Author Archives: ljjanezich

DDOT Fails to Act on ANC6B Parking Issue Affecting Eastern Market Area Parking

ANC Commissioners Lambaste DDOT Reticence

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6B Commissioners Ivan Frishberg and Dave Garrison took Evian Patterson, Citywide Program Manager, DDOT, to task for his Department’s failure to act on ANC6B’s request to extend the city’s Performance Parking program north of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Patterson appeared before ANC6B’s Transportation Committee last Wednesday night to continue a discussion about protecting resident parking in the near term during demolition and construction of the Hine Project and to explain why DDOT has failed to act on extending the Performance Parking Plan.

Regarding the former, once the Hine project gets underway, it will exacerbate the already serious weekend parking problems for Eastern Market patrons and vendors as well as residents in the surrounding area.  ANC6B has been working with DDOT to get ahead of the problem and that effort continues. Regarding the latter, ANC6B’s effort to address the larger issue of parking around Eastern Market and other congested areas north of Pennsylvania Avenue all the way to East Capitol has been stonewalled by DDOT.  Patterson told the committee that “there is no basis in law for expanding the resident only parking,” and that a policy was being developed.

An annoyed Frishberg told Patterson that the ANC has been trying to get action on this issue for the past 3 and a half years and it has been a “comedy of errors…DDOT has forgotten the ANC…you can’t get this done because you are so caught up in the tools of implementation.”

Commissioner Garrison agreed with Frishberg, saying he was puzzled by an assertion by Patterson that “resident only parking would not solve the issue of overnight parking for residents,” saying the ANC had never raised that issue.  He asked Patterson directly where the Department was on policy.

Patterson said he didn’t make policy, but he has to implement it.  Frishberg pointed out that there is no policy – that by Patterson’s own admission, it is in the process of being developed.  Patterson said he would “ask permission to send you the draft policy,” and went on to say that  the policy doesn’t address the Eastern Market issue.

Frishberg told him, “You don’t have a policy – policy is not the law – you are saying ‘no’ to us on the basis of a policy which doesn’t exist.”  Garrison addressed Patterson, saying, “In this particular geography, you have the authority – I’m confident of that – you made a similar decision around the ball park and you can make it now.  The policy is that DDOT is not going to expand the resident only parking and we don’t understand the basis for this.  It is in your discretion to expand north of Pennsylvania Avenue, and it’s not clear why you’re not.

Patterson said he would go back and find out.

Reached later by CHC to ask his timeline for reporting to the ANC, Patterson responded by email:  “Unfortunately I do not have a timeframe.  This is a matter that I would like to engage legal counsel on and would request the ANC’s consideration for the time to obtain the information.”

DDOT has been the bad boy of the city agencies.  Both ANC6B and ANC6A have expressed frustration numerous times with DDOT’s operations.

CHC has filed 10 stories on this issue since March 10, 2011.  To see all of them, enter Performance Parking” in the search prompt on the home page.  To see the most recent, filed almost exactly one year ago, go here:  http://bit.ly/1jWUZ2T

Editor’s Note:  An earlier version of this posting did not make clear that Pattereson discussed two separate, though related issues with the Transportation Committee.  CHC thanks Commissioner Oldenburg for her clarification in the comment’s section.  

DC Police Shut Down Lincoln Park Firework Celebration

by Larry Janezich

Last night at about 10:10pm, a half dozen MPD officers from the First District closed down a DIY firework celebration in Lincoln Park, citing numerous complaints from neighbors.  Police confiscated several bags of fireworks which they said were illegal.

According to one participant, the informal neighborhood July 4th celebration has been a community tradition for more than 20 years.  It was unclear whether the move was a part of a larger crackdown on fireworks in the city, but police on the scene said that similar celebrations “all over the city” were being shut down tonight, not just Lincoln Park.

The fireworks started around 9:00pm, with standard fare widely available at licensed firework stands.  As the evening progressed, larger fireworks which may have been responsible for complaints began to be set off.  According to a recent WRC-TV news report, “In general, any fireworks or firecrackers that explode — such as cherry bombs, roman candles, or floral shells — are illegal.”  Some of the fireworks set off last night seemed to fall in that category.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DC Restaurateur Hopes To Open Specialty Market/Restaurant at 13th and PA Avenue, SE

by Larry Janezich

DC restaurateur Ari Gejdenson wants to open a ground floor specialty food market – items generally unavailable elsewhere, but which will complement shopping at nearby Harris Teeter – and a restaurant at 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Gejdenson, owner of Mindful Restaurant Group, which includes Acqua al 2 (where he is the chef), Ghibellina in Logan Circle; and Harold Black – the speakeasy above Acqua al 2 – is talking to the building’s owner, Douglas Development, about the project.

Currently, only the ground floor is zoned commercial.  The development company has applied for a revised zoning variance to allow commercial zoning, renovation and expansion of the building’s second and third floors.  Once zoning relief is granted, Gejdenson hopes to negotiate a lease with Douglas.

Asked for comment, Gejdenson said he has enjoyed being on Capitol Hill, and “hopefully, we can get these landlords to work with us.” Gejdenson is set to open a liquor bar in another Douglas Development building at 600 F Street NW, in late summer or early fall.  The bar, Denson’s (a play on Gejdenson’s last name), will feature a drink menu heavy on scotch and craft beer and a limited food menu.

If brought to fruition, the Pennsylvania Avenue project would be a welcome addition to a developing section of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, where several residential projects catering to singles and couples are in the works.  Douglas Development is also behind the large commercial

building at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Tuesday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted to support the zoning variance, 10 – 0, forwarding the matter to the full ANC at its monthly meeting next Tuesday.  Douglas Development bought the building at auction a year ago and has run into unexpected construction issues, increasing construction costs considerably.  Originally, it was slated to become an office building by matter of right, requiring no zoning changes.

Gejdenson grew up on Capitol Hill and played international soccer in Florence, Italy, where he opened his first restaurant which served American food.   He opened Acqua al 2, across from Eastern Market, in 2010.

 

 

Images of Madison Investments’ Proposed 49 Unit Residential Project at 11^th and I Streets, SE

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, Sia Madani of Madison Investments and Architect Jeff Goins of PGN Architects revealed renderings of Madison’s new matter of right residential building planned for 900 11^th Street, SE.   The presentation was in support of a Historic Preservation (HP) application for new construction of a 49 unit residential building at the site, a block north of the Southeast – Southwest Freeway at 11th Street, SE.

Moving against the current development trend of building units to accommodate a transient life style skewed toward young couples and singles, Madison plans units which will average 870 square feet – with 40 to 50% of them aimed at a two-bedroom family lifestyle market. Ten percent of the units (4 – 6) will fall in the affordable category, under inclusionary zoning requirements.   The project will provide 7 street level parking spaces, and additional 23 spaces in a partly underground garage, and 26 bike spaces.  Pricing for the units has not yet been determined.

For the most part, the ANC liked what it saw regarding the HP application, the only quibble being raised by Commissioner Garrison, who commented that “the building does not speak to me as residential – it doesn’t have the feel of residential.”  Goins replied that PGN Architects is still making modifications to the design to take neighborhood concerns into consideration.

The Committee agreed to support the HP Application, 9 – 0 – 1, forwarding its endorsement to the full ANC6B which will next meet on July 15.

For more on this project, see the CHC post here: http://bit.ly/1n5MjJn

 

Historic Townhouse/Frame Shop Near Eastern Market Likely To House New Restaurant

by Larry Janezich

Last night, at ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, Capitol Hill developer Ken Golding presented plans to re-develop the Sheehy house at 317 7^th Street, SE, across the street from the Hine Project.  The plans propose turning the former frame shop and residence into a restaurant, though Golding expressed hope that a retail client could be found.  Given the likely rent for a small property in that prime location, the odds would seem to favor a restaurant as a likely occupant and Golding admitted as much, saying “there are not as many retailers as there used to be.”  Golding presented the planned changes in connection with a Historic Preservation Application which he hopes to take before the Historic Preservation Review Board at its next meeting.

The plans call for demolishing the single story structure at the rear of the building, adding a two story attachment with a new emergency exit stairway in back, and replacing windows and second story French doors on the 7^th Street façade.  Golding, a partner in Stanton Development which is developing the Hine project, was representing a new entity developing the Sheehy house – 317 7^th Street LLC – comprised of himself and his two sons.  Stanton Development owns numerous properties on the block, including several fronting Pennsylvania Avenue.

Commissioner Ivan Frishberg said he had no problem with the Historic Preservation request, but raised concerns regarding the lack of an enclosed trash facility, citing the burgeoning rat and rodent problem plaguing neighborhoods which have restaurants.  Commissioner Dave Garrison urged Golding to anticipate problems and deal with them in advance, emphasizing that rats are a huge problem in the neighborhood.  He noted, “Residents back up on the alley – they will be all over you like a blanket.”

The Historic Preservation application was a late-breaking item placed on the committee’s agenda after the ANC’s Executive Committee meeting on June 24.  Commissioner Brian Flahaven said that this was the result of the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) notifying the ANC of the Historic Preservation application after the Executive Committee had met, and that consideration on short notice was necessary to allow the application to be come before HPRB at its next meeting.

While the addition of a late breaking item to the agenda is not unusual, the fact that this project is in the middle of one of Capitol Hill’s most important retail corridors and that it could appear on the ANC’s agenda on short notice means that ANC review will take place with limited neighborhood input. Indeed, in contrast to homeowners for whom historic preservation applications require extensive documentation and consultation with neighbors, the ANC Commissioners posed no questions regarding neighborhood review to Golding.  In response to a question regarding opportunities for community input last night, Frishberg suggested that local media could publicize the project before the ANC6B meeting next Tuesday. To that end, the developer initially agreed to forward digital plans to Capitol Hill Corner (the plans are a matter of public record once they are submitted to the ANC – as they were last night).  Subsequently, the developer informed CHC that “we are doing some tweaks to the plans in line with comments (at the meeting) and will have something by middle of next week.”  CHC took this to mean the plans would be shared after the ANC6B meeting next Tuesday and obtained a copy of the provisional plans submitted last night.

The committee voted 10 – 0 to take “no position,” referring the application to the full ANC without recommendation.  Frishberg urged the developer to consider all options regarding a trash enclosure and to work with the Department of Health and the BZA toward that end.

The Sheehy house came on the market listed at $875,000 this spring.  The listing agent was Kitty Kaupp of Coldwell Bankers and Stanton Development.  Since 1967, it had been “The Frame Up” – the studio, shop, art gallery, and home of prolific artist Richard Sheehy.  Sheehy died in February, 2014.

The Week Ahead….&Pizza, Two CSX Tunnels Proposal, Southeast Boulevard

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 30  (Note change from regular Tuesday night meeting)

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00 pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue SE.

Among items on the agenda:

Historic Preservation for Madison Investments and PGN Architect’s new condo construction at 900 11th Street SE   (See CHC post here:  http://bit.ly/1n5MjJn)

&Pizza’s request for special exception to the fast food ban and a from rear yard requirements for one-story rear addition to existing building (OXXO Cleaners at 405 8^th Street, SE).

Tuesday, July 1

ANC6C Special Joint Meeting:  The Transportation and Public Space and the Parks and Events Committees will meet at 6:30pm at Kaiser-Permanente, Capitol Hill Medical Center.

On the agenda:

Alibi Restaurant, 237 2^nd Street, NE – public space applications for one enclosed and one unenclosed patios

Discussion of issues regarding delivery trucks on 3^rd Street, NE, serving Giant supermarket

Discussion of triangle parks owned and managed by National Park Service and DDOT

KIPP Public Charter School High School – The former Hamilton School on Brentwood Parkway in Ward 5 (6th and Penn Streets, NE) is being converted to a new high school by KIPP.  This includes demolition of the existing building and reconstruction of the adjacent playground, courts, and other areas.  KIPP will be attending the meeting to discuss potential public uses of the new facilities at this site.

Playable Arts DC – Informational update on the Playable Arts DC program, for which the NoMa neighborhood was selected for installation of art sculptures which are also playground equipment and interactive elements for children.  This program is run by the Office of Planning, and the selected site is along the Metropolitan Branch Trail between L and M Streets, NE.

Tuesday, July 1

The DDOT/FHWA will hold a public hearing on the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on the CSX Tunnel Proposal, 630pm to 800pm, Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I (eye) Street SW.  The FEIS incorporates feedback from the community and identifies “Alternative 3 – Two New Tunnels” as the Preferred Alternative for construction. The FEIS and a fact sheet are available at www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com

Wednesday, July 2

ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.\

On the agenda:

Discussion of Eastern Market parking with Evian Patterson, District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Discussion of Office of Planning’s Southeast Boulevard Neighborhood Planning Study project

Resolution regarding Metrobus stops

Comments on DDOT’s draft MoveDC Transportation Plan

Letter to DDOT regarding 17th and 19th Streets Safety Improvement Project

Letter to DDOT regarding safety concerns at intersection of Independence and North Carolina Avenues and 7th Street, SE

Letter to DDOT following-up on request regarding pedestrian safety at 8^th and D Streets, SE

Wednesday, July 2

ANC6C Planning and Zoning Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

The agenda was not available at press time.

Thursday, July 3

PSA 107 with Lt. Eddie Fowler’s regular first Thursday of the month meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm, Southeast Library, 403 7th Street SE, basement meeting room.

Getting Down with What’s Going Up on Capitol Hill, SE

Photos of four construction projects in Southeast Capitol Hill.

by Larry Janezich

 

 

The Week Ahead…..

Historic Preservation Board Decisions Likely to Dismay Capitol Hill Residents

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, June 24

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center to set the agenda for the July 15 meeting of ANC6B.

Wednesday, June 25

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm, North Hall, Eastern Market.

Thursday, June 26

The Historic Preservation Board (HPRB) finds itself at odds with ANC6B on two cases affecting the Capitol Hill Southeast Community:  At its June meeting, ANC6B took no position (by a vote of 5 – 3 – 1) on the request of the owner of 706 North Carolina Avenue, SE, for after-the-fact-approval for erection of a 4 foot 7 inch trash container shed in the front yard.  A majority of the ANC was persuaded by the argument that HPRB does not have clear guidelines regarding structures to hide trash cans and in this case, the structure is hidden from public view by shrubbery.  The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) staff report, however, found that while a roofless screen may be appropriate, the current structure constitutes building on public space and recommends denying the application. HPRB usually follows the recommendations of the HPO staff.

On the other hand, the HPO staff lent tentative approval to a historic preservation application to erect a 16’X14’X15’ two-story Hardie Plank-clad structure at the rear of 1001 South Carolina Avenue, SE, in the place where the report says a stable once existed in the late 1800’s.  ANC6B, responding to the complaints of some 16 neighbors who will be negatively affected by the construction, voted to oppose the application on the basis of insufficient information.

Although the raze permit for the shotgun house at 1229 E Street, SE was on the agenda for the June 26/July 10 HPRB meeting(s), that case did not appear on the latest agenda released for those meetings.  ANC6B grudgingly and conditionally endorsed the raze permit 9-0 at its June meeting (see here: http://bit.ly/1qAicMC).  The Capitol Hill Restoration Society opposed the raze permit.  CHRS Historic Preservation Committee Chair Beth Purcell presented the following options as potential ways to resolve the issue:  the city require the owner to make necessary repairs on the historic structure; if the building cannot be repaired, the city allow demolition but require the owner to rebuild the structure; it that is not feasible, the building be demolished and replaced with a project of “special merit.”

The Historic Preservation Review Board will meet to consider the following items on June 26 and July 10. The meetings will begin at 9:00 a.m. at 441 4th Street NW in Room 220 South.

The Week at Southeast Library:  Zumba Class, Southeast Book Club, Job Seekers Drop In Clinic.  Saturday, June 28: genealogy database demonstration.  For more information, go here:  http://bit.ly/Tm9kPr

 

DC Housing Finance Agency Requires FOIA Before Releasing Public Information

by Larry Janezich

On May 29, Capitol Hill Corner contacted the DC Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to request certain specific information related to how Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) are awarded in DC.   We asked for a list of Low Income Housing Tax Credits awarded for the past five years, including the addresses and amount of LIHTC equity; the board minutes for the meeting which found the Hine and West End projects eligible for bond financing; and an explanation of how the DC Housing Finance Agency is funded.

Despite being informed that the independent agency is funded through fees charged to developers in order to process their applications for tax credits and award their financing, a brief review of their website indicated that the agency only receives a small amount of money from service fees (ranging in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars), and much more money from interest generated from their investments as well as a category simply called “Other” ($11 million).

The response we received was that the information regarding the first two requests is available but the HFA legal team said that a FOIA request would be necessary to release it.  Regarding the question as to how the agency received its financing, CHC was offered a verbal explanation over the phone.  When we pressed for a written explanation, we were told again that this would require a FOIA request.

CHC is in the process of filing the request.  It is unclear if there is any precedent for a public, independent agency requiring a legal filing in order to obtain information about their sources of revenue.  The HFA’s position seems to underscore what has been noted as a general lack of transparency in District government, particularly in those agencies which deal with development within the city.

DC Housing Finance Agency is the local agency that administers the federal program which awards lucrative tax credits to developers, who then trade these credits on Wall Street to obtain equity for construction.  The program’s generous nature is intended to prod developers, big and small, to invest in renovating and constructing housing aimed at low-income Americans.