Category Archives: Uncategorized

ANC6C Votes Unanimous Support for MGM Lobby Shop Concept Design

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6C – which had twice forced MGM back to the drawing board on its historic preservation design plan for its Stanton Park lobby shop – finally voted to support a last minute plan meant to address concerns of both the ANC and nearby neighbors.

There were two major concerns.  The 1600 square foot party deck and the exterior elevator tower and accompanying bridge which MGM had initially proposed for the south side of the building.

MGM had previously eliminated the party deck.  Late yesterday, they floated a proposal to address the objectionable external elevator.

The problem, according to MGM architects, is that DC regulations require two separate exits for the building.  Currently those requirements are satisfied by two separate interior staircases, separated by an appropriate distance.  MGM had proposed to meet ADA and company requirements with an exterior elevator.  ANC6C’s vehement opposition brought forth the new proposal.  In order to move the elevator inside the building, MGM said they had to put it in the place of an existing staircase.  The requirement for an additional exit, they say, requires a 9 X 19 foot (glass-enclosed) exterior staircase, which they propose adding to the rear of the building.  Putting the additional staircase inside, they said, would eliminate three offices on the first to third floors.

There was grumbling among the ANc commissioners.  Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Mark Eckenwiler noted that some of his Planning and Zoning Committee members were opposed to the new design.  But, he said, the new concept was an improvement and he was willing to support it after MGM agreed to eliminate some incongruous windows aligned with the exterior staircase.

Commissioner Scott Price, in whose single member district the project lies, said that the current design was far more tasteful than the original proposal.  He said that getting rid of the party deck and parking issue had been “great” changes, and though he didn’t like the exterior staircase, the DC government had done the same thing on the Northeast Library.

Scott subsequently issued the following statement explaining his reasons for supporting the new design:  “Tonight ANC6C voted unanimously to support the new design that I shared with you yesterday.  Important in my vote was the similarity between the new design and the external staircase in the NE Library.  The ANC voted to support the library’s external staircase in order to become compliant with ADA and other regulations, and I believe it is important for the ANC to be consistent in this and any future cases.  For people with remaining concerns, the HPRB hearing is on July 27.”

MGM put on its best public face, committing to continuing to engage the community and stressing they did not want to start the relationship with the neighborhood “the wrong way.”  Still, as Scott Price replied to MGM’s assertion that the process had worked – “From your viewpoint, that’s true, but it has been exhausting…and we’ve been asked to pass on this with one day’s notice.  I hope relations with MGM get better.”

Despite the uneasy era of good will, it seemed to some ears that a stake has not been driven through the heart of the party deck issue.

Capitol Hill Corner’s take is that the neighborhood will have to be particularly vigilant regarding requests to incrementally increase the use of the roof top which is begging to be used as entertainment space.  As they say, “Give a mouse a cookie, and he wants a glass of milk.”

For previous post, see here:  http://bit.ly/2swJcX6

The Week Ahead….Lower Barracks Row Retail-Condo Construction Starts/MGM Lobby Redux/CM Allen Holds Pay for Play Remedy Hearing

By Larry Janezich

Monday, July 10

1. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D meets at 7:00pm, 1100 4^th Street, 2^nd

 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 105 & PSA 106) Lt. Robinson, Lt. Black

Report on Activities of Near SE/SW Community Benefits Coordinating Council

Presentation:  DC Office of the Attorney General – John Green

Presentation:  DC United Construction Update – Victor Melara

Presentation:  Office of Unified Communication – Director Karima Holmes

Hank’s, 701 Wharf Street, SW: new alcohol beverage restaurant license.

Shake Shack, 975 Wharf Street, SW: new alcohol beverage restaurant license.

InterContinental Hotel, 801 Wharf Street, SW: new alcohol beverage restaurant license.

Kaliwa, 751 Water Street, SW: new alcohol beverage restaurant license.

Anthem, 901 Wharf Street, SW: new alcohol beverage restaurant license.

Cantina Bambina, 960 Wharf Street, SW: new alcohol beverage tavern license.

Brighton, 949 Wharf Street, SW: new alcohol beverage tavern license.

Capital Yacht Club, 800 Wharf Street, SW: [changed location} new alcohol beverage multipurpose facility license.

La Vie, 88 District Square, SW: new restaurant alcohol beverage license.

Marinai, 20 and 40 Pearl Street, SW: new restaurant alcohol beverage license.

Protests: “Presidential” LLC, t/a TBD: 1237 1st Street, SE & Potomac Distilling Co.

Amplified Sound at Greenleaf Community Center – July 15.

Presentation on Randall School Development – Brant Snyder.

Eye Street Reconstruction – South Capitol – New Jersey Avenue.

Forest City Zoning Text Amendment for The Yards West.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Ethiopic Corp d/b/a Ethiopic Restaurant 401 H Street, NE, substantial change application for Retailer’s alcohol beverage restaurant license.

3. Police Service Area (PSA) 104 meets at 8:00pm, at Sherwood Recreation Center, corner of 10^th and G Streets, NE.

 

3. Councilmember Allen, chair of the DC City Council’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, will hold public a hearing on four bills proposing to reform the city’s pay to play political culture. The hearing will begin at 9:30am, Room 500, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.  The four bills are as follows:

“Campaign Finance Transparency and Accountability Amendment Act of 2017”

“Clean Elections Amendment Act of 2017”

“Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Amendment Act of 2017”

“Campaign Finance Reform Amendment Act of 2017”

Tuesday, July 11

1. ANC 6B meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda:

Consent Agenda

ONXO, 525 8th Street, SE (Phase 1 Building), Substantial Change for Hours (open at 10 am) of a Class “C” Tavern License with a Cover Charge Dancing Entertainment Endorsement. Stipulated License Request.

Chi-Ko, 423 8th Street, SE, New Class “C” Restaurant License. Stipulated License Request.

818 Potomac Ave., SE; Historic Preservation Application – concept/construct new four-story building.

418-420 7th St., SE; Historic Preservation Application – proposed condo conversion.

716 16th St. SE; zoning adjustment to expand an existing accessory structure for residential use in the RF-1.

Regular business agenda:

226 Kentucky Ave., SE; Historic Preservation Application – 3rd Story addition to existing flat.

1349 South Carolina Ave. S.E., zoning adjustment Construct a three-story rear addition; Application for a special exception from the rear yard requirements to construct a three-story rear addition in the RF-1 Zone at premises 1349 S. Carolina Ave. S.E.

418 New Jersey Ave., SE; Historic Preservation Application – concept new building.

400 D St., SE; Historic Preservation Application – concept/construct 5 new townhouses.

2. Police Service Area (PSA) 104 public meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, Corner of 10th and G Streets, NE.

 

2. Southwest Library Community Meeting at 7:00pm, in the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place, SW.

Presentation by Perkins+Will and Turner Construction on the new Southwest Library to introduce the design team for the new Southwest Library, discuss the project schedule and solicit ideas from the public.

The Library will seek community engagement throughout the design process including meetings, surveys, focus groups and online feedback. If you are interested in participating in a focus group, please contact Martha Saccocio at martha.saccocio@dc.gov.

Visit https://www.dclibrary.org/newsouthwestlibrary for more info.

Wednesday, July 12

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Ethiopic Restaurant, 401 H Street, NE, occupancy increase, 47 to 71 patrons.

New Zipcar spaces—Zipcar seeks four street parking spaces in ANC6C.

45 L Street NE—Public Space application for new mixed-use building: paving, landscape, fixtures.

150 M Street NE—Proposed traffic control plan for a new mixed-use development, closure of westbound lane of M Street after Delaware Street, NE.

New York Avenue Streetscape Project.

2 Patterson Street, NE (nonvoting item)—information on forthcoming RFP.

714 Fourth Street, NE, Special exception to zoning regulations to convert an accessory building into

additional living space for a single-family dwelling.

501 C Street, NE, MGM Lobby Shop’s revised Historic Preservation application for concept approval, rear addition and façade alteration.

418-420 Seventh Street, NE, Historic Preservation application, concept approval to combine two houses, construct rear and rooftop additions, and construct a building at the rear of the property.

Proposed changes to zoning regulations, ZC 14-11D and 14-11E—Zoning relief for “pop- backs” extending more than 10 feet past an adjacent dwelling.

Thursday, July 13

1. ANC6C (Please note that for July only) ANC6A will meet at 7:00 pm at Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE. (Photo ID required).

Among items on the agenda:

Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter of support to HPRB for approval of the creation of a small two story addition at the rear court and the demolition of the existing garage at 210 Tenth Street, NE, pending best efforts to receive letters of support from neighbors.

Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the application by 1330 Maryland Avenue, NE for a special exception under zoning regulations from the rear yard requirements, and from the lot occupancy requirements, and the nonconforming structure requirements to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing one-family dwelling in the RF-1 Zone on the condition that best efforts are made to obtain letters of support from neighbors.

   2.  Eastern Market Metro Plaza Redesign Update.  Eastern Market Metro Community Association is sponsoring a community meeting at 6:30pm, at Southeast Library.  Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will brief the community on the status of the Plaza redesign and other community issues. 

45 New Residential Units to Overlook Virginia Avenue Community Garden

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously endorsed Murillo/Malnati Development Group’s Historic Preservation Application for a proposed four story 45 unit apartment building at 818 Potomac Avenue, Southeast. The project, designed by Capitol Hill based PGN Architects, will overlook the Virginia Avenue Community Garden across the street to the east.

The project anticipates some 25 two bedroom units.   30 to 40% of the balance will be made up of one bedroom units and the rest studio apartments.  The project follows the recent trend away from condos and toward rental units.  The project will utilize a mechanical lift to provide 49 parking spaces – against the trend of providing fewer rather than more parking spaces in a project this size.  The project will deliver an additional 30 or so units when the renovation of an adjoining building at 816 Potomac Avenue, SE, is complete.

The Application will come before the full ANC6B at its meeting next Tuesday, where it is expected to receive the Commission’s enthusiastic endorsement.  The developer will be back before the ANC later this year seeking relief from zoning regulations since the project otherwise would come under the Eighth Street Economic Overlay which requires 50% of the ground floor to be retail.

Capitol Hill Environmental Affairs Writer Co-authors Dire Warning on Climate Issues

Long time Capitol Hill author and active community member John R. Wennersten has co-authored book warning of the coming humanitarian disaster owing to the failure to address global warming.  One of the foremost issues is the relationship between the displacement of non-conflict climate refugees and the conflict-driven refugees.  (The issue is reaching critical mass at a time when the United States is deporting record numbers of undocumented immigrants and legal immigrants are approaching record numbers.)

Capitol Hill resident John R. Wennersten is an environmental affairs writer and author of Global Thirst: Water and Society in the 21st Century. Co-author Denise Robbins is a writer and communications expert on climate change issues in Washington, DC. She regularly publishes articles dealing with all aspects of global and national environmental change, with a focus on regional politics.

From the Indiana University Press website:

Rising Tides: Climate Refugees in the Twenty-First Century

John R. Wennersten and Denise Robbins

Global climate change is undeniable. Over the next few decades, as sea levels rise, storms intensify, and drought and desertification run rampant, hundreds of millions of civilians will abandon their homes, cities, and even entire countries. What will happen to these massive numbers of environmental refugees? Where will they go, what rights will they have, and who will take care of them?

Over 200 million people in Asian countries live on land that will be affected by rising seas. Picture Pakistan, India, and China—all nuclear powers—skirmishing at their borders over access to shared rivers and farmable land with former coastal areas now submerged. Imagine tens of thousands of Pacific and Indian Ocean islanders cast adrift by waves that have drowned their nations, and more than 100,000 Caribbean islanders forced to leave submerged towns. Consider the complete abandonment of Miami Beach and other coastal communities up and down the Americas. At the same time, hundreds of millions will be desperate for water and a secure life in drought-ravaged Africa and the Middle East.

Rising Tides sounds an urgent wakeup call to the growing crisis of climate refugees, and offers an essential, continent-by-continent look at these dangers. The crisis is everywhere and it is imminent. Detailing a number of solutions, John R. Wennersten and Denise Robbins argue that no nation can tackle this universal problem alone. The crisis of climate refugees requires global, concerted solutions beyond the strategic, fiscal, and legal capability of a single country or agency.

For more information:  http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/product_info.php?products_id=808356

Capitol Hill Corner occasionally features works of literature and art by Capitol Hill residents.  Email ljjanezich@hotmail.com.

Barracks Row Restaurant Update:  ANXO Opens Thursday, Chi-Ko on Friday – plus Proposed Hill Center Coffee Shop/Wine Bar

by Larry Janezich

ANXO:  The Barracks Row Cidery & Pintxos Bar will open at 7:00pm on Thursday in the old Phase 1 Bar location.  The venue will operate as a pop up for a six month trial period: owner Sam Fitz says “we are currently exploring how long we want to stay at this location.”  Fitz has has reached an agreement for a three year lease with the building’s owner which will allow him to continue if the concept is successful.

The restaurant has teamed with local artists to create an art installation that will serve food and drink, with emphasis on a menu of Northern Spain (San Sebastian) dishes designed to cater to an evening dinner crowd.  Pintxos (pincho = “spike”) is a small snack featured in bars in Northern Spain.  They differ from tapas in being served on a toothpick, usually with bread.

ANXO’s application for a change in operation hours (to open at 10:00am instead of 7:00pm as provided in the current license) comes up before ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Control Committee on Thursday.

ANXO has locations in Truxton Circle and Brightwood Park.  More information about ANXO including their craft ciders and the Spanish-themed menu is here:  http://www.anxodc.com/

Chi-Ko:  As reported by Eater DC https://dc.eater.com/ The new Chinese/Korean 40 seat restaurant Chi-Ko will have a soft opening on Friday, July 7, when it will begin serving dinner at 5:00pm.   The Barracks Row restaurant will replace the gourmet hot dog outlet DC-3 which the Matchbox group closed last summer. The restaurant’s application for a liquor license is also up before ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Committee on Thursday, meaning the soft opening will not be featuring alcohol.

For more, see here:  Chi-Ko https://twitter.com/ChikoFRC

New coffee shop/wine bar at Hill Center:  After Bayou Bakery closed its restaurant at Hill Center last year, the lease was taken over by Aaron Silverman (Rose’s Luxury/Pineapple and Pearls).  Silverman told Capitol Hill Corner that he will move the coffee shop from the Pineapple & Pearls location on Barracks Row to the Hill Center space formerly home to Bayou Bakery.  His plan is to expand the coffee shop offerings by day, and in the evening transition to a wine bar with an appropriate menu.

Asked what his timeline was, Silverman said he had filed an application for a remodeling permit with the DC Department of Consumer Affairs, and was uncertain when it would be approved – “it could by 2017 or 2018.”

 

The Week Ahead….Barracks Row July Fourth Parade Starts at 10:00am on Tuesday

Monday, July 3

6:30 pm

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

Tuesday, July 4

The DC Department of Public Works will observe Independence Day; sanitation services and parking enforcement will be suspended.

Trash and Recycling Collections: Trash and recycling collections will “slide” to the next day, for the remainder of the week. This applies to both once-a-week and twice-a-week collection neighborhoods. Trash and recycling containers should be put out for collection no earlier than 6:30 pm the night before collection and removed from public space by 8 pm on the collection day to avoid sanitation enforcement.

DPW will not enforce parking meters, residential parking, rush hour lane restrictions or tow abandoned vehicles Tuesday, July 4, except along the streetcar line.

July 4^th Parade

The parade forms up under the Interstate at 8th St. & 695 at 9:00am and steps off at 10:00am sharp, from 8th & I St, SE, lead by the Marine Corps Marching Band and ends at Eastern Market Metro Plaza at 11:00AM.

Many Barracks Row businesses will be open during the parade – including District Doughnut, Capital Teas, Spring Mill Bread, Summit to Soul, Lola’s, Ambar, Matchbox, Ted’s Bulletin and Hills Kitchen.

Both The Skill Zone and Miracle Theater will have Open Houses beginning at 9am on the 4th for kids and parents as an oasis – for water, bathrooms and general cooling down.

Some restaurants like Ophelia’s Fish House will even do a special menu for the 4th featuring brunch with bottomless mimosas. However, others like Belga, Cava and Lavagna will be closed on the 4th to give staff a mid-summer break.

Wednesday, July 5

1. ANC6B Planning & Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm in the cafeteria at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence

Among items on the agenda:

Resolution or letter to City Council on Air B n’ B Legislation

Historic Preservation Application for 226 Kentucky Avenue, SE

Zoning Adjustment Application for 1349 South Carolina Avenue, S.E. to construct a three-story rear addition.

Historic Preservation Application for 818 Potomac Avenue, SE; concept/construct new four-story building.

Historic Preservation Application for 418-420 7th Street, SE; proposed condo conversion.

Historic Preservation Application for 418 New Jersey Ave., SE; concept new building.

Historic Preservation Application 400 D Street, SE; concept/construct 5 new townhouses.

Zoning Adjustment Application for 716 16th Street, SE, for special exceptions from the parking requirements and from the use restrictions to expand an existing accessory structure for residential use in the RF-1 Zone.

Zoning Adjustment Application for 220 2nd Street, SE, variance to add 13th apartment rental unit in basement of existing apartment house.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

2 Patterson Street, NE (non-voting item) – Informational presentation on upcoming RFP (request for proposals) for 42,000sf lot currently used for surface parking.

Zoning Adjustment Application for 609 Orleans Place, NE, for a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements and the rear yard requirements to construct a rear deck addition to an existing, nonconforming one-family dwelling in the RF-1 Zone.  Filed for expedited review and decision on September 6; no hearing will be held absent a request by the ANC or other objector.

Zoning Adjustment Application for 714 4th St. NE, for a special exception from the minimum parking requirements to convert an existing accessory building into additional living space for the existing one-family dwelling in the RF-1 Zone.

Historic Preservation Application for 501 C Street, NE – Revised application of MGM Public Policy, LLC for concept approval for a rear addition and façade alteration. Representative: Andi Adams (architectural historian), Goulston & Storrs.

Historic Preservation Application for 418-420 7th Street, NE, to combine two houses; construct rear and rooftop additions; and construct a building at the rear of the property.

Proposed changes to zoning regulations– In March 2017, the Zoning Commission adopted a new rule in ZC 14-11B requiring zoning relief for “pop-backs” extending more than 10’ past an adjacent dwelling. These two followup rulemaking proceedings address whether certain permit applications should be grandfathered and exempted from the restriction and whether the regulation needs technical clarification.

Thursday, July 6

1. ANC 6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee meets at 7:00pm, in the Frager’s Hardware Conference Room, Room 314, Third Floor, Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania, SE.

Among items on the agenda:

ANXO (pronounced An-cho), 525 8th Street, SE (Phase 1 Building), Substantial Change for Hours (to open at 10 am) of a Class “C” Tavern License  Current Hours: Mon-Th 7:00pm – 2:00am; Fri-Sat 7:00pm – 3:00am; No sidewalk Café; Seeking to open at 10:00am.

Chi-Ko, 423 8th Street, SE, (formerly DC-3), New Class “C” Restaurant License, 40 person capacity, Hours sought: Sun-Sat. 10:00am – 12:00am.  No other endorsements.

2. ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm in the Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street NE.

Among items on the agenda:

New Zipcar Spaces.  Carsharing provider Zipcar is looking to reserve four street parking spaces within ANC 6C for their cars. After previously presenting two options to the committee in April, the committee opted to further examine the areas and invite Zipcar to return. The current proposed locations are the first two spaces on 4th St. NE at the northeast corner of the M St. intersection (currently unregulated) and the first two spaces on 8th St NE at the southeast corner of the C St. intersection (currently Zone 6).

45 L Street, NE.  Public Space application – construction for new mixed-use building: paving, landscape, fixtures, etc.

150 M Street, NE.  Proposed traffic control plan for new mixed-use development currently under construction. Plan involves closing the westbound lane of M St. NE after Delaware Ave. from 7 am to 7 pm.

New York Avenue Streetscape.  DDOT is working to create a cohesive corridor streetscape and trail for all users of New York Avenue, NE. This project will identify improvements that include sidewalks, streetlights, plantings, trees, benches, public art and other public space improvements. Details can be found at https://www.newyorkavenueproject.com/. While the project area is outside of ANC 6C, this corridor is an important connection to our neighborhood and will interface with other important connectors (e.g., the Metropolitan Branch Trail and 4th Street).

6th Street, NE – Bike Lanes. New bike lanes have been painted on 6th St. NE by Florida Ave. and M Street. The committee will consider requesting bollards be added.

3. PSA 107 meets at 7:00pm, in the Sourtheast Library, lower level.

 

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

In Face of Opposition, Hispanic Caucus Pulls Application for PAC Office Near the Capitol Building

by Larry Janezich

Today, the attorney for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) formally withdrew the group’s application for a zoning adjustment to permit CHC to use a residence in the 400 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE, as their PAC headquarters and event space.  The letter to the BZA withdrawing the application came from attorney Meridith Moldenhauer of Cozen O’Connor, and said in part, “On June 7, 2017, the [BZA] granted a continuance of the hearing to allow the Applicant additional time to further supplement the record.  As a result of further deliberation, the Applicant withdraws the Application.”  The sale of the townhouse to the CHC was apparently contingent on the zoning relief.

At issue was the application to waive DC regulations limiting nonprofit organizations operating in residential neighborhoods to buildings of 10,000 square feet or more.

No reason was given for the action, but neighbors believe that opposition from more than a dozen residential neighbors (who had hired their own attorney), ANC6B, the Capitol Hill Restorations Society, the Office of Planning, and the Architect of the Capitol, left CHC with slim chance of prevailing before the BZA.

One nearby neighbor told Capitol Hill Corner, “We’d certainly like all of the people with property to sell in this neighborhood and the realtors interested in selling those properties to know we are organized and effective.”  DC’s Office of Planning recommended denial of the variance, finding “it could result in a substantial detriment to the public good.”  The Architect of the Capitol found that the zoning change could “adversely harm the area adjacent to the jurisdiction of the US Capitol…and could result in a significant detriment to the character of the residential neighborhood.”

The block is home to several organizations currently operating businesses in a residential zone.  But the city is starting to take a hard look at the erosion of residential neighborhoods near the Capitol.

ANC Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk, in whose single member district the property resides credited the activism of neighbors whose efforts had contributed to shutting three down non-residential “party” houses on nearby D Street, SE.  In addition, as a result of a complaint which Samolyk filed with DCRA, the city has started an official investigation of another business that appears to be operating out of a New Jersey Avenue residence without a certificate of occupancy and in violation of the zoning regulations.

The decision is likely to affect the desirability of other properties on the block in the eyes of non-profit or non-residential users.  Currently there are two adjacent townhouses up for sale on the block, reportedly by a single owner.  433 New Jersey is listed at $1.4 million and its neighbor is listed at $1.77 million.  The real estate listing notes:  “Opportunity Abounds!  Your chance of a lifetime to own not just one, but two adjacent houses on New Jersey Avenue.  You could scarcely get closer to the US Capitol and House Office Buildings, the DNC and the RNC.”  The properties have been on the market since last December.

Asked for reaction, Samolyk told CHC, “If the variance was granted it would have set a precedent having far reaching affects across ANC 6B. Allowing special interest groups, like the Bold PAC, to take over residential homes for event spaces would ruin the unique residential character of Capitol Hill. The residents on New Jersey Avenue took a stand not only for their own street- but for all of Capital Hill and for that I am very grateful.”

CHC reached out to Moldenhauer but has not yet received a response.  CHC will update this post upon receipt.

The Week Ahead….BAZ Hearing on Hispanic Caucus Lobby Shop on NJ Avenue on Wednesday – CM Allen Looks at crime prevention Monday and Tuesday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 26

1. ANC6A Community Outreach Committee meeting.

 

2. Council Member Charles Allen holds oversight roundtable to consider the District’s Crime Prevention Strategies for Summer, 2017. The review of the full range of city agencies who work on preventing crime during the summer will feature government officials, community organizations working on the issue, local leadership, and concerned residents. The roundtable begins at 10:00am in Room 120 of the Wilson Building and will be streamed on the Council’s website, Here: http://dccouncil.us/granicus

Tuesday, June 27

1. ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center to set the agenda for the July meeting of the full ANC.

 

2. Rosedale Community town Hall meeting on public safety, with CM Allen and MPD Chief Peter Newsham. Allen and Newsham will be joined by representatives of DC’s Office of the Attorney General to discuss public safety and what is being done to educate and protect DC residents.  6:30pm at Pilgrim AME Church, 17^th and Rosedale Streets, N.E.

 

3. PSA 106 meets at 7:00pm in the Community Center at Capitol Quarter, 1000 5^th SE.

Wednesday, June 28

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

Among items on the agenda:

Market Manager’s Report:

Status of leases

Financial Report

Eastern Market Security Matters

Parking issues

Pot Luck Dinner

Eastern Market Main Street

2. The Bureau of Zoning Adjustment meets to consider zoning adjustment applications, including that of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ request to for an adjustment to permit conversion of a residence on New Jersey Avenue, SE, into office and event space. 9:30am, Room 2205, One Judiciary Square, 441 4^th Street, N.W.

BARRED IN DC Says: “Mini Union Market” Planned for 1401 PA Ave SE Condo/Retail Project

by Larry Janezich

Saturday evening, Barred In DC broke the story that CAS Riegler developers plan to create a mini Union Market to occupy the ground floor retail space in the mixed use condo/retail project at the old New York Pizza site at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  According to Barred, the concept tentatively includes: a coffee/sweets shop, beer hall, cocktail/wine bar, food market (taco bar, pizza stand, and an Asian Fusion stand and a sit down restaurant.  For the full story, go to Barred In DC here:  http://bit.ly/2t8y6ZK

If it comes to fruition, the food and drink retail plan will bring with it several concerns for the community.  Among these is the seeming affirmation of the conventional wisdom that food and alcohol retail is becoming the only viable retail on Capitol Hill.  In addition, the issues associated with food and drink retail on Barracks Row – trash disposal, rodent, noise, and odor control – will need to be addressed through Settlement Agreements with ANC6B.  There will likely be changes in traffic patterns and parking availability – as it is, the developer is providing 50 parking spaces for the 174 condo residents, anticipating that a majority of occupants will depend on public transportation.  Will that be true for patrons of the Market?

In a related matter, DDOT is currently considering three different proposals for redesign of the PA Ave/Potomac Ave intersection and the Potomac Avenue Metro Plaza.  See here:  http://bit.ly/2qQ0OJe  (ANC6B supports the “Ellipse” design)