Author Archives: ljjanezich

ANC6B’s Garrison Urges Capitol Hill Restoration Board to Recruit ANC Candidates

Says Four of the Five Historic District Commissioners Will Not Seek Re-Election

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B01 Commissioner Dave Garrison told the Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors Tuesday night that he is one of four of the five members of the current ANC6B who represent areas that fall within Capitol Hill Historic District who will not seek re-election this fall.

He said his appearance before the Board was the result of his concern about the future of the Capitol Hill Historic District.  According to Garrison, “The quality of the historic preservation review work of ANC6B has declined,” and the retirement of four commissioners comprising 80% of the Historic District’s representation on the ANC “presents a unique opportunity to alter the situation going forward.”

Garrison cited two cases where decisions of ANC6B did not support maintaining the Historic District:  the pop-up across from The Maples which would have been clearly visible from the sidewalk (the ANC supported the new structure on the basis that it would allow a growing family to stay in the residence and permit their children to continue attending Brent school); and when the ANC took no position on the construction of a front yard storage shed at 700 North Carolina Avenue, after a motion to support the structure failed on a 5 – 5 tie vote.

Garrison said that he thought the decline in support on the ANC for the enforcing the principles of the Historic District were because of the election to the Commission of newer residents with less experience on the Hill.  He told the CHRS Board that there was an opportunity to recruit new people to run for the four soon-to-be vacated ANC seats within the Historic District – “people with knowledge of the Historic District and commitment to its principles.”  Elections for ANC Commissioners will take place this fall.

He urged the Board members to “run the idea up their individual flagpoles” since it would “not be appropriate for the Board to take action.”  Garrison urged Board members to “consider what can be done to identify people interested in these matters and encourage them to put themselves forward.”  He cautioned that the job was difficult and thankless and required a large commitment of time, saying, “It’s not for everyone.”  He continued, “Because of the size of the turnover, I’m bringing the matter before you this evening.  I would be glad to discuss it individually with any of you.”

Chuck Burger, who serves on the CHRS Board, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, and CHAMPS, said he agreed with Garrison regarding the changes which reflected the influx of new Hill residents.  Burger said that this was “fair warning” and that “we should be vigilant and proactive about getting candidates in.”  The Board went on to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the CHRS Board and the three ANCs who have single member districts in the Historic District:  ANC6A, ANC6B, and ANC6C.

There is a history of cross-pollinating relationships between the CHRS and the ANCs.  Recently the spouses of ANC commissioners have served on the CHRS Board:  Nancy Metzger (Norm Metzger, ANC6B) and Shauna Holmes (David Holmes, ANC6A).  Currently, Elizabeth Nelson, spouse of Nick Alberti, Chair of ANC6A serves on the CHRS Board.

The CHRS Board has launched a “Beyond the Boundaries” project which has as its ultimate goal expanding the Capitol Hill Historic District.  Several years ago, a protracted negotiation with Louis Dreyfuss Property Group over the PUD application for the company’s development between 2nd and 3rd Streets on H Street, NE, ended with a settlement under which CHRS was granted a total of $250,000 – $83,000 of which was to support historic preservation efforts outside of the historic district.  That money was devoted to the “Beyond the Boundaries Project.”  In 2010, current ANC6B Chair Brian Flahaven was elected on a platform of opposition to the creation of the Barney Circle Historic District in Hill East.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$45 Million Eastern Market Metro Park Draft Plan Unveiled

by Larry Janezich

Last night, architect Amy Weinstein of Esocoff & Associates unveiled her $45 million long-term plan to redesign Eastern Market Metro Plaza including the adjacent parks and the Pennsylvania Avenue median strips.  The occasion was a meeting of the Eastern Market Plaza Task Force organized by Barracks Row Main Street, comprising community stakeholders involved with the plan.

The primary components of the main Metro Plaza’s redesign will include a new entrance to Southeast Library featuring a pavilion with benches and a water feature, skylights for a new below-grade part of the library under 7^th Street, and numerous movable tables and chairs under a grove of trees on the south side of the plaza.  The new entrance will provide access to a major underground expansion of the library and will become the facility’s main entrance.  The current main entrance of the library would be closed but preserved.

The large park on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue would become a recreational and gathering space and include a children’s playground surrounded by a wrought iron fence.  The play area would have a rubberized playing surface, a tree house with a slide, a playhouse, a jungle gym, an educational water feature, and picnic tables.  The rest of the park would get new trees, new grass, and numerous benches.

The median strips would be redesigned with wrought iron fencing and features for storm water management and reclamation, while landscaping, trees and benches would be design elements of the small triangle at across Dunkin Donuts.

The whole plan for the entire project anticipates new lighting, relocated bus stops, more bike shares and pedestrian safety features.

The price tag for the project is $45,213,645 million – $13,517,595 for the parks and plaza,

$22,765,637 for the library, and $8,930,413 for DC Agency management fees, reorganization of traffic, and a $1.54 million maintenance endowment to provide the estimated $75,000 annual maintenance costs.

Weinstein said that if everything went without a hitch, her best guess is that construction could begin four years hence, though Sharon Ambrose cautioned that nothing at all would happen until after the election.  The next steps, according to Weinstein, would be to find a DC agency to take the lead on the project and to enlist political and community support.

Weinstein will present the plan to the community in two meetings in the coming days, Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Monday, June 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm both of which will be held at Hill Center.  The design team will receive the community’s input and come back with a final plan in September.

The plan will be available here:  http://www.easternmarketmetropark.org/ probably after Saturday’s community meeting.

Capitol Hill Corner reported on the evolution of the redesign concept here:  http://bit.ly/1duqZJd

http://bit.ly/1l0aXgR   http://bit.ly/1lAXhZk

The Week Ahead – And Wrapping Up the Week

&Pizza, Barracks Row Improvements, New Access/Exit SE-SW Freeway

By Larry Janezich

Wrapping Up The Week….

&Pizza –  Steve Salis of &Pizza has asked for a delay in further consideration of a request for an exception to the ban on fast food restaurants on Barracks Row.  The ANC will take it up again at its July 15 meeting.

Barracks Row/EM Metro Improvements – ANC6B released DDOT grants for non-automotive transportation projects funded under the Performance Parking Community Fund Awards Program.  Some of projects include  $225,000 for tree box fencing and understory plantings on Barracks Row, $75,000  for paver and brick maintenance and repair on Barracks Row, $54,000 for a Bike Share at 11^th and PA Avenue, $14,000 for tree box fencing at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, and a total of $309,700 for Capitol Riverfront BID for intersection enhancement, Sidewalks, trash bins, and bike racks.

Options – Josh Kerns, Options Public Charter School Court Appointed Receiver told ANC6A Thursday night that Options will be open next year with a reduced student body – down from 380 to about 250.  While Options will be open to new students, the school administration is not aggressively marketing the school.  He announced that teachers and staff are being evaluated and he expects significant turnover in both areas.  In addition, since neither the principal nor the Executive Director will be returning, there will be new leadership next year.  Kerns also discussed plans to revamp the exterior of the school to make it less welcoming as a gathering place for non-students after hours and encouraged public feedback to that end.  Kerns hinted that pending a long term solution to serving the needs of the at risk youths attending the school, that the school would continue to remain open with a reduced student body.

New ANC6A Commissioner.  At Thursday night’s ANC6A meeting, newly elected Commissioner Chris Ward was introduced.  He succeeds Commissioner David Holmes, who resigned earlier this year.

The Week Ahead…….

Note:  New Access/Exit for SE-SW Freeway

Starting Saturday, June 21:  CLOSED until August 23:  11th Street ENTRANCE Ramp to West Bound Southeast-Southwest Freeway – Use 3rd Street Ramp

OPENING:  11th Street EXIT Ramp for East Bound Southeast-Southwest Freeway

 Monday, June 16

The Eastern Market Metro Plaza Task Force working on the redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza meets at 5:00pm in Hill Center.  The Task Force final plan will be presented to the community at two public meetings: Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Monday, June 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm both of which will be held at Hill Center.

Tuesday, June 17

CHRS Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm in Capitol Hill townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE.

Tuesday, June 17

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center (10th and G Streets, NE)

On the agenda:

Update on requests by Little Miss Whiskey’s, H Street Country Club, Rock N Roll Hotel, and Vendetta to terminate their Settlement Agreements with ANC 6A.

Discussion of request by Smith Commons (1245 H Street NE) for summer garden endorsement and support from ANC for stipulated endorsement.

Discussion of restaurant alcohol beverage license renewal for The Pursuit at 1421 H Street NE.

Discussion of recent incidents at XII, including the ABC Board’s recent suspension decision..

Wednesday, June 18

ANC6B Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force meets a 7:00pm in Hill Center.

On the agenda:

Office of Police Complaints, Nykisha Cleveland, Public Affairs Specialist, & Natasha Smith, Investigations Manager.

Office Overview

How do I file a complaint?

What happens when a complaint is filed?

Complaint trends

OPC studies and reports

Wednesday, June 18

ANC6A Economic Development Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center (10th and G Streets, NE).  Agenda not available at press time.

Saturday, June 21

The Eastern Market Metro Plaza Task Force presents its final plan for redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza to the community at two public meetings: Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Monday, June 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm both of which will be held at Hill Center.

Saturday, June 21

Access/Exit to Southeast-Southwest Freeway changes:

CLOSED until August 23:  11^th Street ENTRANCE Ramp to West Bound Southeast-Southwest Freeway – Use 3rd Street Ramp

OPENING:  11^th Street EXIT Ramp for East Bound Southeast-southwest Freeway

 

 

City Launches Attack on Eastern Metro Rat Infestation

Responds to Pressure from ANC6B, Residents, and Capitol Hill BID

by Larry Janezich

Responding to a coordinated effort by city agencies organized by ANC6B, the city last week began a major effort aimed at abatement of the rat population infesting Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  Above, contractors hired by DC Department of Transportation eliminate rat-friendly habitats in the planting areas around the Metro.  The Department of Health will follow up with inspections and baiting of the area.  CHC reported on the initiative taken by Commissioners Pate, Frishberg, and Oldenburg last February.  Details of the plan can be found on that post here:  http://bit.ly/1aHa3T8

More on the rat problem here:  http://bit.ly/Qi20my

Finis for the Shotgun House?  Or Not?

Demolition Could Clear Way for Development on 1200 Block of PA Avenue, SE

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, a peeved ANC6B, endorsed the concept of a raze permit for the long-preserved historic Shotgun House at 1229 E Street, SE.  The commission was clearly unhappy with owner Larry Quillian who bought the property in 1985 and, in the eyes of the ANC and many in the community, has connived to raze the property for redevelopment using “demolition by neglect” – letting a property which is protected under historic preservation law become a danger and nuisance to the community until Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) has little choice other than to let it be demolished.  Quillian came with an engineer’s report in hand, which told HPRB that it would not be safe to make the repairs to the roof which HPRB had ordered him to make.  Commissioner Dave Garrison called the case a “poster child for demolition by neglect.”

The motion to endorse the concept of the raze permit carried language encouraging HPRB to make the raze conditional both on holding Quillian accountable for demolition by neglect and upon yet-to-be-determined restitution to the community for the loss of a historic structure.  The motion passed 9 – 0.  Any future plan for the development of the site will come back before the ANC as a historic preservation – and perhaps – a zoning issue.

The structure – so named because a shot could be fired through the front door and pass unhindered out the back door – is common throughout the South by rarely found on Capitol Hill.

Gary Peterson of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors, said it would be safe to assume that CHRS would oppose the raze concept.  HPRB will consider the case at its June 26 or July 10 meeting.

Owner Larry Quinlan bought the shotgun house in 1985, along with some ten townhouses behind the property in the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, just east of the CVS.  Those lots now sit behind a plywood barrier and last Fall Frager’s announced plans to erect a 5800 temporary structure on them.  Those plans have since been abandoned.

The Shotgun House has been standing in the way of development of the lots and Quillian has been trying for decades to circumvent the preservation laws which prevent its demolition.  Quillian also owns numerous properties on Barracks Row and the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, including the legendary Mr. Henry’s.

Capitol Hill Gears Up For World Cup

Where to Watch on Barracks Row (and Lincoln Park)

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday afternoon, Capitol Hill Corner surveyed restaurants around Eastern Market to see which were planning on paying special attention to the World Cup, starting on Thursday, when Brazil meets Croatia.

As one might expect, restaurants featuring European fare are making an extra effort: Belga Café and Ambar on Barracks Row, and Ninella in Linclon Park, are providing strong incentives to watch the World Cup in those places while enjoying food and drink specials.

With the Belgium team picked as a dark horse favorite, it’s not surprising that Belga (and its sister restaurant B Too on 14^th Street, NW) has an entire Red Devil Beer and Frietkot (Fry Shop) special menu with frites, burgers, sausage sandwiches, ribs, and Frietjes met stovers – fries topped with beef stew in a cone with mayonnaise.

During World Cup fixtures, Ambar will feature Coronas, house red or white wine, and three house cocktails for $5 each, as well as a selection of small plates for the same price.

Likewise, Ninella, which is now open for lunch service, is serving half price drinks and appetizers during the matches.

The following establishments will have drink specials, or are still in the process of determining specials:

Boxcar – Happy Hour Prices during the matches

Molly Malone’s – $4 Bud Light

Lola’s – $4 Bud Light

Ugly Mug – Specials to be determined

Zest – Specials to be determined

Tunicliff’s – Specials to be determined

The rest on the list have no plans to focus on the World Cup but will be making the matches available on television:

Banana Café Piano Bar

Senart’s

7th Hill Pizza

LaVagna

Cava

Matchbox

Las Placitas

Chesapeake Room

Barrel

The World Cup schedule through the group stage can be found here:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/

 

Madison Investment Plans 49 Unit Higher End Residential Project for 11^th and I Streets, SE

by Larry Janezich

Madison Investments President Sia Madani revealed plans to develop a 49 unit residential building at 912 11^th Street, S.E. – the current location of the Washington Auto Club – at ANC 6B’s June meeting last night.  The project is three blocks from the lower 8^th Street and Barracks Row; close to M Street, SE, and the Navy Yard; and diagonally across 11^th and I from the Tyler School playground.

According to representatives of Madison, the units will be heavily weighted toward the two bedroom models.  The project is in the Capitol Hill Historic District and will be subject to HPRB review.  Madison hopes to go before HPRB at the end of July and will appear before ANC6B’s  Planning and Zoning Committee in early July to support its historic preservation application.  The company anticipates breaking ground in December of 2014 and that construction will take twelve months.

Madison (father Madini and sons) Investment, based in D.C., was established in 2006. The family owned firm has focused on the development of luxury condominiums.  Its first project, completed in 2007, was on Capitol Hill at 652 Massachusetts, Avenue, NE.  Madison has developed several residential/retail projects in NW since then.  A project currently in the pipeline and scheduled for completion in mid-2015 is the Elysium 14 Gallery at 1925 14th Street NW.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Week Ahead…..The ANCs Meet

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 9

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

On the agenda:

Zoning application for Capper/Carrollsburg

Wharf Update of Construction & Entertainment

Historic Designation: Capitol Park Towers

Historic Designation: Randall Recreation Center (Stables/Dog Pound)

Museum of the Bible

Tuesday, June 10

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

One the agenda:

Presentation:  Overview of DC Water Clean Rivers Project-Anacostia River Tunnel

Presentation:  Overrview of 11th Street Bridge exit ramp for 395 N to 11th Street

Sidewalk café for Capital Teas at 731 8th Street SE, Capital Teas

Request from EnvisionCare Health Services, 1426 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, for a certificate of need to provide home health services

Historic Preservation application for multiunit building at 1220 Potomac Avenue SE

Historic Preservation application for demolition at 1229 E Street, SE

&Pizza request for a fast food exception and variance at 405 8th Street, SE

DDOT Performance Parking Community Benefit Program awards

Office of Planning’s Neighborhood Study on Southeast Boulevard

Deputy Mayor for Education’s Student Assignment & School Boundary Review

Letter to Community Action Group/Department of Housing and Community Development seeking additional information related to project at 124 15th Street, SE

Wednesday, June 11

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

On the agenda:

Excelon-Pepco acquisition—Marc Battle, Donna Cooper

Third Street tunnel project, Massachusetts and H, 2nd and 4th Streets

Update, 7th/D/Maryland Avenue

Specialty Hospital,700 Constitution Ave. NE., brick wall near trash compactor

Michio’s, 500 H Street NE, restaurant ABRA agreement under development

Stuart Hobson School parking plan

Heritage Foundation, renewal of accessory parking space, 3rd and 4th, D and E Streets               NE

Thursday, June 12

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm, Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE

On the agenda:

Josh Kern, Court-appointed receiver for Options Charter School will discuss future plans for the school.  Mr. Kern is seeking community input on the following: 1) improving communications between school administrators and community, 2) thoughts on current operations, e.g. are the Segway patrols effective, and 3) improving the exterior appearance of the school, e.g. suggestions on landscaping and alterations to those large concrete sculptures on the front grounds.

Application for a tavern license for Mythology & Lore at 816 H Street, NE

Application for a multipurpose license for Gallery O on H at 1354 – 1356 H Street

Request by Little Miss whiskey’s Golden Dollar at 1104 H Street

Thursday, June 12

CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm at Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE.

 

Victims of the Isherwood explosion fire last week still need help:  Please consider donating here:

http://www.youcaring.com/other/support-a-maury-family-in-need/187664

 

The Week at Southeast Library:  Zumba Class, Database Demonstration, Job Seekers Clinic, Book Sale, Programs for Teens, Kids, Infants.

To see the complete schedule and for additional information, go here:  http://dclibrary.org/calendar?library%5B%5D=8&keys=

 

 

 

More on MPD Disconnect With Residents on Crime Alerts

Report from Last Night’s PSA 107 Meeting in Southeast Library

by Larry Janezich

Recent crimes committed on Capitol Hill have revealed unresolved communication issues between MPD and District residents.  Last night, MPD Inspector Mario Patrizio of the First District made a rare if not unprecedented appearance before the PSA 107 meeting, in anticipation, perhaps, of questions regarding police response to the two recent Capitol Hill slasher/robbings, and questions regarding a morning-time robbery on June 4th.

Information reaching the community, and the awareness and preventive steps that community members might take to thwart crime, were recurring themes at last night meeting.

It became clear that residents learn of crime by various methods: traditional news media, listservs, monthly reports from commissioners, or DC Alerts sent via email or followed on Twitter.  The latter is a popular option among people who do not want a clutter of emails, but, as the MPD acknowledged once again last night, not every crime is posted on Twitter – only those for which the MPD has reason to hope that a community member may spot a suspect get posted.  An attendee at last night’s PSA 107 meeting summed it up as follows:  “It sounds like police policy regarding Twitter crime alerts has not caught up with how District residents are using the information.”  Patrizio agreed.

One resident reiterated last night that residents use the alerts to heighten awareness of precautions which need to be taken to ensure personal safety for themselves, friends, and family.  (At the bottom of this post there is a list of resources to learn more about local crime.)

As previously reported on CHC, police failed to alert the neighborhood to the first attack on May 15.  The first attack was followed by the second similar attack four seven days later.  MPD has apologized for the error, and Commander Brown of the First District has taken responsibility.

At PSA 107 last night, Inspector  Patrizio said that “steps had been taken to insure that the information goes out.”  This was initially interpreted by those attending the meeting to mean that cases involving threats to the public safety would be tweeted and/or emailed out.  Parizio cited changes which have been instituted to insure that “prior to officers leaving a tour of duty, any crime in the PSA has been addressed. Tweets go out – the listserv is always in place.”

As follow-up questions from the audience attempted to emphasize the importance of the tweets/emails to situational awareness, Patrizio was pressed for clarification. Subsequent questioning revealed that at present there has been no change in Twitter policy.  Currently, decisions about what to tweet are made at the Inspector level.  The policy is under review, and any changes will have to come from Chief Lanier.  Timing of the policy of review is uncertain, and Patrizio said he would have to check.  It seems clear that this is a critical and District-wide issue and one which may deserve the attention of the City Councils’ Public Safety Committee.

Additional information from last night’s meeting is as follows:

• There is nothing new on a suspect regarding the slash/robberies and MPD is still working the same leads.  Patrizio said that his conversations with detectives working the case indicated that the wounds suffered by the two female victims of the robberies likely occurred because a sharp object was held closely to their neck – apparently, very closely – as opposed to the assailant deciding at a specific moment to slash his victims.
• Despite additional police presence on Capitol Hill, one resident reported coming home to Eastern Market 10:00 pm last Saturday night with no visible police presence in the area, despite the fact that MPD has a fixed, uniform post in the area.  Commissioner Oldenberg, who attended last night’s meeting, responded to the resident’s concern by saying that she walks home from the Metro “too quickly” to notice whether the police are present or not.  The resident then offered that, after noticing no police, she ran home in the street to avoid making herself a target.
• There has been a rash of thefts from cars, often involving electronics.  Residents can help protect themselves by recording the serial number of their devices and emailing it to themselves.  Enabling tracking devices on iPhones can help police track suspects in cases of snatch and run cell phone thefts.  Patrizio said police will absolutely track from the scene if the capability is enabled.  Another resident remarked that the rash of computers or other electronic thefts from cars may not be as high as the official tally, and may instead be a function of people with “high deductibles” on their car insurance.   Without question, the “thefts from auto” category has seen the largest spike, while all other crimes either match seasonal norms or are below them.
• The drug market involving synthetic marijuana on the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets, SE, which contains the “guerilla playground,” is difficult to control because K-2 (synthetic marijuana) is not illegal.  Patrizio said he would request assistance from US Park Police, under whose jurisdiction he understood the park to fall.   One resident urged that more aggressive police tactics be used in the area, regardless of jurisdiction.
• Patrizio said that it is not a police tactic for numerous – sometimes as many as five or six – bike cops to ride patrol together.  More likely, he said, they were on their way to a common point where they would disperse.

Patrizio emphasized the importance of calling 911 to report suspicious activity and urged residents to call him the First District Watch Commander or Patrizio himself directly if they believed that police were deficient in responsiveness or in providing police services, including reluctance to file reports. He said, “We’re very responsive.”  Those numbers are as follows:

1D Watch Commander           202 437-7632

Inspector Mario Patrizio         202 345-0392 cell – email: mario.patrizio@dc.gov

Lieutenant Eddie Fowler        202 425-2826 cell

MPD District 1 Website         http://mpdc.dc.gov/page/welcome-first-district

MPD listserv                           http://mpdc.dc.gov/node/211702

MPD Twitter alerts                 https://twitter.com/dcalerts

MPD crime map                      http://crimemap.dc.gov/

The Hill Rag publishes a daily Crime Blotter which is useful in helping residents track crime on Capitol Hill:  http://www.capitalcommunitynews.com/content/purse-snatching-900-block-pennsylvania-avenue-se