles and adults (which was made temporary for 225 days before passage on Tuesday).  He asked, “Are we ready to commit to build more detention facilities and are we willing to acknowledge when we lock young people up and put them in places where they are at risk, sometimes we cause harm?  That has a cost to society.”

In a subsequent Ward Six Update distributed to constituents, Allen offered his take on where the discussion of youth carjacking leads. According to Allen, the District needs to immediately adopt a strategic gun violence reduction plan and Executive Branch agencies must coordinate and focus on the small number of chronic offenders who are responsible for most violent crime.  This strategic plan was commissioned in 2021 https://bit.ly/3SyvBsK  and an update of that report released this week examined how the District has failed to take aggressive steps to implement that plan. https://bit.ly/4bw6QGG

In addition, Allen noted the upcoming vote in the city council on the Omnibus Crime Bill (which passed 12 – 1 on Tuesday, February 6) contained several provisions which he supported, including strengthening carjacking laws which he said would help hold people accountable, and adding many of the increased gun use penalties that had been included in the previous criminal code revision which were blocked from becoming law by Congress.

At the end, there were answers about the why of juvenile carjacking but it was harder to say why carjacking (958) and homicides (274) exploded in 2023.  MPD says it’s because of a shortage of officers.  But the resignations from the force often cited by the police union for FYs 2020 – 2023 only amounted to an additional average 27 officers a year above the 100 resignations a year for FYs 2018 and 2019.  The shortage in officers appears to be the result of lack of ability to hire recruits to replace officers who have resigned, retired, died, became disabled, reached the maximum age, or were terminated.  The average hiring rate for FYs 2018 and 2019 was 330 hires each year.  The average for FYs 2020 – 2023 was 217 a year.  Other cities (NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit) have suffered similar declines in their police forces and their crime rates – including homicides – have dropped.  What was different about DC?

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 4, 2024

The Folger Shakespeare Library’s grand reopening of its historic building—after a 4-year renovation—is scheduled for June 21, 2024. The renovation was designed to open up the Library and make it a welcoming space for visitors.  To that end, the designers use landscaping to bring people down the garden path and into the Shakespeare world of story-telling.  The renovation has resulted 12,000 square feet of public space much of which will be used to show people what the Library has: rare books and manuscripts covering the beginning of the age of print all the way through the creation of the Atlantic world.  There will also be a café, new galleries and garden spaces, a learning lab, and an expanded gift shop.

“Serene Willow Reflections” 2023 by Marilyn Saks-McMillion

“Reflections” is the theme the Capitol Hill Art League latest show featuring the work of league members.  The art is on display through March 1st in an exhibition at the Frame of Mine Gallery located at 545 8th Street, S.E. on Barracks Row.  The artists are offering unique views in painting, photography and mixed media art.  The following artists are featured in the show: Lindsay Ahart, Ken Bachman, Lisa Bernstein, Kimberly DeJesus Alfonso, Matthew Gonzales, Tara Hamilton, Steve Kunin, Steve Mabley, Charles Martin, Jenny Nordstrom, Marilyn Saks-McMillion, Ting Wang, and Karen Zens.

The Art League invites you to visit the gallery when shopping at Frame of Mine as well as viewing it online at the Capitol Hill Art League website at: https://www.caphillartleague.org/reflections2024/ The Capitol Hill Art League is a visual arts program of The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). For more information about the Art League, visit the website at www.caphillartleague.org

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill hoped to open last September in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s convenience store at 333 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  That didn’t happen, but there’s hope. 

The buildout is underway and here’s a look behind the papered over windows.  The store will be the latest in the Mezeh’s chain of more than 40 fast casual restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region.  Mezeh specializes in fresh food and natural flavors, made from scratch in-house daily with 100% olive oil halal protein, no hormones, no preservatives, and/or additives.

Chef Spike Mendelsohn is being sued for not paying rent on the former location of Santa Rosa Tacqueria at 315 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  According to Daniel J. Sernovitz of the Washington Business Journal, Mendelsohn’s former landlord, Zusin Development, says there is a total $308,458 in unpaid rent. 

The For Lease sign in the window of Santa Rosa Taqueria signaled its move to 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, the space formerly occupied by Pret A Manger. Mendelsohn has other two restaurants in the same block – We, The Pizza and Good Stuff Eatery.

Here are a couple of paintings by Washington, DC artist Alma Thomas, currently on exhibit at the Smithsonian American art Museum.  Thomas, 1891 – 1978, used acrylic on canvas to create “Untitled” (Music Series) in 1978.

This work, “The Eclipse,” by Thomas was inspired by the total eclipse which occurred on March 7, 1970, visible across the US, including Washington, DC. 

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 4, 2024

Monday, February 5

The interim Southeast Library interim facility at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center, 1000 5th Street, SE will open for the first time at 10:00am today. 

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

• Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. The Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project (https://floridaavene-streetscape.ddot.dc.gov/ outreach team) will provide project updates and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
• H Street NE Bus Priority Project. Mr. Zack Gambetti-Mendez will present the design of the H Street NE Bus Priority Project. (https://ddotwiki.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/NI/pages/2350907486/NOI-24-07-TDD) and address comments and questions from the community.
• West Virginia Avenue NE Traffic Safety. ANC6A TPS Committee Chair Shaun Lynch will lead a discussion regarding persistent traffic safety issues on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE.
• Prospective Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT with recommendations for traffic safety improvements on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE, including preferred direction for a potential one-way conversion.
• TSIs for Future Consideration. Commissioner Gove requested a discussion of languishing all-way stop requests at the following intersections: 14th NE and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE, E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE.
• Prospective Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting prioritization of longstanding TSIs at the intersections of 14th NE and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE and E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE at the next quarterly prioritization assessment.

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  TBA

ANC6D Administrative virtual Meeting at 7:00pm

Please contact the office at 6d@anc.dc.gov  if you wish to have a link to monitor the Admin meeting.

Tuesday, February 6

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Review Settlement Agreement for No Kids Allowed; 637B Pennsylvania Ave SE; new medical cannabis retailer. 
• Review Settlement Agreement for DC Dash; 727 8th Street SE; new medical cannabis retailer. 
• Review Settlement Agreement for UpnSmoke: 427 8th street, SE; new medical cannabis retailer license.

Wednesday, February 7

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DMV Director Robinson Presentation on Department Priorities.
• Request to Endorse Report on Sidewalk Safety.
• Request for ANC Support: Capitol Hill Classic 2024.
• Testimony for Council Oversight Hearing on DDOT.
• Letter Regarding TSI at 14th & C Street SE.
• Committee Discussion on Suggestion to Close 7th Street SE during SE Library Reconstruction.

ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

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

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, February 8

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentations

• Social Housing.
• John Qua and Fatoumata Keita, DC for Democracy and Metro DC DSA.
• Will Merrifield, Center for Social Housing.

New Business:

• Recommendation: ANC6A approve a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to Maury Elementary School PTO for the establishment of an outdoor garden.
• Suggested Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT with recommendations for traffic safety improvements on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE, including preferred direction for a potential one-way conversion.
• Suggested Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting prioritization of longstanding TSIs at the intersections of 14th NE and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE and E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE at the next quarterly prioritization assessment.
• Suggested Motion: ANC6A approve Ziad Demian (6A04) as a member of the Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee.

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a hybrid virtual meeting at 7:00pm. Physical location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 1362 K Street, SE Project: Zoning Adjustment application.  To construct a two-story addition to an existing accessory building, of an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 633 E Street, SE Rear Project: Historic Preservation application. To construct a two-story addition to an existing accessory building, of an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• Discussion Regarding Construction at Ebeneezer Flats (400 Block of D Street SE.
• Discussion Regarding Construction Issues and Sale Process Tied to DC Developer.
• Update from Subcommittee

ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would like you to know about:

February 9

Barracks Row Main Street’s – National Pizza Day – Feb 9th  https://www.barracksrow.org/

On Friday, February 9th, we will invite guests to come take a stroll down historic 8th Street Barracks Row and taste delicious pizza from some of the best restaurants in the city. Guests will be able to enjoy pizza/food specials from Barracks Row Main streets at each participating establishment

February 9

Barracks Row Main Street’s – Mardi Gras Weekend on Barracks Row 8th Street – Feb 9th to 13^th. https://www.barracksrow.org/

Starting on Friday, February 9th, we will invite guests to take a stroll down historic 8th Street Barracks Row and celebrate New Orleans-style Mardi Gras. Guests will be able to enjoy Mardi Gras Sidewalk Parades with beads on Friday, Feb 9th, and Saturday, Feb 10th.

February 9

Introduction: Rothko Paintings

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.  East Building Auditorium

https://www.nga.gov/calendar/lectures/exhibitions/rothko-paintings.html/2024/02/09/1300

This talk introduces the range of Mark Rothko’s paintings, from early figurative subjects and surrealist works to his soft-edged rectangular fields. We will consider Rothko’s interest in color theory, music, and spirituality and the historical context for his work. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper, this talk focuses on works in the exhibition as well as those on view in the East Building Tower. Led by staff from the Department of Interpretation.  No registration required. Seating is on a first-come basis.

DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan at Tuesday night’s community meeting on the future of Rosedale Library.

Update on Rosedale Library’s Future

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 31, 2024

Tuesday night, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan gave the first public presentation on the plan for a new Rosedale Library.  The project is in its preliminary stages; the aspirational timeline was presented to the community at a meeting hosted by ANC7D06 Commissioner Marc Friend and the Rosedale Library Friends.

The ideal timeline anticipates funding becoming available in 2025 and 2026, the design phase occurring in 2028, construction in 2029 and 2030, and opening in 2031.  Currently, $24 million has been budgeted but Reyes-Gavilan warns that inflation and other costs will require another five to ten million dollars.  He expressed confidence that the Mayor and City Council’s will provide additional funding.  Council Chair Phil Mendelson was present at the meeting.    

Jaspreet Pahwa, DCPL Director of Capital Planning and Construction, told community members that a preliminary site survey was underway looking at nearby options – including the current library’s location – which could support the construction of a new library.  Some of the sites being considered would bring library services to additional communities including part of Ward 5.  Other options being considered include a mixed use vs. stand-alone buildings will be considered.  She said that this site selection process will unfold as follows:  Site analysis – development of a short list – community meetings to solicit input – release of a final recommendation – and seeking of acquisition funds.  Pahwa said that currently, the only funding available is for site analysis and additional funds will not be available until 2025 and most of it will come in 2026. 

The site of the new library could be contentious.  At Tuesday night’s meeting, several community members spoke in favor of using the current site for a new library.  Former ANC6A Commissioner Sondra Phillips spoke passionately on her own behalf as well as others in the Rosedale community,  recalling the efforts of Rosedale residents in acquiring a community library, suffering a delay because funds slated for a library were re-directed to rebuild Eastern Market after a devastating fire, and ended by stating flatly, “Rosedale Library should remain in Rosedale.”