Author Archives: ljjanezich

DC Public Library Updates Community of Renovation on Southeast Library

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 2, 2022

Last Thursday night, DC Public Library hosted a community meeting to update some 40 interested neighbors on the renovation of Southeast Library.  The project timeline illustrated above shows where designers are in the process, with construction scheduled to begin next year and a move in date for the renovated library in the spring of 2025. 

Members of the Quinn Evans design team detailed the progress since the last community meeting in 2021 which includes completion of the advanced regulatory review process, a refined design in response to regulatory comments and neighbor concerns, development of an exterior lighting analysis strategy, completion of an Environmental Noise Control study and tweaking of the design of the library’s interior spaces. 

Quinn Evans asserted the new library plan will provide 25% more meeting and conference spaces, 50% more computer space, almost 50% more space for books (25,000), double the space for adult seating, and three times the space for children and families.

One design element which continued to irk nearby neighbors on South Carolina is the universal entrance on South Carolina Avenue.  The current main entrance will remain, providing access to the current floor  which will become the library’s third level.  But a new universal entrance has been designed for access to the library on the southern facade.  This entrance to the below grade level where space for children and families has been located, will provide access to upper floors by elevator and a grand staircase.  Some attendees who are residents of South Carolina Avenue are opposed to the universal entrance on that street, fearing increased vehicular traffic, the amount of night time lighting, a design they call incompatible with Capitol Hill norms, and the potential attraction of a cadre of loungers who often currently frequent the area near the current main entrance on the east facade. 

DCPL staff and the design team did their best to allay concerns and to assure residents that they had considered their suggestions and proposals but found the current design the only feasible one.  They cited the approval expressed by city agencies and the historic preservation review process including the Historic Preservation Review Board and the Commission on Fine Arts. 

Those concerned residents did not appear to be convinced and remain resentful that their suggestions and recommendations regarding an alternate design with a universal entrance on D Street were given what they consider short shrift by the design team.  In response to a concern that a lack of funding might require scaling back the project after construction starts, Councilmember Charles Allen, who was present for the meeting and whose efforts provided city funding for the renovation, assured that he was 100% confident that the project would be fully funded in the coming fiscal year budgets.

 

Brian Pate and Jackie Kreiger have been appointed to seats on the Eastern Market Community Advisory Commission.  

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 30, 2022

At last Wednesday’s virtual meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), Chair Chuck Burger announced that CM Charles Allen had appointed former ANC6B Commissioner Brian Pate to the seat designated by DC Statute to be filled by the Ward 6 Councilmember.  Burger also announced that Mayor Bowser had appointed Capitol Hill resident Jackie Kreiger to the seat designated to be filled by the Mayor.  The Ward 6 Councilmember seat has been vacant since the passing earlier this year of long-serving EMCAC member Donna Scheeder.  The Mayor’s seat has been empty since Jonathan Page resigned in 2020 when he moved out of Ward 6.  

Pate’s nomination was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the committee.  According to Burger, Krieger must be sworn in by the executive before her nomination becomes official and EMCAC can be notified, “after which we can approve her nomination and welcome her as a voting member.” 

In introductory remarks, Pate said he was “thankful to be back and hopefully contribute to the Eastern Market family.”  Pate served for four years as an ANC6B commissioner 2011 – 2014 after being elected in 2010.  During his tenure he served alternate years as ANC6B’s designated representative on the Market’s advisory board.  He said, “I learned lessons in how the market functions, market dynamics and the different stakeholders groups at the market… I’m happy to be back and a part of it.  One thing I’m excited about is that next year is the 150^th year of continuous operation of the market.  That is a huge deal and I think we should celebrate that.”  (Later in the meeting, Pate was appointed to head up a committee to explore and discuss options for ways to commemorate the anniversary.)

In her introductory remarks, Kreiger said she had been a resident of Capitol Hill for 41 years and had never lived more than four or five blocks from Eastern Market and I know how important it is ….”While I don’t have quite as much experience as Brian in this organization…I really look forward to working with  you and helping as I can.”  Kreiger is an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS).  Susan Oursler, a former CHRS Board member, currently represents CHRS on the advisory committee.  Kreiger will serve as the representative of the Mayor separate and apart from her role in CHRS. 

Members of EMCAC are designated by the DC Statute governing Eastern Market.  The law states EMCAC will be comprised of the following members:

A representative from:

• ANC6B
• Capitol Hill Restoration Society
• CHAMPS
• Stanton Park Neighborhood Association
• Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation (vacant)
• Other organizations upon a vote of75% of EMCAC members (currently none)
• Ward 6 appointed by the Ward 6 Councilmember
• Ward 6 appointed by the Mayor
• 2 Eastern Market food vendors

The Week Ahead:  SE Library In Person Community Meeting … & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 25, 2022

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, September 27

ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the ANC’s October meeting.

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

                                                                ***

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing 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:

• Discussion of application by Vibez on H at 1378 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
• Discussion of application by Bar Bullfrog/Bullfrog Bagels at 1341 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
• Discussion of application by The Queen Vic at 1206 H Street, NE for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
• Discussion of application by Mythology, Lore, & Dirty Water/Beetle House DC at 816 H
• Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
• Discussion of application by Ocean Lounge at 1220 H Street, NE, for a substantial change of its Class C Tavern License to include a Summer Garden.
• Discussion of Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee upcoming membership changes.

Wednesday, September 28

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/

Agenda not available at press time. 

Thursday, September 29

DC Public Library will host an IN PERSON Community Meeting on Southeast Library at 6:30pm to update the community on the final design and project timeline for the renovation.  The meeting will be held on the lower level of Southeast Library.

Art All Night On Barracks Row – Selected Photos

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 24, 2022

DC Art All Night blossomed across all across the city’s 8 Wards last night.  Capitol Hill’s previous Art All Night events were confined to Eastern Market, but this year it extended from the Market all the way to lower 8^th Street. 

The venue was a showcase for creative talent:  visual and performing arts exhibits, live music, food and drink.  Art All Night is funded by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities to promote small businesses and activate the commercial corridors across the city. 

The Capitol Hill events included a silent disco on C Street near Eastern Market, line dancing instruction in the Market’s North Hall, film showings at The Miracle Theater, Sneaker Cleaning Demos at Sole Wash, Friday Night Trivia at Crazy Aunt Helen’s, and pop up art exhibits and musicians everywhere. 

Here’s a selection of photos from art exhibit pop ups around Eastern Market.

ANC6D Lambasts EventsDC/Nats Park and Jair Lynch/Maine Ave Projects

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 22, 2022

Representatives of EventsDC and developer Jair Lynch representatives must have wondered what hit them as they reeled away from an encounter with ANC6D at a Special virtual meeting on Monday night. 

Events DC came seeking the ANC’s endorsement for a proposal to reduce by 64% the amount of retail around the ballpark which the Zoning Commission (ZC) ordered 16 years ago as a condition of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) for Nats Park.  The retail was never built.  The COO was set to expire at the end of September and renewal was promising to be problematic before the Mayor stepped in and extended it for a year.  Now EventsDC is playing catch up by downsizing the retail commitment.  They are proposing an expedited procedure under which the ZC would grant the request for reducing the retail requirement.

ANC6D was having none of it.  They unanimously passed a resolution offered by Commissioner Andy Litsky calling on the ZC to hold a Zoning hearing on the proposed reduction where the existing Zoning Order can be “discussed properly and testimony can be provided in full sunshine… and concerned residents will have an opportunity to provide further comment on the merits of this case.” 

The meeting then segued into consideration of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Jair Lynch development at 899 Maine Avenue, SW.  (A PUD allows a developer to increase the size and density of a building which would not otherwise be permitted under current zoning restrictions.  As part of the process, the developer provides compensatory benefits to the community.)

Commissioner Marjorie Lightman – in whose SMD the project lies – moved that the ANC not support Jair Lynch’s PUD application on the following grounds: the PUD violates the spirt and intent articulated by community residents within the Southwest Small Area Plan; it violates the vision of Maine Avenue incorporated into the Small Area Plan; it would deleteriously affect the social and economic diversity of the community; and would create traffic conditions detrimental to the community with no adequate plan their amelioration; and it offers no significant community benefits to warrant an extraordinary exception to alter the Small Area Plan.  Lightman added, “The offer to the Jefferson school is an insult in relation with the profits over the next decade or so to be gained by the PUD.” 

Litsky said it was “too big a building on too small a space and a too dangerous space and would have a negative impact on the neighbors.  Unless the building is completely redesigned, there is no way in hell I’d support this.” 

The motion passed unanimously. 

ANC’s are empowered to issue advisory opinions on zoning matters, and city agencies are required to give those opinions “great weight.”  The effect of the ANC6C6D actions remains to be seen, and will play out over the weeks ahead.  

Ed. Note:  A previous version of this story said the Maine Avenue project lies in Commissioner Kramer’s SMD.  It is in Commissioner Lightman’s SMD.  

Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 18, 2022

The Week Ahead…

The Week Ahead (Friday’s Art All Night on Barracks Row)…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 18, 2022

The Week Ahead….

Monday, September 19

ANC6A Transportation 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:

• Updates on C Street, NE, project and 1300 block of North Carolina Avenue, NE. (DDOT)
• School Zone Parking Permit Applications – School Within School at Goding and Capitol Hill Montessori.
• Open Streets Event on 8th Street, NE/SE, from M Street SE to Florida Avenue NE.

Wednesday September 21

ANC6D will hold a virtual Special Meeting at 7:00pm

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 1101 4^th Street, SW, Community Benefits Agreement.
• Events DC Certificate of Occupancy for Nats Park Internal Operations. PUD modification to Zoning Commission.
• 899 Maine Avenue, SE. PUD modification to Zoning Commission.
• RiverPoint Restaurant Expansion. PUD modification to Zoning Commission.

ANC 6A Economic Development & 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:

• 236 11th Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Historic review of a plan to fill in a dogleg and add a basement to an existing two story rear addition, while also adding a partial third story to the existing two story addition in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
• 726 11th Street, NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for Special Exception zoning relief to construct a third story addition, and a two-story with cellar rear addition, and convert to a flat, an existing, semi-detached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit
• 813 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Historic review of a plan to construct a third floor partial addition and roof deck in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
• 1717 E Street. NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment.   Request for Special Exception zoning relief and area variance zoning to construct two new, semi-detached, four-story, 4-unit, apartment houses. 

Wednesday, September 21

 American Pops Orchestra – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

“Live, on the Hill” Concerts @Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park Presents: The American Pops Orchestra (APO) LIVE PERFORMANCE Hosted By Barracks Row Main Street. In Partnership with: Barracks Row Main Street, Department of Parks and Recreation & the Office of Councilmember Charles Allen. 

Friday, September 23rd

Friday Night Live Jazz in the Park – Artist TBA – 5 pm to 6:30 pm in conjunction with the Art All Night Festival on Barracks Row – 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Art All Night celebrates the performing and visual arts, showcasing the diverse talents of our city’s creative community. Barracks Row Main Street’s Art All Night 2022 will be an evening filled with art, local music, and film experiences all along 8th Street, SE, on Capitol Hill.  Events on Barracks Row Main Street are free and open to the public, and no reservations or tickets are required.  For a list of events, go here: https://www.barracksrow.org/art-all-night  

The 2022 Art All Night Festival is funded by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities and is made possible by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.

Saturday, September 24

Calvary Women’s Services sponsors In This Together Community Walk to end homelessness for women in the District of Columbia.  10:00am at Anacostia Park.  See here:  https://bit.ly/3xAccy1

For over 20 years, Calvary Women’s Services (CWS) has worked to end homelessness, inspire hope and transform the lives of women in the District of Columbia.  CWS ensure women throughout DC have access to the proper trauma-informed healthcare and educational support they need to take positive steps toward independence. These programs include transitional and permanent housing, personalized case management, life skills and education opportunities, job training, health and wellness services, on-site therapy, and daily addiction recovery meetings. At Calvary, we believe every woman has the strengths and gifts she needs to be successful. Each woman in our programs identifies and builds on her strengths, meeting her goals for safe housing, good health, and financial independence.

ANC6C Commissioners Raise Issue of Safety Concerns at Union Station

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 15, 2022

Wednesday night, Doug Carr, President and CEO of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) joined ANC6C’s September virtual meeting to address concerns raised by commissioners about safety and quality of life issues at Union Station – especially those related to the southern portico running the length of the station. 

Commissioner Jay Adelstein spoke on behalf of a constituent, citing reports of various criminal activities and unhoused individuals lingering in Union Station. 

Carr responded that they deal with several quality of life issues on a daily basis and rely on a “fairly robust amount of resources including both contract support and city resources” to deal with homeless issues.  He said that the homeless issue was very important to the station and the community and that the Redevelopment Corporation and its partners invest fairly heavily in outreach and resource support.   

Commissioner Joel Kelty encouraged Carr to focus law enforcement support on the front portico, saying he had been through there several times in the past few weeks and “it is not the beautiful pedestrian experience it once was.  There’s a tremendous amount of loitering, smoking, and food waste all over the sidewalk.”

Commissioner Mark Eckenweiler said that he goes through Union Station on the way to and from work and today, “as often happens, at least one individual was screaming in a very threatening and menacing way” which under any disorderly statute would be impermissible.  He added, “It creates an unwelcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors to the area.  I don’t know who’s supposed to be policing on the portico – Amtrak police and contract security – and at what point MPD takes over – but more needs to be done.” 

Carr said he appreciated the comments and would bring back the observations, adding that the feedback was helpful, allowing them to adjust.  He reiterated that there is significant investment in resources and personnel but acknowledged that this doesn’t mean they get it perfect all hours of the day.  He said that these issues involve the start and finish of passenger experiences so “they are a specific area of focus for us.”  He cited the corporation’s collaboration with and support of outside consultants, noting that “it’s a combination of law enforcement, private security, and homeless specialists specifically trained in crisis de-escalation and mediators trained to manage aggressive behavior.”  He said those efforts have made an impact on the station but that more needs to be done and he would pass that on to the operations team. 

Carr was less reassuring regarding Chair Karen Wirt’s question about where other concerns should be directed. 

Carr replied that it depends on the nature of the concern, citing law enforcement for immediate concerns.  He noted that the USRC has a call number (but did not provide it).  He said the ANC is a valuable opportunity to express concerns.  Given the daily frequency of activity he said that if something is observed, members of the community should feel empowered to seek out law enforcement, private security, or “building personnel who are identifiable.”  He ended by reiterating that it depends on the nature and urgency of the concern.

The Week Ahead…& A Look Inside Mason & Greens Now Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 11, 2022

The Week Ahead…& A Look Inside Mason & Greens Now Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 11, 2022

Bulk grains, seeds, vinegars and soap. Here’s a link to their package-free in-store bulk offerings. https://www.masonandgreens.com/pages/in-store-bulk-offerings

Dry goods…

The Week Ahead……

Monday, September 1

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• MPD Public Safety Report
• Developer’s Update on 1301 South Capitol Street
• Developer’s Update on 807 Maine Avenue
• Update on Potomac River Tunnel
• Wharf Ice Rink

                                                                 ***                                           

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Purl, 644 H Street, NE.  New license application/transfer of license. 
• The Boiling Crab, 300 H Street, NE.  Application for liquor license renewal.
• Taqueria Rosticeria Fresca, 701 H Street, NE.  Application for liquor license renewal.
• Yotel Washington DC, 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW.  Application for liquor license renewal.
• Hilton Garden Inn-DC/U.S. Capitol, 1225 First Street, NE.  Application for liquor license renewal. 
• King Street Oyster Bar, 22 M Street, NE.  Application for liquor license renewal. 

Tuesday, September 13

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3xe6UIg

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation on DDOT’s Safe School Streets Event in Ward 6
• Rose’s at Home, 721 8th Street, SE.  Renewal of liquor license.
• The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Renewal of liquor license.
• National Democratic Club, 30 Ivy Street, SE.  Renewal of liquor license.
• 1107 10th Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application.  Concept: new construction of multi unit dwelling.   
• 1247 E Street, SE.  Modification of Consequence: Extend hours to allow early weekend hours at a hair salon. 
• 1333 M Street, SE.  Future Zoning Modification of Significance.  Increase residential parking from 174 parking spaces to 306. 
• Letter to DCRA regarding concerns about heritage tree damage. 
• Motion to support DDOT School Parking Zone Project.
• Motion to support Tyler/Brent Elementary “School Parking Zone” Application. 

Wednesday, September 14

ANC6C holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation:  Union Station safety concerns—Doug Carr, CEO, Union Station Redevelopment Corporation. 
• Presentation:  Office of Tenant Advocacy—Alyce McFarland.
• Purl, 644 H Street NE, new license/transfer of liquor license. 
• Liquor license renewals for:  The Boiling Crab, 300 H Street, NE; Taqueria Rosticeria Fresca, 701 H Street, NE; Yotel Washington D.C., 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW; Hilton Garden Inn-D.C./U.S. Capitol, 1225 First Street, NE; King Street Oyster Bar, 22 M Street, NE. 
• The Boiling Crab, request for comments on design of trash disposal area.
• Discussion of DDOT H Street,  NE, Bus Line Project.
• Discussion of Boot/tow/VZ hearing October 5.
• Discussion of Boot/tow for expired tags, deadline for comments, September 28. 
• Discussion of overhaul of public space regulations, September 12 deadline for comments (request for extension in progress). 
• Discussion of D.C. Circulator, East Capitol route.
• Discussion of construction-related legislation, hearing September 30.
• Discussion of oversight of DCRA successor agency, hearing September 21.

A Deep Dive into Rumsey Pool’s Turbulent Origins

By Hilary Russell

Posted September 11, 2022

This article is part of a series that looks back on the history of our neighborhood.

The Capitol East Natatorium (now William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center) at 635 North Carolina Avenue, SE, was the first year-round, racially integrated public swimming pool in the District of Columbia.  It opened next to Eastern Market in 1970, after concerted local lobbying for and against a pool at that location.  Three historic Capitol Hill properties were enmeshed in the fierce debate: the struggling DC-owned Eastern Market, which city authorities wanted to close and demolish; DC Transit’s car barn at 1400 East Capitol Street NE, which stopped servicing and storing streetcars in 1962; and timeworn Firehouse Number 8, at 635 North Carolina Avenue SE, whose buildings were used for storage, repairs, and training programs.

In 1964, local organizations and activists were galvanized by the DC Health Commissioner’s declaration that Eastern Market was “a menace to public health” and should give way to “a huge supermarket center with plenty of parking.” They collected more than 4,000 signatures for a two-pronged petition. The first prong vigorously opposed the planned sale of Eastern Market after leases expired.  The second favored replacing Firehouse Number 8 with a swimming pool and playground, reflecting the burgeoning local advocacy for more recreational facilities on the Hill.

Molly Rux, a young mother and member of the local women’s group Circle in the Square reportedly initiated the campaign, stating at a March 1964 public meeting, “We should have 43 acres of recreational space for 43,000 people…and we only have 12…We don’t even have a swimming pool to rebuild.”  Circle in the Square prioritized a new swimming pool because it could be “used by more people of a wider age group in a smaller space than most anything else.” The group acknowledged the myriad challenges ahead: “The diffusion of responsibility on District affairs and our inability to exercise our democratic rights of local self-government make progress more difficult.”  It would take six years and countless letters, meetings, and testimonials before the new pool was opened, in part due to intense local contentions.

The biracial Emergency Recreation Council for Capitol East (ERCCE), formed in the summer of 1964, strongly promoted building a pool on the old firehouse site beside Eastern Market. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) took the lead in opposing this site.  Instead, it proposed an inexpensive renovation of Firehouse No. 8 buildings as an arts-and-crafts community center and the conversion of the East Capitol Street Car Barn for swimming and other recreational purposes.

Informed by the long and dismal history of segregated swimming in the District, allegations of racism soon surfaced. Supporters of the firehouse site referenced the fact that their opponents included the Capitol Hill Southeast Citizens Association, whose bylaws required members to be “Caucasian persons.”  Local author Sam Smith outlined the controversy in his 1974 book Captive Capital, which quoted an unidentified homeowner’s statement at a public meeting that he didn’t want “all those colored kids running through the market in their swimming suits.”

CHRS’s preference for the car-barn site initially won the favor of the DC Board of Recreation, whose 1968 budget request included $1 million for the DC Transit site and $54,000 for a “planning study” for a pool and playground on the firehouse site.

“Storm Brews Over Recreation Center,” was the headline of a Washington Post report on a “quasi-public hearing” at Eastern High School on the Department’s proposal to buy the car barn and spend an additional $3.5 million to turn it into “a massive recreation center containing everything from swimming pools and roller rinks to woodworking shops and bowling alleys,” along with—potentially—”employment and health centers and nurseries.” The reporter summarized the issue that had “split the Capitol Hill community down the middle” and a bevy of uncharitable denunciations from both sides, but concluded: “What most people on both sides say publicly is that they would be happy to see both projects completed. They just happen to doubt that it is possible to get both.”

The ERCCE and many other Capitol Hill organizations expressed these doubts at congressional appropriation hearings and pleaded for prioritizing a pool at the firehouse site. As the ERCCE put it, “The land is there, already owned by the District Government,” and the need for recreational facilities on the Hill, “at once immense and immediate,” could be met “before the summer of 1968.”

The argument for building a pool next to Eastern Market prevailed, though not within this predicted time frame.  The Post reported in April 1969 that the demolition of the firehouse was near completion.  The Recreation Department had spent the $54,000 in planning money and would spend an additional $769,500 to build the East Capitol Playground and Natatorium.

My next article will focus on the design, construction, and opening of the new pool, a period marked by other controversies.

This past week, Jim Guckert and Joe Kondrot of Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC and Barracks Row Main Street Executive Director Brian Ready (also ANC commissioner 6B03) filled in for DDOT and filled in a pothole in the parking area under the SE Freeway behind Winston Park (8th & I SE).  The sizeable pothole has existed since the area was opened for public parking 15 years ago.  Photo:  Guerrilla Gardeners.  

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted September 5

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, September 6

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 1107 10th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept: new construction in PDR-1 zone.  The PDR-1 zone is intended to permit moderate-density commercial and production, distribution and repair activities.   
• 1247 E Street, SE. Zoning adjustment application.  Modification of Consequence: Extend hours to allow early weekend hours at a hair salon. 
• 1333 M Street, SE. Zoning Application.  Technical Correction to Zoning Commission order.  Owners: Felice Development Group.
• 1333 M Street, SE. Future Zoning Commission Modification of Significance to reduce retail space and increase residential parking from 174 parking spaces to 306. Owners: Felice Development Group. 
• Letter to DCRA re 220 14th Street, SE concerning tree damage.

Community Safety Briefing by 1^st MPD Advisory Council tomorrow from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.   

This community safety briefing and open dialogue is for residents and businesses in the 1st Police District.

To join by video:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/i.php?MTID=m8295cbfc41e8f3f4e9b6f47ba7d7b6a1

To join by phone: Call 202-860-2110 (Tap 101M to join from a mobile device)

Access code: 2309 223 8198.

Agenda:

• Commander Tasha Bryant and the 1D Team talk all things crime
• Community Outreach efforts in 1D
• Meet the newest members of the MPD team for Sectors I and III
• Open Dialogue

Wednesday, September 7

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT’s Rule on Electric Vehicle curbside charging
• Tyler/Brent Elementary “School Parking Zone” Applications – Discussion on DDOT Process

Thursday, September 8

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Rose’s at Home, 721 8th Street, SE. Renewal of Class “CR” License. 
• The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal Class “CR” License. 
• National Democratic Club, 30 Ivy Street, SE. Renewal of Class “C Club” License. 
• Mendhelson Cases* Signed Settlement Agreement– Santa Rosa.

ANC6A 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: 

Presentation

• Public Safety Meeting: Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, Executive Assistant Chief of Police Ashan Benedict, First District (1D) Commander Tasha Bryant, Fifth District (5D) Commander Ralph McLean, and 1D Captain Tatjana Savoy, Inspector, PSA 104, 107 and 108.

Alcohol Beverage Licensing

• Bronze DC, 1245 H Street, NE. Application for new restaurant liquor license. 
• Conscious Café, 1314 H Street, NE. Motion to update the existing Settlement Agreement to reflect the current standard agreement for the ANC.
• Chupacabra, 822 H Street, NE. Renewal of restaurant liquor license. 

Transportation and Public Space

• Letter to DDOT requesting that the Traffic Safety Investigation Dashboard include the entire text of the submission, information about work orders, and planned timeline for resolution.
• Letter to DDOT in support of the Low Impact Development proposals for the intersections of on West Virginia Avenue/8th Street/K Street and West Virginia Avenue/L Street/9th Street, with the provisions that DDOT retain the south crosswalk on West Virginia Avenue and 8th Street NE, or make the crosswalk at 8th and K Streets NE a raised crosswalk to slow traffic coming around the pocket park and onto West Virginia Avenue NE, and add trees to both new green spaces; and ANC 6A send a letter to DOEE requesting that the bio retention areas be regularly maintained and cleaned.

Friday, September 9

• Friday Night Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza from 5:00pm – 6:30pm features The Love Stations.

Saturday, September 10

• The Great Zucchini performs his magic for preschool and kindergarten kids on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00am. This is conjunction with the unveiling of “Found You” – Beth Nybeck’s public art installation at Eastern Market Metro Children’s Playground.  A competition to name each of the three aluminum bunnies which comprise the piece will be announced.