Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 9, 2026

There are no ANC or community meetings that Capitol Hill Corner regularly covers which have scheduled meetings for the coming week.  In addition to the photos below, there are other events which CHC would like you to know about.

ICYMI Here’s the menu for South Block Smoothies, Juices, et al., Coming to Eastern Market, 720 C Street, SE.  South Block’s Founder Amir Mostafavi opened his first juice bar, Campus Fresh, in 2006 at George Washington University. South Block was launched in 2011 and now has outlets in Georgetown, Union Market, West End, and Tenleytown and other neighborhoods.  The menu offers acai (“ah-sigh-EE”) bowls, smoothies, toasts, and juices.  See full menu here: https://www.southblock.com/

Mott’s Market Celebrates Grand Reopening on Capitol Hill

Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at 233 12th Street, SE.

The grand reopening celebration will start in front of the Market and then move to the newly renovated back patio and will feature refreshments and entertainment for kids and adults.  The reopened Mott’s offers groceries, coffee, sandwiches, wine, café service, and a welcoming patio designed to serve as a true neighborhood gathering place.

Program: Refreshments, live music by the Capitol Hillbillies, face painting, balloon animals, ceremonial giant 6-foot sandwich cutting, and remarks from community leaders and special guests.  Expected participants: Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, several ANC Commissioners, and market operator Peyton Sherwood.

Some stirrings at The Fridge:  In the back alley at 516 1/2 8th Street, Barracks Row, SE, there’s some new paint on The Fridge. 

And across the alley near the entrance to Betsy, Belga’s intimate roof top cocktail bar, the Fridge curated a new mural celebrating the life and work of Andrea Gibson, poet and gender/LGBTQ activist.  “You Better Be Lightning” is a collection of poems by Gibson, a Colorado Poet Laurate who died in 2025.  The work was painted by Nicholas Zimbro https://allofthecolor.com/ and commissioned by Big N Toasty https://www.instagram.com/bigntoasty/  More on Gibson here:  https://bit.ly/4q1J3FX

Amy K. Bormet and her band kicked off Eastern Market’s Dog Days of August Live Jazz Performance last Friday night.  Bormet is a talented pianist, vocalist, and composer and cofounder of Strange Woman Records.  Here’s a link to the latter, which only scratches the surface of her accomplishments.  https://www.strangewomanrecords.com/amyk

Here’s a view of the under-appreciated dome in the Museum of the American Indian. 

***

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Monday, August 10

Capitol Hill Cajun Dance hosted by members of the Capitol Hillbillies. 

Hill Center from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. 

Wood floor. Open Band. Admission: Free. Donations and snacks welcome.

Location:  Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Benjamin Drummond Hall (first floor).  Metered parking on Pennsylvania Avenue, or free two blocks away at Shirley Chisholm Elementary School (10^th & G SE).

Contact: Joel Bailes, rollingpiano@gmail.com 

Thursday, August 13

Events from the Library of Congress.  An Evening with American Folklife Center Artist-in-Resonance Amanda Pascali.

Located in Coolidge Auditorium, Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First Street, Ground Floor

7:00pm. Doors Open: 6:40pm.  Free. 

Amanda Pascali is the American Folklife Center’s 2026 Artist-in-Resonance and is a rising voice among America’s most ethnically diverse generation of young people.  In this concert, Pascali will present an evening of what she calls “Immigrant American Folk,” which blends folk/Americana influences with Mediterranean, Balkan, and Latin rhythms to create powerful tales of America told through the eyes of immigrants.

Go here to register for free tickets:  https://bit.ly/4fWMRDU

Friday, August 14

Dog Days of August Jazz – Every Friday in August – 7th thru 28th – 5pm-7pm

At Eastern Market under the farmer’s line shed.

Free Live Jazz featuring Saxophonist Elijah Easton.  For more, go here:  https://www.instagram.com/elijaheastonmusic/?hl=en

Coming up at Dog Days of August:

• August 21st: Herb Scott
• August 28th: Gracie Jay

Saturday, August 15

Congressional Cemetery Introductory Tours

11:00am – 12:30pm.  $5.00

(Additional tours on August 22nd, and 29^th)

Join Historic Congressional Cemetery for a guided introductory tour.  Over 67,000 people are interred here, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital.  Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. On this tour of approximately 90 minutes, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressional’s

interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds.

Please come prepared with comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.  Go here for tickets: 

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/congressionalcemetery/introductory-tours-2026

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 8, 2026

Commissioners attending ANC 7D meeting last Tuesday night:  Top, left to right:  Commissioners Ebony Payne 7D05, Dominic Pacheco 7D06, Ashley Schapitl 7D09, Bottom, left to right: Chair Brian Alcorn 7D08, Commissioner Katie Murphy 7D04

ANC7D Single Member Districts most affected by Redevelopment of RFK

ANC7D Hill East Lists Concerns on RFK Redevelopment

Last Tuesday night, ANC7D held a rare August meeting to consider proposed comments on the Draft Master Plan for Development of RFK.  The period for comment in response to the Office of Planning’s latest release of the plan ends August 14.

ANC7D is comprised in part of the five single member districts that are most affected by the redevelopment of the RFK campus, single member districts 05, 06, 07, 08, and 09, but 04 across the Anacostia River is also being affected. 

After four of the ANC7D Commissioners from these districts weighed in on concerns and recommendations regarding redevelopment, ANC7D Chair Brian Alcorn (7D08) offered his own feedback on the Master Plan.  Then followed a brief discussion of macro concerns – given the pause in development of Reservation 13 – which seemed to relate to underlying unease about how the development of the campus will fare once the stadium is built. 

The consensus of the Commission was to hold an Executive Committee meeting before August 14 to finalize the language of comments to forward to the Office of Planning. 

In his summary, Alcorn noted that DC is very clear that the plan relates to the 180 acres of the RFK campus, but that the development requires more than a Master Plan.  He cited earlier remarks of Commissioner Katie Murphy’s (see below) concerns and said that having a broader community plan “is absolutely essential to making this work; there are communities that surround these 180 acres that are not only our homes but are integral in getting people from where they are to where they want to be.” Alcorn specifically cited the transportation and infrastructure interconnections and city services that will need to be provided and enhanced. 

Alcorn said he would like to encourage an opportunity for home ownership.  Within the Master Plan, there are three districts which are planned to host the housing components – apparently all rental units.  The land for the development will be leased from the federal government, but Alcorn says there are financing structures which allow for home ownership on leased land.  This, he said, is especially important for a new community that’s going to interface with the Kingman Park historic residential community park literally just across the street. 

Alcorn said he hopes planners can think more broadly in terms of developing the campus – perhaps as a location for a museum.  He suggested that the U.S. Navy’s new museum might be a potential occupant of the campus which would help activate it when other events are not scheduled. 

He said the ANC should seek clarity on the future of the Armory – having an active military facility in the context of a sports/residential/retail complex being “less than ideal” – the structure could be repurposed into a larger transit center or Metro expansion or as a sporting facility. 

Regarding the need for providing rapid transit to the future stadium, he said there is still broad support in the community for an additional Metro Station since “it’s clear that Stadium Armory Metro cannot be expanded enough to bring support the needs.”  He suggested that the ANC might recommend avoiding closing the door completely on a second station, and provide for the possibility of looking forward to a time when funding might become available. 

Other attendant issues of concern to the community include the strong feeling of nearby residents that they want to be able to park near their homes and want assurances that there will be parking enforcement.  He stated, “I don’t think anybody accepts that this joint partnership that exists between DDOT and DPW is the ideal way to run a ticketing and towing parking program.” 

He also noted that a more comprehensive plan should include Reservation 13 and the construction of a new DC Corrections facility as well as a traffic plan related to the construction of a new trash transfer station in the Benning Road community. 

Commissioner Schapitl picked up on Alcorn’s Reservation 13 comments noting that investment in the district has declined significantly and residential construction projects are struggling to get financing as has happened on Reservation 13.  She suggested that 7D include language urging OP to address their degree of confidence they have that they will be able to attract developers to provide housing.

That view was reinforced by ANC7D’s Resident Commissioner Member Zach Abramovitz who chairs 7D’s Committee on Housing and Economic Development.  He agreed that the city has been challenged in encouraging economic development and private investment both on the commercial front – Reservation 13 being an example – but also on the affordable housing front.

Abramovitz said, “I will note that the draft Master Plan has a very lofty goal of 30% of the planned 5,500 to 6000 housing units be affordable but we really need to see more in terms of benchmarks and  more in terms of what tools the city is going to use to meet that goal.” He added that given the regulatory hurdles facing re-zoning to accommodate the development, an “expeditious spirit” will be needed “in order to meet the goals and to ensure that we do have affordable housing and economic development alongside a brand new stadium.”

Here are some of the issues individual Commissioners offered regarding feedback they are hearing from their constituents in the single member districts most affected by the RFK Development:

Commissioner Ebony Payne, ANC7D 05, Kingman Park

• Opposition to the size and or location of Garage 2 between Kingman Park and the stadium.
• Activation of the two parking garages as much as possible with ground level retail or temporary sporting amenities.
• Concerns about rapid transit and access to public transit.  Urge keeping open the possibility of a second Metro station to serve RFK.
• The Fields at RFK – Urge Office of Planning to partner with Go Play (the current non-profit that manages The Fields at RFK) and with DC Pole Vault DC – soon to be evicted from its practice space next to Maloof Skate Park in front of the RFK Stadium site. 
• Possible future repurposing of the Armory as an Aquatic Center with an Olympic size swimming pool – an amenity, Payne said, that a lot of people have asked for – and something which might not be feasible it is anywhere else on the campus.

Commissioner Katie Murphy, 04 ANC7D, River Terrace

• Neighborhoods east of the river are being impacted by the proposed highway construction of the RFK Master Plan and the plan should include surrounding neighborhoods/as well as pedestrian walkways outside the campus boundaries.
• The Master Plan proposes all these improvements across the river while in River Terrace, street lights and sidewalks are not being repaired.
• Need for efforts to keep the river clean.
• Transit is really important to River Terrace especially since street cars are not coming River Terrace anymore.
• Across-the-river neighborhoods like River Terrace are being left out. 

Commissioner Dominic Pacheco, ANC7D 06, Rosedale North

• General access to river front. 
• Transportation concerns – streets being changed to one way, lack of clarity regarding how to access and exit campus.
• Need for creative architecture, landscaping and placement
• Parking enforcement on residential streets.

Commissioner Ashley Schapitl, ANC7D 09

• Parking enforcement.
• Lack of clarity about the plan for renovation of the Armory.
• Lack of clarity about the construction time line.
• Issues regarding when Metro Station will close and for how long. 
• Concerns about the plan for retail development,
• Plan for trash collection in neighborhoods following events.

Two Reminders for the Weekend… (Book Sale NE Library Is One)

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 6, 2026

Saturday, August 8

Book Sale at Northeast Library

The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) and the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a book sale this Saturday, August 8, at the Northeast Library. 7th and Maryland Avenues NE.

In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. Our inventory varies widely from sale to sale.

Most hardbacks and paperbacks are two dollars each. Coffee table books, some cookbooks, special items, and some larger books are more. Mass market paperbacks are a quarter!

Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.

If you have books to donate, we will take them during the sale. Otherwise, donate during regular business hours by leaving books in the donation bin at the library. Ask the staff for help finding the bin.

Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We no longer want CDs and DVDs.

We hold a book sale on the SECOND SATURDAY of most months. Second Saturday. Did I mention second Saturday of the month?

Questions? bob@bobgellman.com

Dog Days of August Jazz – Every Friday in August – 7th thru 28th – 5pm-7pm

At Eastern Market under the farmer’s line shed

Free Live Jazz

• August 7th: Amy K. Bormet
• August 14th: Elijah Easton
• August 21st: Herb Scott
• August 28th: Gracie Jay

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted August 2, 2026

Last construction briefing of ANC6B Library Task Force by DC Public Library.  Last Monday, the Task Force met to hear a final briefing on the SE Library renovation.  Jaspreet Pahwa, Director of Capital Planning and Construction, DC Public Library (second from right above), reported that construction is complete and a certificate of occupancy has been received.  Library staff is moving 25000 books and new equipment into the new library.  Pahwa also noted that DCPL plans for opening on September 10 include a 5pm – 8pm block party on 7^th Street in front of the library.  To that end, the Task Force voted to support closing that block of 7^th Street to traffic – time TBA.  Here’s a photo from the meeting, from left to right.  Task Force Administrative Assistant Jamie Quinn, Task Force Secretary Ana Cohen (obscured), Task Force Chair Commissioner David Sobelsohn, ANC6B Commission Chair Sam Pastore, Jaspreet Pahwa, and Terry Bosnick, Senior Project Manager for Contractor Whiting-Turner. 

ICYMI:  Duffy’s in Hill East Is Re-Opening.  Barred in DC reported last week that Duffy’s at 1901 C Street, SE. is reopening under new ownership.  Here’s a photo from August 30 that speaks to that reopening.  Photo credit:  Norberto Salinas.  And here’s more info from Barred in DC’s post.  https://x.com/eat_dc/status/2083185342971052244

Here’s a look inside Duffy’s on Sunday afternoon.  Doesn’t look too close to opening. 

Update on CPI’s plan to reclaim the dead end alley behind the former Capitol Lounge.  The Conservative Partnership Institute’s application to privatize the alley (reclaim space previously ceded to the city) is wending its way through the layers of bureaucracy of multiple DC agencies.  The request will have to be approved by the DC Council and signed by the Mayor.  Meanwhile, construction continues on renovation of the building which is part of the Conservative Partnership Institute’s new headquarters and training and education center at 229 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Here’s a view of the current state of the alley. 

Saturday, August 1 marked the first “Chai & Chat” in a new series of social and educational events hosted by Woven History and Silk Road.  Chai, caffeinated and herbal teas were offered for donation based sale and other snacks were available for purchase. Merchandise was 10% off during the event.  Woven History is at 315 7^th Street, SE. 

 Here’s a link to the website – go to Events for details on these August events https://wovenhistory.com/

• Thursday, August 13^th – BOOK CLUB – NYT Bestseller: Communion: The Female Search for Love by bell hooks (6:30 pm to 7:30 pm)
• Saturday, August 15^th – Tatreez Workshop with Kana’an Collective (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)
• Thursday, August 20^th – Beaded Embroidery Workshop (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm)

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, August 4

MPD First District National Night Out – 5:00-8:00 pm

Old Autozone Site Parking Lot, 1207 H Street, NE

ANC 7D Will hold a Virtual Special Meeting on RFK Master Plan/Resolution Drafting 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Go here to attend the virtual meeting:  https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/84508157661?pwd=ebglX5wlV0BZG7113E87ZekETdHrzo.1 

Enter password: anc7d

***

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Dog Days of August Jazz – Every Friday in August – 7^th thru 28^th – 5pm-7pm​

​At Eastern Market under the farmer’s line shed

Free Live Jazz

• August 7th: Amy K. Bormet
• August 14th: Elijah Easton
• August 21st: Herb Scott
• August 28th: Gracie Jay

Three Reminders for the Weekend

by Larry Janezich

Posted Friday, July 31

Friday, July 31st

Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza

5:00pm – 6:30pm

Featuring DMV Music Academy Brass Ensemble.  See here for more: https://www.dmvmusicacademy.org/   

The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.

Saturday, August 1

RFK Master Plan To Receive Community Testimony.

DC Government released their draft master plan for development of the RFK site. Committee members and community will an opportunity for in-person testimony on the RFK site on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Avenue, SE).  10 am – 2 pm.)  See here for more:  https://ourrfk.dc.gov/node/1836306

Sunday, August 2 

Congressional Cemetery 10:00 – 11:30 am

Revolutionary War Veteran Wreath Laying Ceremony – Free

In honor of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, Congressional Cemetery invites you to join a special wreath-laying ceremony honoring the Revolutionary War veterans buried at Congressional Cemetery.

The program will include remarks from Historic Congressional Cemetery and the National Cemetery Administration, the ceremonial laying of a wreath, and the playing of Taps in remembrance of those who served during the American Revolution.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to participate in a Revolutionary War flag-laying tour and activity. Together, we will visit the graves of Revolutionary War veterans throughout the cemetery, learn more about their lives and service, and place commemorative flags at their gravesites.  RSVP https://bit.ly/4wZ4ucZ

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 26, 2026

Update on Brent:  The steel structure of the future Brent Elementary rises out of the building site.  View from 3^rd and E Street, SE.  Photo:  Bob Gellman

Here’s an architect’s rendering posted on the construction fence of Brent’s future entrance at 3^rd and D Streets, SE.

Across the street at Folger Park, the community expresses its frustration at the pace of rehabilitation of the Park by the National Park Service.  The sign is on the construction fence at 3^rd and D Streets, SE.  The Hill Rag recently reported that new sidewalks failed inspection resulting in a delay in reopening the park.  See here:  https://bit.ly/4yG6gl1

Over at 209 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Jersey Mike’s Subs has put up new signage.  They are opening in one of the buildings bought up by the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI) on the 200 block.  The space was formerly occupied by Let’s Mix! BiBiJa!

A photo of the interior suggests they’re not ready to open yet but in might not be long. 

DC Public Library has posted its final visual construction update on SE Library, which is scheduled to reopen on September 10.  The ANC6B SE Library Task Force chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn will meet at 6:30pm on Monday, July 27.  (See The Week Ahead below.)  Here’s the link to a series of before and after photos as well and illustrations of how the work progressed in the reconstruction of the library.  https://bit.ly/4woh59P

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 27

ANC6B Public Parks & Recreation Spaces Taskforce Meeting (In Person Only) at 7:00pm

This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:

Inquiry to public health and environmental agencies about upcoming America 250 celebratory

events.

ANC6B Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm. 

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room #1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

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

Agenda:  TBA

ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30.  

The location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

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

Agenda:  TBA

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

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/4fUXqsa

Agenda: 

Presentations: Community Spaces

• DC Creative Institute: Raji Rankins
• Third Space at Atlas: Molly Ryan and Claire Bengur

Discussion: RFK Master Plan.  Committee members and community will have the opportunity to provide additional comment before a letter is finalized. (Individuals can also submit their comments by August 14, at https://publicinput.com/rfkmasterplan )  There will also be an opportunity for in-person testimony on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Avenue, SE), 10am – 2 pm.)

Tuesday, July 28

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee meeting has been cancelled

Wednesday, July 29

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market.

• For info on how to join the virtual meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86384799648

Agenda: 

Among items on the agenda:

Rumsey Update & Overview

Present for Approval of Ad Hoc Rumsey Construction Committee

Market Manager’s Report

Tenants Council Report

Operations Budget Committee Report

Capital Improvements

Ad-Hoc Committee on Public Safety

New Business

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About: 

Thursday, July 30

Live! At the Library: Washington Nationals Organist: Matthew Van Hoose performs before Showing of “A League of Their Own.”

7:00pm – 7:40pm.  Thomas Jefferson Building – North Lawn.

Part of America 250; Concerts from the Library of Congress; Live at the Library; Summer Movies on the Lawn

Live performance to kick off an evening of baseball nostalgia. Washington Nationals organist Matthew Van Hoose will appear at the Library to perform favorite baseball songs right before the screening of “A League of Their Own.”

Friday, July 31st

Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza

5:00pm – 6:30pm

Featuring DMV Music Academy Brass Ensemble.  See here for more: https://www.dmvmusicacademy.org/   

The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.

Saturday, August 1

RFK Master Plan To Receive Community Testimony.

DC Government released their draft master plan for development of the RFK site. Committee members and community will an opportunity for in-person testimony on the RFK site on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Avenue, SE).  10 am – 2 pm.)  See here for more:  https://ourrfk.dc.gov/node/1836306

Sunday, August 2  

Congressional Cemetery 10:00 – 11:30 am

Revolutionary War Veteran Wreath Laying Ceremony – Free

In honor of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, Congressional Cemetery invites you to join a special wreath-laying ceremony honoring the Revolutionary War veterans buried at Congressional Cemetery.

The program will include remarks from Historic Congressional Cemetery and the National Cemetery Administration, the ceremonial laying of a wreath, and the playing of Taps in remembrance of those who served during the American Revolution.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to participate in a Revolutionary War flag-laying tour and activity. Together, we will visit the graves of Revolutionary War veterans throughout the cemetery, learn more about their lives and service, and place commemorative flags at their gravesites.  RSVP https://bit.ly/4wZ4ucZ

Aloha Owner “Unfit” for Medical Cannabis License Per ABCA

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 25, 2026

Aloha and Tobacco King at 539 8th Street, SE

On Wednesday, July 22, DC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration found Aloha medical weed applicant Saleh Salim “unfit for licensure” for Aloha on Barracks Row. 

On May 6, 2026, ABCA issued a Qualifications Hearing Notice and Proposed Order Denying the Application for Saleh Salim. The venue had been operating as a medical weed dispensary during the period its application was pending before ABCA.  Aloha occupies the second floor at 539 8th Street SE, above a Tobacco King outlet which is also owned by Salim. 

Salim appeared before the Board on June 3, 2026, for the hearing to determine the Applicant’s fitness for licensure. 

The Board reviewed “compelling evidence demonstrating that the Applicant is unfit for licensure due to his repeated involvement in the operation of illegal cannabis businesses and the unlawful sale of cannabis” and affirmed a previous denial of the application for a license.  The involvement in illegal cannabis businesses refers to three DC venues owned by Salim which were shut down by ABCA. 

According to the order issued by ABCA, “The evidence further shows that Mr. Salim has a history of repeatedly operating businesses involved in illegal cannabis operations. In light of this history, the Board is not convinced that this pattern of blatant disregard for the District’s medical cannabis laws and regulations will cease or that the owner at a minimum is fit to supervise a medical cannabis business sufficient to prevent diversion or other illegal activity.”

ABCA further advised Salim that in accordance with this determination he will be prohibited from having additional successive applications considered and that future applications may be summarily denied based on the Board’s findings in this order.

In a related matter, the activities of Aloha owner Saleh Salim are being probed by law enforcement agencies in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Salim and his two sons were arrested on March 18, 2026, by the Fairfax County Police Department and charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

Presumably, Tobacco King on the first floor, can continue to operate. 

For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/4yzv5it

Rumsey: Closure in Late Fall/Early Winter – New Facility To Feature Sauna

by Larry Janezich

Posted Friday, July 24, 2026

Wednesday night, DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services hosted a community meeting in the North Hall of Eastern Market to present the final design for the construction of the new Rumsey Aquatic Center.  Budgeted at $44,500,000, Rumsey is the largest DPR project in Ward 6. 

This review of the final design was the last opportunity for the community to request changes though DPR’s Chris Dyer Chief of External Affairs emphasized only minor tweaks can be made at this stage.  Some of the concerns raised during the Q&A included insuring enough space and pool depth for aerobic classes, providing for proactive facility maintenance and adequate staff.  Contact Dyer at Christopher.Dyer@dc.gov for additional questions and information. 

The timeline anticipates closing the existing facility in late fall or early winter. Dyer  pledged DPR would give the community ample notice of the closing along with notice of a TBD community meeting/construction kick off. 

One surprise from Wednesday night’s meeting was the announcement of the inclusion of a proposed sauna – the only one in a DC aquatic facility – apparently in response to a petition from members of the community. 

Here are some of the images from Wednesday night’s power point presentation.  For the entire presentation, go here:  https://dgs.dc.gov/page/rumsey-aquatic-center

Note solar panels on roof. 

The small type on the left listing proposed new pool programming:

Learn 2 Swim: Parent/Child – Learn 2 Swim: Child, Preschool – Hydro Spin – Senior Aerobics: Deep, Shallow – Junior Wave or Water Wizards – Youth Polo – Hydro-Kick – Aqua Pole

Note the unisex sauna.

The programming team was not present at the meeting (perhaps to insure the Q&A would be confined to its allotted 60 minutes).

Illustrations of proposed design concepts from other recreational facilities. 

This architectural sketch illustrates the location of weekend vendor tents represented by pink squares on the North Carolina Avenue and C Street plazas.  The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee successfully lobbied designers to clear the alley to preserve access to the market.  A sidewalk on the Rumsey side will run the length of the alley.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 19, 2026

Community votes to name Pennsylvania/Potomac Avenue Traffic Circle for Roberta Flack.  The results were announced Tuesday night at ANC6B’s July meeting.  Here’s how the totals looked at the end of the second round of ranked choice voting:  Flack 682 and Catlett 321.  1003 votes were cast.  The ANC subsequently voted to convey the results to CM Charles Allen and the rest of the DC Council. 

ICYMI – Bumblebirds, Carla Hall’s pop up fast casual chicken restaurant at 303 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, closed as planned at the end of June, having finished its run in the space formerly occupied by Good Stuff Eatery.  As the Bumblebirds website says, “It’s not good bye, it’s ‘See you Later!’  Wait to see where we pop up next.”  See here:  https://www.bumblebirdsdc.com/ Photo credit: Bob Gellman

Owner of the 303 space, Spike Mendelsohn’s Sunnyside Restaurant Group, is being mum about future plans for the location. 

New Public Art at Congressional Cemetery.  Last Tuesday, Congressional Cemetery executive director Mark Hudson presented a request for support to  ANC6B for a new public arts project proposal for the cemetery.  HCC is inviting DC-based artist Nekisha Durrett to create a new, temporary and site-specific public art installation: “The Seed Keepers” seeks to establish a conversation about the history and legacy of Congressional’s unmarked African-American section, memorializing the people interred here and creating a dialog with the site as it relates to the history of DC, enslavement and segregation, memory and loss.  The Commission voted unanimously for a letter of support. 

Here’s a rendition of what the completed installation will look like.

DC Grand Prix.  The temporary two-story steel structure on 7^th Street half way between Independence and Constitution will be the reviewing stand for the August 22 – 23 Grand Prix event.  7^th Street will be a straight away. 

Last week, the Smithsonian presented “Smithsonian Dreams, a large-scale, multisensory public art experience by Refik Anadol, internationally acclaimed media artist and director of Refik Anadol Studio, on the National Mall.  On Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, at 9pm, the Smithsonian Castle was transformed into a dynamic landmark, inviting visitors to experience an immersive night of light, sound and visuals. The artist used a custom AI system to reinterpret nearly two centuries of Smithsonian collections and research.  Drawing on the Smithsonian’s collection of millions of digitized items, the data was used to display a continuously evolving visual experience projected across the Castle’s red sandstone façade and towers.  Photo credit:  Tama Day

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 20

ANC6D will hold an IN PERSON meeting at 7:00pm at the 2nd floor Conference Center, 1100 4th Street, SW.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Single Member District Updates

Public Safety Report

Community Announcements (1 minute per speaker, request in advance)

Government Announcements

Commissioner Announcements

Community Concerns (3 minutes per speaker, please send request to speak 48 hours in advance)

Update on 375/425 M Street, SW Development (Toby Millman of Transwestern – Washington Business Journal says “Multifamily out, townhomes in on prime site near the Southwest D.C. waterfront.”)

Presentation: Changing Perceptions (Jonathaan Pannell, discussing reintegration services)

Consent Agenda (Approve DC Bike Ride, Saturday, September 12, 2026)

ABC Matters

Unfinished Business: SWBID Request for Support Letter

Long Bridge Project Update (Street closures)

TBD Agenda Item

Chairperson’s Report

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space 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:

Old Business

• Micromobility – Staff from DC’s shared micromobility companies (Lime, Hopp, and Veo) will join to discuss issues related to micromobility operation in the district.
• DC Office of Planning H Street Land Use and Market Study – ANC 6A has prepared a preliminary draft comment letter in response to the Preliminary Findings report.  Committee members and community will have the opportunity to provide additional comment before the letter is finalized. (Individuals can also submit their comments by July 26, 2026 at  https://publicinput.com/hstreetstudyfeedback .)

 New Business

• RFK Master Plan – DC Government released their draft master plan for development of the RFK site. Committee members and community will have the opportunity to provide additional comment before the letter is finalized. (Individuals can also submit their comments by August 14, 2026 at https://publicinput.com/rfkmasterplan  )  There will also be an opportunity for in-person testimony on August 1, 2026 at St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Avenue, SE) – 10 am – 2 pm.)

Wednesday, July 22

Rumsey Aquatic Center Community Meeting – 6:30pm – 8:00pm at North Hall, Eastern Market

DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) will host a community meeting to discuss the latest concept design for the Rumsey Aquatic Center.  For more information and to RSVP, please visit:

https://rumsey.splashthat.com

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza – Friday, July 24

5:00pm – 6:30pm

Featuring DMV Music Academy Drumline.  See here for more: https://www.dmvmusicacademy.org/  

The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.

Monday, July 20 – D.C. Mondays: Historic Congressional Cemetery and America at 250

12 – 1pm – Free, registration required (see below)

HCC executive director, Mark Hudson, will present at The George Washington University’s D.C. Mondays series.  He will discuss how Congressional Cemetery is commemorating the 250th anniversary through programming and special events such as the Cemetery Speaker Series and Soul Strolls.  This is a virtual event. 

For more info and to register for this virtual event, go here:  https://museum.gwu.edu/dc-mondays-historic-congressional-cemetery-and-america-250

Congressional Cemetery – Introductory Tours – Saturday, July 25

11:00am – 12:30pm – $5.00

Congressional Cemetery offers a guided introductory tour of Congressional Cemetery. Over 67,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. On this tour of approximately 90 minutes, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressional Cemetery’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds.

Please come prepared with comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.

Go here for tickets:  https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/congressionalcemetery/introductory-tours-2026

Nine Reminders forTonight and the Coming Weekend

by Larry Janezich

July 16, 2026

Tonight:  Thursday, July 16 – Swing Dance at St. Mark’s Church

7:30 – 9:30pm – Lesson at 7:00pm

The Capitol HillBillies host the Capitol Hill Swing Dance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A Street, SE.  Live music. Laminate wood‐like floor. Admission: $10, teens $5

Latest info: FB link here:  https://bit.ly/4oMIU93  

Tonight:  Thursday, June 16 – Congressional Cemetery – Prison Terminal

6:30 pm | Free, registration required (See below)

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall.  Prison Terminal, the Oscar-nominated documentary explores the end of life of an incarcerated man cared for by fellow incarcerated men.

Seats are limited in our chapel building: free, pre-registration is required.

Presented by DC Death Collective in collaboration Humane Prison Hospice Project.

For more and to register, go here:  https://bit.ly/4gA3FTe  

Tonight:  Thursday, July 16 – Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn series – “Rocky”

8:00pm – 10:00pm – Thomas Jefferson Building – North Lawn

Join us to watch “Rocky” (1995) under the stars. This movie was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2006.  Rocky (1976 PG 2h). A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.  For more:  https://bit.ly/4bGIStJ  

Friday, July 17 – Congressional Cemetery – Cinematery: National Treasure

7:30pm – $10 – 20

Congressional Cemetery hosts a Cinematery screening of National Treasure.

BYO beverages and food. Alcohol is permitted and will also be for sale. Keep in mind that all guests will be ID checked upon entry. Also recommended – bringing your own blankets, low lying lawn chairs, etc. Dogs are not permitted at Cinematery.

For more and tickers, go here:  https://bit.ly/4vZ4gTb  

Friday, July 17 – Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza

5:00pm – 6:30pm

Featuring DMV Music Academy String Ensemble.  See here for more: https://www.dmvmusicacademy.org/

The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza.

Saturday, July 18 – Reception:  Abstract – CHAL Members Juried Exhibition

Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) members were invited to delve into the abstract, by sharing artwork that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effects using shapes, forms, lines, colors. The exhibition was juried by Kelly MacConomy.

The show runs from July 13 to August 22, 2026, at, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street, SE.

A reception will be Saturday, July 18, 5:30-7pm

Here’s a preview of the exhibit at the CHAL home page:  https://bit.ly/4wH9RgU

Saturday, July 18 Congressional Cemetery – Introductory Tours – July 18, (and 25)

11:00am – 12:30pm – $5.00

Congressional Cemetery offers a guided introductory tour of Congressional Cemetery. Over 67,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. On this tour of approximately 90 minutes, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressional Cemetery’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds.

Please come prepared with comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.

Go here for tickets:  https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/congressionalcemetery/introductory-tours-2026  

Sunday, July 19 – Lincoln Park for a soccer party ahead the morning of the World Cup final.

 Hosted by the Friends of Lincoln Park. While there, enjoy family-friendly soccer activities led by DC Way, the Little Gym and Mathnasium, a USMNT Christian Pulisic autographed jersey give-away, face painting, World Cup panini sticker exchange, refreshments and more.

A reception will be Saturday, July 18, 5:30-7pm

Sunday, July 19:  Hill Center Event – Stone Room Concerts

5:00pm – $23.00

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Crys Matthews, 2025 International Folk Music Award’s Artist of the Year. 

An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass with traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics.

Get tickets  https://bit.ly/44Y1di7