Author Archives: ljjanezich

DDOT Responds with Alacrity to Capitol Hill Traffic Concerns After Latest Stumble before ANC6B Committee

by Larry Janezich

After the newhilleast listserv lit up last week with a host of complaints about left turns from 695 onto 11th Street, SE, DDOT moved quickly to address the issue.  ANC6B Chair Kirsten Oldenburg posted to the listserv on Friday that DDOT would make signal adjustments and add signage and striping to alleviate the difficulties in making the turn.

Maybe it’s just the extra attentiveness characteristic of city agencies in the early days of a new administration.  Or maybe it’s sensitivity about the continuing perception in Hill East and among some ANC6B commissioners that too often DDOT does little other than pay lip service to community concerns.

DDOT has had a history of exhibiting a dismissive attitude toward issues raised by ANC6B (and, for that matter ANC6A).  See CHC posts here:  http://bit.ly/1ozcgmW and http://bit.ly/1BjGT8J

The latest example occurred at the January 7 meeting of the ANC’s Committee on Transportation when two DDOT representatives made a background presentation on a proposed DDOT study on parking in the Eastern Market area.  The presenters were clearly unprepared, citing information 12 years old as “current,” and provided little or no useful information, according to some commissioners.  The committee report to the full ANC said: “Some Commissioners expressed outrage at DDOT’s inability to provide more timely information.”

Commissioner Krepp (6B10) revisited the issue at ANC6B’s monthly meeting on January 13, terming the briefing “mind numbing, inept, incompetent and insulting.” Citing the reliance on 12 year old information, Krepp said the presentation prompted her to engage in a Twitter conversation with DDOT officials who claimed that the presentation was occurring without their knowledge.  Krepp expressed her conviction the DDOT needs to be held to a higher standard.

ANC6B Chair Oldenburg, who as chair of the Transportation Committee, had arranged the briefing, responded saying “Unfortunately, the presentation was truncated” referring to Krepp’s sharp questioning during the presentation which eventually brought it to a close.  Oldenburg added that” Listening to poor presentations is part of the job of ANC commissioners, and commissioners should get used to it.”

Krepp responded by saying, “Commissioner Oldenburg, I’m not going to sit here and get used to it. We have a right to insist that presentations be worth out time.”  She was backed up by Commissioner Daniel Chao, who was not at the committee meeting but had heard a report from a representative who attended.  Chao said that time management was an important issue for him, and “I’m not opposed to closing down a meeting if presenters are unprepared.”

ANC6C Officers and Commissioners (L-R) Mark Eckenwiler, Chair Karen Wirt, Treasurer Scott Price, Secretary Tony Goodman, and Chris Miller. Not pictured: Vice Chair Danielle Schiffman

Councilmember Charles Allen at last night’s ANC6C meeting

ANC6C Holds First Meeting – Elects Officers – Hears CM Charles Allen – Photos

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6C convened its initial meeting for the 2015-2016 term and elected the following officers:

Chair:  Karen Wirt

Vice Chair:  Daniele Schiffman

Secretary.  Tony Goodman

Treasurer:  Scott Price

The ANC also heard from Councilmember Charles Allen who said he was asking to speak at each of the Ward 6 ANCs as part of a plan to strengthen relations between the ANCs and the Councilmember’s office.  To that end, he announced the institution of quarterly meetings with ANC chairs and vice chairs, for the purpose of a two way exchange of information – to keep the ANCs abreast of activities of the Council and to enable him to get feedback on what’s happening in the ANCs, including how the ANCs are working or not working.  He will ask the ANCs to compile a priority list of issues affecting their districts.

Allen also told the ANC that he had been appointed to the following DC City Council Committees:  Education; Transportation and Environment; and Small Business/DCRA.  He listed middle schools, early child literacy, and small business as three of his top issues for Ward 6.

Allen subsequently announced that on Friday, January 16, he will hold a press conference to announce the forthcoming introduction of his bill to create a new early literacy initiative in partnership with DC Libraries.  The event will take place at 10:30am at Southwest Neighborhood Library (Waterfront Metro).

ANC6B’s First Meeting. (L-R) Chair Kirsten Oldenburg, Jennifer Samolyk, Secretary Daniel Chao, Treasurer Diane Hoskins, James Loots, Vice Chair Brian Flahaven –

ANC6B Officers and Commissioners (L-R) Denise Krepp, Steve Hagedorn, Chander Jayaraman, Nick Burger.

ANC6B Holds First Meeting – Elects Officers.  Photos

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B met at Hill Center for the first meeting of the 2015-2016 term.  After approving the agenda, the first order of business was the election of officers.  There were no contested offices.   The officers are as follows:

Chair:  Kirsten Oldenburg

Vice Chair:  Brian Flahaven

Secretary:  Daniel Chao

Treasurer:  Diane Hoskins

Parliamentarian:  Denise Krepp

Commissioner Diane Hoskins was also elected the ANC’s representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.  Commissioner Steve Hagedorn was elected alternate representative.

Contact information for ANC6B Commissioners and a map of ANC6B and its Single Member Districts can be found here:  http://bit.ly/1u4LCJh

View of condo project and La Lomita from Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The triangle park on the left which separates G Street, SE, from Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, is owned by the National Park Service.  

ANC6B Approves 10 Condo Unit/Expanded La Lomita on PA Ave, SE

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B approved zoning variances to allow construction of ten condos and a 1,000 square foot expansion for La Lomita at 1330-1336 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to PGN Architect partner Jeff Goins – who is also the architect for the 49 unit residential project at 11th and I Streets, SE, planned by Madison Investments – the project will expand the La Lomita’s second floor and incorporate two adjacent structures for the condos.  The expanded restaurant space on the first floor will provide space for a bar.

The condos will be 800 square foot one bedroom units and 900 square foot two bedroom units. One of the units will be designated affordable under the Inclusionary Zoning requirement.  Some units would have private roof decks, but there will be no common roof deck.

In response to concerns raised by nearby neighbors at last week’s ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee, negotiations among interested parties over the last several days moved the application for zoning adjustments forward to the point where the ANC felt comfortable in approving the request.  Although approval was not made contingent on a signed agreement between the neighbors and the project’s owner on outstanding issues, it was clear that all parties expected that an agreement would be reached which would justify the ANC signing off on the project at Tuesday night’s meeting..

Commissioners particularly lauded a portion of the agreement that stipulated a binding commitment that none of the residents of the project would be eligible to participate in the Residential Parking Permit program.  Neighbors had expressed concerns about the impact of the project on residential parking in the neighborhood.  Another concession the owner made to the neighbors concerned the materials which would be used for the project.  Commissioner Nick Burger, in whose single member district the project resides, expressed confidence that agreement would be reached on the outstanding trash disposal and specific construction concerns.

The Ugly Mug Goes Back Before ANC6B Tuesday Night – See Below

The Week Ahead….Update on Swamp Fox Memorial and Ugly Mug Back Before ANC6B

by Larry Janezich

Update on Swamp Fox Memorial

Last Friday, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton released a letter written to Peter May, Associate Regional Director, National Park Service (NPS), requesting him to meet with her before taking any further action on approving the Francis Marion (Swamp Fox) Memorial.  May has agreed to the meeting.

Norton said in a press release, “Parks owned by the NPS but used by neighborhood residents require respect and deference from the parties.  After hearing from constituents, an increasing number of whom have children and make maximum use of our parks, I am concerned that NPS is rushing through this process without sufficient courtesy and respect for the affected community. . .  Neighborhood residents are taxpaying U.S. and D.C. citizens whose quality of everyday life depends on the park.”

In the letter, Norton states: “…it appears that the current process for approving this particular memorial is not allowing sufficient time and effort to consider community concerns, particularly residents’ concerns on the placement of the memorial in a park.”  She goes on to say, “We appreciate that Francis Marion is a hero to some, but he has a controversial past for others.  This historic figure is not likely to attract frequent visitors, nor is he considered a national figure today.”

The letter stresses preserving the park for use of the residents by not placing the memorial in the center of the park, but stops short of insisting on relocating it.

The letter concludes, “Therefore, there is time to discuss the preference of residents for the placement of the memorial not in the middle of Marion Park, making the center of the park unusable for the community, but elsewhere in the park or in another park.”

In previous scoping meetings hosted by the NPS, nearby residents have expressed concerns, including the short notice neighbors were given regarding the memorial, lack of consideration of resident’s use of the park, whether it is appropriate to honor Marion (a slave owner) across from a church designed by DC’s first African-American architect and built by freedmen, the lack of representation in Congress which gives residents no voice in authorizing the memorial.

For other CHC Postings on the Swamp Fox issue, go here:  http://bit.ly/1wzFEQs

The Week Ahead…

Monday, January 12

ANC6D meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4th Street, SW, DCRA 2nd Floor Meeting Room.

According to the non-transparent 6D website, the agenda – as usual – is “still in formation.”

Tuesday, January 13

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center

Among items on the agenda are the following:

Election of Officers

Zoning variances to allow construction of mixed-use residential structure (10 condos) with ground floor retail (La Lomita restaurant expanded) at 1330-1336 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – the current location of La Lomita.

Public space permit for The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon, to permit construction of a temporary rodent proof structure in the alley behind 723 8^th Street, SE.  Owner Gaynor Jablonski wants to nearly double the size of his bar/restaurant and install a sliding glass roof.  Neighbors object on a number of life quality issues.  Gaynor is making what appears to be a token effort to satisfy some of the neighbor’s concerns.  Last fall, ANC6B voted to oppose the expansion and will protest before the Alcohol Beverage Review Board.  Last week, the ANC Planning and Zoning Committee voted to endorse The Ugly Mug’s plan to build a rat proof trash enclosure in the alley on public space as being a step in the right direction – better than the current situation – over neighbor’s protests and the strong objection of Commissioner Dian Hoskins, that it was not only inadequate, but unworkable.   For previous post on this issue, see here: http://bit.ly/ZrJ7lp

Wednesday, January 13

ANC6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Comments from Council Member Charles Allen

Elections of Officers, Committee Chairs and Membership

320 Florida Avenue, NE, PUD development/concept support for park

300 block of H Street, NE,  proposal for development (nonvoting item)

646-654 H Street, NE, Variances, for parking requirements and loading requirements and a special exception for overlay requirements.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

PSA 108, featuring MPD Lt. JB Dykes, meets at 7:00pm at Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE.

ANC6A Convened Thursday Night for Its First 2015 Meeting

Commissioners: (Left to Right) Patrick Malone, 6A05; Calvin Ward (Secretary), 6A08; Phil Toomajian (Chair), 6A02

Commissioners: (Left to Right) Omar Mahmud (Vice-Chair), 6A01; Matt Levy, 6A04; Chris Ward, 6A03; Stephanie Zimny (Treasurer), 6A06; Sondra Phillips-Gilbert, 6A07

ANC6A Convenes 2015 Session and Elects Officers – Photos

by Larry Janezich

Thursday night, ANC6A met at Miner School and elected ANC6A officers, committee chairs and members of permanent committees.

The results for officers and permanent committee chairs were as follows:

Chair:  Phil Toomajian, 6A02

Vice-Chair:  J. Omar Mahmud, GA01

Secretary:  Calvin Ward, 6A08

Treasurer: Stephanie Zimny, 6A06

Economic Development and Zoning Committee:  Co-chairs, Dan Golden and Andrew Hysell

Transportation and Public Safety:  Co-chairs Todd Sloves and Omar Mahmud

Alcohol Beverage Licensing:  Co-chairs Jay Williams and Christopher Seagle

Community Outreach Committee:  Co-chairs Dana Wyckoff and Raphael Marshall

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

The nearly 22,000 Square Foot Site Will Accommodate Some 80 Residential Units and Substantial Retail Space

Major Condo/Retail Project Coming to NY Pizza Site On PA Avenue, SE

Edmonds School Developer CAS Reigler Wins Bid for Mixed Use Project

by Larry Janezich

CAS Riegler, the developer of the Edmonds School Project, has won the bid to redevelop the 22,000 square foot residential/retail site at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Plans are in a very preliminary stage, but the site will roughly accommodate up to 80 apartments/condos and 15,000 square feet of retail.  The site is across Pennsylvania Avenue from Potomac Metro stop and the Harris Teeter at the Pennsylvania-Potomac Avenue intersection.  Last night, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee met with DDOT officials to view the latest design concepts for the redesign of the intersection (about which, more later).

CAS Riegler representatives met with the Office of Planning yesterday to discuss the concept.  According to Robin Bettarel, CAS Riegler’s Director of Development, OP expressed support for family sized units.  Much of recent residential construction on Capitol Hill has focused on smaller units.

A decision has not yet been made whether to build within the current 50 foot height limit or to seek a PUD which would allow greater height – up to 90 feet, though Bettarel was quick to point out, that height would never be approved for that location.

Bettarel says that it’s too early to discuss a specific time line, but she hopes to reach out to ANC6B and neighbors in the “next couple of months.”  The design phase is expected to take some six months, meaning that ground breaking could be a “couple of years out.”

Bettarel said, “This project is an opportunity to create a neighborhood asset and help spur further development of that area, which is already a great neighborhood.”

CAS Riegler recently developed the former Edmonds School in northeast Capitol Hill into condo units ranging from 500 square foot one bedroom apartments to 1700 square foot lofted three bedroom units.  The Edmonds project also included three 3500 square foot townhouses.  See CHC posting here:  http://bit.ly/1AuqCe2  Last year, the company developed a 38-unit luxury condominium building at 1101 Rhode Island Ave. NW in the Logan Circle neighborhood.

Jerry’s Custom Automotive Center To Become High End Residential Project

Plans Revealed for 45 High End Residential Units Near Capitol Hill Safeway

Jerry’s Custom Automotive Center To Be Transformed

by Larry Janezich

At last night’s ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee, Sean Ruppert of OPaL LLC revealed plans for a 45 unit mixed residential project comprised of townhouses, condos, flats and a carriage house for the site at 1309-1323 E Street, SE, currently occupied by an auto repair shop and its associated warehouse.  The Capitol Hill Safeway is at the east end of the block.  Watkins field is across the street at the west end.  Since the site is currently zoned for industrial use, a Planned Unit Development application will have to be filed.  The developer anticipates a stepped back project, 45 to 52 feet high, comprised of 30 three-bedroom townhomes, eight flats, six lofts, and a carriage house, with one level of underground parking providing one space per unit.  Ten percent of the units – five in this case – will be designated affordable under inclusionary zoning regulations.  As shown in the accompanying images, the plan features a ​“courtyard promenade” for pedestrians and community interaction.

Site Map and Layout (click to enlarge)

Ruppert told the Committee that the site’s two parcels are under contract and the company is in a 30 day study period.  If all goes well, he hopes to file the PUD application in 30 – 60 days.  The units will be large, with townhouses 2200 to 1700 square feet and ranging in price from $1.1 to $1.3 million.  The two bedroom flats will be marketed from $850,000 to $950,000, and the one bedrooms from $150 to $250,000.

Courtyard Promenade

Last night’s presentation to the committee was billed as “informational” to brief the ANC on the company’s plans.  Ruppert said he had reached out to some 30 nearby neighbors and had met with them to inform them of the project.

Since OPaL will seek a PUD to change the zoning from industrial to residential multifamily zoning, the company will be required to provide amenities and benefits to the community to compensate for the increased density the project will bring.  Ruppert asked the ANC for suggestions what form the benefits and amenities might take, offering – for example –​to upgrade a park or engage in some similar undertaking which would benefit the community.

The plan would not take advantage of the full height permitted on the site as a matter of right – which Ruppert said was 60 feet.  The plans distributed to the committee were described as an​ early preliminary concept.  As neighbors who follow community development​ already know​, early renditions can change considerably as they move through the PUD process before a final version is laid before the Zoning Commission for a PUD hearing.  Since the project lies outside the Capitol Hill Historic District, it will not be subject to review by the Historic Planning Office.

Ruppert pointed to another OPaL project located in Shaw – Naylor Court Stables – which also features a “courtyard promenade” as a successful project completed by his company.

View to the Southwest

Watkins Field – 7:05pm, Saturday, January 3, 2015

The Week Ahead….What’s Happening with Community Policing in ANC6B? 

by Larry Janezich

Community Policing:

“PSA 107 will not meet in January as the SE Library is closed on the scheduled day: 1/1/2015.  The next meeting will be 2/5/2015.”

Is this the only meeting place available?  Why isn’t ANC6B more involved…and why isn’t the community more demanding?  More later.

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, January 6

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00 pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington.

Among items on the agenda:

213 11th Street SE, concept/addition to garage & trellis

1330-1336 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, (La Lomita) for variances from floor area requirements, lot occupancy requirements, & off-street parking requirements to allow construction of mixed-use residential structure with ground floor retail in C-2-A District.

The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon, 723 8th Street SE, add fixture.

Informational presentation on proposed condominium development at 1309-1323 E Street, SE:

Wednesday, January 7

Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

Discussion on Eastern Market area weekend parking with officials from District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Discussion on changes to Pennsylvania & Potomac Avenues SE Intersection Pedestrian Improvement Project with representative of DDOT Anacostia Waterfront Initiative Program.

Petition on widening Water Street SE from 18 feet to 24 feet between 11th & M Streets, SE.

Thursday, January 8

Among items on the agenda are the following:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A meets at 7:00 pm, Miner Elementary, 601 15th Street, NE

The Commission will consider the nomination and election of its officers, committee chairs, and members of the permanent Committees for 2015.

Class C Tavern License renewal of Lattice Partners LLC t/a Copycat Co. at 1110 H Street NE.

1101 Convenience Mart at 1101 H Street NE for an exemption from the Ward 6 singles ban.

Amendment to its Settlement Agreement with Cusbah at 1128 H Street NE stating that (1) the establishment’s sidewalk cafe close at 11:00 pm on weeknights and 1:30 am on weekends and (2) no noise from the sidewalk cafe will be heard from any nearby residence.

Thursday, January 8

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Committee meeting scheduled for this day has been cancelled.

The Week Ahead…..Photo Essay – Retail Spaces Opening Up On Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

The Week Ahead….

Nothing scheduled.

Recent changes on Barracks Row are opening up some new – and some old – retail spaces on Barracks Row.

Verizon moves in early January from 427 8^th Street to the space formerly occupied by 32 Degrees Frozen Yogurt at 703 8^th Street – a little farther than the one block the sign in the window states.

The ANC6B-designated nuisance property at 531 8^th Street, formerly Today’s Pizza, is getting a face lift and a makeover.

The Shasha Bruce House at 745 8^th Street goes on the block.  The property was formerly a thrift store.

Pinktini – the womans’ clothes boutique next to Port City Java which opened up earlier this year and closed earlier this month – is up for lease.