Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Joelvincii In Retrospect” Explores Identity, Class and Race at The Fridge

by Larry Janezich

Joelvincii’s works, currently on view at The Fridge through October 28, attempt to answer the question the artist asks himself, “What is my identity and where did I come from?”  He told a crowd at an artist’s talk at the National Gallery of Art on October 1, that his work is a “summary of my understanding of history.”  And he sees that history as a process of evolution – a series of adaptations of people to their environment.

The 27 paintings in the exhibit at the Fridge explore the identity from the viewpoint of an African American man who was raised in Southeast DC who attended high school in an affluent Northwest neighborhood.

The artist’s goal, he says, is to generate a conversation between viewers – he sees art as a means to generate a discussion about race that might not be possible in other settings:  “I want people to be better informed and to better understand the experience of what it means to be an African American living in America today.”

Asked about his half-grey hair, Joelvincii says “It’s not a birthmark, unfortunately.  It’s a symbol of neutrality between black and white – it’s a daily reminder that getting caught up in race is self-destructive and to escape that you have to have grace.”

The exhibit is on view through October 28.  Saturday, October 13, The Gallery will be open special hours – 10:00am – 6:00pm.

 

In recent days, coverage of community issues has taken a back seat to legacy media coverage of the Kavanaugh nomination.  Local issues seem pale in comparison to the story unfolding on the national level – trivial in comparison.  Many of us have recoiled and withdrawn from news reports and social media.  Yet, we must inevitably return to the community and to the issues we deal with on a daily basis.  Rather than paragraphs of text, CHC offers a series of photos concerning events of the past two days which it believes the community should know about.

Larry Janezich

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Week Ahead… Councilmember Candidates Debate at Hill Center on Wednesday and Friday

Monday, October 8

Columbus Day.  Holiday observed by DC Department of Public Works.  No trash pickup.

Tuesday, October 9

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm, in Hill Center.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentations:

DPW invited to discuss annual leaf collection and other issues.

Possible update on retail in the Frager’s Development.

Orchid, 520 8th Street, S.E.; Senart’s, LLC; Alcohol beverage license. Substantial change application to change from a Class C restaurant license to a Tavern license.

710 E Street, SE, (deferred from September); Historic Preservation Application, concept/three-story rear addition.

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

210 9th Street, SE; Historic Preservation Application, concept/rear addition.

210 9th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application, Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.

 526-528 8th Street, SE, Zoning Adjustment Application; Special exception and variance relief to redevelop an existing surface parking lot with a three-story commercial building.

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.

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

DDOT Public Space Application: Applicant by Academy Bus LLC, for 5 curbside spaces at 400 8th Street (actual location is on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in front of Community Connections), for use all hours on weekdays/weekends.

Wednesday, October 10

ANC6C meets at 7:00pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation: Sarah Fashbaugh, ABRA, license renewal information.

Streets Market, 51 M Street, NE, new alcohol beverage license application, Class B and CR, full grocery store and restaurant.

Buffalo and Bergen, 240 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, new alcohol beverage license application, Class C tavern.

Fancy Radish, 600 H Street, NE; Public Space Application for an unenclosed sidewalk café.

Buffalo and Bergen, 240 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Public Space Application for an unenclosed sidewalk café.

912 5th Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application; Amended application for a special exception from lot Occupancy requirements to build a two-story structure with garage.

Appeal of Station Townhouses LLC, 701 2nd Street NE, BZA 19861—Discussion of ANC6C participation in appeal from Zoning Administrator’s Certificate of Occupancy revocation.

Presentation:  NoMa Parks Foundation update

Presentation: Rock n Roll Marathon, Saturday, March 9, 2019

ANC6C vice chair election

DC Council At-Large Candidates Debate, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.   Chamberlain Elementary at 1345 Potomac Ave. SE. Anita Bonds, Raiph J. Chittams Sr, Denise Hicks, Rustin M. Lewis, Dionne Reeder, David Schwartzman and Elissa Silverman.  Andrew Lightman will moderate.  The debates are sponsored by the Hill Rag, Ward 6 Democrats, Hill Center, and DC GOP.  Hosts include CHRS, CHAMPS, PAVE, and the CH Public School Parent Organization.

Thursday, October 11

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm, Miner Elementary, 601 Fifteenth Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentation: Nathan Morris, Coordinator, Facility Planning and Design, DCPS – Maury Elementary School Modernization Timeline, Contractor Parking.

Chris Laskowski, Legislative Policy Advisor, Office of Ward 6 Councilmember Allen – Daytime School Parking Zone Act.

Discussion: Block Party Application and Requirements.

Halftime Sports Bar, 1427 H Street, NE;  Alcohol Beverage Application for changes to its license (adding cover charge endorsement, 39-seat summer garden, and overall expansion of seating capacity).

Letter to the DC Council in support of Councilmember Charles Allen’s legislation (B22-0351), as amended, that would create a School Parking Zone Program.

824 13th Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception to construct a new flat at said address.

16 10^th Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application and Historic Preservation Application for construction of a rooftop penthouse on a row house at said address.

1661 Gales Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application to subdivide three existing lots into two lots.

Friday, October 12

Ward Six Councilmember Candidate Debate at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Candidates. Charles Allen, Democrat; and Michael Bekesha, Republican.  Andrew Lightman will moderate.  The debates are sponsored by the Hill Rag, Ward 6 Democrats, Hill Center, and DC GOP.  Hosts include CHRS, CHAMPS, PAVE, and the CH Public School Parent Organization.

GoBus Launches NYC Service from Eastern Market Stop on Monday, October 15

by Larry Janezich

Starting Monday, October 15, GoBus launches bus service to/from Manhattan at the  the Eastern Market pickup/drop off spot.

On Monday, the fare for the inaugural round trip service will be $30.

For more info on fares and GoBus’ mid-week fall sale, see here:  https://bit.ly/2zSNiMF

 

NYC GoBus Service Could Begin This Month from Stop Near Eastern Market

By Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg’s ANC6B Transportation Committee voted to support a public space application for use of space on Pennsylvania Avenue near 8^th Street for a pickup/drop-off location for their service to New York City.   The issue will go to the full ANC next Tuesday, where it is expected to receive the support of the Commission before forwarding to the DC Department of Transportation Public Space Committee.

Company representatives say the service could start in “a couple of weeks “if DDOT grants us a temporary permit”.

The 55 passenger buses will make two runs a day on most days and 3 runs a day Friday and Sunday.  Fares and departure times will vary depending on the day of the week, with fares increasing during the holiday seasons.  Complete information will be available as soon as the company receives the permit, on their website:   https://www.gobuses.com/nyc-to-dc-va/

The stop will be the final pickup point before getting on 295 for the four hour trip to the 30th Street and 9th Avenue stop in Manhattan, on a route that starts in Capitol Heights with stops in Alexandria and L’Enfant Plaza.  Company reps say buses will stop for about ten minutes at the site.

 

 

The Week Ahead…and Some News on the Blue Castle

By Larry Janezich

Monday, October 1

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente, 700 2^nd Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentation:  Sarah Fashbaugh ABRA Community Resource Officer, on ABRA License Renewal

Streets Market, 51 M Street, NE – application for new Class B and CR – Full Service Grocery Store and Restaurant liquor license.

BB240MASS, LLC d/b/a Buffalo & Bergen, 240 Massachusetts Avenue, NE – transfer of retailer’s Class C Tavern license to a new location with substantial change.

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

Agenda:

To review current historic preservation applications.

Tuesday, October 2

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm, St. Coletta, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

 710 E Street, SE, (Deferred from September) – Historic Preservation application – concept/three-story rear addition.

HPA 18-619: 716-718 L Street SE; concept/demolish building except for the L Street elevation; Owner/applicant Sheila Safavi, 202-558-8385, sheilasafavi@tx.rr.com   [6B04]

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

210 9th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application – concept/rear addition.

210 9th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment application – Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.

526-528 8th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment application – Special exception and variance relief to redevelop an existing surface parking lot with a three-story commercial building.

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.

Letter to Zoning Commission regarding definition of side yards

ANC 6C Environment, Parks & Events Committee meets at Kaiser Permanente, 700 2^nd Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

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

Rock n Roll Marathon (Scheduled for Saturday March 9, 2019) – Diane Romo Thomas will discuss the race and ask for ANC 6C support. The race route is unchanged from last year and MPD again will enforce no-parking restrictions along the race course. See link below for information concerning the course and parking restrictions: https://www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/dc/the-races/road-closures

Wednesday, October 3

ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Academy Bus LLC – Public Space application for 5 curbside spaces at 400 8th Street, SE and Pennsylvania Avenue for use by GoBus all hours on weekdays/weekends.

DDOT Presentation on  Short Term Options for the 15th & G Streets, SE, and Potomac & Kentucky Avenues, SE, Intersection.

Discussion of 8th Street, SE, Traffic Signals Synchronization.

Discussion of delays of Pepco Repairs of E Street, SE.

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:

912 5th Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment application for special to construct a two-story accessory structure containing a garage in the RF-1 zone.

Square 750 map amendment (2nd & K Streets, NE.   Application of Lean Development for map amendment to change the zoning of four lots on the southeast corner of 2nd & K Streets, NE, from PDR-1 (moderate-density commercial and production/distribution/repair) to a mix of MU-4 (moderate-density mixed use) and MU-5A (medium-density, compact mixed-use development with an emphasis on residential use).

Appeal of Station Townhouses LLC (701 2nd Street NE.  Zoning Adjustment application – discussion of potential ANC6C participation in appeal from Zoning Administrator’s proposed revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (based on repeated short-term rentals inconsistent with the C of O).

Thursday, October 4

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will meet at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

520 8th Street, S.E.; Senart’s, LLC – Orchid – Continued consideration of liquor license application with substantial change to change from a Class C restaurant license to a Tavern license.

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente, 700 Second Street, NE.

Agenda not available at press time. 

Saturday, October 6

Community Litter Cleanup – Free Mimosas, Coffee & Donuts Will Follow.  Volunteers pick up bags and gloves at the following locations:

Fulcrum Properties – 1328 G Street, SE

Trusty’s 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

7-11 – 1501 Independence Ave3nue, SE

Atlas Vet – 1326 H Street, NE

Chik-fil-A 1401 Maryland Avenue, SE (offering free breakfast sandwich to volunteers)

Volunteers return filled bags to any of these sponsors.  At 10:00am, Fulcrum Properties offers mimosas, coffee and donuts to volunteers.

Info on rain cancellation will be available by emailing here:  CleanCapHill@gmail.com

Barracks Row’s Ghost Mural Gets (Some) New Paint

by Larry Janezich

Coca-Cola Bottling is funding the partial restoration of the company’s faded advertisement on the side of Orchid – formerly Senart’s Oyster Bar on Barrack Row.  Orchid is owned by Bill Sport of the Hill Restaurant Group and the building is owned by Mary Quillian of Mr. Henry’s.

According to sources, Coca-Cola contacted the owners and after gaining permission, obtained the permit to temporarily close the alley and hired muralist Hamilton Glass to restore part of the advertisement an add banner signage promoting Barracks Row.

A conceptual difficulty is dealing with the part of the ghosted signage which was half covered with cement long ago in order to stabilize the building.  Glass’ goal is to unite the old faded letters on part of the mural with the bright restoration of the cement-covered original in one old/new mural.  A Capitol Hill Restoration Society representative told CHC that if it’s just paint, there are no Historic District rules on paint.

One critic of the restoration and advertisement for Barrack Row is Alex Goldstein owner of The Fridge, the Barracks Row art gallery whose patrons pass by the signs on their way to his place at 516 8^th Street, rear alley.  “Paint on walls is my life,” he said, “I’m surprised those behind this didn’t talk to the neighbors about it.  I know the artist and respect him, but this looks unfinished.”

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 29, the Fall Festival will be held on Barracks Row from 11:00am until 5:00pm.  For the schedule of events, see here:  https://www.barracksrow.org/

For more of Hamilton Glass’ work, see here:  http://whosham.com/

The Week Ahead…also, please consider donating to the Capper Seniors Recovery Fund*

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, September 25

ANC6B’s Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center.

Agenda:

The Committee will set the agenda for the October meeting of ANC6B.

PSA 106 will meet at 7:00pm at the Capitol Quarter Community Center at 5th and K Streets, SE.

Agenda:

MPD will provide update on the July 21 shooting in front of the community center and on the August 23rd assault at 4th and E Streets, SE

Wednesday, September 26

ANC6B continues its September meeting at 6:00pm at Southeast Library, lower level.

Among items on the agenda:

Transportation Committee Report.

Hill East Task Force.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee Report.

Discussion on proposed changes of street parking on 7th Street, SE – request for ANC 6B to take position on this matter.

ANC6B’s Transportation Committee holds a special meeting at 6:30pm at Southeast Library, lower level.

Agenda:

Discussion of pedestrian safety and proposed improvements to the Kentucky/Potomac/15^th/G Street intersection cluster.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) meets at 7:00pm in the North Hall, Eastern Market.

Among items on the agenda:

Election of Officers

Update on Budget Matters

Market Managers Report

Capital Improvements subcommittee Report

Update from ANC 6 B on no parking signs

*The Capitol Hill Community Foundation has partnered with the Van Ness Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and ANC Commissioner Meredith Fascett to create a fund to accept donations and fundraise for the Capper Seniors who lost their homes in the fire that destroyed the 900 5th St. SE Capper Senior Building on September 19th. See here to donate: https://bit.ly/2Dp10um

 

 

St. Coletta School – On the Edge of the Community and Central to It

by Larry Janezich

St. Coletta is a federal charter school – an education venue for intellectually disabled children and adults between 3 and 22 – the age when they are required to leave the education system. Eligibility is rigorous and determined in accordance with federal standards.  Students must be diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, autism or multiple disabilities.  The school’s annual operating budget for fiscal year 2018 is approximately $24 million.

St. Coletta is certified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as an individual education institution for special education kids and young adults to prepare them for transition to the community.  The program at St. Coletta includes functional academics, skills of daily living, community-based instruction, adaptive physical education, music and art classes, computer skills and vocational training.

Their school year is 11 months during which students are prepared for an independent life.  For some it is possible – for some it is more of a challenge.  Students age 16 and over participate full-time in developing vocational skills and travel training – use of Metro and who to ask for help.  For who can develop vocational skills, St. Coletta helps students “job sample” at outside venues – stores and performing arts centers, for example.

There are no classes as such – the school is organized into five ‘houses” based on age groups where students stay for several years, remaining with the same teachers and therapists.  There is a therapist on staff for each house – other therapists come and go as needed.  Houses are distinguished by color – the walls and ceiling of each house distinctive so students can recognize where they are.  Each house has a washer and dryer and a teaching kitchen, and contains classrooms named after sports teams.

With a maximum enrollment of 285, 250 slots are reserved for students from DC – the balance is allocated to children and young adults from Maryland and Virginia.  20% of the students are in wheelchairs, 50% are nonverbal, and 75% qualify for the free lunch program.

At St. Coletta school, there are four nurses on staff: many students have medical issues, some are on medication and some could not come to school without a nurse being there.  The employee student ratio is two to 1 – for the smaller kids, it’s one to one.

There are a total of 350 employees at the school in DC and the adult facilities in Maryland and Virginia.  This includes 142 para professionals and 25 teachers – the rest are nurses, therapists, social workers and administrative personnel.

Under IDEA, schools must provide disabled children with free special education programs to meet their needs as a condition for receiving federal funds.  But this federal support typically amounts to less than 20% of the cost, and local school districts come up with most of the rest in the form of tuition.   St. Coletta receives some 5% of their funding from Medicaid because most of the students are eligible for therapies.  The school also receives support from foundations, corporations and individuals to meet operating expenses in special programs, including their Day Habilitation Programs for adults at two facilities in Rockville and Alexandria.

Capitol Hill Corner visited some of the special features of St. Coletta.

In the horticultural garden, students grow, pick, and eat produce including apples, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, rhubarb, kale, corn and figs.  The gymnasium features a full size basketball court and is also used by outside groups, including the Special Olympics, recreation groups, and other schools.  DC United has used it for soccer clinic during the winter.  There is a playground for the physically handicapped and art and music studios.

One of the major efforts to help students at St. Coletta and adults at the Day Center programs adapt for community life and gain experience are the real-life jobs the school provides through work in a studio where students are trained and adults are paid to make “Coletta Collections” – handcrafted items including jewelry, tableware and table linens and accessories.  The program has been very successful, and the school is looking for more space to expand it.  Products are sold on-line and by St. Coletta’s “Fashion Truck” which drives to Alexandria once a week to provide an outlet for the products.  The width of the truck prohibits its being parked on public streets in DC – on occasion the truck has parked in the lot at Union Market.  See here:  https://www.colettacollections.com/

St. Coletta was founded in 1959 in Alexandria as a private school.  Sharon Raimo, teacher, and advocate became principal in 1993.  Raimo, now the schools CEO, moved the school to DC in 2006, with the help of then-Councilmember Sharon Ambrose who was instrumental in obtaining the building site on Reservation 13.  A congressional earmark through the efforts of a supporting member of Congress provided one-third of the $36 million building cost.  Another $6 million came from donations and the balance – $16 million – was financed commercially – Raimo says of the funding, “Not one penny of city money. We couldn’t ask for it. That was the deal.”

Rebecca Hill, Chief Development Officer, says St. Coletta’s loves to give tours.  She can be reached at rhill@stcoletta.org