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Barracks Row’s Most Troubled Block – ANC Task Force Takes a Close Look

by Larry Janezich

Monday night, Jennifer Samolyk’s ANC6B Outreach Task Force convened residents and stakeholders to take a hard look at Barrack Row’s most troubled block – the west side of the 400 block, opposite the Fire Station.

The businesses on that side from north to south include Starbucks, &Pizza, The Nail Spa, Popeyes, Be Here Now Yoga, Chipotle, Eat Bar, Bolis Pizza, Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill, Chi Ko, Bank of America  ATM, a for-lease retail space, and  7-11.

Attendees wanted to know why the west side of the block is a gathering place for panhandlers and people with mental or substance abuse problems.  That environment fosters drug sales, bathroom issues, littering, and frequent encounters with unconscious substance abusers.

One resident said he does not walk his child down the block.  Commissioner Samolyk said she doesn’t either.  MPD First District Commander Kane, who was at the meeting, said she has a child and walks on Barracks Row, adding, “I see what you see…it’s gotten worse…it’s on our radar”.  When asked why people hang out on the 400 block, she said,”I don’t know.”  Kane acknowledged a need for stronger enforcement in order to send a message, but that strong enforcement is tempered by police having to distinguish criminal acts from mental or substance abuse issues …”We try to be understanding but when problems escalate, we have to take action”.  She expressed concern about taking somebody who can’t take care of themselves and putting them into the criminal justice system.  Kane pledged to double the police presence in the area, assigning a second MPD police officer to the block, providing a police presence from 6:00 or 7:00am until 9:00 or 10:00pm.

Martin Smith, Executive Director of Barracks Row Main Street, citing his background in urban planning, had some answers why the block is in trouble.  His list included the number of empty stores (Tandoor Grill and the for-lease space), restaurants which are not open during the day (Chi-Ko and Eat Bar), the dead space in front of the Bank of America ATM, national chain outlets which are unresponsive to complaints and community concerns (7-11, Starbucks, Popeyes and Bank of America), and the lack of public occupation of public space (no sidewalk cafes).  He said that the block provides food outlets with “more affordable dining options” which are more likely to be patronized by panhandlers operating on the block.  He pointed to the wide sidewalk and large spaces where people can sit without obstructing the flow of pedestrian traffic.  Finally, he cited his experience in engaging a panhandler who had been arrested “100 times”; when asked why he keeps doing it, replied, “because I make a lot of money and nothing ever happens (to me). “

A Barracks Row business owner from the 700 block asked Smith to pressure businesses on the 400 block to police their public space, saying, “…the block is incredibly dirty – filthy”.  Smith said that “We try as much as we can – the 400 block is challenging…we urge businesses to engage with the public space, but they say it’s not a high priority”.

Community Connections, which provides behavioral and primary health care coordination for DC’s marginalized residents coping with mental illness and addiction, has a treatment center adjacent to Barracks Row.  Representatives stressed their willingness to engage and cooperate and liaison, and said few of the habitués on Barracks Row are their clients.  (An MPD officer familiar with the block, when told of Community Connection’s claim, disagreed, saying 9 out of 10 of people hanging out on the block are clients of Community Connections.)

ANC6B Chair Dan Ridge urged the Task Force to propound at least one recommendation to forward to the full ANC for action, suggesting advocating for a bill now in committee providing for public bathrooms.  There are other recommendations which would be helpful, such as urging the owner of Tandoor Grill to erect a construction fence in front of the closed restaurant, urging Community Connections to take stronger measures to see that their clients do not remain in the area following treatment, and demanding that Bank of America take accountability for their trash strewn and problematic ATM (the card accessible door has been broken for days, allowing free entry into the space).  In the end, however, the Task Force was satisfied with the airing of issues and the promise of increased police presence on the block.

The Task Force meeting revealed how difficult it is to address what Samolyk called the “pain points” on Barracks Row.  MPD First District Captain Knutson emphasized that MPD can make arrests and increase enforcement  – “…that’s an easy fix, but it doesn’t solve the problem”.  It’s more difficult to address the underlying structural problems.  This reporter’s take-away from the meeting?

Vague promises were made of greater liaison between stakeholders (MPD and Community Connections and Sasha Bruce Youthworks and Community Connections), but no concrete plan about how to coordinate efforts to resolve outstanding issues emerged.

MPD has limited ability to deal with individuals causing quality of life problems (anti-loitering laws have been ruled unconstitutional).  In addition,  the criminal justice system is overwhelmed which leads to failure to prosecute and quick release.  Also, possession or sale of the synthetic drug K-2 which is largely responsible for the substance abuse issues on the block is not illegal.

Community Connections has limited capability to influence their clients to be good neighbors and is short funded to boot.

Sasha Bruce Youthworks doesn’t really deal with the Barracks Row demographic of those causing problems on the 400 block.

Sympathetic residents who support panhandlers are part of the problem.

Barracks Row Main Street doesn’t have the money to address the structural issues or help businesses on 400 block beautify their operations.

The difficult underlying structural problems on the block remain difficult problems.

The Week Ahead….ANC6B Task Force Tackles Barracks Row Problems Monday – SE Safeway Groundbreaking on Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 25

ANC6B’s Community Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force meets at 7:00pm, first floor conference room in the Hine Project at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE. The entrance is next door to the ground-level entrance to Trader Joe’s.

Agenda:

The agenda will include a discussion of the pedestrian and patron climate on 8th Street along Barracks Row.  Representatives from MPD, 7-11, and other civic organizations will be invited to attend and share updates and strategies for addressing recent complaints of harassment and other issues along the corridor.

The task force has also invited brief presentations from Grif Johnson representing ‘Quiet Clean DC’ to talk about a leaf blower bill before the DC Council and a brief presentation from the DC ReInvest Coalition regarding DC’s relationship with Wells Fargo.

For more information, please contact O&CS task force chair Jennifer Samolyk, Commissioner 6B01 at 6b01@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee meets at 7:00pm, at Eastern High School, Parent Center (Enter from East Capitol Street).

Agenda:

Presentation on Eliot Hine Modernization Project.

Tuesday, June 26

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

Agenda:

To set the agenda for the July 10th meeting of ANC6B.

Wednesday, June 27

Groundbreaking for the development of the Southeast Safeway at 415 14^th Street, SE will take place at the site at 9:30am on Wednesday, as reported last week by The Hill Rag.  Construction of the five story mixed use residential/retail project will take two years and bring 325 apartments, a new Safeway, and 403 below grade parking spaces to the neighborhood.   Capitol Hill Corner reported details on and renderings of the project here:  https://bit.ly/2yDj41t

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00 pm, North Hall, Eastern Market.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Update on Budget Matters

Market Manager’s Report

Capital Improvements subcommittee Report

Thursday, June 28

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Members Forum, 7:00pm, at Hill Center. 

Agenda:

Presentation:  Mapping Early Washington – DC history specialist Brian Kraft will present his current research on mapping early Washington which will include historical background on landownership, early developers, and early residents.   This event is open to the public.

Friday, June 29

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen holds community office hours at The Pretzel Bakery at 15^th and C Streets, SE, from 8:00am – 9:30am.   

 

The Week Ahead….& Orangetheory Fitness Arrives at the Hine Project Next Month

Monday, June 18

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Notice:  Previously announced request by On the Rocks (1242 H Street NE) to offer valet parking has been indefinitely postponed.

Notice:  Public meeting on reconstruction of the Hopscotch Bridge (Unit – 200 Block of H Street, NE) on Thursday, June 21, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Northeast Neighborhood Library Meeting Room, 330 7th Street, NE.

Public space permit application for installation of staircase and ADA ramp for Eliot-Hine Middle School, 1800 Constitution Avenue, NE.

Consideration of public space permit for sidewalk café for DC Diner at 802 13th Street, NE.

Tuesday, June 19

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Discussion of a new establishment, Smokin’ Pig, 1208 H Street, NE – potential transfer of license from Touche, 1123 H Street, NE, and request for a stipulated license while the placard is pending.

Presentation by David Batista on behalf of new establishment opening in the Apollo development on H Street NE.  Note: Establishment is located in ANC 6C, but adjacent to ANC 6A.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6th Street SE, second floor board room.

Wednesday, June 20

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10^th Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

518 9th Street, NE and 816 E Street, NE – Request for a special exception to permit two existing primary buildings on a single record lot in the RF-1 Zone.

1016 Massachusetts Avenue, NE – Request for special exceptions to construct a third-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 Zone.

1318 Constitution Ave, NE – Request for a special exception under to construct a rear roof deck and access stairwell in the RF-1 Zone.

121 Tennessee Avenue, NE – HPRB Review of a request to construct a rear addition to an existing nonconforming structure in the Capitol Hill Historic District.

1511 A Street, NE – Request for lot occupancy relief for new construction of two adjoining lots (two units each).

Thursday, June 21

Sector 2 (PSAs 104, 107, 108) Community Meeting at 7:00pm and a location to be announced. 

 

Noteworthy:  Flea Markets, Tavern Licenses/other Barracks Row Issues & Dockless Bikes and Scooters

by Larry Janezich

Noteworthy:

Saturday and Sunday Flea Markets at Eastern Market

The Department of General Services has extended the licenses of the Saturday and Sunday flea market operators to continue the flea markets on the 300 block of 7^th Street for an additional six months.  The intent had been to move those operations to the newly re-opened C Street between 7^th and 8^th Streets by now.  Controversy over how to provide for the survival of Eastern Market as a food market while accommodating the needs of the outside merchants and retailers in the areas surrounding the market has stymied those seeking a compromise.  CM Charles Allen got the city to budget $300,000 for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to develop a five year strategic plan to determine how best to ensure the future of Eastern Market and determine the best use for the Eastern Market special use area encompassing all of the areas around the market where retail activities occur.  An additional $25,000 will be used to develop a security plan for the 200 and 300 blocks of 7^th Street; the favored approach seems to be securing the access points to that portion of 7^th Street with pop-up bollards.

Tavern Licenses on Barracks Row

Word is that Orchid, the new LBGT venue on Barracks Row, will apply to change its restaurant liquor license to a tavern license (the difference:  you don’t have to serve food with a tavern license).  ANC6B has been skeptical of supporting applications for tavern licenses on Barracks Row, but recently recommended that ABRA approve a tavern license for the new “Barracks Lane” restaurant coming to the space formerly occupied by Las Placitas.  The owner of the new restaurant explained he will operate as a restaurant, but a tavern license would allow him to reduce the paperwork and number of annual reports the city requires of holders of a restaurant liquor license.  ANC6B restricted the hours of operation in the settlement agreement for “Barracks Lane” to make the property less attractive for use as a tavern in the event the license conveys to a different owner in the future.  “Barracks Lane” hopes to open in about six weeks.  See here:  https://bit.ly/2JXCN0j

400 Block of Barracks Row

ANC6B Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk, chair of the commission’s Constituent Services and Community Outreach Committee, will hold a meeting to discuss issues related to the 400 block of 8th Street.  The block has been plagued with drug and panhandling problems.

Dockless Bikes and Scooters

The city has extended until August the trial period for the operation of dockless bikes and electric scooters to operate on city streets.  The Department of Transportation is seeking community feedback.  Jason Star, Regional Manager for Limebike, appeared before ANC6A last Thursday to encourage residents to provide feedback on the program.  He said the company is interested in determining the number of people using dockless bikes and scooters as well as the diversity of ridership, i.e., who in the community is using dockless bikes when other transportation options don’t exist.  In response to a question about disabled bikes, he said the company is improving its ability to retrieved trashed or vandalized bikes and providing better locks to prevent theft.  The scooters’ top speed is 14.6 mph and riders have to have a driver’s license to rent them.  He sees the answer to complaints about scooters operating on residential sidewalks as one of education, while noting that DC law prohibits riding scooters on sidewalks in business districts.  To provide feedback, go here:  dockless.bikeshare@dc.gov

The Week Ahead…Early Voting at Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE, M-F, 8:30am – 7:00pm

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 11

ANC6D meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4th Street, SW, second floor conference room.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  Executive Office of the Mayor/DDOT – All Stars Game on July 17

Presentation:  DDOT Planning Update – New Circulator Route, Capitol Bikeshare Expansion into 6D07

Presentation:  Restaurant Opportunities Center – Candace Cunningham

Presentation:  Save Our Tips – Kevin Wrege

Presentation:  Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge Project Update

District Hardware and Bike, 730 Maine Avenue, SW – Request to update liquor license Community Agreement re outside and Sunday hours.

Aslin Beer Garden, 1299 First Street, SE – new Tavern liquor license for outdoor beer garden with food trucks.

Holiday Inn, 550 C Street, SW – new retail liquor license to permit consumption off licensed premises.

Del Mar, 791 Wharf Street, SW – Amendment to liquor license to permit third summer garden.

250 M Street, SW – Zoning Application, modification of consequence.

DC United Noise Mitigation Plan.

Cambria Hotel – Transportation Study for Q Street, SW.

Resolution to DDOT – Parking impacts during Jefferson MS’ Modernization.

Resolution t DDOT – 2^nd Street, SW, cycle track.

Resolution to DDOT – Traffic Calming Study – N Street, SE, between Sought Capitol and First Street, SE

Resolution to DDOT – 600 Block of M Street, SW.

Author Talk with Elliot Carlson, 7:00pm, Southeast Library, Lower level

Stanley Johnston’s Blunder: The story of a Chicago Tribune reporter who may have exposed a vitally important US naval secret during WWII.  Carlson discusses the book, which draws on recently released 75 year old grand jury testimony.

Tuesday, June 12

ANC 6B meets at 7:00pm at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentation:  Crown Castle presentation about the addition of “small cell” solutions on existing right-of-way infrastructure to improve the quality of wireless service throughout the District.

Barracks Lane Restaurant, 517 8th Street, SE (formerly Las Placitas) – New Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern license with a sidewalk café endorsement.  Seating for 99 + 12 seats on sidewalk café; Proposed Hours: Sun. — Thurs. 10 am – 1:30 am; Fri. — Sat. 10 am – 2:30 am; Sidewalk Hours: 10 am – 12 Midnight.

232 South Carolina Avenue, SE – Historic Preservation Application for a revised concept/front and side porch.

14 7th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application for a concept/one-story addition at side-court.

526 8th Street, SE (Shakespeare Parking lot) – Historic Preservation Application for a concept/ new three-story mixed use building.

322 8th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception to construct a second story and roof deck addition to an existing accessory structure.

322 8th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application for a concept/ construct second-story addition at existing one-story garage.

237 10th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application for a concept/ new one-story garage.

237 10th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception to expand an existing rear deck addition to an existing principal dwelling unit and construct a rear accessory garage.

Letter to relevant parties regarding Kingman Park and the historic designation process.

Letter from Commissioner Waud regarding Potomac Gardens artist grant.

Letter regarding solar project at Congressional Cemetery.

Wednesday, June 13

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Fancy Radish, 600 H Street, NE – Class C restaurant liquor license addition, request for extended hours.

Kogod Liquors, 441 New Jersey Avenue, NE – class A retail liquor license renewal and addition to allow tasting.

Union Kitchen Grocery, 538 Third Street, NE – neighbor complaints about noise issues.

Union Market streetscape.

NoMa/Mt. Vernon Triangle Bicycle Network Study.

Liaison Hotel, 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW – construction, application.

212 A Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application for concept approval, rear and side additions, new garage.

637 E Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application concept approval for new basement entry.

NoMa Parks Foundation, status on park projects and underpass installations.

Urban Farming, involving the community in nature, nutrition, and healthy eating.

Thursday, June 14

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm, Miner Elementary School, 601 15^th Street, NE

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:  DDOT presentation responding to requests for All Way Stop at 8^th and D Streets; traffic calming on the 400 – 600 blocks of 10^th Street, NE; and an update on C Street (regarding the latter, see below agenda item).  Derek Voight, Traffic Operations and Safety Division and Lee Goodall, Community Engagement Manager

Presentation:  LimeBike dockless bikeshare.  Jason Starr, D.C. General Manager.

Presentation:  Initiative 77 presentation.  Ryan Aston, Restaurant Workers of America.

Recommendation re Dangerously Delicious Pies: ANC6A protest the request by Dangerously Delicious Pies (1339 H Street, NE) for expansion to its second floor with outdoor seating unless a signed settlement agreement is submitted prior to the protest date, which requires the roof deck to be closed at 11:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 am on weekends, with a three-month trial period where the ANC agrees to revisit the hours after that period has expired. If such a Settlement Agreement is reached, the ANC will submit a letter in support of a stipulated license for the substantial change.

Recommendation regarding DDOT Rehabilitation of C Street: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT asking them to alter their plan for the C Street, NE, Rehabilitation project to revert it back as much as possible to what was presented to the community in February of 2018.

Recommendation re 220 14^th Place, NE: ANC6A send a letter of support to for a Zoning Adjustment for an exemption from the lot occupancy requirements and from the rear yard requirements to allow construction of a rear addition to an existing nonconforming structure in the RF-1 Zone, on condition that the applicant makes their best effort to get a letter of support from 224 14th Place, NE

CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE. 

 

 

 

On Barracks Row:  Eyeing Millennials, Investor Will Develop/Redevelop Three 8th Street Properties

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, Chris Martin of Martin-Diamond Properties, unveiled a concept/plan for development of the last empty lot on Barracks Row – the Shakespeare parking lot at 526 8^th Street, SE.  Appearing before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee in support of an Historic Preservation Application for a proposed new three-story mixed use building, Martin introduced himself to commissioners as the owner of the former Phase 1 tavern at 525 8^th Street and said that he has a contract pending for the purchase of the Shakespeare Rehearsal Space at 507 8^th Street, SE.  Martin-Diamond is a partnered with an international investment company specializing in developing retail properties targeting Millennials.

Martin, who said he was excited to be part of the development of Barracks Row,  later told Capitol Hill Corner that he did know what tenants might occupy the retail spaces the new building will provide.  He said they could be dry goods retail, offices, or a  restaurant.   Martin also said that he was uncertain what would emerge from the renovation of the Shakespeare Rehearsal Space, assuming that purchase goes through.  The former Phase 1 (and AXNO cider bar pop up) is undergoing extensive renovation and is up for lease as a restaurant.  The timeline for the parking lot and rehearsal space development is uncertain because both are currently under lease to the Shakespeare Company.

Nearby neighbors – residents of G Street – whose properties back up to the Shakespeare parking lot, raised concerns regarding what impact the new structure would have regarding traffic in the alley which they use to access garages.  They had other concerns about the lack of notification of the project and lack of communication with the developer.  In order to allow time for the residents to meet with the developer, the Committee voted unanimously to take “no position” on a recommendation for the full ANC6B which will consider the case at its June meeting next Tuesday, June 12.

Martin-Diamond Properties LLC, is an “urban retail specialist” headquartered in Delaware with an office in DC.  It has partnered with NW1 Partners, a real estate investment advisory firm focused on small cap value-added property investments in the US, UK, and Europe.   NW1 raised $175 million this year to invest in Washington, DC, retail outlets focusing on Millennial demographics.  Martin-Diamond’s job will be to find and manage real estate opportunities; in March, they purchased the Georgetown Theater building on Wisconsin Avenue.   NW1 is headquartered in London and Chicago.

Here’s a Photo Progress Report on Five Major Capitol Hill SE Developments

by Larry Janezich

There are five major residential or mixed use projects under construction in Capitol Hill SE, not counting the redevelopment of the Southeast Safeway which hasn’t really started yet.  The five projects will provide some 514 residential units to Capitol Hill’s housing stock.  Below are photos of where construction stands as of yesterday, coupled with renderings of how the projects will look when finished.

 

 

 

 

 

The Week Ahead….

By Larry Janezich

Monday, June 4

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Fancy Radish, 600 H Street, NE, extension of operating hours for restaurant license

Kogod Liquors, 441 New Jersey Avenue, NW, tasting endorsement for retailer’s license.

Union Kitchen Grocery, 538 3rd Street, NE, discussion of noise issues.

Discussion of marijuana related establishments as potential ABL Committee business

CHRS Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm at Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.

Tuesday, June 5

Second Ward 6 Candidate Forum at 7:00pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 40 I Street, SW. 

Here’s a link to CHC’s coverage of the first candidate’s forum on May 1. https://bit.ly/2sz8Jxi

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:

232 South Carolina Avenue, SE – Historic Preservation application, revised concept/front and side porch.

14 7^th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/one-story addition at side-court.

526 8^th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/new three-story mixed use building.

322 8^th Street, SE – Bureau of Zoning Adjustment application for special exception to construct a second story and roof deck addition to an existing accessory structure.

322 8th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/ construct second-story addition at existing one-story garage.

237 10th Street, SE – Bureau of Zoning Adjustment application for special exception to expand an existing rear deck addition to an existing principal dwelling unit and construct a rear accessory garage.

237 10th Street, SE; Historic Preservation application for concept/ new one-story garage.

ANC 6C Parks & Events Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 700 2^nd Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

NoMA Parks Foundation – update on status of pending parks projects and underpass installations.

Urban Farming – 6C Resident Sarah Dachos will talk about urban farming in the District.  Sarah works with the THEARC Farm, which is an urban farm operating as a community project of Building Bridges Across the River and was developed to involve our community in nature, nutrition, and healthy eating. The farm consists of 25 raised beds, 8 in-ground rows, a culinary herb garden, medicinal herb garden, an eighteen-tree orchard, community compost bins, a hoop house and a pollinator garden.  For more information, please visit: http://thearcdc.org/thearcfarm

Wednesday, June 6

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:

212 A Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for new rear and side additions, and to demolish existing and construct new garage.

719 3rd Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for new basement entry and alterations to basement window.

637 E Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for new basement entry.

2nd & K Streets, NE – Discussion of ANC recommendation to the Zoning Commission on whether to set down for public hearing the request of Lean Development to change the zoning of four lots on the moderate-density commercial and production/distribution/repair to a mix of moderate-density mixed use and medium-density, compact mixed-use development with an emphasis on residential use.

ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm in the first floor conference room (hallway to the right as you enter) at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

There is one item on the draft agenda: 

Southeast Blvd & Barney Circle Study Traffic Analysis.

Watkins Market Resumes – 3:30pm – 7:30pm – 13th & E St, SE next to Peter Bug’s Shoe Academy.

Market will begin June 6 and continue every Wednesday through October.

Thursday, June 7

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Barracks Lane Restaurant, 517 8th Street, SE (formerly Las Placitas) – new application for a tavern license with sidewalk café endorsement.   Seating for 99 + 12 seats on sidewalk café; Proposed Hours: Sun. — Thurs. 10am – 1:30 am; Fri. — Sat. 10am – 2:30 am; Sidewalk Hours: 10am – 12 Midnight.

Discussion on compliance with settlement agreements.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of Union Market Streetscape – As the Union Market area continues to transition from a commercial warehouse and wholesale market district to a mixed-use activity center, the roads crossing through the neighborhood are seeing a corresponding increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic. However, the existing streetscape does not support these changing transportation patterns.   As a condition of a PUD in the area DDOT collaborated with area developers, business owners, Gallaudet University, and the DC Office of Planning to draft Union Market Streetscape Guidelines to update roadways and public spaces throughout the area for future use. However, these guidelines were drafted and published in October 2017 without neighborhood outreach and ANC input. The Committee would like to discuss current streetscape conditions in the area, short-term solutions to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety, and longer-term improvements to the new streetscape guidelines.

Discussion of NoMa / Mount Vernon Triangle Bicycle Network Study – DDOT recently concluded a study of bicycle infrastructure and ridership patterns in the NoMa and Mount Vernon Triangle areas. The study looked at the region between 6th St NW and 6th St NE, and K St to M St. Current bicycle facilities in the NoMa area primarily follow north-south corridors, and DDOT wanted to explore ways to improve east-west connectivity through safe, convenient, and low-stress routes. DDOT released a report that outlined existing conditions, evaluated bicycle infrastructure in the context of other DC multimodal plans (e.g. Move DC), highlighted known ridership patterns, and provided recommendations for new bicycle infrastructure.

Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meet at 5:30pm at SE Library, lower level. 

The Week Ahead….and Photos from the Vietnam Memorial

by Larry Janezich

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center to set the agenda for the full ANC6B meeting on June 12 in Hill Center.

An attack on one is an attack on all – Help Dcist get up and running…

by Larry Janezich

When DCist was shut down last November by its owner Washingtonians lost an important source of community news.  News reports pointed out that the closure happened days after employees voted to unionize.  See WaPo story here:  https://wapo.st/2saROkK

Three public radio stations – including the local station WAMU – are helping to bring it back but they need assistance.  DCist has launched at Kickstarter page to raise $75,000 to get the site up and running.  For more information and to donate, see here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1685005597/lets-relaunch-dcist-together?ref=498376&token=6142aa5b