Monthly Archives: June 2025

The Week Ahead…& Photos of Open Street DC from Saturday

by Larry Janezich

Saturday saw Capitol Hill’s first Open Streets Event on North Carolina, East Capitol, and Massachusetts Avenue, SE.  Here’s photo from 7^th and North Carolina at circa 10:00am. The event attracted thousands of residents.

A little farther west, at 6^th and North Carolina, the hundred or so Hill Family Bikers were  marshalling their parade marshals to clear the way for the Biker Parade the length of the Open Streets. Among the marshals was Commissioner Amber Gove, ANC6A, at left. 

The political organizations were set up on East Capitol on the south side of Lincoln Park.  CM Charles Allen interacted with constituents at 12^th Street. 

ANCs 6A and 6B who share jurisdiction of Lincoln Park set up at 11^th Street and East Capitol, SE.  That’s Commissioner Anna Krebs of ANC6B on the right, promoting the work of the ANCs to residents.    

Most of the tents appeared to be home to city services and civic organizations, but some Capitol Hill retail – like Katherine Donahue’s Labyrinth – set up shop. 

The most popular kid attraction was this foam generator at the far end of Massachusetts Avenue, near 16^th Street.

Here’s the view circa 11:15am near 16^th and Massachusetts, looking west.

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, July 1

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee holds a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (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: 

ABCA Renewals:

• Ted’s Bulletin, 505 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant. Protest Petition Deadline: July 18, 2025 [6B03] (Originally Extended by 60 days).

Protests/Other Updates

• Ambar (Currently Under Protest) (6B03)

MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:00pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://1dcac.com/

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, July 2

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

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

Agenda

• 1500 Block of L Street, SE: Need for speed bumps and other safety measures.

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

• 502 C Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application of Schmidt Development for concept approval to renovate an existing three-story non-contributing mixed-use structure, convert to residential use, and enlarge with a new three-story rear addition.
• 409 East Capitol Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application of Parasol Tree Holdings, LLC for a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements and use variance to construct a third-story rear addition and a second dwelling unit, and convert the first floor to an office use. 
• 304-308 K Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application – Revised application of 304, 306, 308 K Street, LLC for a. a special exception for the residential use of an alley lot, an area variance from the requirements, and for creation of a new alley record lot and an area variance from the lot dimension requirements to subdivide an alley record lot into two record lots and to construct two semi-detached, two story, principal dwelling units. 
• 1128 4th Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application of Stephen Jackson for a special exception from the rooftop element requirements for after-the-fact approval of an illegally constructed railing atop a porch roof at 1128 4th Street, NE.

Thursday, July 3

ANC6C 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

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Barracks Row

Fourth of July Parade – 10:00am. 

Afterward at Eastern Market Under the Farmers Line Shed:

• Live Music
• Face Painting
• Balloon Animals
• Glitter Tattoos
• Food Vendors

Congressional Cemetery

Friday, July 4 – 10:00am – 11:00am

The District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a Fourth of July Celebration honoring the 249th Anniversary of America’s Independence. Held at the grave of Elbridge Gerry, the only Signer of the Declaration of Independence buried in Washington, DC, this FREE event features light refreshments and commemorative remarks.  The event is open to all, but please RSVP so we can plan accordingly. https://dcssar.org/event-6236656/Registration

Friday, July 5 – 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Civil War at Congressional: Docent Tour – (No Dogs Allowed Tour)

The United States was consumed by the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Millions of individuals were swept up in the chaos of the conflict as the war raged for over four years. Come and explore the graves and memorials which showcase incredible individual stories from the Civil War in a docent led tour.

Reservations required and a tour reservation is a $10 donation.  Go here: https://bit.ly/4l9rOzs 

Saturday tours begin at 11 am, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave.  Please come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.

Here’s the location in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, where a food delivery moped rider injured a child.

Food Delivery Moped Striking Child Prompts ANC6B Response

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 25, 2025

Monday night, ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee, chaired by Commissioner Brian Gorman, heard committee resident member George Holman’s passionate appeal that the committee take action to address the dangers presented by food delivery moped riders who endanger residents by recklessly riding city streets.  Recently, Holman’s six year old son was struck by a moped delivery rider in front of the U.S. Post Office in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, while he was crossing the bike lane to post a letter in the sidewalk mailbox.  The moped rider was driving illegally in the bike lane.  The child was “flung backwards and struck a concrete barrier, and suffered a concussion,” according to Holman.  The driver stopped after hearing the child scream, and then sped away.  MPD and first responders came promptly and the child has since recovered, but the driver has not been apprehended. 

Holman noted that the day before his son’s accident, a child in Columbia Heights was hit by a moped and seriously injured, suffering a broken leg.  That incident also involved a hit and run moped rider who has not been apprehended.

Holman said the moped delivery riders are out of control and he is appealing to the ANC because “I don’t feel like (the police) are adequately enforcing the law.”  Every resident has seen mopeds being operated recklessly, he said, adding, “It’s probably time to revisit last year’s (MPD traffic safety program Operation Ride Right).”  That program started June 5, 2024, and ran for two weeks during which 81 individuals were arrested, 273 scooters impounded, and 161 tickets issued.

Holman has a petition with 100 signatures from neighbors who support taking action to reduce the threat to public safety posed by the illegal operation of scooters.  He said, “I’m trying to be taken seriously and I’m going to continue gathering new signatures.  I don’t know what it’s going to actually take to get someone to pay attention to this and that’s why I’m here today.” He said he would also request a meeting with CM Charles Allen…and added, “… I think it starts with the police actually enforcing the laws on the books.”

Commissioner Sam Pastore – who numbers Holman among his constituents – noted the difficulty regarding enforcement of traffic violations, citing his takeaway from an earlier ANC meeting with MPD was that because of MPD policy, “they will not chase anyone no matter what type of vehicle – unless you’re shooting a gun.”

Holman concluded his presentation:  “This is something that I feel very passionate about and I appreciate you all listening to me because I don’t feel listened to right now and I’m trying to share my anger into something very constructive because my son is the most important thing in the world to me and things could have ended up a lot differently.  It’s something that still haunts me and I think about it a lot and I’m going to continue doing what I can to make this community safer and better….I’m continuing to gather signatures on my petition…every neighbor I talk to is like, ‘They’re out of control, you’ve got to do something.’” 

With no clear indication regarding how the committee would advance this issue, CHC reached out to Commissioner Pastore for comment after the meeting.  Here’s part of his reply:

“We will certainly be taking action – through consultation with George, the ANC, the Public Safety Committee, and the Transportation Committee…In the meantime, this tragedy is also a reminder to all of us: we need to slow down, take our time on the streets, and show more compassion for our fellow pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists…We also need to acknowledge another layer of the conversation, especially around mopeds.  Many riders are working hard, hustling to get where they need to go quickly, often under pressure.  There are racial, cultural, immigration, and even ICE-related dynamics that can’t be ignored…I’ll be speaking with the committee chairs and (ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder) in the coming days to program a more focused response to this specific incident and to build on the good, necessary conversations we’ve been having through the Public Safety Committee.”

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 22, 2025

Update on Rumsey Court – A second story for the Rumsey Aquatic Center is now in the plans for the proposed modernization of the facility, according to a DC Parks and Recreation (DPR) document distributed at last Monday night’s meeting of ANC6B’s Parks and Public Spaces Task Force chaired by Commissioner Jerry Sroufe.  The second story will accommodate a community center focused on senior services.  A community meeting where the latest design will be made public has not yet been scheduled. 

After proffering a plan with no second story earlier this year, CM Charles Allen prompted DPR and the Department of General Services to re-think their approach and they are now negotiating the incorporation the second story into the design.  The Center is a popular District asset, offering 100 plus aquatic programs for a high number of participants.  $37,021,066 has been budgeted for the project in DC’s Capital Budget, meaning it is protected from funding cuts the Mayor being forced to impose on the city’s Operational Budget because Congress has failed to authorize DC to spend its own tax revenues for the balance of the FY.

Ward 6 Budget Town Hall Meeting.  On Tuesday evening, CM Charles Allen hosted a Ward 6 Town Hall on the Budget at Hill Center.  More than 70 residents – many of them first-time Town Hall Budget attendees – showed up for the meeting.  Allen said the council has finished oversight hearings on the budget which now awaits committee votes on the programs within their jurisdiction.  The budget will then go to the full council for consideration.  Go here to watch the full Town Hall presentation on FB: https://bit.ly/4njELbw

Beuchert’s Saloon Has Been Sold.  Coldwell Banker listed the property for $2.3 million and a sold notice recently appeared on the site.  Here’s a link to real estate broker’s listing:  https://bit.ly/4eeIjaw  No word on what might occupy the building or the first floor retail, but the listing’s description suggests the property will be delivered with the restaurant intact.  Prior to Beuchert’s, the space had been occupied by the Capitol Hill Art and Frame Shop.  EaterDC recently reported that the restaurant closed in early June after 13 years:  https://bit.ly/44iNl1p

The 48^th Annual Peterbug Day.  Last Saturday, Peterbug Matthews presided over his 48^th Annual Peter Bug Day.  It was the 48^th annual celebration of Peter Bug Day and the 50^th Anniversary of the Peter Bug Shoe Academy.  The lifelong Capitol Hill resident and community advocate is a Capitol Hill legend, having used the shoe repair trade to mentor and guide community youth for decades.  The 400 block of 13^th Street, SE, was named Peterbug Matthews Way in 2010.  In 2015, when the former historic Buchanan School/IGU site was developed into townhouses and condos, the site of Peterbug Matthews Shoe Academy which sat on city property as did the school, was grandfathered into the development site and preserved. 

The Original Last Run of the Fire House Horses.  Last Sunday, the DC Fire Department conducted a reenactment of the Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses.  The date marked the one hundred anniversary of the original Last Run to commemorate the service of the fire horses.  The reenactment started at the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse, and proceeded east on North Carolina Avenue, SE, and ended at Lincoln Park.  Here’s a Library of Congress photo of the Engine No. 8 Firehouse that stood on the site of what is now Rumsey Aquatic Court.  Photo Source:  Mark Eckenwiler.

And here’s a photo of the original last run: The Last Run of Barney, Gene, and Tom, District, Fire Department Horses, June 15, 1925.  Photo Source:  Mark Eckenwiler.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 23

ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm. 

Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor (Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

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

Agenda:  TBA

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

• Announcements and Reminders: People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean-ups in 6A01.
• H Street Main Street (HSMS) Requesting a Letter of Support for an upcoming application to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant.
• Open Streets Volunteering.

Tuesday, June 24

ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the full Commission meeting on July 8. 

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

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda: 

• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with Cover Charge Dancing, Entertainment, and Summer Garden endorsements at Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license at Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro at 709 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café endorsements at Fresca Taqueria 701 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine at B & B Convenience and More at 1447 Maryland Avenue, NE.
• Discussion of the application for a medical cannabis license at Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE.

Thursday, June 26

ANC6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.  .

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

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About

Saturday, June 28:  Open Streets Comes to Capitol Hill – 7:00am – 3:00pm.

• Location: North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue SE from 6th Street SE to 17th Street SE  Road Closure: Saturday, June 28th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• One mile of neighborhood streets will be closed to vehicles to allow people to safely walk, run, bike, and play.
• Open Streets will include hourly programmed classes and performances, including live music, yoga, dancing, etc.   The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.

For morel including details on entertainment and classes, go here:  https://openstreets.dc.gov/pages/spring-2025

Thursday, June 26:  Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Qais Essar & Sonny Singh: Sangat.  7:00pm – 9:00pm.  $20  Register here: https://bit.ly/45BcgiW

• Afghan American rabab virtuoso Qais Essar has joined forces with Sikh American trumpet player and singer Sonny Singh, which obliterates musical, political, and religious boundaries. 

Friday, June 27:  JUNO-Nominated Nova Scotian Powerhouse Duo Cassie and Maggie in Concert.  7:00 pm – 9:00pm.  $20  Register here:  https://bit.ly/4eeNmaY

• Committed to preserving and propelling Nova Scotia’s folk traditions into new realms, Cassie and Maggie bring an energy that is both timeless and irresistibly modern.

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, June 15

Update on Demolition of RFK Stadium.  Last Monday night Events DC held its virtual Quarterly Meeting, and Senior Director Ryan Conway gave attendees an update on the demolition of RFK.  Preliminary work which began in January including demolition of some exterior and nonstructural interior elements is continuing and will be completed in June. The removal and disposal of hazardous materials prior to start of structural demolition work has been completed.  Here’s a current interior shot of the stadium.

Beginning in July the stadium will be demolished in phases by construction equipment – it will not be imploded – and the site will be backfilled with crushed concrete.  Demolition will start with the press box and stadium lights removal from the inside and proceed to the roof and superstructure starting in August.  Here’s an exterior shot showing walls coming down and some misting equipment.

Smoot Construction has deployed instruments around the site to monitor dust, noise and vibration, and will employ misting equipment to pretreat, control, and suppress dust throughout the demolition activities.   Here’s a photo from the construction camera which is available on the Events DC website: https://eventsdc.com/venue/rfk-stadium/live-demolition-camera

New Greek Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The buildout of a new Greek Restaurant coming to 315 – 316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (as reported on CHC last November) is underway.  Building permits are up and the windows are papered over.  The space was formerly occupied by chef Spike Mendelsohn’s Mexican Restaurant Santa Rosa Taqueria which closed and then reopened at 301 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  Zusin Development is the owner of the new business.  Zusin also owns the new Taco Bell coming to Barracks Row, the building at 225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and the 56 unit mixed use building at 301 Florida Avenue, NE among many other DC properties.

Sunday afternoon, DC Fire Department conducted the Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses.  The run started at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse, proceeded down North Carolina Avenue, SE, and ended at Lincoln Park.  One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a Ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the fire horses.  The historic Ceremonial re-enactment will feature a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine.  Photo:  DC Fire Department. 

The Week Ahead…The Week Ahead…

Highlight:

• Monday, CM Charles Allen presents before ANC6D.  See below. 

Monday, June 16

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation:

• Councilmember Charles Allen

• Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106) 7:34 7:49 15
• Community Announcements
• Government Announcements
• Community
• ABC Matters
• What comments shall the ANC offer on DDOT’s “NOI” for 6th & M?
• Shall the ANC establish a Task Force on Pedestrian Safety?
• Funding for “Town Center Park” (4th & I)
• SMD Updates

ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 7:00pm (In Person Only).

• This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Announcement of the appointment of resident member Marian Connolly to become vice-chair of the Taskforce. 
• Update on the status of The Rumsey court redevelopment project. 
• Update on the issue of school principals’ control of their schools’ playgrounds.
• Update on leash laws. 
• Update on the Eastern Market CVS pick-up and delivery agreement. 
• Discussion of the preservation of the sport and recreation fields at RFK.

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda

Old Business.

• Lincoln Park Task Force. ANCs 6A and 6B sent a joint letter to the DDOT Director requesting a comprehensive traffic study of the area around Lincoln Park.
• Capitol Hill Open Streets on June 28, 2025.

New Business. 

• 1100 block of Atlas Court NE. Councilmember Allen’s recent newsletter highlighted speed bumps added to alleys to help slow drivers at sidewalk crossings. Several TSIs have requested similar treatment to this alley.
• DDOT’s Strategic Bike Plan. The DDOT team on this reported they would like to join our committee to discuss the process but  cannot make the June meeting.

Wednesday, June 18

***CANCELLED*** ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about: 

Tuesday, June 17

Ward 6 FY26 Budget Town Hall hosted by CM Charles Allen.  6:00pm – 7:30pm. 

Hill Center.  For more info and to RSVP, go here: https://bit.ly/443z35I

Saturday, June 21

Celebration of the Summer Solstice at the National Museum of the American Indian.  10:00am – 10:00pm.

Enjoy activities for all ages throughout the day: art making, music performances, and gallery talks.  https://s.si.edu/4e6B5W7

Sunday, June 22.   

Hill Center Event.  5:00pm – 7:00pm.  

Sea Shanties Featuring Celebrated Canadian Musician Seán Dagher. 

$20 | For tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/443rAmb

Seán is an active performer, arranger, and composer of music from various folk and classical music traditions: Celtic, Baroque, Medieval, Arabic, French-Canadian, and Maritime.

Latest Update on East Capitol Weed Issue

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 10, 2025

On Tuesday afternoon, Council member Charles Allen sent an update to neighbors of the proposed retail weed establishment at 421 East Capitol.

In his message, Allen shared that, in a meeting with ABCA, the property owner and tenant agreed to remove the sign and alter the name of their establishment, which did not match the alcohol license renewal application.  In the meeting, ABCA emphasized that the new business could not sell or gift cannabis—nor could they apply for a medical cannabis license, owing to zoning.  ABCA emphasized they would enforce the letter of the law.

During the meeting, the tenant and business owner declared a desire to “only to sell groceries, beer and wine if the license is approved, and they’d like to sell cigarettes and cigars.”  Based on the original name and choice of sign, Allen expressed “strong skepticism.” 

The ABCA is preparing a memorandum of these events for their Board to consider when reviewing the liquor application of the business owner.