Update on “Loveful Hands” Eastern Market Plaza’s Public Art Installation
by Larry Janezich
Posted July 12, 2025
Today, ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe informed other ANC6B Commissioners and the members of his Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce, that artist Jay Coleman’s bronze sculpture titled “Loveful Hands,” is back on track for installation late summer or early fall on Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
The elegant, circular platform near the entrance to Eastern Market Metro on the plaza was completed in October of 2022 and has been awaiting the installation of the artwork it was created to display.
Sroufe told his colleagues that “DGS has indicated that a check now has been written to the foundry and that the bronze sculpture for which the pedestal has been designed will be installed with an appropriate ceremony by late summer or early fall.”
Artist Jay Coleman’s sculpture “Loveful Hands,” is a 5’ X 7’ bronze which feature hands arranged so that the fingers and thumbs form a heart, which encourages passersby to take selfies while seated. It was selected from a number of proposals in November, 2020, but the completion of the project and the casting was slowed until now by the city’s approval process.
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The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, July 12. The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.
The sale begins when the library opens at 10:00 am. We begin to pack up around 2:45 pm and are done by 3:00 pm. The sale is on the lower level of the library.
Entrance to the sale is through the library (and down the stairs or elevator).
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.
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
And remember, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We are no longer taking CDs or DVDs.
Got the ability to recirculate this message on other lists? That would be much appreciated.
The Week Ahead…& Photos from Barracks Row July 4th Parade
By Larry Janezich
Posted July 6, 2025
Here’s Eastern High School’s Blue and White Marching Machine, “The Pride of Capitol Hill,” setting the mood and the pace for the Barracks Row July 4th Parade.
Mayor Bowser was close behind, waving the flag and wearing a Commander Jersey.
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb followed the Mayor.
City Council Chair and Capitol Hill resident Phil Mendelson marched alone – as is his custom – without a supporting contingent and leading the way for CM Charles Allen…
…who trailed a large groups of his supporters.
Technically, MPD lead the parade, clearing the way for the politicians, bands, and community groups that followed. First District Commander Colin Hall did some community building with the next generation of Capitol Hill residents.
The crowd gave it up for the tightly disciplined Ruff Ridaz Percussion Squad performance.
ANC6B marched with a banner carried by (l-r), Commissioners David Sobelsohn, Vince Mareino, and Tyler Wolanin. Commissioner Jerry Sroufe is at the rear, far left.
The Fife and Drum Corp was a crowd pleaser, juxtapositioned appropriately with the local Chapter of the Judge Lynn Daughters of the American Revolution.
Free DC showed their colors and their relentless enthusiasm for lobbying Congress to restore DC’s authority to spend their own revenues for the balance of the current FY – which has been denied by Conress’ failure to include that routine measure in the recently passed Reconsiliation funding bill. Free DC is a force to be reckoned with.
Pride showed up, marching proudly.
This required some concentration as well as hand and eye coordination.
The Week Ahead
Highlights:
Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation, will visit ANC6B Tuesday night. The ANC has a list of transportation issues which could come up. See below.
Thursday, the 257th Army Band will performance in Lincoln Park. See “Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:” below.
MONDAY July 7
ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.
Renovation: 730 Rear 11th Street, SE. Demolition of an existing attached rear commercial space and replacement with a single-family dwelling. Filing pending.
LATE BREAKING: Renovation: 418 4th Street, SE.
LATE BREAKING: Nominations for Committee leadership positions.
LATE BREAKING: Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.
ANC6C Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites. 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. NE Class C restaurant.
Proper Exotic. 313 8th Street, NE. Medical Cannabis Retailer. (Located in ANC 6A, but ANC 6C is directly across the street and has authority to participate)
White Horse Hookah Bar and Tobacco, 521 H Street, NE.
Tuesday, July 8
ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
Presentations
Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation.
(Here at the topics the ANC6B Transportation Committee has prioritized in meetings which could be discussed with the Director.)
Lincoln Park – comprehensive traffic safety study of Lincoln Park.
Open Streets – How are decisions made about where to host Open Streets, and why aren’t the ANCs a part of that process?
RFK – How is DDOT participating in evaluating the transportation needs and opportunities around the RFK parcel given the Mayor’s proposal?
School Safety – How is DDOT evaluating school safety initiatives like the Safe Routes, Crossing Guards and School Transit support?
Vision Zero – What’s the status of Vision Zero?
Eastern Market Traffic Plans & Safety – How are people are getting to Eastern Market and the general traffic patterns around Capitol Hill. Are there any plans to study modes of transport on the Hill? What I the current status of safety bollards being approved for use at Eastern Market?
Robin Roesch, Creciendo Chisholm Initiative.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis license renewals:
Ted’s Bulletin, 505 8th Street, SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant; Protest Petition Deadline: July 18, 2025 [6B03] (Originally Extended by 60 days).
The Flying Mexican (Renewal of License held previously by: Playa Ocho Cantina), 514 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis license new applications:
ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for new Class C Restaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis License protests and other updates:
Ambar (ANC6B is currently protesting – non-compliance with signed Settlement Agreement).
ALOHA (Status of Request for Reinstatement from Applicant for cannabis license).
Planning & Zoning Update:
Legislation: short update from Connor Laughland about DC City Council bill to develop social housing (https://janeeseward4.com/gnd/ ).
Citizen request: illegal vacation rental at 220 14th Street, SE.
Proposal: draft a short letter endorsing DOB investigation
Renovation: 409 East Capitol Street SE, Sambria & Co. Zoning Adjustment Application. New rear addition.
Renovation: 730 Rear 11th Street, SE. Demolition of an existing attached rear commercial space and replacement with a single-family dwelling. Filing pending.
LATE BREAKING: Renovation: 418 4th Street, SE.
LATE BREAKING: Nominations for Committee leadership positions.
LATE BREAKING: Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.
Hakeem Mumford, Manager, External Affairs, PEPCO Update from PEPCO.
Kunta Bedney and Mike Dempsey, Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Local Union 197 Apprenticeship Opportunity Information.
DC Government Updates
Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder.
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services.
Committee Reports and Motions
Transportation/Public Space Committee
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a resolution that expresses support for the ongoing operation of the DC Streetcar, an important public transit link for the H Street Corridor, Rosedale, Carver/Langston, Kingman Park and the RFK campus; and recommend any funding resultant from any change in Streetcar service be reinvested into these communities.
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a letter of support to the Zoning Commission for plans as presented by So Others May Eat to renovate and expand an existing building at 2 18th St, SE to convert it from a nonconforming rooming house with 57 units to an apartment building with 61 units.
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing attached two-story plus basement principal dwelling located at 515 21st Street, NE.
RFK Campus Checkup
Opportunity for 7D Commissioners to Discuss Ongoing RFK Development Related Activity.
Planning Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
502 C Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept approval to renovate three-story mixed-use structure and enlarge new three-story rear addition.
409 East Capitol Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception and use variance to construct a third story rear addition and a second dwelling unit, and convert the first floor to office use at an attached mixed-use two-story building.
1128 4th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception for after-the-fact approval of an illegally constructed railing atop a porch roof.
Transportation and Public Space Committee
H Street Main Street NE, Public space improvements. Mr. Saleem is seeking ANC support for public space improvements on the H Street corridor.
1232 4th Street, NE. Transportation Online Permitting – paving, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. The applicant requests a permit for public space improvements including electric vaults, new curb and gutter, closure of existing driveway, bike racks, new trees and plantings, benches, balcony, and bay window.
1 Columbus Circle, NE. Transportation Online Permitting – WMATA installation of a bus stop bench.
Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee
Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites. 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Class C restaurant license.
Proper Exotic LLC, Application for Medical Cannabis Retailer license. (Located in ANC 6A, but ANC 6C is directly across the street and has authority to participate.)
White Horse Hookah Bar and Tobacco. 502 H Street NE.
Within School @ Goding Leaks in the Basement Project – Andrew Walker, DCPS.
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter supporting the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Summer Garden endorsements at Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street NE, and that the ANC update the settlement agreement.
Recommendation: ANC6A protest the renewal of an alcoholic beverage license with summer garden endorsement at Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro at 709 H Street, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter supporting the renewal of a Class C restaurant license Entertainment and Sidewalk Café endorsements at Fresca Taqueria, 701 H Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC6A protest the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine at B & B Convenience and More at 1447 Maryland Avenue, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to ABRA requesting clarification that the proposed location for Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE, is not in violation of the proximate requirements of the specific nearby establishments that cater to children/minors.
Community Outreach
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter of support to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for a public arts initiative along H Street NE within the boundaries of ANC6A.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting speed bumps in the Atlas Court alley between 11th and 12th Streets, NE.
New Business Recommendation:
ANC 6A send a letter to the DC Council regarding its concerns about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget.
Suggested Motion: ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for a special exception for a porch renovation at 916 D Street NE.
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of the Notice of Intent to add a protected bike lane and other safety measures to 14th Street, NE, between Maryland Avenue and G Street NE.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Monday-Friday throughout July and August, 7 pm, Military Bands Capitol Summer Concert Series, west lawn of the Capitol Building. For more, go here: https://bit.ly/4lF97Dq
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Hill’s Kitchen will reopen at 10:00am on Saturday July 5, under the stewardship of new owners Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton. An Instagram statement by the owners thanking the community for their patience said that “we have been getting our ducks in a row to be able to open our doors. We finally made it!”
Hill’s Kitchen closed on June 1, after former owner and founder Leah Daniels announced on May 30, that the store was changing hands.
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The Week Ahead…& Photos of Open Street DC from Saturday
by Larry Janezich
Saturday saw Capitol Hill’s first Open Streets Event on North Carolina, East Capitol, and Massachusetts Avenue, SE. Here’s photo from 7th and North Carolina at circa 10:00am. The event attracted thousands of residents.
A little farther west, at 6th and North Carolina, the hundred or so Hill Family Bikers were marshalling their parade marshals to clear the way for the Biker Parade the length of the Open Streets. Among the marshals was Commissioner Amber Gove, ANC6A, at left.
The political organizations were set up on East Capitol on the south side of Lincoln Park. CM Charles Allen interacted with constituents at 12th Street.
ANCs 6A and 6B who share jurisdiction of Lincoln Park set up at 11th Street and East Capitol, SE. That’s Commissioner Anna Krebs of ANC6B on the right, promoting the work of the ANCs to residents.
Most of the tents appeared to be home to city services and civic organizations, but some Capitol Hill retail – like Katherine Donahue’s Labyrinth – set up shop.
The most popular kid attraction was this foam generator at the far end of Massachusetts Avenue, near 16th Street.
Here’s the view circa 11:15am near 16th and Massachusetts, looking west.
And here’s a video of a crowd-pleasing performance in Lincoln Park of a band named General Feedback, featuring a powerful female vocalist.
The Week Ahead…
Tuesday, July 1
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee holds a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.
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/
Among items on the draft agenda:
ABCA Renewals:
Ted’s Bulletin, 505 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant. Protest Petition Deadline: July 18, 2025 [6B03] (Originally Extended by 60 days).
Protests/Other Updates
Ambar (Currently Under Protest) (6B03)
MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:00pm.
502 C Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application of Schmidt Development for concept approval to renovate an existing three-story non-contributing mixed-use structure, convert to residential use, and enlarge with a new three-story rear addition.
409 East Capitol Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application of Parasol Tree Holdings, LLC for a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements and use variance to construct a third-story rear addition and a second dwelling unit, and convert the first floor to an office use.
304-308 K Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application – Revised application of 304, 306, 308 K Street, LLC for a. a special exception for the residential use of an alley lot, an area variance from the requirements, and for creation of a new alley record lot and an area variance from the lot dimension requirements to subdivide an alley record lot into two record lots and to construct two semi-detached, two story, principal dwelling units.
1128 4th Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application of Stephen Jackson for a special exception from the rooftop element requirements for after-the-fact approval of an illegally constructed railing atop a porch roof at 1128 4th Street, NE.
Thursday, July 3
ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Barracks Row
Fourth of July Parade – 10:00am.
Afterward at Eastern Market Under the Farmers Line Shed:
Live Music
Face Painting
Balloon Animals
Glitter Tattoos
Food Vendors
Congressional Cemetery
Friday, July 4 – 10:00am – 11:00am
The District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a Fourth of July Celebration honoring the 249th Anniversary of America’s Independence. Held at the grave of Elbridge Gerry, the only Signer of the Declaration of Independence buried in Washington, DC, this FREE event features light refreshments and commemorative remarks. The event is open to all, but please RSVP so we can plan accordingly. https://dcssar.org/event-6236656/Registration
Friday, July 5 – 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Civil War at Congressional: Docent Tour – (No Dogs Allowed Tour)
The United States was consumed by the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Millions of individuals were swept up in the chaos of the conflict as the war raged for over four years. Come and explore the graves and memorials which showcase incredible individual stories from the Civil War in a docent led tour.
Reservations required and a tour reservation is a $10 donation. Go here: https://bit.ly/4l9rOzs
Saturday tours begin at 11 am, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. Please come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes, as the tours often stray from the main paths.
Monday night, ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee, chaired by Commissioner Brian Gorman, heard committee resident member George Holman’s passionate appeal that the committee take action to address the dangers presented by food delivery moped riders who endanger residents by recklessly riding city streets. Recently, Holman’s six year old son was struck by a moped delivery rider in front of the U.S. Post Office in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, while he was crossing the bike lane to post a letter in the sidewalk mailbox. The moped rider was driving illegally in the bike lane. The child was “flung backwards and struck a concrete barrier, and suffered a concussion,” according to Holman. The driver stopped after hearing the child scream, and then sped away. MPD and first responders came promptly and the child has since recovered, but the driver has not been apprehended.
Holman noted that the day before his son’s accident, a child in Columbia Heights was hit by a moped and seriously injured, suffering a broken leg. That incident also involved a hit and run moped rider who has not been apprehended.
Holman said the moped delivery riders are out of control and he is appealing to the ANC because “I don’t feel like (the police) are adequately enforcing the law.” Every resident has seen mopeds being operated recklessly, he said, adding, “It’s probably time to revisit last year’s (MPD traffic safety program Operation Ride Right).” That program started June 5, 2024, and ran for two weeks during which 81 individuals were arrested, 273 scooters impounded, and 161 tickets issued.
Holman has a petition with 100 signatures from neighbors who support taking action to reduce the threat to public safety posed by the illegal operation of scooters. He said, “I’m trying to be taken seriously and I’m going to continue gathering new signatures. I don’t know what it’s going to actually take to get someone to pay attention to this and that’s why I’m here today.” He said he would also request a meeting with CM Charles Allen…and added, “… I think it starts with the police actually enforcing the laws on the books.”
Commissioner Sam Pastore – who numbers Holman among his constituents – noted the difficulty regarding enforcement of traffic violations, citing his takeaway from an earlier ANC meeting with MPD was that because of MPD policy, “they will not chase anyone no matter what type of vehicle – unless you’re shooting a gun.”
Holman concluded his presentation: “This is something that I feel very passionate about and I appreciate you all listening to me because I don’t feel listened to right now and I’m trying to share my anger into something very constructive because my son is the most important thing in the world to me and things could have ended up a lot differently. It’s something that still haunts me and I think about it a lot and I’m going to continue doing what I can to make this community safer and better….I’m continuing to gather signatures on my petition…every neighbor I talk to is like, ‘They’re out of control, you’ve got to do something.’”
With no clear indication regarding how the committee would advance this issue, CHC reached out to Commissioner Pastore for comment after the meeting. Here’s part of his reply:
“We will certainly be taking action – through consultation with George, the ANC, the Public Safety Committee, and the Transportation Committee…In the meantime, this tragedy is also a reminder to all of us: we need to slow down, take our time on the streets, and show more compassion for our fellow pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists…We also need to acknowledge another layer of the conversation, especially around mopeds. Many riders are working hard, hustling to get where they need to go quickly, often under pressure. There are racial, cultural, immigration, and even ICE-related dynamics that can’t be ignored…I’ll be speaking with the committee chairs and (ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder) in the coming days to program a more focused response to this specific incident and to build on the good, necessary conversations we’ve been having through the Public Safety Committee.”
Update on Rumsey Court – A second story for the Rumsey Aquatic Center is now in the plans for the proposed modernization of the facility, according to a DC Parks and Recreation (DPR) document distributed at last Monday night’s meeting of ANC6B’s Parks and Public Spaces Task Force chaired by Commissioner Jerry Sroufe. The second story will accommodate a community center focused on senior services. A community meeting where the latest design will be made public has not yet been scheduled.
After proffering a plan with no second story earlier this year, CM Charles Allen prompted DPR and the Department of General Services to re-think their approach and they are now negotiating the incorporation the second story into the design. The Center is a popular District asset, offering 100 plus aquatic programs for a high number of participants. $37,021,066 has been budgeted for the project in DC’s Capital Budget, meaning it is protected from funding cuts the Mayor being forced to impose on the city’s Operational Budget because Congress has failed to authorize DC to spend its own tax revenues for the balance of the FY.
Ward 6 Budget Town Hall Meeting. On Tuesday evening, CM Charles Allen hosted a Ward 6 Town Hall on the Budget at Hill Center. More than 70 residents – many of them first-time Town Hall Budget attendees – showed up for the meeting. Allen said the council has finished oversight hearings on the budget which now awaits committee votes on the programs within their jurisdiction. The budget will then go to the full council for consideration. Go here to watch the full Town Hall presentation on FB: https://bit.ly/4njELbw
Beuchert’s Saloon Has Been Sold. Coldwell Banker listed the property for $2.3 million and a sold notice recently appeared on the site. Here’s a link to real estate broker’s listing: https://bit.ly/4eeIjaw No word on what might occupy the building or the first floor retail, but the listing’s description suggests the property will be delivered with the restaurant intact. Prior to Beuchert’s, the space had been occupied by the Capitol Hill Art and Frame Shop. EaterDC recently reported that the restaurant closed in early June after 13 years: https://bit.ly/44iNl1p
The 48th Annual Peterbug Day. Last Saturday, Peterbug Matthews presided over his 48th Annual Peter Bug Day. It was the 48th annual celebration of Peter Bug Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Peter Bug Shoe Academy. The lifelong Capitol Hill resident and community advocate is a Capitol Hill legend, having used the shoe repair trade to mentor and guide community youth for decades. The 400 block of 13th Street, SE, was named Peterbug Matthews Way in 2010. In 2015, when the former historic Buchanan School/IGU site was developed into townhouses and condos, the site of Peterbug Matthews Shoe Academy which sat on city property as did the school, was grandfathered into the development site and preserved.
The Original Last Run of the Fire House Horses. Last Sunday, the DC Fire Department conducted a reenactment of the Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses. The date marked the one hundred anniversary of the original Last Run to commemorate the service of the fire horses. The reenactment started at the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse, and proceeded east on North Carolina Avenue, SE, and ended at Lincoln Park. Here’s a Library of Congress photo of the Engine No. 8 Firehouse that stood on the site of what is now Rumsey Aquatic Court. Photo Source: Mark Eckenwiler.
And here’s a photo of the original last run: The Last Run of Barney, Gene, and Tom, District, Fire Department Horses, June 15, 1925. Photo Source: Mark Eckenwiler.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, June 23
ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor (Entrance 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.
Announcements and Reminders: People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean-ups in 6A01.
H Street Main Street (HSMS) Requesting a Letter of Support for an upcoming application to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant.
Open Streets Volunteering.
Tuesday, June 24
ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the full Commission meeting on July 8.
Discussion of the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with Cover Charge Dancing, Entertainment, and Summer Garden endorsements at Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street, NE.
Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license at Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro at 709 H Street, NE.
Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café endorsements at Fresca Taqueria 701 H Street, NE.
Discussion of the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine at B & B Convenience and More at 1447 Maryland Avenue, NE.
Discussion of the application for a medical cannabis license at Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE.
Thursday, June 26
ANC6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm. .
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About
Saturday, June 28: Open Streets Comes to Capitol Hill – 7:00am – 3:00pm.
Location: North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue SE from 6th Street SE to 17th Street SE Road Closure: Saturday, June 28th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One mile of neighborhood streets will be closed to vehicles to allow people to safely walk, run, bike, and play.
Open Streets will include hourly programmed classes and performances, including live music, yoga, dancing, etc. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Thursday, June 26: Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Qais Essar & Sonny Singh: Sangat. 7:00pm – 9:00pm. $20 Register here: https://bit.ly/45BcgiW
Afghan American rabab virtuoso Qais Essar has joined forces with Sikh American trumpet player and singer Sonny Singh, which obliterates musical, political, and religious boundaries.
Friday, June 27: JUNO-Nominated Nova Scotian Powerhouse Duo Cassie and Maggie in Concert. 7:00 pm – 9:00pm. $20 Register here: https://bit.ly/4eeNmaY
Committed to preserving and propelling Nova Scotia’s folk traditions into new realms, Cassie and Maggie bring an energy that is both timeless and irresistibly modern.
Hill East Development Disposition Map showing location of parcels to be developed.
Wednesday night, Daryl Thomas from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development (DMPED), gave an update on the development of Res 13 Phase II to ANC7D’s Committee on Economic Development and to Hill East residents.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Thomas assured that Res 13 Phase II “definitely is not stalled – we have been very much into a lot of infrastructure work on the campus. This work consists of engineering in addition to relocation of a major 72 inch sewer line.” The pipeline lies 40 to 50 feet below ground and extends from Massachusetts Avenue to Independence Avenue. He added, “… this sewer line is a precursor for all the remaining work that needs to be done. We have started the roadway design review. Once the sewer relocation work is done then the city can come in and we can start constructing the roadways that surround the development parcels …” Thomas said he expected the pipeline relocation to take a year.
In 2000 the city released RFPs for the Phase II redevelopment of Res 13. Phase II was divided into two different bundles, Bundle One (Parcels A, B-1, B-2, F-2 and G-2 – see map above), and Bundle Two (Parcels C, E. and H). Some parcels in Bundle One have been approved by the Zoning Commission and building design is underway. Bundle Two ran into infrastructure issues including the sewage pipeline and utility relocation, and that has forced them to redesign their first phase of building which has prevented them from going to Zoning for approval.
Developers hoped to break ground in 2024 but infrastructure and finance issues pushed that date ahead to 2025. Last night’s presentation suggested there may be another delay – at least in Bundle Two – until 2026 or later. Phase III (in yellow) is a planned third phase of the development which has not launched yet.
Thomas did not offer a projected timeline for completion of development on any of the parcels. None of the developers participated in the briefing.
Thomas also offered a status report on the status of Phase I, where two mixed use buildings have been completed. He reported that Sala Thai Restaurant, Duffy’s Irish Pub, and Alphabet Daycare have leased retail space in the Park Kennedy, one of the two Phase I mixed use buildings. One retail space remains. He said that none of the retail spaces has yet been leased in Phase I’s second mixed use building – The Ethel.
During the Q&A, Thomas was asked if development would be coordinated with construction of the proposed NFL Stadium on the RFK site and with construction of a new DC city jail. He noted that neither of those projects has been approved yet and once they are, DMPED would be working “hand in hand” with the developers of those projects.
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Update on Demolition of RFK Stadium. Last Monday night Events DC held its virtual Quarterly Meeting, and Senior Director Ryan Conway gave attendees an update on the demolition of RFK. Preliminary work which began in January including demolition of some exterior and nonstructural interior elements is continuing and will be completed in June. The removal and disposal of hazardous materials prior to start of structural demolition work has been completed. Here’s a current interior shot of the stadium.
Beginning in July the stadium will be demolished in phases by construction equipment – it will not be imploded – and the site will be backfilled with crushed concrete. Demolition will start with the press box and stadium lights removal from the inside and proceed to the roof and superstructure starting in August. Here’s an exterior shot showing walls coming down and some misting equipment.
Smoot Construction has deployed instruments around the site to monitor dust, noise and vibration, and will employ misting equipment to pretreat, control, and suppress dust throughout the demolition activities. Here’s a photo from the construction camera which is available on the Events DC website: https://eventsdc.com/venue/rfk-stadium/live-demolition-camera
New Greek Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The buildout of a new Greek Restaurant coming to 315 – 316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (as reported on CHC last November) is underway. Building permits are up and the windows are papered over. The space was formerly occupied by chef Spike Mendelsohn’s Mexican Restaurant Santa Rosa Taqueria which closed and then reopened at 301 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Zusin Development is the owner of the new business. Zusin also owns the new Taco Bell coming to Barracks Row, the building at 225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and the 56 unit mixed use building at 301 Florida Avenue, NE among many other DC properties.
Sunday afternoon, DC Fire Department conducted the Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses. The run started at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse, proceeded down North Carolina Avenue, SE, and ended at Lincoln Park. One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a Ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the fire horses. The historic Ceremonial re-enactment will feature a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine. Photo: DC Fire Department.
Friday night, the Too Much Talent Band performed at Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. The summertime Friday evening events are programmed by Brian Ready, Executive Director of Barracks Row MainStreet. CM Charles Allen secured funding in the Budget to program the performance space.
The Week Ahead…The Week Ahead…
Highlight:
Monday, CM Charles Allen presents before ANC6D. See below.
Lincoln Park Task Force. ANCs 6A and 6B sent a joint letter to the DDOT Director requesting a comprehensive traffic study of the area around Lincoln Park.
Capitol Hill Open Streets on June 28, 2025.
New Business.
1100 block of Atlas Court NE. Councilmember Allen’s recent newsletter highlighted speed bumps added to alleys to help slow drivers at sidewalk crossings. Several TSIs have requested similar treatment to this alley.
DDOT’s Strategic Bike Plan. The DDOT team on this reported they would like to join our committee to discuss the process but cannot make the June meeting.
Wednesday, June 18
***CANCELLED*** ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Seán is an active performer, arranger, and composer of music from various folk and classical music traditions: Celtic, Baroque, Medieval, Arabic, French-Canadian, and Maritime.
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Suspected Serial Arsonist Returns to St. Joseph’s Church
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 12, 2025
A video image of a suspect in Walter Alley behind St. Joseph’s Church. Video image from a St. Joseph Church neighbor’s security camera.
Image of construction materials blazing early on Wednesday morning. Video image from a St. Joseph Church neighbor’s security camera.
Early Wednesday morning, a suspected serial arsonist who has been setting fires on Capitol Hill since March struck the area near St. Joseph’s Church on 3rd and D Streets, NE, a second time.
ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt announced at the Wednesday night meeting of ANC6C that a pile of construction material belonging to Hillsdale College was set on fire in Walter Alley behind the church. According to an NBC4 news report, the fire was one of four set overnight by a person who police suspect has been behind a series of some 35 fires set on Capitol Hill this spring.
MPD is seeking a person of interest who was arrested in May after FMES observed him lighting a trash can fire near Barney Circle. That person, as reported by NBC News4 in a related television news report Wednesday night, is 50-year-old Mohammad Al-Rashidi, who investigators believe is experiencing homelessness. The photo below is from a mug shot taken after his arrest in May.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Mohammad Al-Rashidi.
According to NBC 4, charges were dropped in May after prosecutors determined they did not have enough evidence to pursue the case. According to Wirt, a church parishioner saw the man on Wednesday around 11am sitting on a wall at the side of the church who also said that a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Wirt says, “Police ask if we see this (person) to not approach him but call 911 and keep an eye on where he is or what direction he goes so police can find him.”
Most of the fires have caused minor damage, but in May, a suspicious fire destroyed the car of St. Joseph’s pastor, the Rev. William H. Gurnee, which was parked in the garage behind the church. The church is at 2nd and C Street, NE, catty corner from the Senate Hart Office Building. Fire officials fear that one of the blazes could spread to a residence and result in loss of life or property.
FEMS encourages the public to reach out using 202-673-27766 (ARSON) (not a typo) or submit information online https://fmhotline.femsdc.com/HotlineForm Tips can be anonymous.
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CAPITOL HILL CORNER 