Category Archives: Uncategorized

MPD 1st District Substation at 500 E Street, SE. The assault occurred a half block down 4th Street.

Woman Violently Assaulted Near Capitol Hill Police Station

by Larry Janezich

Last Thursday morning, a woman on her way to a workout class was violently assaulted near the MPD Substation at 500 E Street, SE.  The assault was not reported on the MPD listserv daily crime report, nor does it show up on the MPD crime map, nor was there an alert regarding crime of special interest to the community posted to listservs by police officials.

The woman, Lexi (whose last name is withheld by request) was on her way to her gym last Thursday just before 6:00am.  She was walking on the west side of 4th Street, SE, between D and E Streets, a block from the 1st District Substation.  Lexi said she is a  practiced urban dweller and was not wearing earphones or talking on her cell.

The sun had not risen and the block between D and E Streets was dark.  Mid-block, she stopped and bent over to take something out of her bag.  As she did so, Lexi saw someone coming at her from behind.  She stood up to turn around and felt an arm around her neck in a chokehold.  “I became unconscious fairly quickly, and when I came to, I was aware that he had grabbed my hair and was whacking my head on the bricks.  Then he punched me in the face three times and I started screaming, ‘Help! Help! Help!’  A lot of people came out – a woman said she called the police – I think others called the police.”

MPD came, she said, within minutes – “I would be shocked if it was more than 10.”

An ambulance arrived and took her vitals and administered first aid.  Lexi said, “There was a lot of blood.  They took me to the GW Hospital emergency room (for an eight hour visit).  I remember they said it was 6:40 when I checked in.  They gave me a CT Scan – there was no brain damage but I had a concussion and a broken nose and fractured maxilla.  I had a swollen face.  I still have two black eyes and a broken nose that will require surgery.”

She said the police took her name, social security number and asked what happened.  She couldn’t provide a description because of the way the attack occurred, other than she’s sure it was a man.

Lexi said she didn’t know whether he was waiting in the dark or had followed her; “I walk a lot in the city – I stay aware and am not oblivious to my surroundings.  I heard and saw nothing.”  She said the attack was “stealthy” – and thinks he ran toward the (Marion) park afterward.  Robbery did not appear to be the motive, since nothing was taken.

The police gave her husband a detective’s card with a phone number.  On Monday, she called the detective, who, she said, kept saying “it was a robbery or probably a robbery” and asked her if she was sure it wasn’t a robbery.  She says it wasn’t – that it was “awfully violent,” and that her assailant could have just grabbed her bag (which contained nothing of value except her cell phone).  The detective later reported that the two video cameras on the block showed nothing, and concluded their interaction with, “If you come up with witnesses, let me know.”

Lexi says she is “really concerned that the community has no information about this.”   She says, “This is my community – also my friends’ community.  We think this is a fairly safe place to live.  A lot of people walk around.  I would love it if anyone who saw something came forward.  There’s no info out there – MPD is not asking.  If the guy is still out there, we want to catch him.  I’m very very lucky it wasn’t more serious.”

CHC asked her to describe her state of mind.  She said she has “lots of ups and downs and I’m afraid to leave the house on my own.”  She says,” I have been very very independent and I’m anxious to get back to that.  I hate for this guy to have changed me – to take something important away from me.  I’m working on it.  I’m hoping someone saw something.”

CHC reached out to 1st District Commander Morgan Kane to ask why the assault hadn’t shown up on the MPD listserv daily crime report or the MPD crime map.  Kane says that only crimes that meet the national criteria for the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report Program are posted on these two venues.  Since this assault did not involve a deadly weapon – even though it was a terribly violent one – it did not meet those criteria.  (It’s not clear why these criteria can’t be altered locally for the purposes of informing the community and still maintained for the national reports.)

Kane said what should have happened (but which apparently did not) was a police official’s alert to the community listservs that a crime of significant interest to the community had occurred.  She cited the example of the notice posted by officials to listservs regarding the attempted Vespa scooter-jacking at Potomac and Pennsylvania Avenues last Saturday.  Kane said she would check to see if a police official’s notice on the assault had been posted.  CHC asked her to find out how it had fallen through the cracks if it had not.

Kane did not respond by press time, but CHC noted that shortly after its initial query to Commander Kane and Captain Knutson of the 1st District, and before Kane reached out to CHC, MPD posted the following message to the MPD listserv followers – a week after the crime:

“The First District is investigating an assault that took place in PSA 107 on August 23rd in the 400 block of 4th Street SE at approximately 5:50 – 6:00 AM.

Any persons that may have witnessed the assault or possess video footage of the offense are asked to contact the First District Detective’s Office on (202) 299-2025, or our Command Information Center at (202) 727-9099.

This case continues to be investigated by the First District Detectives Office.”

Councilmember Charles Allen said he was reaching out to the victim directly and that he had heard concerns regarding MPD and some other issues regarding this attack.

It is worth noting that crime alerts not only solicit information that can prove vital in solving a crime, they also let members of the community know of encounters that may influence residents’ decisions of where to travel, when, and how to do it.  Many people would probably be surprised to learn that such a violent assault that took place so close to the police station.

Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s Engagement Coordinator Abby Sypek (left) and Director of Strategic Initiatives Kate Akalonu.

Here’s the Capitol Hill Non-Profit That’s Addressing Homelessness in Our Community

by Larry Janezich

For most people, the practical efforts to help the homeless exist below the radar.  It’s no different in our community, where many residents are unaware of the work of the Capitol Hill Group Ministry (CHGM), a non-profit dedicated to addressing homelessness in Ward Six and other parts of the city.

CHGM’s name derives from the coalition of different congregations who came together 50 years ago to respond to community social concerns.  Today the group’s mission is to support the holistic needs of individuals and families at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. They are the advocates for the homeless and provide the interface between them and city agencies providing housing and other social services.

According to DC Department of Human Services, DC’s homeless population on January 24, 2018 stood at 6,904: 3,770 singles – up 5.2% from January 2017, and 924 families, down 20.8% from 2017.

There are generally two categories of homeless – families in shelter or staying with relatives and without permanent residences, and the much more visible homeless people, typically single men and women, who many of us encounter or engage on a regular basis.  It’s likely that the latter group come from the 15-20% of the total number of homeless categorized as “chronically homeless,” and often suffering from mental illness and/or substance use disorder.

CHGM gets most of its funding* from the DC government; its budget is supplemented by donations, support from foundations and corporations, special events, and congregations.

The major portion of government funding goes to contracts to administer two city wide programs:  the Family Homelessness Prevention Program and the Rapid Rehousing Program.  Generally speaking, the city programs administered by CHGM benefit families.  (For more on these programs, see the end of this story.)

Two other programs, specific to CHGM are aimed at the unsheltered homeless individuals in Ward 6:  Shirley’s Place Day Hospitality Center and the CHGM Street Outreach Program.  These programs are supported by a mix of public and private funds.

Shirley’s Place Day Hospitality Center, located at 1338 G Street, SE, is named after Shirley Anderson, a longtime Capitol Hill Group Ministry supporter.  Shirley’s Place offers laundry, showers, light meals and connection to resources.  CHGM Street Ourtreach staff and volunteers walk the community on a regular basis to engage the homeless one on one, providing medical attention, food, drinks, blankets, transport to homeless shelters and a way to connect to community resources and services (healthcare, welfare, food stamps, etc.).

CHC sat down with CHGM Engagement Coordinator Abby Sypek and CHGM Director of Strategic Initiatives Kate Akalonu to talk about CHGM and the members of the community who are homeless and in need of assistance.

Sypek says “Ending homelessness is possible – it’s the exception not the rule that homeless people don’t want their own home.  Most want housing and a safe place to stay and it is rare to find those who don’t – even those, we work with in hopes that they get there.”  She cites Utah’s success with its “Housing First” programs as a model approach which involves providing housing first and then addressing the problems which brought about homelessness, rather that making eligibility contingent on solving those problems first. Sypek added, “I love working in DC with a lot of smart people looking at innovative ways to end homelessness.  It’s not enough.  We need way more homeless intervention.”

Akalonu said one of her concerns was the relationship between the public and the homeless, asking, “How do we shift public perception about finding a place in the community for those living in poverty?  It’s hard to pinpoint reason for homelessness – there are a lot of factors at play. Some have a deeper safety net – we provide another layer of safety.”

CHGM is having a Fund Raiser on September 8, in the North Hall of Eastern Market.  “Sip and Savor is a celebration of local food, craft beer, wine, cider, spirits and music in support of the homeless.”  Unlimited food samples and beverage tastings. Tickets are $70 until September 6, $80 at the door (if available).   http://sipandsavor.chgm.net

Additional information regarding CHGM and DC Homelessness:

Housing the homeless we most frequently encounter is often the most difficult.  Other agencies across city administer permanent and rapid rehousing housing programs for unsheltered homeless individuals through contracts with the city government.  Some of these include Miriam’s Kitchen, Friendship Place, Pathways to Housing, and Community Connections.

To determine eligibility for housing the city uses a widely recognized national process referred to as “coordinated entry.”  The goal of the process is to make sure people who need housing most get it.  The non-profit agencies such as those listed above as well as CHGM perform a voluntary “triage,” asking a series of questions of those in need of housing assistance to determine their level of need.  From the information gathered, a data base is created to prioritize those whose need is greatest.  Once a month, some 30 representatives of government agencies and non-profits interfacing with the homeless hold a “coordinated entry meeting.”  If the city has 30 housing units available that month, the participants go down the list and match those in need with the facilities available.

While others focus on housing unsheltered individuals, CHGM administers two city-funded programs aimed at housing families through government contracts.

The Family Homelessness Prevention Program helps stabilize families at risk of homelessness through mediation, flexible financial assistance and connecting them to supportive resources.  CHGM works with families to create both short and long term housing plans so that they can avoid homelessness and having to enter the shelter system.

The Family Housing Program has two components, Rapid Rehousing – a one year plus program to support families transitioning out of homelessness or – and Shelter Plus Care to provides permanent supportive housing for families in need of long term support.  In the latter case, support could be 100% subsidized housing for those with no income, or 30% subsidized housing for those with some income, such as SSI, SSEI, or earned income.  CHGM currently has 30 families in the supportive family program and points to a 20% decline in the number of homeless families over 2017 to demonstrate the its success.  (Studies by Federal and State agencies show subsidizing housing for the homeless costs about one-third of the $30,000 – $50,000 it costs taxpayers per person per year for homeless living on the street.)

For more information or to find how you can contribute or volunteer, see here:  http://www.chgm.net/

*Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s Budget for 2017:

The Fridge has a new public face.  “NSF” is the tag* of the NSF crew – a team of graffiti artists that Fridge proprietor Alex Goldstein (pictured) credits with tagging 1 million walls and 100,000 illegal graffiti.  NSF?  – various meaning have been ascribed, i.e., “Not Strictly Freights” and “Never Show Faces.”  Goldstein’s translation:  “Non Stop Fun.” (click to enlarge)
*”Tag; a personal signature, usually vandalism with spray-paint, but can be any graffitti.  Tag’s can take seconds, or can use multiple colors. Two color tags are usually throw ups, may consist of block or bubble lettering.  “Bombs” are usually tri color while pieces are always of the up most complexity – very large, good use of colors, where they will seem to blend together, or bleed, and burn.”  Urban Dictionary.

The Week Ahead….and New Paint on The Fridge

by Larry Janezich

Monday, August 27

RFK Stadium Community Meeting – EventsDC is hosting a quarterly meeting with RFK Stadium stakeholders on August 27th. The meeting will be at 7pm, at RFK, in the Media room on the 4th floor. The entrance is via Lot 5, Gate A.

Tuesday, August 28

ANC6B’s Executive Committee will meet at 7:00pm in Hill Center to set the agenda for the full ANC6B meeting on September 11.

Thursday, August 30

ANC6B’s Hilleast Taskforce meets at 7:00pm at St. Coletta, 1900 Independence Avenue, SE, to discuss Reservation 13.  DDOT, DGS, DMPED, and DOEE have been invited to participate.

Eastern Market Main Street Chair Manuel Cortes and Johnetta Jordan, Director of Resident Services for the Residences at Eastern Market, at Wednesday night’s open house for Eastern Market Main Street.

Madeleine Odendahl, Executive Director, Eastern Market Main Street

Hine Project News – 250 Samsung Employees Coming This Fall

By Larry Janezich

Eastern Market Main Street’s (EMMS) Board of Directors hosted an open house Wednesday night at Joselito Casa de Comidas – the traditional Spanish restaurant at 660 Pennsylvania Avenue.  Chair Manuel Cortes said that the board had opted for a happy hour instead of a board meeting to allow organization members to interact with directors and each other.

During the mix and mingle, EMMS Executive Director Madeleine Odendahl told Capitol Hill Corner that up to 250 Samsung employees could be working out of the Hine project by Thanksgiving.  She expects local restaurants will see a boost in lunch sales from the increase foot traffic.  Samsung announced in July they would relocate their public affairs office and demonstration center to the 700 Pennsylvania Avenue location by late 2018.  The demonstration center is where Samsung will show off their latest technology to potential government customers.  Samsung will occupy 28,000 plus square feet – an entire floor of the office building.  The move does not anticipate a retail outlet.

In other news about the Hine project, Johnetta Jordan, Director of Resident Services for the Hine project, says that 60% of the 128 residential units are occupied.

Eastern Market Main Street is a micro-chamber of commerce for the commercial corridors around Eastern Market.  Its goal is to promote, retain, and attract diverse, small businesses.  The officers of the Board of Directors include: Manuel Cortes, Chair; Mary Quillian Helms, Vice Chair; Terry McDonald, Treasurer; and Lona Valmoro, Secretary.

Ward 6 ANC and Single Member District Boundaries (click to enlarge)

Here’s an Early Look at How Capitol Hill ANC Races Are Shaping Up

By Larry Janezich

An ANC is a non-partisan, neighborhood body made up of locally elected representatives called Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners who serve two-year terms without pay.  Commissioners are elected from Single Member Districts of about 2,000 people.  Ward Six has 5 ANCs with different numbers of Single Member Districts.

The ANCs’ main job is to be their neighborhood’s official voice in advising the District government (and Federal agencies) on things that affect their neighborhoods.   Although they are not required to follow the ANCs’ advice, District agencies are required to give the ANCs’ recommendations “great weight.”

District law says that agencies cannot take any action that will significantly affect a neighborhood unless they give the affected ANCs 30 days advance notice.  This includes zoning, streets, recreation, education, social services, sanitation, planning, safety, budget, and health services.

Candidates for ANC Commissioner have until 5:00pm on Wednesday, August 8, to file a petition of 25 signatures with the DC Board of Elections in order to get on the ballot for the November 6 General Election.

Here’s a look one week out at which incumbents in the four Capitol Hill ANCs are not seeking re-election, and which incumbents who are running have attracted potential challengers.

ANC6A (click to enlarge)

ANC6A

6A03:  Incumbent Mike Soderman is being challenged by Raman Taheri.

6A05:  Incumbent Patrick Malone has not picked up a petition and does not appear to be seeking re-election.  Two candidates for the seat have taken out petitions – Alan Chargin and Ruth Ann Hudson.

6A08:  Incumbent Calvin Ward is not seeking re-election.  Brian Alcorn has taken out a petition.

ANC6B

ANC6B

6B03:   Incumbent James Loots is not seeking re-election.  Brian Ready has filed a petition with the Elections Board.

6B05:  Incumbent Steve Hagedorn has not picked up a petition and does not appear to be seeking re-election.  Taylor Kuether has taken out a petition.

6B06:  Incumbent Nick Burger is not seeking re-election.  Cory Holman has taken out a petition.

6B09:  Update:  Incumbent Dan Ridge has not picked up a petition and does not appear to be seeking re-election.  Dan Ridge has taken out a petition.  No one else has taken out a petition.  Kasie Clark has taken out a petition.

ANC6C

ANC6C

6C03:  Incumbent Scott Price is not seeking re-election.  Jay Adelstein has filed a petition with the Elections Board.

6CC05:  Incumbent Chris Miller has resigned and is relocating.  Chad Ernst has taken out a petition.

6C06:  Incumbent Heather Edelman has attracted two challengers – Robb Dooling and Jason Starr.

ANC6D

ANC6D

6D01:  Incumbent Gail Fast is being challenged by Clayton Rosenberg.

6D02:   Incumbent Cara Shockley is being challenged by Sutton Roach.

6D04:  Incumbent Andy Litsky is being challenged by Haley Ashcom.

6D05:  Incumbent Roger Moffatt is being challenged by Anthony Dale.

6D07:  Incumbent Meredith Fascett is not seeking re-election.  Four candidates have taken out petitions – Edward Daniels, Dr. Letty Maxwell, Sean Murphy, Brant Miller

MPD First District Commander Morgan Kane addresses PSA 106 last night. Officials standing to the right are DC Housing Authority Police Lt. Bentley and MPD Lt. Crystal Beslow.

Cops Reassure Residents on Shootings at Capitol Quarter Community Center

by Larry Janezich

At a regularly scheduled Police Service Area 106 community meeting last night, MPD First District Commander Morgan Kane reassured the 40 plus residents that she doesn’t think it’s the case that residents are in danger or have to be concerned about the drive by shooting outside the Capitol Quarter Community Center at 3:20am on Saturday morning.   The meeting was held in the building at 5th and L Streets, SE, outside of which, the shootings occurred.

Kane provide a few new details – it turns out the shooting was outside the Community Center itself  rather than across the street from it, as was initially reported by MPD.

There were two victims – one had been shot in the stomach and the other in the foot; both were hospitalized.  Neither is cooperating with police.  Kane said that “officers were here immediately and recovered two guns.”  She said it was not certain that some of those involved were residents of the community – “because someone has an address in the community doesn’t necessarily mean they live here.”  MPD has reviewed video from Community Center security cameras, and Kane said detectives were working the case “around the clock.”

Residents say that hanging out on Community Center property and elsewhere in the neighborhood is an ongoing problem.  One resident said, “People hang out and smoke and drink all night long and nobody pays attention.  What’s the plan was for moving forward?”

Kane’s message: Don’t be reluctant to call 911.  She cited the “delicate balance” between enforcing against criminal behavior and intervening when people are not doing anything wrong.  Being on Community Center property after 8:00pm is a violation and enforceable.  Kane said, “If you see a problem night after night – if you know something we don’t – you need to tell us.  We will increase patrols and coordinate with DCHA Police.  If people are standing on the corner drinking and smoking weed we need to come for it.”

When a resident said that the line is unclear when we should call 911.  Lt. Crystal Beslow responded, “Call and let us figure it out. “

Kane said that she was passionate about keeping residents safe and getting guns off the street, and that MPD has to do a better job of heading off these incidents before they happen by engaging all members of the community – “those doing right, those on the line, and those across the line.”

The Community Center is currently being administered by the DC Housing Authority.  See CHC article here:  https://bit.ly/2Lmoxjm  Naomi Mitchell, CM Charles Allen’s community liaison representative, noted that plans are underway to transfer the Community Center from DCHA to DC Department of Recreation by year’s end.  She said that the community will have an opportunity for input on the Center’s role going forward, and that the community needs to be involved from day one.

ANC6D07 Commissioner Meredith Fascett, in whose single member district the Center lies, told Capitol Hill Corner after the meeting, “The candid conversation that Commander Kane led tonight makes our community stronger.  I am very grateful for the tremendous efforts of MPD’s First District team and the unwavering commitment of community members to ensure that our neighborhood is a place where everyone can feel safe and thrive.”

Capitol Quarter Community Center at 5th and L, SW.  Saturday morning’s shootings took place across the street.

The Week Ahead…MPD To Meet With Residents on Shootings in Nearby SE Saturday Morning

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, July 24

PSA 106 meets at 7:00pm, Capitol Quarter Community Center, 1000 5th Street, SE.  The shootings which occurred across the street early Saturday morning (see below) will be discussed. 

Saturday morning, MPD First District Lieutenant Joseph Stimmell, messaged to the MPD First District listserv:

‘At approximately 0320 hours unknown number of suspect(s) approached the victims that were in front of 1005 5th Street SE in dark colored vehicle.  The suspect(s) opened fire on the victims wounding both of them.  One victim was shot multiple times and transported to the hospital, the other victim was shot in the leg and transported to the hospital.

The suspect(s) and suspect vehicle fled in an unknown direction.  It is unsure how many individuals were in front of 1005 5th Street SE.  Two weapons were  recovered in front of the recreation center, also multiple shell casings found on the scene and there are rifles casings among the shell casings.’

Commander Kane, MPD 1D, will attend the meeting.

Wednesday, July 25

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market. 

Among the items on the draft agenda:

Election of Board Members at the September meeting

Parking report update

Status of Lease Discussions

NOTICE:

For residents considering a run for ANC Commissioner, petitions are available at the DC Board of Elections Office.  Candidates must submit a petition of at least 25 signatures of registered voters in their single member district by Wednesday, August 8, at 5:00pm.   See the following link for more information.  https://dcboe.org/Candidates/Candidate-Guide-to-Ballot-Access

Batalá Washington is one of the more than 30 Batalá percussion ensembles that make up the international organization Mundo Batalá. It is one of two all female bands. According to its website, Batalá Washington seeks to empower women through drumming and expose people to Brazil’s Afro-Bahian culture and Samba Reggae music.

Batalá All Female Drum Band Performs Last Night at Library of Congress:  Video

by Larry Janezich

Last night Batalá DC performed on the North Lawn of the Library of Congress.  The performance was the first in the partnership of Washington Performing Arts with the Library of Congress which will continue on Thursday nights through August 16 in conjunction with the LOC Summer Movies on the Lawn series which showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry.  There will be no film associated with the concert on August 23 by DuPont Brass and VeVe & Tha Rebels.  Concerts start at 7:00pm followed by the film at sundown.

Tickets for the concert are available, but not required.  See here for information on the artists and registration.  http://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/calendar/view.aspx?id=3910

Tickets for the screenings are available, but not required, on a first-come, first-served basis.  See here:  https://etloc.eventbrite.com

The schedule for the remainder of the performances is as follows:

July 26:  Chelsey Green followed by “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1994 National Film Registry)

August 2:  Cheick Hamala Diabate  followed by “Back to the Future” (2007 National Film Registry)

August 9:  Trifilio Tango Trio   “Superman” (1978) (2017 National Film Registry)

August 16:  Sarah Marie Hughes & Coy Fish followed by “The Wizard of Oz”(1989 National Film Registry)

August 23:  DuPont Brass and VeVe & Tha Rebels (No film on this date)

Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, each year the Librarian of Congress names to the National Film Registry 25 motion pictures that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant, showcasing the range and diversity of America’s film heritage to encourage support for its preservation. The films must be at least 10 years old. The Librarian makes the annual registry selections after conferring with members of the National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) and a cadre of Library specialists. Thousands of public nominations are also considered.

Kingman Park Historic District came into being June 24.

ANC6B Says Historic District Designation Process Does Not Serve District Residents

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B has put CM Charles Allen, Mayor Bowser, and the Historic Preservation Board on notice that it believes that the process for designating new historic districts “is not working to serve District residents” and wants the city to review it before any more historic districts are approved.  In addition, the ANC specifically wants clarification of both the ANC’s role and the role of community support or lack thereof in the process.

The charge, detailed in a letter authored by 6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Nick Burger and passed by 5 – 1 vote of the commission, was sparked by the Historic Preservation Board’s (HPRB) recent designation of the Kingman Park Historic District, apparently over the opposition of a majority of the residents, as well as a recent series of inconsistencies in HPRB actions in ANC6B’s jurisdiction.   A case in point regarding the latter was HPRB’s failure to refer a historic preservation application to the ANC after the historic preservations staff made substantive changes to the application and referred it directly to the HPRB for approval.  In addition, the letter cited deficiencies in HPRB’s notification process and ambiguity regarding criteria for adjudicating historic preservations cases.

Regarding the Kingman Park Historic District, City Paper recently reported (https://bit.ly/2Lgwt1p) the DC’s Historic Preservation Office opinion on the changing national climate about what constitutes eligibility for historic designation – broadening the definition of beyond those neighborhoods with unique and historic architecture, to include consideration of the value and meaning that the diversity of minority communities bring to the city.

In accordance with a change in thinking, a long-standing civic group (the Kingman Park Civic Association) filed an application for the Historic District directly with the Office of Historic Preservation (HPRB’s administrative arm), by passing the local ANC, the usual route to historic district designation.  The move was controversial; in general (according to press reports) older residents of the historic black community preferred historic designation while newer residents were wary of the accompanying restrictions which would prevent them from expanding homes to accommodate growing families.

As the controversy played out – apparently without substantial outreach and notification to the community – HPRB appeared to put the onus for community engagement on the ANC7D – home to most of the proposed historic district – rather than on the sponsoring civic association which is customary.  The Friends of Kingman Park civic association, formed to oppose the historic designation, conducted a survey and claimed that 72 % of respondents in Kingman Park opposed a historic district.  Despite the lack of evidence of the support of a majority of residents, HPRB approved the application and Kingman Park Historic District came into being on June 24, though smaller than what the applicants had wanted.  It is noteworthy that HPRB is not required to take community opinion into consideration.

According to ANC7B Commissioner Bob Coomber, “We (ANC7B) heard the applicants twice, but the applicants mostly made ad hominem attacks against me and the Chair, so we didn’t have enough information to vote either time.”  ANC6A, on the other hand, claiming status since two blocks of proposed historic district was in their jurisdiction, voted to oppose the Kingman Park Historic District based on limited communication and outreach and lack of transparency in the process.

Beth Purcell, who is active in historic preservation on Capitol Hill, when asked to comment on the ANC6B’s letter, says that when people come to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society seeking information on establishing a historic district, she urges them to consult their ANC commissioner immediately and get the ANC to sponsor it.  She suggested the letter could have been improved by making a case for adding conservation districts as “another tool in the tool box.”  Purcell said she is not aware of any current plans for expansion of the Capitol Hill Historic District in ANC6B.

An attempt to establish the Barney Circle Historic District in Hill East in 2010-2011 foundered, after it failed to get the endorsement of ANC6B.

Capitol Hill Corner asked ANC6B chair Dan Ridge, who voted for the letter, to comment.  Ridge said that “the Capitol Hill Historic District is a failure at a number of things,” noting it has done nothing to restore the street car routes that made neighborhoods practical for downtown workers and nothing to support the small merchants that make a historic neighborhood work.  He says it has also failed by using the force of law to preserve architectural features that enable passive cooling and heating while doing nothing to incentivize using those features, and nothing to prevent people from filling open courts in the rear that bring in fresh air and daylight to interior rooms.

Ridge asked, “Is Barney Circle (or Kingman Park, or anywhere else in the city) facing the same existential threats that prompted the creation of the Capitol Hill Historic District? No.  Are there residents in these neighborhoods interested in conserving particular qualities of their neighborhood (like architectural forms, air, light, privacy, densities, flora, subsidized auto storage in public space, property values)? Yes.”

Ridge said that there are tools other than a historic district that could be used, citing for example, that the city could move quickly to take remedial action in Barney Circle by paying or eliminating the costs for those who wish create conservation covenants and easements.  “I signed the petition (supporting Barney Circle Historic District) last time,” he said – “I am older, wiser, and kinder now. Who could say whether I would sign another one?”

For the full text of ANC6B’s letter, visit the “Library” on Capitol Hill Corner’s homepage.