Monthly Archives: June 2024

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 9, 2024

Monday, June 10

John Wennersten (at podium) and Barry Harrelson (at left) commenting on a clip from “On The Waterfront With Arthur Cotton Moore.”

Sunday evening, June 9^th, the film-making non-profit Sustainable Waterfronts, presented three short documentary films at Hill Center, hosted by the co-founders of the organization, producers Jack Wennersten and Barry Harrelson.   

Founded in 2017, (seven years ago to the day) Sustainable Waterfronts is a public non-profit based on Capitol Hill that seeks to preserve the history of Washington’s waterfront from the founding of the city to today.

The featured films were:

“Moments At The Water’s Edge: Men & Women At Work”  https://bit.ly/3Xc3Zhj  

“On The Waterfront With Arthur Cotton Moore”  https://bit.ly/3VjjKjW  (Moore was the architect who rebuilt the Georgetown Waterfront as well as helped renovate the Library of Congress, the Old Post Office and the Phillips Collection.)

And” “John Philips Sousa – An American Icon” (no video link available). 

Here’s the situation at Pupatell’s Neapolitan Pizza on Wednesday afternoon:  While CHC was taking photos through the window, an employee opened the door and said they hope to open on Monday, June 17th.  Asked if CHC could get some photos inside, the staffer called over Mike Compty, co-General Manager.  Compty was accommodating re the photos and said he and Tom Cackett are the co-General Managers. 

Compty says the restaurant’s motto is “Pizza without Politics.” 

Pre-heating the imported Italian ovens.  They can reach 1000 degrees F.  Pupatella’s is a local chain with 9 other locations in the District and Virginia.  The location at 3rd and Mass was previously the home of Romeo & Juliet (closed in 201) – and before that, The White Tiger.  Here’s a link to their website and menues. https://www.pupatella.com/

Over on Barrack’s Row, a couple of souces told Capitol Hill Corner that Mother Blossom cannabis gift shop has closed permanently.  The likely reason is that the medical cannabis license for UpNSmoke at 427 8^th is pending, and when granted, other cannabis outlets – including gift shops within 400 feet are subject to closure once the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabils Commission starts enforcing the law.  Two other cannabis gift shops near UpNSmoke continue to operate, including Mr. Nice Guy (despite being robbed two weeks ago a source says) and Organix (which replys when asked if they were going to apply for a medical license), “This is a clothing store, sir.”

Here’s a photo of the patrons of the NE/SE Library Used Book Sale last Saturday. Photo: Jay Adelstein.

Sunday evening, June 9th, the film-making non-profit Sustainable Waterfronts, presented three short documentary films at Hill Center, hosted by the co-founders of the Sustainable Waterfronts, producers Jack Wennersten and Barry Harrelson.  

Founded in 2017, (seven years ago to the day) “Sustainable Waterfronts” is a public non-profit based on Capitol Hill that seeks to preserve the history of Washington’s waterfront from the founding of the city to today.  The featured films were:

“Moments At The Water’s Edge: Men & Women At Work”  https://bit.ly/3Xc3Zhj 

“On The Waterfront With Arthur Cotton Moore”  https://bit.ly/3VjjKjW   (Moore was the architect who rebuilt the Georgetown Waterfront as well as helped renovate the Library of Congress, the Old Post Office and the Phillips Collection.)

And John Philips Sousa – An American Icon (no video link available). 

Here’s a link to their website which has links to some of their other films.  https://sustainablewaterfronts.org/

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 10

ANC6B Parks and Public Space Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (entrance next to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Garfield Park Construction Announcement
• Throne Toilet at Eastern Market Metro Park
• Park Manager for Eastern Market Metro Park
• Shade on the Children’s Side of the Eastern Market Metro Park

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: 

Public Safety Report

Presentations:

• Dr. Keith Pettigrew (Executive Director), DC Housing Authority:  Greenleaf, Maintenance Update.
• Linda Greenan, Pepco:  Pepco Stacks Substaion-Grounds.
• Hannah Ashenafi, Associate Director DOEE: Vulcan Permit
• Marcellus Walker Jr., CPM – 311 Chief of Operations and Danielle Drumgoole. Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Unified Communications.
• Kara Pennino, Waterways Administrator, DOEE Office of Waterways Management Authority.

Consent Agenda:

• Hen Quarter

Development, Planning, and Transportation

• Merchant Marina – M Street Landing.
• Westminster Redevelopment Zoning Application for 2 year extension.
• WMATA Better Bus Proposal – prospective community meeting.

Tuesday, June 11

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/45iWAyt

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Community Speakers

• Clint Osborn, Acting Director, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) on Agency Overview and Priorities.
• Eric DeBear, Esq. representing DC Department of General Services (DGS) and DC Department of Corrections (DOC) on Plans for Replacement of Correctional Building.

Community Presentations

• Ayanna Williams, DC Natives – Intro to Organization Focused on Pollinator Habitats
• 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.
• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Representatives.

Commission Business

• Letter to DDOT concerning NOI Commission support for 17th Street NE bicycle facility.
• Discussion:  WMATA Better Bus Network – to build awareness about this project.
• Letter to DGS, EOM and Council on Unaddressed Maintenance at the Renovated Eliot-Hine Middle School.

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

• Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee Consent Items.
• Transportation Committee Consent Items.
• Planning & Zoning Committee Consent Items.
• Public Safety Committee Consent Items.
• Letter Requesting a Status Update on the Implementation of the 2022 Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan and Invitation to DC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah.

Presentations

• Kilil Roussaw – Founder/Executive Director of KRoussaw Foundation.
• Christopher Williams, Director, Anacostia Watershed Society.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee (06/04/2024)

• ABRA-127963: DMV Liquors Wines and Beers, LLC t/a DMV Liquors Wines and Beers, 643 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License.

Transportation Committee (06/05/2024)

• Proposed Letter in Support of Multimodal Street Design on Major Arterials.

Planning and Zoning Committee (06/06/2024)

• BZA 21144: 411 8th Street, SE Project: To permit a fast-food establishment (Taco Bell) use in an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the MU-4/CHC zone.
• 229 8th Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. 
• 629 South Carolina Ave, SE Project: To construct a three-story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached three-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 718 7th Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. 

Wednesday, June 12

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:  TBA

Thursday, June 13

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• Letter ANC6A to WMATA consolidating and summarizing comments from residents regarding the impacts of the proposed 2025 Better Bus network.
• Letter to DDOT in support of the 17th Street, NE MultiModal study including engineering, enforcement, and education (signage) for safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Motion that the ANC draft a resolution urging the DC Council, DDOT, and the Mayor to support a 5-8% increase in the FY2025 budget for the maintenance of sidewalks, to implement a more effective system for sidewalk repair monitoring, and to allow experimentation with alternative sidewalk materials and that ANC 6A authorize the Commission to testify regarding sidewalk improvements at any upcoming DC Council hearings.
• Letter of support to the HPRB re: HPA 24-274 (To construct a two-story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone)

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Thursday, June 13.  Sea Shanties and Songs Featuring Canadian Performer Seán Dagher of Assassin’s Creed Fame · Thursday, June 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  $20.00.  Go here:  https://bit.ly/3XbhzkY

Friday, June 14.  Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features a Love Station Concert from 5:30pm – 6:30pm – in Partnership with Barracks Row Main Street, the Department of Parks and Recreation & the Office of Councilmember Charles Allen. 

Friday, June 14.  Hill Center Event:  Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Singer/Songwriter Rochelle Rice with Pianist Janelle Gill at an in-person performace from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Tickets:  $20.00.  Go here:  https://bit.ly/4et6It1

Reminder:  NE/SE Library Book Sale Saturday June 8, 10am – 3:pm

“The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, June 8.  The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.

===> Note that the location is at the NE Library <===

The sale begins when the library opens at 10:00 am. We begin to pack up around 2:45 pm and are done by 3:00 pm.The sale is on the lower level of the library.

Entrance to the sale is through the library (and down the stairs or elevator).

In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. We have music CDs and movies on DVDs. We usually have a few books on disk too.

Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.

If you have books to donate, we’d be happier if you brought them after the sale, but we will take donations at the sale if you must. The donation bin is located on the lower level.

Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. CDs and DVDs are fine, but NO VHS tapes or cassettes.”

Questions? bob@bobgellman.com

Herb Scott Jazz Saxophonist. Photo: Herb Scott

June 7^th Friday Night Jazz at EM Metro Features Herb Scott Band – 5:30pm

by Larry Janezicn

Posted Friday , June 7, 2024

Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features the Herb Scott Band at 5:30pm.

Scott is a star on the Washington, D.C. Jazz scene. While studying at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the award-winning educator Davey Yarborough, he performed with renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.  For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/3PzUeCI

The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 6, 2024

Ward 6 Budget Town Hall Tonight:  CM Charles Allen hosts the meeting which will be tonight from 6pm – 7:30pm at Northeast Library.  The purpose is to update the community on the budget and provide an opportunity for feedback before the Council takes a final vote on June 12. RSVP here. https://bit.ly/4e4LUYB

Renovation of Garfield Park Starts This Month

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 4, 2024

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosted a Garfield Park Construction Kickoff meeting Monday night.  Christopher Dyer, Community Engagement Manager for DC DPR (center above) told a crowd of about 50 community members that the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the final design for upgrading the park and to provide an opportunity for the community to provide feedback and input.   

Dyer and Nick Kushner DPR Community Planner and project manager fielded questions and took suggestions.  Construction will start in June and be complete by the end of September. 

CM Charles Allen attended the meeting and credited the immediate neighbors of the park including the Friends of Garfield Park for their role as caretakers of the space and their sense of stewardship and ownership.  Allen successfully pushed the city to budget $1.3 million for the renovation. 

Many of those in the crowd were there to support the installation of pickleball courts on the now- deadend portion of Virginia Avenue which is adjacent to the park and under the SE/SW Freeway.  The site is owned and controlled by the DC Department of Transportation, and a group of pickleball supporters have been working with ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery to petition DDOT to designate the space for pickleball use.  The application is currently wending its way through the DDOT bureauacracy.  WDCP Advocacy Director Eileen Dougherty elicited a pledge from Dyer to continue a conversation to explore ways for DPR to be helpful in accommodating the needs of pickleball enthusiasts.

Here’s the project overview and the currently scheduled improvements:

• 2 – 5 year old’s playground:  New pour in place rubber playground surfacing surface (PIP), new equipment, existing swings to remain.
• 5 -12 year old’s playground:  new PIP & Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) surface; existing rope structure, jungle gym, and swings to remain; centeral rope-play area to be replaced in kind, new equipment.
• Bocce Court:  refurbish edging and new shells.
• Volleyball Court:  refurbish edging and new sand, new net and poles.
• Tennis Court:  new court surfacing, nets, and poles; repair damaged fencing.
• Additional Park Improvements:  Improvements to grass to east of the playground, power washing of benching and tables, minor repairs to benches as needed, replacement of plant beds removed during construction activites.

Here’s the Construction Timeline:

• June:  Mobilization and demolition begins.
• July/August:  Tennis Courts completed and re-open.
• August/September:  Consturction complete and park reopens.

ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder Will Not Seek Re-election

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 3, 2024

ANC6B08 Commissioner and Chair Edward Ryder. Photo: Edward Ryder from X

Edward Ryder, Chair of ANC6B announced Monday on X that he will not seek re-election.  Last week, Commissioner Matt LaFortune said he too has decided not to run.  Both commissioners cited relocation as a deciding factor. 

As posted on X by Edward Ryder:  ·

“ANC boundaries are really small. Currently we’re in the process of looking for a new home. If we move across the street that’s a different district. All this is to say, I’m not running again this year since I can’t guarantee I’ll find something in my SMD.

I plan to stay in the neighborhood, so I’m not going anywhere and hope to stay involved as much as possible. If you’re interested in running for ANC in 6B08, I’m happy to give you insights and support.

My biggest ask for the next 6B08 commissioner, beyond anything else, is to keep a focus on Potomac Gardens and Hopkins and keep that relationship strong. I’ve made a lot of progress in advocating for residents with DCHA and I want that momentum to continue.”

Ryder was elected in November of 2020 and then elected chair of the ANC for the 2023-2024 term.  If re-elected, he could have served one more term as chair under Commission by-laws. 

Prospective candidates for the ANC6B08 seat can pick up petitions on July 1^st from the DC Board of Elections to get on the ballot for the November election. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 2, 2024

ICYMI: On May 30, ANC6B09 Commissioner Matt LaFortune announced on X that he will not seek re-election for his seat on the ANC.  LaFortue was elected in November of 2022 and chairs the ANC6B Transportation Committee. 

From X:  “I won’t be running for another term as ANC commissioner but if you live in 6B09 and might be interested, let me know! The BOE will release ballot petitions on July 1st.

It’s not for everybody but I’ve found some satisfaction (and plenty of frustration) in the role. With our family likely moving elsewhere in DC in the next year or so, its time to hand things off to someone else for 2025-26.

Shout out to all the ANCs out there for doing the continued hard work of the community as well as all the neighbors in 6B09 who contribute so much for our little part of the District without the fancy title (or endless meetings).”

On Wednesday, officials from the Department of General Services, DC FEMS, and the non-profits Every Second Counts and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Zoll Medical cut the ribbon signifying the installation of DC’s first Safe Station Defibrillator Tower.   The public-accessible defibrillator is located at the NW Corner of Eastern Market, on the west side of the building. 

The unit is user friendly and even those unfamiliar with how to administer CPR or use the defibrillator can follow the verbal instructions “spoken” by the machine, which start after removing the yellow pack inside the tower and pressing the power button (visible on the upper left of the pack above). 

DC FEMS provided demonsttations on administering CPR and those present were d to participate in a hands-on experience. Here’s a link to SaveStations video on how to administer CPR and use the Defibrillator:  https://qrco.de/bcc1PB

Saturday afternoon, artist Tsomon Damba was at his stall at Eastern Market.  Tsolmon Damba is a Mongolian Asian Modern & Contemporary artist who was born in 1970 in Northern Mongolia. He has been a regular vendor at Eastern Market – off and on – since 1999.  Few vendors have more seniority.  His expressionist depictions of traditional Mongolian images are the subjects of his paintings and calligraphy.  He shows his work at Caso on F Street – 923 F Street, NW.

Here’s a link to his Facebook page where he has photos of some 135 pieces.  https://www.facebook.com/tsolmonart/

“Tender-3” by Tsolman Damba, 2018.  Oil on canvas.  48”48”.  Photo: Damba via Facebook.

“The Nomad Spirit” series.. by Tsolman Damba, 2014. “Archer Warrior” 2014. Ink on rice paper. Photo: Damba via Facebook.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 3

ANC6B Southeast Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.  Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

• Virtual option is available, go here: https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda: TBA

DC Department of Recreation will host a Garfield Park Construction Kick-off meeing, 6pm – 7pm.  Garfield Park Playground (near 2nd, F, and South Carolina, SE).  DPR expects the park improvement work to begin this summer. See here for more:  https://garfield.splashthat.com/  (Last week’s meeting was postponed because of weather.)

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

• To view meeting contact 6D@anc.dc.gov

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meeting has been cancelled.

Tuesday, June 4

MPD 1D CAC virtual meeting 6:00 – 7:15 pm

Agenda and connection details here: https://1dcac.com/

6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:

• DMV Liquors Wines and Beers, 643 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License.

Wednesday, June 5

ANC6B Transportation Committee 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:
  • DDOT Presentation on Proposed Safety Actions at 11th/D St SE and 11th/G St SE Intersections
  • Proposed Letter in Support of Multimodal Street Design on Major Arterials
  • Committee Discussion on WMATA Better Bus Base Network
  • Committee Discussion on Proposed EV Charging Locations

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee. No business this month.   

Thursday, June 6

ANC6B 6B 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/   

 Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 411 8th Street, SE Project: Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application to permit a fast-food establishment use in an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the MU-4/CHC zone. Owner(s): Taco Bell of America, LLC/Zusin Development LLC, ilya@zusin.com Applicant: Christopher S. Cohen, christopher.cohen@hklaw.com
• 229 8th Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. TBD.
• 629 South Carolina Ave, SE Project: To construct a three-story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached three-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit. 
• 718 7th Street ,SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. TBD
• Discussion Regarding Investhome – Investment homes being constructed in 6B08
• Discussion Regarding Ebeneezer Row Construction

ANC 6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Agenda:  TBA

Friday, June 7 

Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  5:30pm.  Herb Scott Band

Saturday, June 8

Friends of Southeast and Northeast Library will hold their (mostly) monthly used booksale at Northeast Library from 10am until 3:00pm. 

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Wednesday, June 5.  Hill Center Event:  Former Architect of the Capitol, Alan M. Hantman, Discusses His New Book Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis, and Architecture at the United States Capitol.  7:00 pm – 9:00 pm;  $10:00. 

Friday, June 7.  Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  5:30pm.  Herb Scott Band

Saturday, June 8.  Friends of Southeast and Northeast Library will hold their (mostly) monthly used booksale at Northeast Library from 10am until 3:00pm. 

Sunday, June 9.  Hill Center Film Event.  5pm – 7pm/.  A Presentation of film Making on Capitol Hill. 

• Two shorts:  “Men at Work’ and “John Philip Sousa’ – and – a 12 minute documentary: “On the Waterfron with Arthur Cotton Moore”.  This film centers on the development of the Georgetown Waterfront National Harbor and its architect, Arthur Cotton Moore.  Q&A follows, with wine and refreshment.