Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Week Ahead……

Monday, April 25

CANCELLED:  ANC6A Community Outreach Committee scheduled for today has been cancelled.

Tuesday, April 26

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center, to set the agenda for the May 10 meeting of ANC6B at Hill Center at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, April 27

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

Thursday, April 26

ANC6B Planning and Planning and Zoning Planned Unit Development (PUD) Subcommittee meets at 7:00pm, at Hill Center.  The PUD Subcommittee will review the PUD process for the Bowies/Signature PUD by Insight Property Group.

Agenda:

Presentation on Bowies/Signature PUD

Draft benefits and amenities package discussion

Future meetings and Subcommittee next steps

Saturday, April 30

Miner Elementary Community Yard Sale Fundraiser, 9:00am until 12:00noon.  Miner Elementary Playground & Cafeteria, 601 15th Street, NE, (North Side of School).

Bring donations to the school between 4pm and 6pm on Friday, April 29, ask at the security desk for the yard sale collection team, or before 9am on Saturday, April 30!

Additionally, organizers will be set up to collect acceptable hazardous waste and e-waste that you want to dispose of.

HAZARDOUS WASTE and E-WASTE: time to clean out your storage area or garage of paint, chemicals, old electronics and other items not fit to go into a landfill.  We’ll have an area set aside to collect these items for transport up to the Fort Totten Transfer Station for proper disposal.

Information on accepted/prohibited hazardous waste is here: http://dpw.dc.gov/node/466802

Information on accepted e-waste is here: http://dpw.dc.gov/node/414902

Nana Thai Restaurant on Barracks Row to Close in June

New Owner Douglas Development Plans Substantial Renovation of Building

by Larry Janezich

Nana Thai, the popular Barracks Row family-owned restaurant, will close – likely the first week of June – according to restaurant employees.  The building’s second floor is occupied by Natural Kinks Hair and Braiding Salon, and it too will close within 90 days, according to owner Shannon Evans.

Douglas Development has purchased the building at 406 8th Street and the developer plans extensive renovations but the company’s plans for the site remain uncertain.  According to sources, the building was owned by the family who runs Nana Thai.

Technically both the restaurant and the salon have 90 days to vacate, but Nana Thai employees say the restaurant will close in early June.  Both operations are looking for new locations to reopen, possibly on Capitol Hill.  Long time Hill residents remember Mickey’s Pub and Patio which preceded the Old Siam, which last year gave way to Nana Thai.

Douglas Development has been aggressively developing properties on Capitol Hill, including the old Kentucky Fried Chicken site at 15^th and Pennsylvania, the retail building at the corner of 13^th and Pennsylvania, the building housing Pret a Manger at 3^rd and Pennsylvania, and the building occupied by District Doughnuts at 749 8^th Street on Barracks Row.

The purchase came on the heels of the announcement earlier this week that Metro Mutts, directly across the street at 407 8^th Street, SE, will close on June 12.  Employees say that the owner will consolidate operations in the H Street, NE, location, in response to a rent increase.  That building is owned by major Capitol Hill commercial property holder Maurice Kreidler.  This announced departure of retail follows the closing of City Bikes, the details of which were reported by CHC here:  http://bit.ly/1SBzTxA

Ed. Note.  An earlier version of this story reported that Capitol Hill Bikes was closing.  CHC regrets the error.

 

PSA 108 Meets Tonight on Carjackings & Violent Crime Spike – Liberty Baptist Church – 7:00pm

by Larry Janezich

A carjacking in Hill East last night was the most recent in a sudden spate of carjackings and other violent crime in Hill East during the past 30 days.  The past 24 hours also saw a robbery at gun point and an assault with a dangerous weapon at the SE Safeway (two individuals were taken into custody in the latter case).  Those three crimes are not reflected on the crime map below.  The sudden spike in violent crimes – up from 8 the previous month to 17 in the past 30 days prompted ANC Commissioner Denise Krepp this morning to ask MPD Chief Lanier for more police presence in Hill East as soon as possible.  The agenda for tonight’s PSA meeting is below the crime map for the last 30 days.

Metropolitan Police Department — Police Service Area 108 Monthly Community Meeting Tonight at 7:00pm at Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE

 

AGENDA

1) MPD, DC Government Officials, and Community Leader Introductions; announcing new Sergeants Officials and Community Leaders 7:00-7:05

2) Overview of PSA 108 Crime Reports Lt. Taylor 7:05-7:15

3) Focus: Recent Carjackings in PSA108 Lt. Taylor 7:15-7:30

4) Community Prosecutor Update: Case Papering AUSA Klein 7:30-7:45

5) PSA 108 Community Member Discussion 7:45-8:00

CARJACKING PREVENTION TIPS

When approaching your vehicle, walk with confidence, purpose and STAY ALERT.

Be wary of strangers requesting directions or handing out fliers.  TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

Always approach your car with keys in hand and LOCK YOUR DOORS at all times.

Especially at night, avoid driving alone.  Take a Ride Along whenever possible.

When stopping in traffic, leave enough space between the car ahead of you to maneuver if necessary.

Don’t stop to assist strangers with road side assistance.  Help by calling 911 and reporting the matter.

Avoid parking in low visibility areas that reduce your ability to see or be seen.

Always look around before exiting your vehicle to observe your surroundings.

When arriving at destinations late at night, have someone meet you outside.

Invest in remote car alarms that feature panic buttons in the event of an emergency.

 

The Week Ahead…

By Larry Janezich

1. ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm at Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Discussion of DDOT meeting on 17th Street, NE, and 19th Street, NE, redesign projects to be held on May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rosedale Community Center, 1700 Gales Street NE.

Discussion with DPW and DDOT Public Space Committee representatives on alley trash receptacles.

Sidewalk café permit application for BAB Korean Fusion, 1387 H Street, NE

Residential Permit Parking request for 1000 block of 10^th Street, NE

Pedestrian crossing at Benning Road and 18th Street, NE

Tuesday, April 19

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

Among items on the agenda:

Update on status of protest hearing of the license renewal for Touche at 1123 H Street NE. See here:

Discussion of license renewals for: Khan’s BBQ (1125 H Street NE), Ocopa (1324 H Street NE), Ben’s Chili Bowl (1001 H Street NE), Dangerously Delicious Pies (1339 H Street NE), Gallery O on H (1354 H Street NE) (Multipurpose license), The Argonaut (1433 H Street NE), Da Luft (1242 H Street NE), Chupacabra (822 H Street NE), Conscious Café (1413 H Street NE), Cusbah (1128 H Street NE), Kitty’s Saloon (1208 H Street NE), Sticky Rice (1222-1224 H Street NE)

2. Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill     Townhomes, 750 6th Street, SE, Second Floor.

3. DC Water Ward 6 Town Hall meeting, 6:30pm, Tyler Elementary School, 10^th and G Streets, SE. Questions about DC Water activities and operations?  Ask General Manager George Hawkins and staff.

Wednesday, April 20

1. ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, Corner of 10^th and G Streets, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

1603-1625 Benning Road, NE (Informational Presentation): The PUD seeks a land use designation change in order to develop the Property into a residential development with a significant portion of the units being dedicated to workforce housing.

920 – 922 H Street, NE, Applicant seeks variances to allow the construction of a mixed-use building with a restaurant and nine residential units.

2. PSA 106 meets at 7:00pm at 200 Eye Street, SE, First Floor – ID required.

3.Author talk – local author/artist Brett Busang (whose artwork was featured on CHC here: http://bit.ly/1pa9aKF) will discuss his recent book, “I Shot Bruce” at 6:00pm at Riverby Books, 417 East Capitol Street, SE.

From Busang’s publisher Open Books:

“Set in London, beginning in the early sixties and spanning five decades, I Shot Bruce follows Vijay Asunder, a rock-and-roll wannabe who, many decades after he is spurned by the manager of a singing group that eventually becomes world-famous, finally decides that he must kill the one person that symbolizes the success that has eluded him, his replacement.

During the fifty-year span of time, Asunder follows the fortunes of the band and its various members as he pursues the alternate and ever-so-quiet, but not-very-satisfying life he’s made for himself as an antique dealer. Yet with each passing year, and with each reminder of ‘what might have been,’ his obsession for revenge grows, until finally he must act.

Conceived loosely on the untimely dismissal and subsequent life of Pete Best, the so-called ‘fifth Beatle,’ Asunder’s perspective and his ultimate commitment to retribution differs markedly from Ringo Starr’s predecessor. Intelligent and intense, I Shot Bruce chronicles and dramatizes obsession to the point of self-destruction.”

Thursday, April 21

1. Councilmember Charles Allen Ward 6 Budget Town Hall. 6:30pm at the DHS H Street service Center, 645 H Street, NE.
2. Police Service Area (PSA) 108 public meeting, 7:00pm, First Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE.

Saturday, April 23

POSTPONED.  Miner Elementary School, at 601 15th Street, NE, is hosting a spring Community Yard Sale on Saturday, April 23 from 9am to noon.

DONATIONS SOUGHT….

Drop off your gently used household items at any of the doors on the north side of the building near the cafeteria as follows:

Friday 4/22 after school from 4PM to 6PM

Saturday 4/23 before 9:00 am

&pizza Back On Track after a Mea Culpa and a Stinging Rebuke by ANC6B

by Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B voted to support a new plan under which &pizza would implement best operating practices allowing the restaurant to resume construction at its future Barracks Row outlet.  The city had issued a stop work order at the site after neighbors complained that work was being done illegally – without a permit – and a Zoning Order requiring best operation practices (reached after months of negotiations with ANC6B and neighbors) was being ignored.  The ANC’s support came, however, with a reduction of the restaurant’s fast food exception from 7 years to 5 years, meaning they will have to come back to the ANC in 5 years to request a renewal.

&pizza owner Michal Lassiter blamed the general contractor for starting construction without a permit, telling the ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee on April 5^th:  “General contractors always play games with how much work they can do without a permit – they started framing out without a permit.  Shame on us – it was our responsibility.”

A positive result of the 6 month delay in construction from the stop work order was that it produced stronger protections for the nearby residential neighbors.  A strong organization of neighbors and former ANC Commissioner Francis Campbell exacted new concessions from &pizza regarding odor control, accountability for following the Zoning Order, and the reduction to 5 years for the fast food exemption.

&pizza’s new willingness to make a greater effort at being a good neighbor won over those most affected by the impact of yet another fast food restaurant on the 400 block of 8^th Street.  Linda Elliot, a resident of 7^th Street, SE, who has been active in encouraging best operational practices for Barracks Row restaurants, told the ANC:  “Over the past six months, [other neighbors] and I have come to completely trust the current leadership of &pizza – despite the fact that they were in charge during the illegal construction. [We] believe that they have genuinely seen the error of how they operated and can be completely trusted to be real leaders on Barrack Row going forward…it is our view that the faster they can … get on with the permitting process, and get back to construction, the better it will be for 400 block of 8^th Street.”

Still, ANC6B was not happy &pizza’s flouting both DC regulations and the signed agreement with ANC6B.  Ivan Frishberg, Planning and Zoning Committee resident member and former ANC6B Commissioner, earlier characterized &pizza’s actions as “the most extreme violation I’ve ever seen” and “a complete outrage of the process.”

An excerpt from the ANC’s letter to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) approving the new plan was critical of both &pizza and the building’s landlord (Maurice Kreidler – Capitol Hill Investors, LLC) who owns multiple properties on Barracks Row and the D Street and Pennsylvania Avenue commercial corridors, and reads as follows:

“[&pizza’s] proposed modifications are being supported by the Commission and endorsed by surrounding neighbors despite the fact that &pizza in concert with the owner of 405 8^th Street SE – Capitol Hill Investors, LLC – conducted two and a half months of construction without construction permits and pursuant to unapproved plans that contradicted the most fundamental requirements upon which the ANC’s support of the 2014 variance request and fast food exception was premised and which &pizza was ordered to comply with by the BZA in its September 2014 Order. Contrary to the September 2014 Order, the unpermitted plans that &pizza and [Capitol Hill Investors] used for construction:

Placed a large walk-in cooler for food and beer in the extension that &pizza and CHI agreed and the BZA ordered be used exclusively for trash and recycling…;

Substituted a venting hood system (without a Pollution Control Unit) for the ventless system that &pizza agreed and the BZA ordered be used; and

Located the HVAC compressor and other mechanicals on the roof of a one-story extension, as opposed to the higher main roof of the building where &pizza had agreed and the BZA had ordered them to be placed.

The plans also lacked a variety of the rodent proofing measures…that &pizza had agreed to and the BZA had ordered.

The applicant’s illegal construction activities based on plans that contradicted the requirements of [the Zoning Order] were beyond disappointing given the extensive and time consuming negotiations (involving six ANC meetings and numerous meetings between Applicant and neighbors) required to reach agreement on conditions for supporting the 2014 variance and exception requests….

Recognizing their mistake, &pizza has worked diligently and in good faith over the past 6 months with a small group of neighbors, former ANC Commissioners, and engineers and other experts to determine how what they have constructed can be modified to bring the project in line with the spirit of what was required by the September 2014 BZA Order. The result is the proposed modification as documented in the requested conditions and plans…  Given the genuine cooperation demonstrated by &pizza (and in light of the support they have garnered from the neighbors over the past six months of interaction), ANC 6B has agreed to support the [new agreement with the neighbors regarding best operating practices] and recommends that the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment approve [as well].”

For previous posts on the &pizza saga, go here:  http://bit.ly/1S0XANC

ANC6B Signs Off on Latest Frager’s Design – Photos – Plus Floor Plans for the Development

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B approved Perseus Realty’s plan to redevelop the Frager’s site.  The concept, (as reported on Capitol Hill Corner, here: http://bit.ly/1S8nVpF) is a by-right project with four stories and a two-unit penthouse.  The design includes indoor trash storage, and 34 condos:  twelve 2 bedroom units plus den, twelve 2 bedroom units (including the 2 penthouse units), four 1 bedroom plus den units, and six 1 bedroom units.  There will be 36 below grade parking spaces, one for each condo and two for retail.

The ANC told the Historic Preservation Reserve Board that they would like the developer to consider a few design tweaks, including a setback on the upper floors on the west side of the building, a second look at the two new in-fills on the Pennsylvania Avenue side, less glass on the rear façade, and a second look at the modifying the design of the third story so as not to mimic the historic building.

With the exception of the addition of the last item, the ANC adhered to the recommendations as they came out of the Planning and Zoning Committee, chaired by Commissioner Nick Burger, which met on April 5, to consider the Historic Preservation Application.

The proposal will now go to the Historic Preservation Review Board, the staff of which has been working closely with the developer to move the project forward.

 

Capitol Hill Developer to Neighbors:  Caveat Emptor

New Pop Up Regulations Offer Little Protection to Neighbors of Development Projects

by Larry Janezich

Capitol Hill Corner (CHC) asked developer Robert Hess how he could justify the huge structure under construction at 242 14^th Street, SE, in terms of its effect on neighbors – especially the neighbor on the north side whose back yard will never see the sun again.  Hess said that owner could have checked on what could be built next door before he bought the house.  Hess added, “I’m not in charge of moving the sun.  Caveat emptor.  Buyer beware.”

Developer Bob Hess, who has developed more than 200 homes on Capitol Hill, says that the construction at 242 14th Street, SE is within the lot occupancy and height code.  (The Zoning Commission lowered the height of buildings in R-4 residential zones from 40 to 35 feet in June of 2015.  Hess drew his building permits prior to the change.)  Hess’ building will house two separate apartments with the three floor divided vertically, providing a three story apartment in front and another in back whose entrance will be on the alley – which empties into King’s Court.  The building will technically have a fourth floor to house HVAC and water heaters, the construction of which was authorized by a special exception (permitted by right under the old regulations – a special exception would be required under the new regs.)  The apartments will be sold rather than rented.

An unusual feature is the vertical division of the building, which actually will begin some 15 feet back from the existing historic façade – creating a courtyard – but also extending the building by an equivalent amount to the rear, adding to the appearance of greater mass.

Hess says “The city is made up of houses of different sizes and different designs. Sometimes you have to make room for newer models.”  He said that the height is the same as the buildings across the street and pointed to the roof line on C Street to the south and says, “Is it higher than some of those?”

He cited the difficulty he had encountered in purchasing the building which he had originally remodeled in 1974.  As owner of one of what was then an upper and lower duplex he found himself denied access to his unit in the badly deteriorating building by the owner of the second unit.  Hess says, “I had to file a lawsuit. There was termite damage.  The roof had collapsed.  The courts judged against the other owners and there was a court-ordered sale.”

Creating a unit with a non-traditional entrance on to an alley involves some risk – even when it’s an alley feeding Kings Court.  In the latest wrinkle, Hess has messaged neighbors, asking them to join him in petitioning the city to pave the alley behind his building.

Another neighbor – Jim Myers, who lives on C Street, SE – says, “If this construction is legal, something is deeply wrong with a system that allows a homeowner to wake up to a monstrosity next door.  Even the C street residents are offended by the huge wall.”   To those who support increased density, he asks if they would welcome this in their back yard, adding, “Before we ruin everything worthwhile we should do something to keep neighborhoods with character.  It’s too bad we didn’t go with the historic district.  What gives our houses value?  To whatever extent we look like Capitol Hill – that is the appeal that gives us value.  Caveat Emptor should be a notice propagated city wide – as well as the fact that the city is not doing anything about it.”

CHC consulted with DC’s Department of Regulatory Affairs.  According to a DCRA source, the construction meets the height and lot occupancy requirements.  The fourth floor top structure – which is the only part of the structure that would not have been permitted under the new pop-up regulations – will be used for mechanicals and water heaters for the two units.  The massive walls act as common fire separation walls.  The source offered, “It’s sad to see.  Fifty years from now the neighborhood will be full of big buildings and the old school feel of the street will be lost because of the way it looks.”

Gary Peterson, Chair of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s (CHRS) Zoning Committee said, “I’ve looked at it and I think it is hideous.  It’s too bad that the people in this part of the Hill don’t want a historic district.  CHRS has done 90% of the work, but they don’t want the protection.”  He said that the regulations governing a historic district would have prevented the construction of parts of the building visible from public space, in this case,  – 14^th Street, and the alley, and King’s Court.

Asked about a possible new historic district in Hill East, Beth Purcell, Chair of the CHRS Historic Preservation Committee said, “The area is very large, over 100 squares.  I am not aware of any interest on that block of 14^th Street, but if there is, please ask them to contact me.  If someone approaches CHRS about a possible new historic district, we will meet with them and their [ANC] commissioner.”

Not everyone outside the Capitol Hill Historic District supports its expansion.  Many of these residents want to add on to their houses and say that historic district regulations would make that difficult, if not impossible.  They also do not want to be over-regulated on matters such as window replacement and changes to the building’s exterior.  On a related note, legislation authorizing so called “conservation districts” to rein in developers converting townhouses to multiple unit condos was floated in 2014, but never introduced to the City Council.”

The Week Ahead….

Monday, April 11

1. ANC6D meets at 7:00pm at 1100 4th Street, SW, DCRA 2nd Floor meeting room.

Agenda not available at press time.

2. ANC6B Outreach & Constituent Services Task Force meets at 7:00pm, at Hill Center. Director Melinda Bolling of DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs will attend.

Among items on the agenda:

Occupancy permits for businesses in Capitol Hill residences.

Tuesday, April 12

1. ANC6B meets for its April monthly meeting at 7:00pm at Hill Center.

Among items on the Agenda:

Councilmember Charles Allen will provide a community update and take questions.

Ms Tamara Robinson, Public Affairs & Voter Outreach Specialist, DC Board of Elections, will give a presentation about the upcoming DC Primary on June 14^th and demonstrate new voting equipment.

Consent calendar (non-controversial items)

Liquor license renewals for:  Rose’s Luxury, Sizzling Express, Aatish on the Hill, Acqua Al 2, Young Chow Asian Restaurant, Trattoria Alberto, Nooshi Capitol Hill.

Zoning issues for 605 G Street, SE; & Pizza on Barracks Row, Pineapple & Pearls on Barracks Row, Rose’s Luxury, Beuchert’s.

Regular Calendar (items not resolved in committee)

Southeast Market, 1500 Independence Avenue SE.  Change from wine and beer liquor license to wine, beer, and spirits license.

Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street SE, renewal of club license.

Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal of liquor license.

Good Stuff Eatery, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Renewal of liquor license.

We, The Pizza, 305 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Renewal of liquor license.

Bearnaise, 313-315 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  Renewal of liquor license.

Café 8, 424 8th Street SE, renewal of liquor license.

U.S. Capitol Power Plant, 25 E Street, SE. Fence over 42” high.

1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, (Frager’s Hardware site).  Concept/additions and infill.

2. PSA 104 meets at 7:00pm at Ludlow Taylor elementary School, 659 7^th Street, NE, with Lt. Brian Murphy.

Among items on the agenda:

Assessment of PSA Problem Solving in the last 30 days

PSA 104 Crime Report and statistics

DC Attorney General Report

US CSOSA Report

Presentation by Christopher Dye, Administrator, Private Security Incentive Program, Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.

(Pending issues from last meeting:  Prostitution on K Street and nearby area, DC Protective Services support at Office of Aging, Tree Trimming on K Street, NE, for safety security reasons; Nuisance issues.

Wednesday, April 13

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

Among items on the agenda:

Presentations by:  Director of Unified Communications (911, 311)—Karima Holmes; Streetcar update—Sean Moore.

Liquor license renewals for:  Wunder Garten, 150 M Street NE, Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, 707 H Street NE, Bistro Italiano update, 320 D Street NE.

4th and M Streets NE, proposed bike lanes

51 N Street NE, mixed use development, paving, ADA curb ramp, curbs, gutters, benches, etc.

Ethiopic Restaurant, 401 H Street NE, enclosed sidewalk cafe

K Street NE traffic study

Capitol Crossing, I-395 air rights, ZC 08-34 F, minor modification to previously approved PUD

Central Armature Works, 1200 block of 3rd Street NE (nonvoting), planned PUD

Thursday, April 14

1. ANC6A meets at 7:00pm in Miner School, 601 Fifteenth Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Presentations:

Rappaport & WC Smith – H Street Connection Redevelopment, 901 H Street, NE.

MPD Fifth District Commander William Fitzgerald

Office of Unified Command Director Karima Holmes

DC Streetcar Team’s Sean May and DDOT representative

Regular calendar:

920 – 922 H Street, NE.  Request for variances to allow the construction of a mixed use building with a restaurant and nine residential units, with restrictions.

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

Saturday, April 16

1. Liberty Baptist Church outreach to Potomac Gardens: Reverend Anthony Owens and the congregation from Liberty Baptist Church will be introducing themselves to Potomac Gardens on Saturday, April 16, from 11:00am thru 2:00pm.

Sunday, April 17

1. Anacostia River Festival:

All events from 1:00pm to 5:00pm are “free and family-friendly.”  For more information, go here:  http://bridgepark.org/anacostia-river-festival  Access: Free shuttles from Anacostia and Eastern Market Metro Stations; free parking at Maritime Plaza (1201 M Street SE) and the Anacostia Metro Station (with free shuttle service to the Park), and free bike valet at the Park.

 

The Identity Politics of Indigenous Artist Gregg Deal – At The Fridge

by Larry Janezich

Gregg Deal is a Pyramid Lake Paiute artist and activist.  His current show at The Fridge through May 1, “There Is No Plan B” raises questions regarding the complex identity of indigenous people as it exists within Western culture. Deal talked about his work at an artist’s talk last Sunday at The Fridge: his art is calculated to start a conversation about the complex social-cultural identity of indigenous people and how they are viewed.  Gregg says, “When you can facilitate conversations through art, you can change lives.”

Gregg told the audience, “I’m not a Native American artist – I’m a contemporary artist that happens to be Native American, and this [my art] is my experience.”  Commenting on the contemporary nature of indigenous arts, Deal says, “There’s a place in my heart for more traditional things indigenous people make…but there’s a large number of indigenous people who are contemporary artists and contemporary art is important because it expresses something – your art is your life.  Often times a statement is being made that relates back to being the person you are.  One obstacle we face as indigenous people is proving you exist – contemporary art is a good way to do that.”

Trained as an oil painter, then print as a maker and graphic designer, Deal’s art is the result of combining everything he has ever done. He says, “Every artist has things he draws from.  The thing that got me started was social media manipulation.”  His work spans an array of media, including visual art, murals, print work, performance art, time lapse videos, and conceptual art.  See his website, here:  http://greggdeal.com/

Deal was one of the group of Native Americans who confronted a panel of Washington DC football fans supporting their team’s name on the Daily Show in September, 2014.  Deal says that the Daily Show created a new context to have a conversation about the controversy over the team name using comedy – “laughing about it changes minds – art does the same thing.” For the WaPo account of that event, go here:  http://wapo.st/1TC6ylr

Deal just finished a three-month stint as artist-in-residence at the Denver Art Museum and has recently relocated his family to the Denver area.  To watch an interview with Deal done during his tenure as an artist in residence go here: http://bit.ly/1N0WUY6

For details on “There Is No Plan B” and for more on upcoming events at The Fridge, go here:  http://bit.ly/1VHnzef

 

The Week Ahead….Touché – Formerly XII Lounge – in Trouble with ANC6A (See Wednesday)

by Larry Janezich

Monday, April 4

1. Capitol Hill Restoration Society Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm, in Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.
2. ANC6C ABC Committee meets at 7:00 pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Wunder Garten, 131 M Street, NE – License relocation request and other related items.

Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, 707 H Street, NE.  Settlement restriction reconsideration request.

Update – Bistro Italiano, 320 D Street, NE.  Summer garden request withdrawn.

3. EventsDC Community Meeting to reveal results of its “RFK Campus Redevelopment Study”. 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at he Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW.

Tuesday, April 5

1. ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Ave, SE.

Among items on the agenda:

605 G Street SE. Susan Hillberg (owner).

&pizza, 400 block 8th Street, SE.   Modification of BZA Order.

Elaine’s One (Pineapple & Pearls), 715 8th Street, SE, new sidewalk café.

Rose’s Luxury, 717 8th Street SE, retractable awning.

Beuchert’s, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, new sidewalk cafe.

U.S. Capitol Power Plant, 25 E Street, SE, fence over 42” high.

Frager’s Hardware site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, concept/additions and infill: Perseus Realty LLC, Adam Peters, Head of Development

2. ANC 6C Parks and Events Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser-Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Committee updates concerning new and pending issues.

KIPP DC/Brentwood Hamilton Athletic Field – Discussion with the District Department of Parks and Recreation and KIPP DC concerning the development of the Brentwood Hamilton athletic facilities by KIPP DC.

NoMa Parks – Discussion concerning the Community Conversation 3.0 and other issues involving NoMa Parks.

3. Representatives from Mayor Bowser’s office will lead a community walk and talk in ANC district 6b07 beginning at noon at Harris Teeter at 1350 Potomac Avenue, SE, then to 13^th, K, and 12^th Streets, SE. Representatives from DPW, DCRA, DPR, DDOT, DCHA, MPD and CM Allen’s Office will participate.  ANC6B Commissioner Daniel Chao says this walk is intended to show what the city has done and is doing – and identify what remains to be done to address concerns.  Chao asks those wishing to attend to RSVP, or – for those unable to attend – to send questions, comments or concerns to him at:  daniel6b07@anc6b.org

Wednesday, April 6

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

Among items on the agenda:

Update on the Status of the 17th & 19th Streets Pedestrian Safety Project: Mr. Dahir, DDOT 17th Street Project Manager.

Presentation by Washington Gas on “ProjectPipes”.

Presentation by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local #1764.

2. ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets at 7:00pm at the Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

Agenda not available at press time.

3. Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration will hold a hearing on ANC6A’s protest of Touché’s  (the former XII H Street Lounge) application for a liquor license renewal. Jay Williams, ANC6A ABC Committee chair will represent the ANC before ABRA.  He will cite multiple complaints about noise from the venue’s roof deck.  According to Williams, the ANC tried and failed to negotiate a new settlement agreement addressing community concerns with Touché , resulting in the decision to protest the renewal.  For the 2014 post with details on why XII had its license suspended and the representations of the club’s new owners go here:  http://bit.ly/1ZXZBvD

The hearing will be at 4:00pm at the Reeves Municipal Center, 2000 14th Street, NW, S400, Washington, DC 20009 Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center

Thursday, April 7

1. ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will meet at 7:00pm, in Hill Center.

Among items on the agenda are the following:

Southeast Market, 1500 Independence Avenue, SE, change from Retailer B (wine and beer) to Retailer A (wine, beer, and spirits).

Rose’s Luxury, 717 8th Street, SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Sizzling Express, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license

Aatish on the Hill, 609 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Acqua Al 2, 212 7th Street, SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street, SE, renewal of Class C Club license.

Young Chow Asian Restaurant, 312 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class D Restaurant license.

Good Stuff Eatery, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class D Restaurant license.

We, The Pizza, 305 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Bearnaise, 313-315 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Trattoria Alberto, 504 8th Street SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Café 8, 424 8th Street SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

Nooshi Capitol Hill, 524 8th Street SE, renewal of Class C Restaurant license.

2. The Metropolitan Police Department will host a meeting with the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia at 7:00pm at the First Police District, 101 M Street, SW. Members of the United States Attorney’s Office and the First Police District will discuss matters of mutual interest on crime and the criminal justice system including the outcomes of recent arrests and convictions.  Residents will have an opportunity to weigh-in regarding upcoming sentencing dates and issues affecting our community.

3. Police Service Area (PSA) 107, with Lt. Eddie Fowler, meets at 7:00pm, Southeast Library, lower level.

4. Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meet at 5:30pm, Southeast Library, lower level. Anyone interested in joining FOSEL or volunteering to help with the monthly book sales at Southeast Library is urged to attend.