Late Night Weekend Street Parties Continue to Plague Barracks Row Neighbors
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 9, 2026
MPD 1st District Commander Colin Hall at Tuesday Night’s Community Advisory Council Meeting
Last Tuesday night, 1st District Commander Colin Hall heard from a resident who lives near Barracks Row, report that the late night weekend street gatherings on the 800 block of E Street – which had been in abeyance for weeks – have returned. The venue was the monthly 1st District Community Advisory Council meeting chaired by Robert Pittman and held this month at Pillar Church on South Carolina Avenue, SE.
The resident restated the on-going complaints of numerous neighbors about Café 8 patrons coming back to their cars after patronizing the restaurant/club and staying in the street playing car radios, smoking weed, drinking and making noise well after midnight. After peaking early in the summer, the incidents of partying seemed to fall off as patrons tended to stay on 8th Street, “but now it’s back.”
Commander Hall said, “Well that’s definitely something we’re aware of and we’ve been contending with. Barracks Row has changed a little bit with some of the clubs and the nightlife there. We started deploying officers down in that area and maintaining a high visibility specifically around Café 8 when large crowds are present.
We were getting complaints and I haven’t received any that popped up to my level so by letting us know it’s still happening we can redouble our efforts down there.
What happens is they come out of those clubs and hang out in the street or at the firehouse and we’re clearing them out of those areas. It’s like we just displace from one area to the next but we need to know where they are to do any good.
We’ll direct some more proactive resources – we have a Crime Suppression Team and they’re out around that time so it helps if you’re telling us the times so we can narrow down the windows and try to get them out of there with a show force.”
In response to a question about how the Crime Suppression Team operates, Hall said they are proactive enforcement teams; “They’re out there looking for criminal violations – they’re very well versed in making arrests related to alcohol and drug use in public – sometimes they’re gong to find guns associated with these things. Keeping on top of it is the thing were going to do – go in there and send out the message this is not the place to hang out.”
Hall added, “And definitely call 911 when it’s occurring…tell us there’s drug activity there or drinking in public…noise is a disorderly kind of violation but if you add all the descriptions and get descriptions as best you can of the vehicles….”
The resident said “Early on, several of the neighbors went out and asked them politely to stop, but we were threatened so no one goes outside anymore.” There are videos and audio files of the late night activities and Hall said to send them to him.
Since January, there have been three incidents of gunfire near Café 8 at 424 8th Street, SE, including a shooting next the Fire Station where an individual was shot in the leg. Another incident this year occurred in the 500 block of 8th Street, and involved gunfire in front of Ginza Karaoke and Lounge, 526 8th Street, SE.
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CM Charles Allen held Neighborhood Office Hours at Boulangerie St. George, across from Eastern Market on Friday morning.
Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, chaired by Chuck Burger, met in the North Hall of Eastern Market on Wednesday night. Market Manager Barry Margeson reported on how the Market will address the relocation of the weekend vendors on the Rumsey Center Plaza once the construction fence goes up around the site. Those vendors will be moved to the North Plaza at Eastern Market; the current occupants of that location will be moved inside the Market’s North Hall.
Here are some photos from the Rumsey Center’s last day, which was Wednesday, September 30.
A few swimmers showed up for some final laps.
A group of regular senior aerobic pool users – who number about 100 – held a farewell reception in Rumsey Center’s meeting room Wednesday morning. At far left is a favorite aerobics instructor, Jeanie Brown Johnson.
CHC asked Lynn Ringenberg, who organized the gathering, if she thought her aerobics community had been listened to after Department of Recreation to go back to the drawing board with users recommendation after seeing the first design. She said, “Sort of…the first design was totally for the lap swimmers. There was no room for water aerobics or kids – so we got them to make room for water aerobics…we got what we really needed. But I’m really upset that there’s nothing for littlest kids.” She added that getting members of her group to the alternate pools that Rumsey users will share with others will be difficult for many seniors; “We had hoped for a shuttle to pick up people that are right here to get them over to other locations and they promised us that at the beginning, but I don’t think there’s any hope at all.”
For the first time ever: Saturday, October 10: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
A gathering of some 160 bands will play on some 50 porches in neighborhoods in Capitol Hill, Hill East, and Lincoln Park. (Rain date: October 11)
According to the website, the concentration is such that the length is walkable end-to-end in half an hour. The five Metro stations providing access are Union Station, Capitol South, Eastern Market, Potomac Avenue and Stadium–Armory. Click on the following link for a list of bands and porches and tap a porch number to see what’s playing and when: https://www.capitolhillporchfest.com/
The Week Ahead…
Monday, October 5
CANCELLED ANC6B Public Parks & Recreation Spaces Taskforce will meet at 7:00pm. (In person only)
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
Agenda: TBA
Tuesday, October 6
ANC 6BABC Meeting Cancelled.
MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council will hold an In-Person and Virtual Meeting, 7:00pm – 7:45pm.
Guest: MPD 1D Commander Colin Hall.
The in-person meeting will be held at The Pillar Church, 1111 South Carolina Avenue, SE
The meeting will also be virtual. Go here for more info and how to join: https://1dcac.com/
311 F Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special exception from the lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story accessory building in the rear of an existing attached
three-story flat.
643 Constitution Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special from the lot
occupancy requirements and from the accessory building area requirements of to construct a two-story rear addition and a two-story accessory structure (garage and office use) in the rear yard of a two-story plus cellar principal row dwelling.
Draft letter concerning infrastructure improvements – The PZE will take up the issue, raised at
the last two PZE meetings, of encouraging developers to install infrastructure (such as sewer
lines under alleys) that promotes the construction of additional housing.
Thursday, October 8
ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting of the full commission at 7:00pm.
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), Brandon Bush-Thompson, Engagement Coordinator for Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis. Recommendation: ANC 6A take no action with regard to a requested exception to the restriction on the sale of single alcoholic beverages for Jumbo Liquors, located at 1122 H Street, NE.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a comment letter to DDOT in response to noticed of intent plan to install contra-flow bike lanes on the 400-700 blocks of 7th Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT in support of Jack Becker’s plan to install a cornice on an alley dwelling on Overbeck Alley.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a supplemental letter to DC Council Chair Mendelson amending its’ request to rename Electric Alley to Electric Way instead.
Economic Development and Zoning.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA to retain its previous position to withhold support from, but not formally oppose, the construction of a third-story addition to an existing, detached, two-story, four-unit apartment house in the RF-1 zone, requesting relief for rear yard and lot occupancy at 1226 F Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A support the application for special exception to construct a second story above an existing detached garage 1225 F Street, NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A support the application for approval from the DDOT Public Space Committee to install a cornice/awning projecting into the adjacent public alley at 23 Overbeck Alley NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A support the EDZ Committee’s effort to address vacant and vacant/blighted properties in ANC 6A, encourage Single Member District Commissioners to partner with the EDZ Committee in reviewing individual properties, and publicize the effort to keep the public database of vacant and vacant/blighted properties updated and complete.
Standing Committee Reports:
Community Outreach Committee
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
Economic Development and Zoning
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A submit a comment letter to DDOT in response to the amended Micromobility Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
New Business
Suggested Motion: ANC send a letter of support to DC Councilmembers for Council Member Charles Allen’s Medical Cannabis Process Improvement Amendment Act of 2025, which would, among other things, tighten restrictions against locating cannabis retailers within close proximity of day care centers.
Single Member District reports (1 minute each)
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About
Sunday, October 18 frin 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Renovators House Tour.
24th Annual Capitol Hill Homes Open Their Doors for a Great Cause. Step inside some of Capitol Hill’s most interesting renovated homes. This beloved neighborhood tradition offers a behind-the-scenes look at creative renovations, thoughtful design, and unique solutions for living in Capitol Hill’s historic homes. Whether you’re planning a renovation, looking for inspiration, or simply love seeing inside neighborhood homes, the Tour is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Tour is a community fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA, supporting students at Peabody Elementary, Watkins Elementary, and Stuart-Hobson Middle School. Tickets are $35. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.renovatorstour.org.
Wednesday, October 7 at 7:45am, Lincoln Park
Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization is organizing a Walk & Roll to School Day event on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:45 am at Lincoln Park. We expect to have 11 schools participate. This will be the 25th year a Walk to School Day event has been held on Capitol Hill,
Friday, October 9 at 1:00pm
This Friday is Eastern High Schools Homecoming Parade, beginning at 1 pm. Please join neighbors in cheering on the Blue and White Marching Machine and the Homecoming Court along the route. As a reminder, all vehicles must be removed from the route by 10 am. Please obey the Emergency No Parking signs.
Friday, October 9 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hill Center Event – Reception and Opening Fall 2026 Solo Exhibitions and Sculpture Garden Opening
This is a free event, please RSVP to let us know that you will be attending: https://bit.ly/4zcu13w
Saturday, October 10 from 10:00am – 3:00pm
Book Sale at NE Library
The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, October 10, at the Northeast Library. 7th and Maryland Avenues NE.
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. Our inventory varies widely from sale to sale.
Most hardbacks and paperbacks are two dollars each. Coffee table books, some cookbooks, special items, and some larger books are more. Mass market paperbacks are a quarter!
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
The Friends of SE Library need donated books so FOSEL can resume its near monthly book sales at SE Library.
If you have books to donate, we will take them during the sale. Otherwise, please donate at SE Library during regular business hours by leaving books in the donation bin on the ground floor of SE Library (South Carolina Avenue entrance). Ask the staff for help finding the bin.
Saturday, October 10 at 5:00pm
Dead Man’s Run at Congressional Cemetery – annual fall 5K fundraiser. This death-defying race begins inside the cemetery before continuing onto the Anacostia Trail for a spooky evening run filled with music, costumes, and frightful fun.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, or simply trying to stay ahead of your grave, Dead Man’s Run is one of the region’s most unique fall 5Ks. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. Form a team, get creative with your team name, and compete for prizes recognizing top overall finishers, age-group winners, and best team time.
All proceeds from Dead Man’s Run support Historic Congressional Cemetery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark.
Congressional Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many American Indian leaders, diplomats, and delegates who died in the nation’s capital. Representing sovereign nations, they traveled to Washington to negotiate treaties, advocate for restitution, or represent their communities in some other way. Their legacies offer insight into the evolution of U.S. government policy and the treatment of American Indians in the nineteenth century. Congressional Cemetery Executive Director Mark Hudson will provide context for these policies before embarking on a tour of gravesites dedicated to honoring these individuals and sharing their stories.
Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to benefitting our non-profit mission of historical preservation and education. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.
The event is rain or shine. The program will begin at the cemetery chapel, and the tour will go across the cemetery grounds.
Miracle Theater Screening of Glory 7:00pm – 9:02pm – $12
Following the Battle of Antietam, Col. Robert Gould Shaw is offered command of the United States’ first all-African-American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. With junior officer Cabot Forbes, Shaw puts together a strong and proud unit, including the escaped slave Trip and the wise gravedigger John Rawlins. At first limited to menial manual tasks, the regiment fights to be placed in the heat of battle.
Hill Center Event – American Roots Concert Series featuring Chloe Kimes
“Consistently producing difficult and honest storytelling, incomparable vocal delivery, and an undeniable sound, you simply need to attend Chloe’s performances in person.”
