Category Archives: Uncategorized

American Legion Kenneth H. Nash Post 8 Veterans Day Observance.  November 11, 2018

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, November 12

DC Government observes Veterans Day.  No trash or recycling pickup.  ANC6D, normally scheduled for today, will meet next Monday, November 19.

Tuesday, November 13

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center, 922 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda (items which will pass en bloc with one vote unless any commissioner objects)

Dae Ah LLC trading as Capitol Supreme Market, 501 4th Street, SE, Retailer’s Class B liquor license – Grocery; Updating the existing Settlement Agreement (SA) from 2014 and consider expanded hours with regards to Hours of Operation and Sales of alcohol. Requested Hours of OPERATION are: Mon-Sun 7 am – 11 pm; and the requested Hours of SALES of Alcohol are: Mon-Sun 9 am – 11 pm

Public Space Permit: New Sidewalk Cafe Un-Enclosed at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

816 Potomac Avenue SE:  Zoning adjustment application – special exception to construct a four-story addition to an existing apartment house.

329 16th Street, SE: Zoning adjustment application – special exception to construct a third-story and rear addition to a principal dwelling unit and convert the dwelling into a flat.

710 E Street, SE:  Historic Preservation application – concept/three-story rear addition.

423 4th Street, SE: Historic Preservation application – concept/rear three-story addition.

712 5th Street, SE:  Historic Preservation application – concept/rear and rooftop additions.

304 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Historic Preservation Review – owner: Air Line Pilots Association International.

Resolution on Resident Only Parking for ANC 6B04.

Proposed Regulations on New Permit Process for Dockless Vehicles.

Comments on Notice of Intent on Short Term Calming Measures at Kentucky, Potomac, G, and 15^th.

Presentations

MPD, crime and community concerns:  Sergeant Maurice MacDonald & Captain Knutsen, Metropolitan Police Department.

Resolution Supporting Daytime Loading Zone on C Street SE at 11th Street, SE.

Wednesday, November 14

ANC6C meets at 700pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentations:

MPD, crime and community concerns: Captain John Knutsen, 1st District.

Office of People’s Counsel update, Cheryl Morse.

Consent Calendar (items which will pass en bloc with one vote unless any commissioner objects)

Streets Market, 51 M Street NE, Class B and CR grocery and restaurant liquor license.

Café Fili, 701 Second Street NE, class C restaurant liquor license.

NoMa Parks Foundation update.

Rock n Roll Marathon, Saturday, March 9, 2019, new route.

Capital Bikeshare Station, New Jersey and F Streets, NW.

400 M Street, NE, Public Space application – driveway and patio modification at private residence.

Fancy Radish, 600 H Street, NE, Public Space application – unenclosed sidewalk café.

Louisiana Avenue bike lane.

Proposed rulemaking and legislation: RPP, dockless vehicles, solid waste collection.

Patterson Street, NE—update on RFP request, nonvoting item.

1200 Third Street NE, Zoning application – modification to previously approved PUD.

Thursday, November 15

Public Space Forum, 7:00pm, Hill Center, 922 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE:  Ward 6 Matters: Putting the “Public” in Public Space.

“Be it the use of the curbside for parking or food trucks, pocket parks, increased density awarded as a result of a Planned Unit Development, the ubiquitous sidewalk cafes that dot our urban landscape or the provision of new roadways, the organization and administration of Public Space impacts the lives of District residents. “Public Space” is all horizontal space outside private property lines as well the air rights above the limit that property owners can develop as a matter of right.

On November 15 between 7 and 9 p.m., a public panel will discuss the manner in which the District of Columbia both administers public space as well as the means in which it is transferred permanently or leased to the private realm. Is the current system of public space administration adequate? Should it be reformed? Should there be more citizen involvement analogous to what occurs in zoning matters? The Hill Rag, The Ward 6 Democrats and Hill Center have selected a knowledgeable panel to discuss the current arrangements and brainstorm ideas for the future:”

Panelists:

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen.

Associate Director for the Public Space Regulations Division (PSRD) Matthew Marcou.

The Chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D Meredith Fascett.

Former Historic Preservation Board Member Nancy Metzger.

Founder and President of Greater Greater Washington and Executive Director of DC Sustainable Transportation (DCST) Dave Alpert.

Questions for the panelists will be taken both by email prior to the event at ward6matters@hillrag.com and in writing at the event itself.

Join our panelists and neighbors for a lively discussion of the hows and whys of Public Space.

Sponsored by The Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

This is a free event:  Register here: https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=2399A72D-90BC-E87D-9FD63B0586D81E1C

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm at Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.

CM Allen/MPD Officials Respond to NE Resident Fear on Homicides

by Larry Janezich

There was a standing room only crowd at ANC6A’s November meeting Thursday night to hear CM Charles Allen and MPD 1^st District Commander Morgan Kane and MPD 5^th District Commander William Fitzpatrick address concerns about the recent homicides a few blocks northeast of Lincoln Park and a spate of gunshots in the community as well as a number of shootings near 15^th and Benning Road, NE.  This area saw the shooting of eight people in five incidents in a two week period spanning October and November.

Of most concern were two homicides a few blocks apart on D Street, NE, which occurred within a nine days of each other in mid-October.  The killings were not related, according to 1^st District Commander Kane.  The latest occurred on October 16, in the 1300 block of D Street, NE.  Neighbors described the victim – Ezequiel Jimenez Pinto, 59 – as a valued and loved member of the community.  Jimenez died after being shot multiple times at 1:15pm in front of his house. There are no suspects in what police believe was a targeted shooting; a car pulled up, they said, and shot directly into the victim’s car.

That killing in the 1300 block of D Street followed an October 7^th homicide at 5:30pm, a few blocks away at 15^th and D, near the home of CM Allen.  Walter Baylor, 32, died after suffering a gunshot wound.  In this case, a suspect was arrested almost immediately after running a stop sign while fleeing.  The arresting officers did not know a shooting had occurred.  The suspect remains in custody.

5^th District Commander Fitzpatrick explained that a number of shootings around 1500 Benning Road were related to a turf war between youths who are residents of the Pentacle Apartments near the starburst intersection.  He said that they were unrelated to a nearby stabbing homicide nearby which had occurred Thursday morning.  (Police subsequently made an arrest in the stabbing case on Friday.)

Allen said the shooting at 15^th and D, occurred literally outside his house.  He attributed the quick closure of the case to the beefed up police presence in the neighborhood following the earlier homicide.  Regarding that shooting in the 1300 block of D, he said MPD had really good video from cameras of residents participating in MPD’s private security camera rebate system and urged residents to take advantage of the $250 rebate for purchase of a camera. (See here:  https://ovsjg.dc.gov/service/private-security-camera-system-incentive-program)

As to how officials are responding to concerns about the violent crime, Allen cited his policy and budget efforts to put resources in the hands of MPD and reminded the audience that addressing violent crime is not just up to officers.  Kane and Fitzpatrick both cited the MPD’s hard work to take guns off the streets.

When a neighborhood experiences a serious violent crime what usually happens is that police react to resident concerns and deploy resources borrowed from other jurisdictions to bolster police presence in the area.  Things calm down and those resources have to be deployed to another hot spot.  The departure leaves residents feeling less safe and frustrated.

Community pressure then results in a community meeting to discuss public safety.  All four of the ANCs which touch Capitol Hill have had several of these meeting over the past ten years, and typically run to form.  The standard procedure unfolds as follow as officials 1) reassure the community, 2) explain what measures are being taken to respond to concerns, and 3) remind residents that prevention of violent crime depends on residents taking steps to make themselves less vulnerable and to build an alert and engaged community.

More specifically, with respect to prevention, officials have some recommendations.  They urge residents to participate in MPD’s security camera program, which provides benefits after criminal activity occurs, and maybe helps to reduce overall crime by taking miscreants off the street.  In addition, residents can help make the streetscape less conducive to crime by reporting to CM Allen’s office poor lighting on dimly lit blocks because of poor lighting or because they are shadowed by overhanging tree limbs.  Finally, residents’ best defense against violent crime is what the police call “situational awareness” – if something doesn’t look right don’t hesitate to call 911.

In reality and too often, any neighborhood is subject to the random violent crime of opportunity, the unexplained homicide, or the violent interaction of rival community factions.  Our streets are generally safe, but residents need to behave as though they are not.  And heed CM Allen’s final piece of advice:  “Hold elected leaders accountable – tell us when we’re not doing enough.”

2018 Year-to-Date Crime Comparison*

As of November 9, 2018

AG Karl Racine, CMs Allen and White Headline Capitol Hill Vets Day Ceremony on Sunday

By Larry Janezich

DC Attorney General Karl Racine, Ward Six Council Member Charles Allen, and Ward 8 Council Member At Large Robert White, will be featured speakers at Capitol Hill’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Folger Park.  The ceremony will begin at 11:00am.  The park is located at 3^rd and D Streets, SE, across the street from the Kenneth H. Nash American Legion Post #8, commanded by Jason R. Secrest, sponsor of the event. The Marine Corps band will be in attendance as well.  This year’s ceremony is being held to mark the 100^th Anniversary of the end of WWI.

Commander Secrest says the event this year will be expanded to include static displays.  The Post will hold a reception in the Legion Post afterward.

Unofficial Election Results for Capitol Hill’s Four Advisory Neighborhood Commissions  & Silverman Re-elected

by Larry Janezich

Qualifier:  As of 11:02pm Tuesday night, with a 142 out of 143 precincts reporting with no idea which precinct is outstanding this morning at 6:00am, the election results for four of the five Ward 6 ANCs which touch Capitol Hill are below.

But first, Anita Bonds and Elissa Silverman were re-elected as At Large Members of the City Council.

ANC6A– Contested seats:  6A03, 6A05, 6A06 are in Bold (Winners of contested seats are underlined – the candidates for the other seats were unopposed and were elected)

ANC6A01 Marie-Claire Brown, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6A02 Phil Toomajian, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6A03 Ramin Taheri 401 votes

ANC6A03 Mike Soderman (incumbent) Wins with 506 votes

ANC6A04 Amber Gove, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6A05 Ruth Ann Hudson (open seat) Wins with 523 votes

ANC6A05 Alan Chargin (open seat) 432 votes

ANC6A06 Stephanie Zinny (incumbent) Wins with 628 votes

ANC6006 H.J. Amons Sr. (challenger) 164 votes

ANC6A07 Sondra Phillips-Gilbert, incumbent (unopposed)

NC6A08 Brian Alcorn (unopposed)

ANC6B – Contested seat:  6B05 in Bold (Winners of contested seats are underlined – the candidates for the other seats were unopposed and were elected)

ANC6B01 Jennifer Samolyk, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6B02 Gerald Sroufe, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6B03 Brian Ready, open seat (unopposed)

ANCB04 Kirsten Oldenburg, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6B05 Taylor Kuether, open seat 188 votes

ANC6B05 Steve Holtzman, open seat Wins with 614 votes

ANC6B06 Corey Holman, open seat (unopposed)

ANC6B07 Kelly Waud, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6B08  Chander Jayaraman, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6B09  Kasie Clark (unopposed)

ANC6B10 Kathryin Denise Rucker Krepp, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6C – Contested seat:  6C05 in Bold (Winners of contested seats are underlined – the candidates for the other seats were unopposed and were elected)

ANC6C01 Christine Healey, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6C02 Karen Wirt, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6C03 Jay Adelstein, open seat, (unopposed)

ANC6C04 Mark Eckenwiler, incumbent  (unopposed)

ANC6C05 Joel Kelty (open seat) Wins with 551 votes

ANC6C06 Chad M. Ernst (open seat) 520 votes

AND6C06 Robb Dooling , open seat (unopposed)

ANC6D Contested seats: 6Do02, 6D05 and 6D07 in Bold (Winners of contested seats are underlined – the candidates for the other seats were unopposed and were elected)  AND6C01 Gail Fast (unopposed)

ANC6D01 Gail Fast (incumbent)

ANC6D02 Cara Lea Shockley (incumbent) 257 votes

ANC6D02 Anna Forgie, challenger Wins with 1000 votes

ANC6C03 Ron Collins, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6C04 Andy Litsky, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6D05 Roger Moffatt (incumbent) 402 votes

ANC6D05 Anthony Dale (challenger) Wins with 513 votes

ANC6D06 Rhonda Natalie Hamilton, incumbent (unopposed)

ANC6D07 Edward Daniels (open seat) Wins with 822 votes

ANC6D07 Brant J. Miller (open seat)  534 votes

ANC6D07 Patrick Witte (open seat) 212 votes

Capitol Hill Corner Editorial:  Why I Didn’t Vote for Bowser

by Larry Janezich

I voted early on Friday over at Sherwood Recreation Center.  I didn’t vote for Mayor Bower as I have  before, and here’s why:

Bowser endorsed and helped raise money for the campaign of an opponent of CM Elissa Silverman, apparently owing to Silverman’s critical government oversight activities and her support for a Bowser-opposed parental leave act.  Contributions to the opponent’s campaign skyrocketed after the Mayor’s endorsement.  A report on the donors to the campaign should make interesting reading. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/bowser-to-back-dionne-bussey-reeder-council-challenger-to-elissa-silverman/2018/09/19/ca77ef7a-bbb2-11e8-a8aa-860695e7f3fc_story.html?utm_term=.da5e212eca43

Bowser’s administration pressured the DC Department of General Services to award contracts to a Bowser campaign donor.  Former Admiral Chris Weaver chose to resign as head of DGS rather than carry out instructions from City Administrator Rashad Young to fire two DGS employees who failed to award a city contract for the St. Elizabeth Development to a Bowser contributor, Fort Meyer Construction.  https://capitolhillcorner.org/2017/07/22/editorial-bowser-on-dgs-firing-scandal-move-along-folks-nothing-to-see-here/

Bowser waved away criticism of City Administration Rashad Young and Deputy Mayor Courtney Snowden after they were allowed to bypass the DC school lottery system and place their children in desired schools.  (Seriously, how does Young still have a job in this administration?)  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/after-favoritism-revealed-in-school-lottery-dc-parents-wait-on-apology/2017/05/21/8876c2da-3c25-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.d240543d1ea9

The Bowser administration failed to reappoint watchdog Traci Hughes as Director of the Office of Open Government, apparently for being too good at her job.  https://capitolhillcorner.org/2018/02/12/whats-really-happening-with-director-hughes-and-the-dc-office-of-open-government/

Fresh PAC. Pay to play, pure and simple.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-mayors-allies-reluctantly-shut-down-controversial-pac/2015/11/11/63d48b32-884a-11e5-be39-0034bb576eee_story.html?utm_term=.308c243c1e57

One of the things that I learned when I first came to Washington in 1966 was, “If you can’t trust them on the little things, you can’t trust them on the big ones.”  Or maybe these are the big ones.

The Week Ahead…& A Report on the First Meeting on the Renovation of Southeast Library

by Larry Janezich

Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of the DC public libraries, chaired the first community meeting on renovation of Southeast Library at Hill Center last Tuesday, October 30.  He told the 75 or so attendees – including CM Charles Allen – that DC Public Library has allocated $23.5 million for expansion of Southeast Library and that the planning would take place simultaneously with the planning for the redevelopment of Metro Plaza to provide maximum integration of the projects.

One major change in the plan for the development of the Metro Plaza forwarded by Amy Weinstein and Escoff Associates (see here https://bit.ly/2OcPVg7) which concerns the library is that there will be no entrance on the Plaza or construction associated with the library under 7^th Street.

The need for the renovation is acute:  There are 30 public libraries in DC (including the library in the DC jail – see here:  https://bit.ly/2qq3rDM ) and Southeast Library is the seventh busiest.

Reyes-Gavilan projected a Power Point illustration depicting the schedule for the modernization project.

In 2021 Southeast Library will close for up to two years for construction.  As of now, there is no plan for an interim library during the closure because funds for a temporary location would necessarily be deducted for the funds for redevelopment.  Residents will be encouraged to use the Northeast Library.

The strategy for bringing the community into the process involves five community meetings, focus groups to solicit input, internet surveys and commentary, as well as consultation with the ANC6B and local civic organizations.

An Advisory Committee to be appointed by Commissioner Allen for the library project.  Attending the meeting were CM Charles Allen, ANC6B representatives, Barracks Row and Eastern Market Main Streets representatives, Friends of Southeast Library, and EMMCAC representatives.

For more information, see here: https://www.dclibrary.org/southeastlibraryrenovation

The Week Ahead…Public Safety: CM Allen & MPD 1st District Commander Kane – ANC6A Thursday

Monday, November 5

NOTE NEW DAY FOR THIS MEETING OWING TO ELECTION DAY CONFLICTS:  ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

2019 Rock N’ Roll DC Marathon and Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2019.

New un-enclosed sidewalk cafe at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Public Space Permit.

816 Potomac Avenue, SE, Zoning Adjustment – special exception to construct a four-story addition to an existing apartment house.

329 16th Street, SE, Zoning Adjustment – special exception to construct a third-story and rear addition to a principal dwelling unit and convert the dwelling into a flat.

710 E Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/three-story rear addition.

423 4th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – concept/rear three-story addition.

530 11th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/ rear three-story addition and one-story rooftop addition.

712 5th Street SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/rear and rooftop additions.

304 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Historic Preservation Application Review.   Owner: Air Line Pilots Association International .

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.

Agenda items could include: 

613 Lexington Place, NE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/third floor rear addition and covered rear porch.

210 9th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/demolish rear additions and construct new three-story rear.

1225-1227 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/one-story roof addition.

302 South Carolina Avenue, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept/rooftop addition; rear porches.

Tuesday, November 6 – Election Day

ANC 6C Environment, Parks & Events Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Office Building, 700 2nd Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  NoMA Parks Foundation – status update on pending park projects and underpass installations.

Presentation:  Department of Public Works – Celeste Duffie.  The discussion will focus on residential, commercial and public collection of trash, recycling and composting.

Wednesday, November 7

ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 6:30pm in the Southeast Library, lower level, 403 7^th Street, SE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Resolution on Resident Only Parking for ANC 6B04.

Proposed Regulations on New Permit Process for Dockless Vehicles.

Discussion on Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero Proposals.

Comments on Notice of Intent on Short Term Traffic Calming Measures at Kentucky, Potomac, G, and 15^th.

Resolution Supporting Daytime Loading Zone on C Street, SE, at 11th Street SE.

Thursday, November 8

ANC6A will meet at 7:00pm at Miner Elementary, 601 15^th Street, NEp

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Discussion – CM Charles Allen, MPD First District Commander Morgan Kane, and MPD Fifth District Commander William Fitzgerald.

Presentation:  Celeste Duffie – Department of Public Works (presumably to discuss issues raised before ANC6C’s Environment, Parks & Events Committee on Tuesday – see above).

Grant request from Miner Elementary School in the amount of $899.00 towards the purchase of seven (7) laptops for students.

Dangerously Delicious Pies, 1339 H Street, NE – proposed amendment to the Settlement Agreement to allow the summer garden to close at 12:00 midnight on Sunday through Thursday nights, and 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights and the nights before federal holidays.

O2, 1350-1352 H Street, NE – new restaurant liquor license application.

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Dae Ah LLC t/a Capitol Supreme Market, 501 4th Street, SE, Retailer’s Class B liquor license – Grocery; Request to update the existing Settlement Agreement to expand hours of operation and sale of alcohol as follows:  Mon-Sun 7am – 11pm; and the requested Hours of SALES of Alcohol are: Mon-Sun 9am – 11 pm.

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets at 6:30pm at Northeast Library, 7^th and D Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  2 Patterson Street, NE – Update on RFP (request for proposals) for 42,000sf lot.

1200 3rd Street, NE – Zoning application for modification of consequence to previously approved PUD.

Presentation:  Capitol Crossing/I-395 air-rights project.  Zoning Application – Informational presentation on contemplated modification to approved first-stage PUD to replace residential use with hotel use.

Comprehensive Plan updates – Review of recent supplemental report from the Office of Planning on the Comp Plan’s Framework Element.

Friends of Southeast Library meet at 5:30pm at Southeast Library, lower level. 

Sunday, November 11 – Veterans Day

SPECIAL EVENT:  VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

Jason R. Secrest, Commander of the Kenneth H. Nash American Legion Post #8 at 224 D Street, SE, has announced the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will be held this year to mark the 100^th Anniversary of the end of WWI.  The Ceremony will be held in Forger Park at 11:00am.  The Post will hold a reception in the Legion Post following the event. 

The Week Ahead…City Moves on  Renovation of SE Library and Redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza

By Larry Janezich

The city has launched two major Eastern Market community projects: the renovation of both the Southeast Library and the Redesign of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza.

The initial community meeting to unveil plans and time line regarding the library will take place on Tuesday (see The Week Ahead below).

Last week, the first meeting of the 13 member* Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Team (EMMPAT) took place on Monday in the North Hall of Eastern Market.  The Advisory Team was appointed by DC’s Department of General Services (DGS); DGS will be the project manager.

The meeting was largely organizational and informational.  The team elected as co-chairs Martin Smith, Executive Director of Barracks Row Main Street, and Madeleine Odendahl, Executive Director of Eastern Market Main Street.  David Perry, Chair of the Board of Directors of Barracks Row Main Street, even though not on the Advisory Team, announced his intention to be at every meeting – which seems to indicate his belief that future meetings of the Advisory Team should be open to the public.  Capitol Hill Corner strongly shares and supports this belief.

The mission of the Advisory Team is to stimulate, encourage and ensure community involvement in the redesign process.  To that end, DGS and the EMMPAT co-directors will determine a schedule for community meetings every two months, with the first occurring in the next few weeks.  In addition, a website to solicit community input will be on line soon.

At Monday’s meeting, DGS presented several concept options regarding how to spend the $4.5 million currently available – CM Charles Allen, got the funding included in the budget.  EMMPAT’s loose consensus was that the initial focus should be on Parcel 1 – currently the site of both a neighborhood children’s improvised playground and a drug-user-seller habitat.  As if that were not enough, additional impetus for favoring Parcel 1 is the additional private funding available from a deal cut with the community by the developers of the Hine Project.  As part of the community benefits to offset the project’s increased density and massing, the developers pledged $50,000 for Metro Plaza landscaping and $75,000 for a playground on Parcel 1.  The funds were later combined for use on the playground.

The basic concept for the redesign was created by architect Amy Weinstein of Escoff & Associates.  In 2013, Weinstein was awarded a $500,000 contract by Barracks Row Main Street, funded by a Congressional earmark.  (See here: https://bit.ly/2OcPVg7)  Weinstein subsequently produced a long term $45 million plan in December of that year.  That design included an entrance on the Plaza to an expansion of Southeast Library which would be built under 7^th Street – a plan which DC Public Libraries later nixed as being unfeasible.

The Plaza redesign plan involves multiple city and federal agencies, including DGS, the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Energy and Environment, the Office of Planning, the Office of Zoning, DC Public Libraries, and the Historic Preservation Review Board.  Federal agencies include the National Park Service, National Planning Commission, and the US Commission on Fine Arts.

Members of the Design/Build Team for Metro Plaza development:  Keystone Plus Construction, MOVA Design Partners, LandDesign, AMT Civil Engineering; Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger Structural Engineering and Setty MEP Engineering.

*The members of the EMMPAT include: Martin Smith, Co-Chair (Barracks Row Main Street), Madeleine Odendahl, Co-Chair (Eastern Market Main Street), Gerald Sroufe (ANC 6B02 Commissioner), Nicky Cymrot, (Capitol Hill Community Foundation & Hill Center), Patti Brosmer (Capitol Hill BID President), Laura Marks (CM Allen’s Office), Nichole Opkins (CM Allen’s Office), Donna Scheeder (EMCAC), Julie Aaronson, (Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce – CHAMPS), Monte Edwards (Capitol Hill Restoration Society), Brittny Pinto (Ward 6 Mayor’s representative), Mikaela Ferrill (Ward 6 Mayor’s representative), Neal Gregory (Friends of the South East Library)

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, October 30

ANC6B’s Executive Committee will meet at 7:00pm in Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, to set the agenda for November 2018 ANC meeting. 

Community Meeting on Redesign of Southeast Library.  7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Agenda:

Plans to renovate the Library, project timeline and the process for community engagement.  

Editor’s Note:  

Early Voting All Week, Friday, October 29 – Friday, November 2.  Ward 6 locations:

Sherwood Recreation Center – Gymnasium, 640 10th Street, NE. 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

King Greenleaf Recreation Center – Gymnasium, 201 N Street, SW.  8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

The Week Ahead… also, Two Homicides – Eastern Market Metro Plaza – Silverman

By Larry Janezich

Crime  – Significant crime events on or near Capitol Hill last week included two homicides, a carjacking with a five year old child aboard, and robbery of a drug store.  On Tuesday, a man was killed by gunfire in the 1300 block of D Street, NE.  Last night (Saturday), a man was killed by gunfire across the street from the Arthur Capper Senior Public Housing at 9^th and D, Southwest.  The widely-reported carjacking with a child aboard occurred Friday as a mother was dropping off her child at Watkins School.  (See  here: https://wapo.st/2S80p3N)   The CVS at 12th and Pennsylvania was held up on Friday the 12th. What wasn’t widely reported was the unprovoked random assault about 5:00pm Saturday, October 13, in the crosswalk at the 8^th and Pennsylvania Starbucks crosswalk, when a man cold-cocked a pedestrian, knocking him down and breaking his glasses as he passed by – after which the assailant sauntered off to the Barracks Row 7-11 where he was later arrested by police.  PCP may have been a factor in the crime.  The 7-11, by the way, was the also under-reported scene of a 7:30am stabbing on October 9.

(According to MPD crime stats, as of October 19, 2018, there have been 131 homicides in the District, compared with 92 on the same date last year – a 44% increase.  https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/district-crime-data-glance   These figures are changing as this is being written.  Tonight (SundayO) at 7:15pm, a man was killed by gunfire at New York Avenue, NW and North Capitol Street, NW.)

Eastern Market Metro Plaza –  At long last, it looks like things are starting to move regarding the stalled Phase 1 (the playground) of the redevelopment of Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  An advisory committee comprised of “stakeholders” is scheduled to hold a meeting this week at a time and place uncertain.  One of the stakeholders is the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee represented by Chair Donna Scheeder, who has scheduled an update on the meeting at EMCAC’s monthly meeting Wednesday night (see below).

Silverman – In other news, some 90 people attended last Monday’s meet and greet for Elissa Silverman, current incumbent and independent candidate for one of the city council member at large seats.  Among those attending were DC Attorney General Karl Racine and Councilmember Charles Allen.  Ken Jarboe and Martha Huizenga & Matt Wade were co-hosts for the event which was sponsored by Barbara & Jim Loots, Nancy Broers & Chuck Burger, and Monte Edwards.

Mayor Bowser has endorsed candidate Dionne Reeder who is running for the independent seat (one of the two member at large seats is reserved for a member not of the party controlling the council).  Democratic incumbent Anita Bonds appears to be favored to win the other seat.

The Week Ahead….

Tuesday, October 23

ANC6D Commissioner and attorney Denise Rucker Krepp addresses sexual assault in college at 6:30pm at East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

Krepp presents on ways parents can use their positional power to change how colleges and universities address sexual assault complaints.  Krepp “will share lessons learned from her work as a former federal agency chief counsel responsible for one of the five federal service schools as well as a locally elected official who sued the Department of Justice in 2016 for prosecution data related to campus sexual assaults in Washington, DC.”  Event is free and open to the public but please advise that you’re attending via Facebook or at rsvp@eastcitybookshop.com

Also see:  https://www.eastcitybookshop.com/event/addressing-sexual-assault-college-denise-rucker-krepp

Wednesday, October 24

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm, North Hall of Eastern Market, 225 7^th Street, SE. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Election of Officers

Market Managers Report

Update on Eastern Market Metro Plaza advisory team

 

 

The Week Ahead… and, so, what ‘s the problem with the axe throwing bar in SW?

by Larry Janezich

The week ahead has ANC6D discussing the $12,000 fine for the axe throwing bar “Kracken Axes” at Field House DC in SW.  The outlet was fined in by city’s alcohol licensing board for violations including or connected to illegal sale of alcohol, no Certificate of occupancy, and interfering with an investigation – not that you would find those details in 6D’s agenda.  ANC6D continues to make its published agenda as non-transparent as possible, so it’s also hard to figure out what the liquor license issue with Circa at Navy Yard is all about – likewise with the several public space applications on their draft agenda.  And 6D is also considering the renewal of a license to sell medical marijuana in 6D at an unnamed and unspecified location; how do they get away with that?

ANC6A’s Transportation Committee will talk about requiring Rock N Roll race organizers to re-route the resident-vexing Marathon to lessen the  impact on 6A’s neighborhood.

Also, GoBus service from Eastern Market to NYC launches at 8:00am, Monday, from 8^th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, at an introductory $9 one-way fare.  Not sure how long that will last.

ANC6A’s Alcohol beverage Committee is considering a new restaurant license for O2 (Oxygen, one gathers) at 1350-1352 H Street, NE.

And ANC6A’s Economic and Development Committee meets on Wednesday, but hasn’t quite gotten around to posting the agenda by CHC’s press time.  We’ll post it if and when.

And, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society is sponsoring an exposition in the North Hall of Eastern Market on Sunday, the 21^st, with 30 exhibitors to answer any question you have about interior or exterior improvements to your Capitol Hill home.

By the way – the Friends of Southeast Library raised more than $1,700.00 for the Library at last Saturday’s book sale – and stay tuned for some upcoming info on the first community meeting late in the month on the renovation/rebuilding of Southeast Library.

Monday, October 15

ANC6D meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4^th Street, SW, in the 2^nd floor conference room. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 105 & PSA 106) Capt. Pulliam, Lt. Queen.

Presentation:  Council Bills on Food Trucks and Waterfront Park – Chris Laskowski.

Presentation:  Southwest Community Center Update – Andrea Gilliam.

Informational discussion:   Field House DC. ABC Board Consent Order 9/26/18 on “Kraken Axes’” $12,000 fine.

Circa at Navy Yard/El Bebe, 99 M Street, SE – unspecified alcohol beverage license issue.  “Conditional vote” scheduled.

10 I Street, SE, (Splash Car Wash Site) – Zoning Adjustment for Area Variance for Self-Storage.

Yards West, 1 1/2 St., 1299 New Jersey Avenue, SE – Public Space Application by Forest City for Parcel I,

DCHA Text Amendment Regarding a 5 Year Extension for the Capper Parking Lots – Squares 767, 768, 8825.

1000 First Street, SE, Paradigm Companies. – Public Space Application.

Letter to DCRA RE Grosvenor Application for Digital Signage at First Street and N Street, SE.

Letter to DOH RE Medical Marijuana Facility Renewal Application.

ANC Payment for Services to Capitol Hill Village re Drivers for Capper Seniors

ANC6A Transportation Committee and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm, Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Continuation of discussion with Rock N Roll Marathon representatives and MPD Special Operations Unit regarding the 2019 marathon course in Ward 6, especially ANC 6A. At the September TPS meeting, event organizers were advised to return with proposed route changes that would lessen the impact on Ward 6 residents, particularly those in 6A.

Discussion of K Street, NE, Corridor Study with DDOT’s Emily Dalphy.

Discussion of Capitol Hill Pedestrian Safety – report from Hill is Home, with Caitlin Roggers.

GoBus inaugurates round trip service to NYC at 8:00am at 8^th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE corner. 

Tuesday, October 16

Among items on the draft agenda:

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

Discussion of request by Dangerously Delicious Pies at 1339 H Street, NE, for an extension of its second floor summer garden hours.

Discussion of new restaurant alcohol beverage license application for O2, at 1350-1352 H Street, NE.

CHRS Board of Directors meets at 7:00pm, in Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE, 2^nd Floor.

Wednesday, October 17

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm, at Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Street, NE. 

(Agenda not available at press time).

Capitol Hill Restoration Café: “Curb Appeal: How to Preserve a Rowhouse Façade.´ Northeast Library, 330 7^th Street, NE, lower level. 

Sunday, October 21

CHRS House Expo, 10 am to 4 pm, Eastern Market North Hall, featuring over 30 home service exhibitors: roofing, ironwork, windows, home elevator, and more.  Free.