Author Archives: ljjanezich

Alternative A is the preferred design choice for installing bike lanes on PA Avenue between 2nd Street and 17th Street, SE

New Timeline released at last night’s ANC6B Transportation Committee

Original Timeline from DDOT presentation on July 8

Alternative A Is Preferred Option But PA Ave Bike Lane Project Encounters Delay:

by Larry Janezich

September 3, 2020

Last night, at a virtual meeting of ANC6B’s Transportation Committee, Mike Goodno, DDOT Bicycle Program Specialist, announced that Alternative A has been selected as the preferred design choice for the installation of bike lanes on PA Avenue, SE, citing overwhelming support in DDOT’s online survey.  He called the choice the one with the least change in traffic patterns.

He also unveiled a new timeline for the project which has been delayed by COVID-related issues.  The next community engagement in the process is a second public meeting which had been scheduled for summer/fall 2020 where the 30% design for the plan was to have been unveiled.  That meeting has been pushed back to fall/winter of 2021 – likely into next year, since Goodno said that DDOT would be working on the 30% design “over the next six months or so.”  A 100% design will be completed in 2021.

The ANC Transportation Committee, chaired by Commissioner Oldenburg, unanimously voted to recommend that the full ANC send a letter of support for Alternative A.  The matter will next be taken up by the full ANC when it holds a virtual meeting next Tuesday.

In response to concerns that the plan would divert outgoing PA Ave traffic to Independence Avenue, Goodno said that after installation of 13 miles of bike lanes in the city, preliminary analysis has shown very little change in traffic patterns.  He said if DDOT feels traffic is being diverted to Independence, the agency can quickly make changes in the flexible posts and paint to correct the situation, adding, “We’re sensitive to community concerns and don’t think it will happen.”

There are four projects on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, with which the bike lane program will have to be coordinated:

• Upgrading streetlights and traffic signals
• The redesign of the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenue intersection
• Finalizing the Environmental Assessment of the Southeast Boulevard and Barney Circle
• The redesign of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Proposed Adult Day Center for Capitol Hill Advances

by Larry Janezich

September 2, 2020

At a virtual meeting last night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee recommended that the full ANC require – on behalf of the community – a $250,000 grant from Felice Development Group to launch an effort by Capitol Hill Village (CHV) to establish an adult day center (ADC) for Ward 6 residents.  The full ANC6B will consider the recommendation at its September meeting next Tuesday, and the matter will be taken up by the DC Zoning Commission on Thursday, September 10.

Capitol Hill Village has been pushing ANC and Felice, the developer of the huge mixed use development at 1333 M Street, SE, to subsidize an adult care center with memory care as part of the community benefits accruing to the community under the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.  City regulations require the developer to provide community benefits in exchange for a change in zoning for Planned Unit Development projects which desire greater density and mass than would be allowed without a zoning change. The zoning change would allow Felice to add four additional floors beyond what is currently allowed to its three-building project on the Anacostia waterfront.  When complete, the project will deliver 900 residential units plus 45,000 square feet of retail space with two levels of underground parking.

CHV is a non-profit, volunteer-based, 500 member organizations that helps older adults age in place on Capitol Hill.  They are one of the largest community organizations in Ward 6.

Initially, CHV proposed that the developer provide 9000 square feet of rent-subsidized retail space for 10 years (with a valuation of $750,000 for build-out and $135,000/year in rent-subsidies) for an ADC.  CHV pointed out that the developer has requested the optional re-purposing of 25,000 square feet of the proposed 45,000 retail space indicating the developer’s uncertainty regarding demand for the space.  Residents may remember that ANC6B negotiated a subsidized child care center in the much smaller Hine project at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue at part of the community benefits for that PUD project.

According to CHV, target clients for the ADC would include 1/3 low-income – seniors whose costs will be covered by Medicaid, 1/3 middle-income – Individuals with incomes between 30% and 100% of Median Family Income, and 1/3 high-income – seniors who will cover the entire costs on their own, or with the help of long-term care insurance.  The preliminary cost estimate is $120 a day.

CHV said they made several attempts to engage the developer which were met with silence, before they received a blanket refusal of their proposal.

In remarks to the ANC PUD Subcommittee on benefits and amenities on July 19, CHV couched the refusal in softer terms, “To date, Felice has not been receptive to the idea.”  The Subcommittee had been receptive but had concerns – that the request competes with the desire for additional affordable housing and that the request might be too large an ask.  Planning and Zoning Committee Corey Holman seemed particularly protective of the affordable housing benefit and skeptical of any proposal which might threaten it.

CHV’s fallback position was to request a grant of $250,000 to launch a fundraising effort for an ADC in another location.  CHV continued to make their case over the summer, pressing for the cash grant, spelling out how the money would be spent and stressing the need in the community for the facility with a strong emphasis on the comparative costs for adult health care and the number of families which would benefit.

CHV says the ADC will allow 100 seniors, particularly those with cognitive or physical challenges, to age at home, and noted that the development already included significant affordable housing – 8% is required by law – and the developer had offered to go up an additional 3%.

On August 21, Felice filed a development application with the Zoning Commission for Phase One of the Planned Unit Development at 1333 M Street.

Among the proffered community benefits was a $25,000 monetary contribution for funding items or services for seniors in Ward 6 or the cost of professional services related to securing a site for an ADC in ward 6.  Another proffer increased the affordable housing benefit from 11% to 12% for households earning up to 60% of the Median Family Income.

At last night’s meeting, there was strong support for restoring the amount of the grant to the $250,000 that CHV requested.  Some committee members seemed offended at the paucity of Felice’s offer.  CHV representatives argued that Felice’s proposed benefits do not come close to the size of what they are asking from the community and that the main benefits in the form of increasing affordable housing by 4% is a benefit for the city as a whole, but less so the community.  CHV stressed that this project is not for CHV, but for all vulnerable seniors in Ward 6 and will be available to all income levels.

CHV cited their analysis of the community benefits* which showed very little accruing to community as opposed to the general public and amenities for the project’s residents which are “dressed up as benefits”.  One commissioner pointed out that CHV had the only requested benefit which grew out of the community – and one that is ready to go.

Despite being invited, Felice did not attend the meeting, which puzzled some commissioners.

The vote came after midnight on the following language:

Since the developer didn’t support an onsite ADC, prior to issuance of a building permit the applicant agrees to contribute $250,000 to a non-profit to fund services relating to securing a site in Ward 6….

The vote was unanimous, 11 – 0.

*For a CHV analysis of the benefits currently being offered by Felice see the document in the Library (top of home page) entitled: Analysis of Benefits Currently Proffered 1333 M

On Tuesday, Frager’s Hardware kicks off a month long celebration of the store’s 100^th anniversary.  In lieu of a party, September will feature weekly giveaways, contests and a new Frager’s Tee shirt. Social media will showcase neighboring small businesses who have contributed so much to the vibrancy of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.  A round-up option on purchases will raise funds for local nonprofits that have improved the quality of life for our neighbors in need.  For more information, go here: https://acehardwaredc.com/pages/fragers100th

Rose’s Luxury on Barracks Row takes advantage of new regulations which allow restaurants to put tables in the parking lane for outside dining.  

The District Yacht Club, secluded on Water Street, SE, but only a 10 minute walk from 11th and M Streets, will have some new neighbors soon – Felice Development is building the 900 unit mixed use building across the street at 1333 M, SE. 

Here’s another of the 8 statehood murals in the alley alongside the Atlas Theater on H Street, NE.

Another…

and another.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Community business ramps up in September after a quiet August.  Pay special attention to the Tuesday meeting of ANC6B’s Planning and Zoining Committee which is hammering out a recommendation on community benefits re the 1333 M Street Development, and the Wednesday meeting of the ANC6B Transportation Committee which is likely to vote on a recommendation for separated bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Tuesday, September 1

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

Go here for the link and/or call in information:  https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Items on the draft agenda:

28 9th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application, third story rooftop addition.

1333 M Street SE PUD ANC Report and Memorandum of Understanding regarding community amenities and benefits.

Wednesday, September 2

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

Go here for the link and/or call in information:  https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Items on the draft agenda:

Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Corridor Study.  DDOT presentation focusing on Alternative A.  Possible vote on recommending Alternative A to the full ANC.

Traffic Safety Assessment request for 600 block E, SE –  Traffic Hump

Traffic Safety Assessment request for 1100-1500 blocks of K Street, SE – Traffic Hump

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee holds a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

Go here for the link and/or call in information:  https://anc6c.org/september-2020-virtual-meeting-details/

Draft Agenda

312 3rd Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application, revised application for permit (not concept) approval to construct two-story rear addition. Representative:

622 Eye Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception to convert an existing residential building into a five-unit apartment house and for variance relief from the 900-square-foot/unit lot area requirements.

20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW – Zoning Adjustment Application special exceptions under the penthouse restaurant use requirements and the capitol security sub-area requirements to renovate an existing office building into a mixed-use building.

Thursday, September 3

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Go here for the link and/or call in information:  https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Items on the draft agenda:

Safeway, 415 14Th Street, SE – renewal of class A Retail – Liquor Store alcoholic beverage license.

Handle 19 Inc, 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (formerly Staunton & Greene) – class B license – sport betting.

Current traffic pattern on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – click to enlarge

Bike Lanes, Fewer Traffic Lanes, Less Parking Coming To Pennsylvania Ave SE

by Larry Janezich

DDOT is implementing a plan to install a continuous protected bike lane on Pennsylvania Avenue from 2^nd Street, SE, to 17^th Street at Barney Circle.  It will proceed in two phases – beginning in 2022 with completion anticipated in 2024.  There are three alternatives being considered, and under the most likely, parking would be banned during peak time and direction, and one of the three traffic lanes would be dedicated to bus traffic.

Once approved, the project will proceed in two phases.  Phase I will see the safer separated bike lanes and new traffic patterns installed between 2nd Street and 13th Street on PA Ave, SE, beginning in 2022 with the goal of completion in 2023.  Phase II planning and design will kick off in 2022 with installation scheduled for 2023 and 2024, after completion of the redesign of the Pennsylvania Avenue and Potomac Ave intersection.

The project is the outgrowth of the DDOT MoveDC Initiative – the blueprint for how the DC transportation network can support anticipated growth thru 2040 when the number of residents is projected to reach 900,000.  The Initiative is being undertaken in connection with Vision Zero, the city’s goal to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2024.  One of the effects of the plan will be to encourage the use of bikes and public transportation – and discourage the use of single passenger vehicles.  The Washington Area Bicycle Association says that some 5% of District residents commute to work on bikes and that the percentage of riders on Capitol Hill is higher than that – maybe much higher.

COVID disrupted DDOT’s plan to hold an in person public meeting to introduce the concept to the community, so the agency piggy-backed on the July 8 ANC6B Transportation Committee virtual meeting.  Project Manager Greg Matlesky discussed the details of the three alternative designs for the project.  To see and hear a voice-over of that presentation, go here:  https://bit.ly/3gBjNRF

DDOT said it would incorporate feedback from the meeting and comments submitted on its website prior to July 31 into the selection of a preferred alternative by end of summer.  That will lead to a preliminary design phase and a second public meeting in late summer or early fall.

DDOT is on the agenda of the virtual meeting of ANC6B’s Transportation Committee next Wednesday, apparently seeking the Committee’s (and subsequently the full ANC’s) endorsement of Alternative A (see below).  Information on joining that meeting on-line will be posted Sunday night on Capitol Hill Corner’s feature:  The Week Ahead.   If recommended by the Committee the full ANC6B will consider the recommendation at its monthly meeting on September 8.

Alternative A

Alternate A – the design endorsed by the Washington Area Bicyclists Association – would provide  curbside 5 foot separated bike lanes on both sides of the street, each with a three foot buffer, then a lane for off-peak metered parking which becomes a dedicated bus lane during peak hours, and two traffic lanes.  The dedicated bus lane will decrease bus times in the corridor.  DDOT says this alternate will impact traffic flow the least.

Alternative B

Alternate B – would provide a 6 foot separated curbside bike lane, a 3 foot buffer, a full time metered parking lane, and two full time traffic lanes.   DDOT says under this plan, bus travel times worsen and the largest traffic delay occurs.

Alternative C

Alternate C – provides a 5 foot separated bike lane next to the median, a three foot buffer, metered off- peak parking along the curb which becomes a peak time dedicated bus lane, and two traffic lanes.

One Capitol Hill resident who lives near Independence Avenue and has raised concerns, expressed frustration to CHC about the lack of response from DDOT regarding the impact of the project on the neighborhood.  That resident noted the lack of communication and consultation with the community.  A virtual presentation to the ANC6B Transportation with minimal attendance is a poor substitute for a well-publicized in-person or even a separate virtual community presentation.  The resident notes that all three proposals involve reducing traffic lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from three to two, and worries that this will divert much evening rush hour traffic through neighborhood streets to Independence Avenue, resulting in backups beyond those which already plague out-bound evening traffic.  Traffic in the two traffic lanes in all three scenarios will continue to be slowed by the backup in the median side lane – both in-bound and out-bound – as vehicles back up waiting to turn right or left across the median.

As part of the DDOT presentation to the Transportation Committee though, Matlesky noted that the pandemic has reduced total daily vehicular daily trips by 30 – 60%, and suggested that after the pandemics asides subsides, “we likely won’t see traffic return to pre-Covid levels for quite some time.”

Capitol Hill Corner reached out to Matlesky to ask if any study or thought has been given to where drivers seeking an alternate route to Pennsylvania Avenue might go, but as of press time had not received a response.

Blackbird Salon at 8th and Virginia Avenue, SE, is open. For more information, go here:  https://www.facebook.com/DistrictBlackbird/

Say what you will about the Capitol Hill Historic District, this pop up in the 1300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, shows how badly things can go outside of it.

Though slightly askew, this fire call box on First Street between the Jefferson and Adams LOC Buildings, might be the last complete one on Capitol Hill.

One of eight DC Statehood Murals in the alley next to the Atlas Theater on H Street, NE…

and a second…

and a third, More next week.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

August 23, 2020

Monday, August 24

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For those attending via WebEx: use this link:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8ef982b15b462a158b33a10fa34a8a34

Call-in Number: 202-860-2110 – Meeting number (access code): 160 950 6384

Among items on the draft agenda:

7:05 pm Community Listening Session

The COC wishes to share guidance as to how community listening sessions are conducted at the Committee’s regular meetings. First, as always, the public is welcome at the COC meetings. COC asks that everyone remember to be respectful, even when passions are high. All members of the public are muted during a WebEx Event until recognized to speak by the Chair.

The guidelines are as follows:

• When you join the WebEx call, audience members should type into the Q&A section indicating that you would like to speak during the meeting.
• When recognized by the Chair, please introduce yourself and identify which SMD (or block) you live in. Each speaker will have 3 minutes for comments.
• If someone else has made the point you wished to make, please only say you agree with the point and add any other comments.

7:50 pm Letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation – Reopening public spaces during COVID-19

8:00 pm Education Issues

8:25 pm Other Committee Business

Tuesday, August 25

ANC6B Executive Committee holds virtual meeting at 7:00pm to set the agenda for the September meeting of the ANC.

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=m8b3346cc4d9c6663cdb40dd04f9146f4

For more ways to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Wednesday, August 26

Virtual briefing by the Department of General Services for the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Team at 1:30pm.

Below are both the link to the web conference and dial-in number.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/237263053

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 237-263-053

Thursday, August 27

The ANC6C Grants Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.

As of press time, agenda and link to join had not been distributed.  Update to follow. 

Two Overnight Assault and Robbery Incidents: 6^th and PA Ave SE & 9^th & North Carolina SE

by Larry Janezich

MPD Lieutenant Seth Anderson, First District, reported the two incidents on the MPD First District Community Discussion group  listserv.

On Saturday, August 22, at about 11:05 pm, First District officers responded to the 900 block of North Carolina Avenue SE for a report of a robbery.   On the scene, officers met with an adult female victim who stated that she was approached by two suspects who shoved her to the ground and punched her. The suspects then stole her personal belongings and fled on foot. The victim was not able to provide a detailed description of the suspects. Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor injuries as a result of the robbery.

Early Sunday morning, August 23, at about 3:56 am, First District officers responded to the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE for a report of a robbery.   On the scene, officers met with an adult male victim who stated that he was asleep when two suspects approached him and began assaulting him. During the assault, the suspects took his coat and money. The suspects fled on foot. The victim had minor injuries from the assault. The suspects were described as two black males riding scooters.

First District detectives are actively investigating this incident. Should any member of the public have information regarding this incident, please contact the First District detectives office at (202) 299-2025, or the Metropolitan Police Department’s Command Information Center at (202) 727-9099.

To join an MPD Community Discussion group and receive crime updates, go here:  https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/211702

Mayor Bowser’s Situational Briefing Today, August 17

Mayor Bowser’s COVID Briefing – Events over 5 people and Travel Cited as COVID Drivers

by Larry Janezich

Mayor Bowser held a COVID-19 Situational Briefing this morning and Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt reported on a recent analysis of contact tracing regarding 971 positive cases reported between July 31 and August 13.

The analysis revealed the characteristics of cases connected to attendance of “large events” with five or more people.

145 of the 971 cases (15%) reported attending a large event during their exposure. Types of large events included gatherings of places of worship, cookouts, parties, meetings, etc.  Over 60% of cases indicated that some part of the event occurred indoors.  The majority of people attending large events indicated that social distancing was not observed at some point during the event (62%) or they were unsure (5%).

Also, the study revealed the characteristics of cases connected to travel.

102 of the 971 cases (10.5%) reported traveling by at least one travel mode during their exposure.  Some travelers used more than one mode of travel.

Plane – 71.1%

Rideshare – 33.3%

Public transportation – 6.7%

Shared van/shuttle – 8.9%

Train/commuter rail – 4.4%

Another thing contact tracers looked at was the extent of community spread – cases without known contact to someone who was diagnosed with COVID.

Of the 971 cases, 711 cases answered the question about whether they had contact with a person diagnosed with Covid 19 during the exposure period.

36% said yes – 51% said no – 2% were unsure, meaning a majority of the cases were not directly connected to someone with the virus, indicating a high rate of community spread.

Asked if there was a percentage of cases attributable to one sector – business or activity – that would trigger walking back the Phase II opening, Nesbitt said they were not looking for a specific percentage that would trigger additional “non-pharmaceutical interventions”. Instead they look for proportional contributions – when any sector becomes a dominant contributor – then will look at scaling back.  She said she’s frequently asked when she would recommend halting indoor dining, and said that indoor dining is a high risk, but most cases are coming from the workplace, travel and social events.  Mayor Bowser said that some cases have a number of contributing factors and urged residents not to get complacent.

Asked about today’s beginning of the two-week Restaurant Week, Nesbitt says she prefers Restaurant Week diners dine outdoors

Other points made during the briefing:

• The Mayor said she wanted polling places in all 144 precincts open for the November election, and will approach the Board of Elections with a proposal to use DC government volunteers to staff polling places.  She is concerned about “unprecedented voter suppression” and will meet with the Board of Elections, the City Council Chair, and the oversight committee chair Charles Allen to make sure voters have as many options as possible.
• The Rev. Al Sharpton’s march in DC next week has been “reimagined” and is not a march, but a seated event outside with limited access, ticketing, and speakers from a stage.  People will be discouraged from standing and will be checked going into the event.
• Bowser said she learned of former City Administrator Rashad Young’s pursuit of a job with Howard University on July 31, and they agreed it was time to draw a bright line between old and new job.  Young resigned suddenly last Friday.  A report the Mayor requested from DC Board of Ethics and Government Accountability will be made public.  Several months agod, Young negotiated some $300 million in tax breaks and public funding for construction of Howard University’s new hospital.

Here’s a photo of the elegant arches of the Fredrick Douglas Bridge from the Navy Yard Riber Walk. Click to enlarge.

The last component of the sixth unfinished arch of the Fredrick Douglas Bridge was hoisted into place on Thursday. The “Christmas tree” atop the just-finished arch is in keeping with a construction tradition whereby a tree is attached to the top of a structure as part of a “topping-out” ceremony signifying that the highest element has been placed.

Occasionally, Capitol Hill Corner is features a photo of one of Capitol Hill’s Community Gardens. This one is of the 27 plot Pomegranate Alley Community Garden behind Ginko Gardens at 911 11th Street, SE. This, like most or all other Capitol Hill Community Gardens, has a waiting list to join.

The on-ramp from 8th Street, SE, to I-695 had some unused greenspace.

Guerilla Gardeners is transforming it into a pollinator habitat. For more photos and information, go here:  https://bit.ly/31TrkWG  

Need a mask? Masquarade, a new vendor at Eastern Market, takes creative mask making to new heights.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Monday, August 17

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm via WebEx.

For those attending via WebEx: use this link:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8ed16cc56a6bd6e067101b6bacaa9ea3

To join by telephone:

Call-in Number: 202-860-2110 – Meeting number (access code): 160 638 1014

Among items on the agenda:

Update from Andrew DeFrank – Community Engagement at DDOT – on outstanding traffic calming issues, and if a “comprehensive study” request is necessary for H Street NE (rather than a TSA).

Slow Streets program – feedback on signage and requests to expand

• • Slow Streets currently on:
  • 12th Street NE (from Lincoln Park to K Street NE)
  • G Street NE (from 2nd Street to 15th Street NE)
  • Gales Street NE (from 15th Street NE to 21st Street NE

Consideration of additional pedestrian/traffic safety issues, as suggested by commissioners and community members.

• • Request for letter of support for 20-00105420, speed humps in 1600 and 2000 blocks of D Street NE (perhaps substitute raised crosswalks)
  • Making Acute Angle Intersections Safer – Drivers make fast turns from diagonal streets(NC/TN/MD) onto letter/number streets. Requesting raised crosswalks/speedhumps/traffic calming

1. 1. 1300 block of A Street NE
   2. 1100 and 1200 block of F Street NE
   3. 1300 block of G Street, NE, south of Maryland Avenue, NE

• • Crosswalk Striping:

1. 1. D Street at each intersection from 9th to 14th Street, plus 16th and 19th Street
   2. 12th Street at C, D & E Streets, Wylie Court and I Street
   3. I Street from 8th Street to Florida Avenue NE
   4. 13th Street at D, E & F Streets NE

• • Bike Lane (missing segments in network/lane ends):

1. 1. D Street from 13th to 21st Streets NE
   2. North Carolina Avenue from 13th to 14th Streets NE

Tuesday, August 18

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm via WebEx at 7:00. 

For those joining via WebEx: use this link:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=ebc68f8f4721c996677cfc22068b7e7de

To join by telephone:

Call-in Number: 202-860-2110 – Meeting number (access code): 160 459 8847

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of request by DC Culinary Academy at 1357-1359 H Street N.E., for a modification to the establishment’s settlement agreement and ABRA license to add a Summer Garden endorsement.

Discussion of requests by Duffy’s Irish Pub at 1016 H Street NE for:

• • Modification to the establishment’s settlement agreement and ABRA license to allow live entertainment in the establishment’s beer garden on Friday and Saturday nights;
  • Modification to the establishment’s settlement agreement and ABRA license to expand the establishment’s beer garden.

Wednesday, August 19

ANC6B 1333 M Street SE PUD Subcommittee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm via WebEx. 

Agenda has not been distributed at press time.

For a WebEx link and other information on joining the meeting, go here: https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm via WebEx.

Agenda has not been distributed at press time. 

Instructions for accessing the meeting via WebEx has been posted under Hot Topics at https://anc6a.org/

Call-in information will be announced via listserv announcement and posted 24 hours prior to the meeting on ANC6A’s Community Calendar: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

The disputed dumpster on 9th Street, SE.

9th Street Neighbors in Month-Long Dispute with Marines Over Construction Issues

by Larry Janezich

August 13, 2010

The residential neighbors on 9th Street across from the Marine Barracks are up in arms over the restoration and renovation of Building 8 – which runs the length of 9th Street.

After unhappy experiences in recent years with Marine Barracks construction projects, neighbors had pressed the Marines for several years to consult with them before beginning the long-planned Building 8 renovation work. According to the neighbors, the Marines promised to engage with them as late as last winter. In February, the firm-fixed-price contract was awarded to John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Maryland.

On July 7, neighbors were shocked to receive an email saying that commencement of the work on the $20,987,000 two-year project was imminent and demolition would last until mid-December. Neighbors felt blind-sided; according to some who had met with Barracks officials, neighbors had received consistent assurances they would be notified and consulted before anything happened.

Two days later, ACM Services – a contractor for the project – began demolition. Complaints from residents – about noise, dust, blockage of access to street and alley, traffic and safety concerns, working outside of permitted hours, and concern about disposal of asbestos – piled up as neighbors rallied and began an extensive back and forth with the Marines and DC Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Some of the issues were partially addressed by DDOT, but aggrieved neighbors, suffering the sting of feeling misled by the Marines on the underlying issue of consultation, continued to express their concerns.

On July 29, seven 9th Street residents sent a letter to Marine Barracks Commanding Officer, Colonel Teague A. Pastel, formally requesting that all work using 9th Street, SE, for [construction, demolition, debris, removal, and related activities] “immediately cease.” The letter listed the following points in support of the request:

• The noise, neighborhood disruption and street and alley blockages
• The “alarming” level of secrecy surrounding this project

The letter added, that if work must continue, “we respectfully suggest the debris collection and removal process be managed inside the Barracks and windows on the 9th Street side remain closed.

Pastel’s response came the same day. It was reserved, expressing empathy with the neighbors, but not acknowledging a failure to consult. “…we have complied with all federal and city regulations to ensure the project is completed safely and historically correct. “

Pastel offered an apology “… if you feel our work is ‘secretive and inconsiderate,’ because this is not my intent.” He encouraged the group to pursue its request for permits detailing the construction plans through Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). He said, “I also share your disappointment if a contractor is not acting considerately,” but stated that he is not allowed to engage with the workers on issues like this, and again referred neighbors to NAVFAC.

Pastel claimed that ANC6B had been a part of the planning and coordination process as early as March, though what he is referring to is unclear, since the minutes of the ANC6B March and February meetings make no reference to the project.

Pastel concludes, “I am honored to remain your point of contact if you have general concerns and are not sure where to turn for information. … “I value your input and will continue to consider feasible options to reduce the impact of the renovation project t on the neighborhood.”

Neighbors, characterizing the response as “stonewalling” followed up on August 11, with an appeal to the DC Department of Transportation, copying CM Charles Allen and ANC6B Commissioner Kirstin Oldenburg. The appeal requested revocation of the permit for placing a dumpster on 9th Street until the Marines carry out the demolition and construction from inside the Barracks grounds. The letter cited among other complaints:

• Numerous safety and work place issues with the contractor
• Refusal of Marines to allow DDOE inspector access to the site regarding asbestos mitigation
• No attempt to abate the “intolerable” noise levels

The appeal noted, “The Marines have not involved any community organization or the neighbors IN ANY WAY concerning the undertaking of this construction, and have been deliberately deceptive in springing this undertaking on the neighbors.”

ANC6B Commissioner Oldenburg weighed in with a letter to DDOT, supporting the 9th Street neighbors’ request for revocation of the permit. She added, “To my surprise last month, there was no prior consultation by MBW with the neighbors about any of the construction details. Instead everyone, including myself, was just informed of decisions made days before the arrival of the dumpster. I attempted to get MBW to change the position knowing of the havoc the dumpster would cause 9th Street residents during months of demolition work. But my request was ignored.”

Matthew Marcou, Associate Director of DDOT responded to Oldenburg the same day:

“Thank you for reaching out about this. Some of the issues raised below are outside of DDOT’s authority to address/require.

In response to neighbor complaints the Public Space Inspections inspected the site and met with the contractors. In addition to addressing concerns about the placement of the roll off debris container, the working hours were reduced to 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.

We are sending an inspector to the site to ensure compliance and will provide a full report upon completion.”

One has the feeling there is more to come.

ANC6B Completes Ward 6 COVID Humanitarian Grant Awards Totaling $45,000

by Larry Janezich

August 12, 2020

Tuesday night, ANC6B awarded the last four of the one-time humanitarian grants to Ward Six organizations providing  COVID related relief to Ward Six residents.  After two previous grants of $15,000 to Serve Your City for PEP, cleaning supplies, bath tissue, computer equipment and support, Wi Fi access, etc., and  $5,000 to Shirley’s Place for winter clothing for the homeless, $25,000 remained of the original $45,000 allocated for grants.  Those funds came from the ANC’s annual operating budget, with encouragement from the City Council.

The only group receiving full funding for its request was Capitol Hill United Methodist Church.  They asked for $9,000 to fund their Food and Friendship program for Capitol Hill’s homeless for three months.  The congregation initially contributed $15,000 to initiate the program after the Mayor’s Order closed indoor food service.  Now the service is grab and go and meals and meals delivered to the homeless who are unable or unwilling to go to homeless shelters.  The church also provides wellness checks, PPE, essential clothing and connection with case workers working to provide  permanent housing. Volunteers drop off meals to 25 people each day, Monday through Friday.  The church provides 40 grab and go meals on Sunday.  Three fourths of the funds are spent for food and food preparation in local stores and businesses, including Peregrine, Firehook, Mr. Henry’s and Eastern Market.

Capitol Community Partners received $8,000 of the requested $15,000 to provide equipment and Wi-Fi services to students and teachers of Ward Six.  In support of the application, the organization offered to match the grant with up to $10,000 of their own funding.  Capitol Community Partners works through school principals to identify students and teachers who need technology for virtual class rooms.

Light House DC asked for $15,000 for its COVID Relief Program to help Ward Six homeless and low income individuals who have secured housing, providing PPE, sanitizers, food and grocery gift cards.  The ANC awarded the group $4,000.  The group provides humanitarian aid in all 8 wards, and uses DC DHS and intermediaries such as Halfway to Housing to identify clients.  The latter group testified they have 96 clients in Ward Six who would benefit from the grant.

Eastern Market Main Street requested $5,000 to help small businesses and Eastern Market street vendors, and the committee wrestled with whether the proposal, which included marketing and technical assistance – in addition to distribution of PPE – technically met the definition of humanitarian aid.  In the end, a majority of the commission found reason to support the request to and awarded a grant of the remaining $4000.