Photo Essay: New Congressional Cemetery Tradition Debuted Saturday
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 16, 2024
Saturday marked the debut of a new annual ceremonial tradition at Congressional Cemetery with the remembrance of fallen veterans and those who continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. For the first time ever, the cemetery participated in a national ceremony and laying of wreaths on the graves of those who have served in every branch of the United States military. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun in 1992. On Saturday, more than two million volunteers gathered nation-wide to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” at more than 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
There are over 1,700 veterans from almost every American armed conflict dating back to the American Revolution interred at historic Congressional Cemetery and volunteers placed 350 wreaths on veteran’s graves. Wreaths were donated by community members who ordered them online on the Wreaths Across America website at $17 each.
The ceremony came to Congressional Cemetery owing to the efforts of Jim Guckert, founder and Executive Director of Guerrilla Gardeners DC. After volunteering for wreath-laying in Arlington National Cemetery, Guckert thought that Congressional Cemetery warranted its own service. He put Wreaths Across America in conversation with representatives of Congressional Cemetery and Saturday’s first commemoration event was the result.
Wreaths Across America’s community partners in the effort included the DC National Guard, Post 46 – The American Legion, The Judge Lynn Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC.
In remarks, A.J. Orlikoff, Director of Programming, Historic Congressional Cemetery, cited President Lincoln’s address on the purpose of the struggle to the 166th Ohio Regiment who were visiting the White House on August 22, 1864.
“It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children’s children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours…. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.”
Here are wreaths for each branch of the United States Armed Forces, waiting placement.
Veterans of the Armed Forces selected to place the wreaths in front of the American Flag in the center of the veterans’ section of Congressional Cemetery.
The wreaths after placement.
After the ceremony, the volunteers split up into four groups to lay wreaths, each assigned a section of the cemetery. Section leader Guckert led his group to a pile of wreaths – nearby was the grave of gay activist Leonard Matlovich who was the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight their ban on gays.
Guckert hands out wreaths to volunteers.
Coast Guard veteran Denise Krepp lays a wreath on Matlovich’s grave.
For more on The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery and how to join it, go here: https://congressionalcemetery.org/
Last Monday, there were signs of progress on the buildout for Dos Toros Taqueria, opening at 215 Pennsylvania Avenue – formerly the Firehook Bakery. Dos Toros Taqueria – a San Francisco-style taqueria – has announced the opening of three outlets in DC. The enterprise has a dozen locations in NYC. Here’s a link to the restaurant’s menu at the NYC outlets: https://www.dostoros.com/menu Photo credit: Bob Gellman
Last Friday, CM Charles Allen held community office hours at Pretzel Bakery at 15th and C Street, SE.
Friday afternoon, DC Public Library posted the December construction update on the modernization of the SE Public Library. The Library closed on January 4, 2024 and is scheduled to reopen in early 2026. Here are a few photos from the update (see here: https://bit.ly/3ZEo7YL ) The one above shows the lower level, excavated and braced. Photo credit DCPL.
The new addition, lower level, facing South Carolina Avenue. Photo credit DCPL.
Laying of the concrete slab on the lowest level is complete. The windows mark the original building’s lower level. Photo credit DCPL..
The new opening in the roof for the skylight. Photo credit DCPL..
The Week Ahead….
Monday, December 16
ANC6B SE Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
The in-person meeting will be held on the 2nd floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The entrance is adjacent to Trader Joe’s.
For info on how to join the meeting virtually, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Agenda: Status of the renovation of the library and how to improve services at the DC Public Library’s Arthur Capper TechExpress, located on the second floor of the Arthur Capper Recreation Center in the Navy Yard neighborhood at 1000 5th Street, SE. Services include wi-fi access, public computers, printing, copying and scanning as well as item return and holds pick-up. For more, see here: https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit/arthur-capper-techexpress
Tuesday, December 17
ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Agenda: To set the agenda for the January 14 meeting of the full commission.
Thursday, December 19
Community Meeting on Rumsey Aquatic Center (Rescheduled from December 12):
DC Department of Parks and Recreation will host the first community meeting on the demolition and modernization of the Rumsey Aquatic Center, December 19, at 6:30pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market. The design/build team are expected to take part in the meeting. For more, see here: https://bit.ly/3ZsHnsv
ANC6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Closure of Downtown Metro Stations Dec. 20-30
WMATA plans to close some Downtown Metrorail stations for the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines between Friday, Dec. 20, and Monday, Dec. 30 to improve tracks and signaling. During the closure, shuttle buses will replace train service at affected stations, providing customers with alternate access to stations. Stations will reopen Dec. 31. Work will be completed in two phases:
Dec. 20-26: Farragut West, McPherson Square, and the lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) at Metro Center will be closed.
Dec. 27-30: Farragut West, McPherson Square, lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) atMetro Center, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and the lower level of L’Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Silver service) will be closed.
The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, December 14, 2024. The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.
The sale begins when the library opens at 10:00 am. We begin to pack up around 2:45 pm and are done by 3:00 pm. The sale is on the lower level of the library.
Entrance to the sale is through the library (and down the stairs or elevator).
In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc.
Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.
And remember, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. We are no longer taking CDs or DVDs.
Got the ability to recirculate this message on other lists? That would be much appreciated.
Per CM Charles Allen, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation has rescheduled the community meeting on the demolition and modernization of the Rumsey Aquatic Center until Thursday, December 19, at 6:30pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market. It is anticipated that the design/build team will take part in the meeting. For more, see here: https://bit.ly/3ZsHnsv
The long-awaited opening of Mezah on PA Ave SE came on Monday.
The restaurant is open daily, 10:30am until 9:00pm. These are photos just after it opened on Tuesday morning.
Mezeh is gifting $3 coupons on purchases of at least $10, through the end of the year. Pick up in store.
Mezeh Grille Opens on PA Ave SE
By Larry Janezich
Posted December 10, 2024
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill is open in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s convenience store at 333 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The store is the latest in the Mezeh’s chain of more than 40 fast casual restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region.
Mezeh specializes in fresh food and natural flavors, made from scratch in-house daily with 100% olive oil halal protein, no hormones, no preservatives, and or additives. The restaurant targets young health conscious professionals, 21 – 45.
The most popular menu item is “create your own bowl” with some 65 toppings that fits any diet – vegetarian, vegan, Keto, gluten free, etc.
The restaurant’s name – “Mezeh” – is the company’s twist of a host of similar Eastern Mediterranean words all of which mean some variation of taste, flavor, nibble or small plate.
The Week Ahead…& Some Mostly Restaurant Photo News
by Larry Janezich
Posted Sunday, December 8
Boxcar Tavern has been purchased and according to a source, is investing in a $200,000 renovation to open an upscale bar called The Lobby Bar. The owner, the source says, hopes to open in a few weeks. That seems optimistic.
On last Monday afternoon, workers were engaged in a substantial demolition and construction project inside Boxcar.
Lavagna has a new owner who is somewhat vague about his plans for the retail space. He introduced himself as Daoud and said “we haven’t decided – it might be a smoke shop or maybe we might serve Mediterranean food “– though he acknowledged that the previous tenant had had a restaurant and “it hadn’t worked for them. “ He said he might separate the space on the second floor since there were two entrances in the front. Asked when he might know what the plans are, he replied he wasn’t sure, but “You’ll know soon enough.” The owner said he has a smoke shop on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda.
The new Popeyes at 409 8th Street, Barracks Row – is shown here on the right adjacent to the build out for Taco Bell. Despite bending over backwards to address concerns of nearby neighbors and other businesses on Barracks Row, Popeyes has hit a speed bump with their attempt to reopen under a new franchisee. The problem is with the Department of Buildings (DOB) which is insisting that the restaurant have two restrooms. Popeyes plan was to use one of the two existing bathrooms for indoor trash storage in accordance with best rodent control practices urged by the neighbors. DC Code provides an exception for low occupancy restaurants to operate with one restroom. The code is open to interpretation by DOB, and they’re coming down on the side of the rodents – this despite support for the trash storage plan from the DC Department of Health Rodent Control.
The neighbors and Popeyes appealed to ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee for advice and assistance at last week’s committee meeting. The committee voted to write a letter to DOB and CM Allen to urge granting an exception and permit one of the two bathrooms to be used for trash storage. The recommendation to send the letter will come up before the full ANC6B at its December meeting next Tuesday. The DC Health Department shut down this Popeye’s in November of 2021 after a video of a rat infestation went viral.
Barracks Row’s Cafe 8 Mediterranean Bistro wants to more than double its occupancy. The request to amend their liquor license application to increase occupancy from 88 to 180 comes after the restaurant purchased two adjacent buildings. Last Tuesday, ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee voted to support the request. The full ANC will take up the recommendation at next Tuesday’s December meeting of the full commission.
The café at 424 Eighth Street, SE, is a hookah bar and grille owned and operated by a Turkish family and has been in business on Barracks Row for almost 20 years.
Rosedale Library Update. Last Tuesday night at Rosedale Library, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan, announced at a community meeting on the future of Rosedale Library, that the current site of the Library had been selected to build the new Rosedale Library. The yexpect to open in 2030.
The Week Ahead….
Highlights
Tuesday, ANC6B: Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management – Pre-Inauguration Briefing
(Postponed until December 19.) Thursday, DPR Community meeting on Rumsey Aquatic Center
Community Announcements (Commissioners and Audience
Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106)
Community Concerns
Presentations
Illegal Cannabis Enforcement (ABCA Dir. Moosally, CM Allen, Capt. Hrebanek)
DCPS Amidon-Bowen Swing Space
Pepco Stacks Substation Repairs, Renovation
DOEE – Lead Safe and Healthy Housing
Consent Agenda
Development, Planning, and Transportation
501 I Street SW
Commission Updates & Administrative Matters
***POSTPONED*** ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will meet at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 3 (Main Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
Among items on the agenda: TBA
Tuesday, December 10
ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to access the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
Introductions
Consent Agenda
Administrative Consent Items
Amendment of Standing Rules
Annual Report for ANC 6B 2024
January 2025 ABC Committee – Orthodox Christmas Conflict (Move to January 6th, 2025)
Community & Commission Announcements and Speak Out
Presentations
Green New Deal for Social Housing Presentation – Connor Laughland
Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management – Pre-Inauguration Briefing
ANC 6B Input on Other Items of Concern
Presentation of 2024 Outstanding Public Service Award
Letter to Council to Support Funding for Initiative 83
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee
Café Bistro Med – 424 8th Street SE. Request to amend settlement agreement to allow for greater occupancy. (Capacity from 88 to 180)
Planning and Zoning Committee
Letter to DOB, CM Charles Allen, et. al;, supporting Popeyes appeal for an exception from regulations requiring two bathrooms in order to free up space for indoor trash storage in accordance with neighbor’s request for this rodent control measure.
Public Safety Committee
Resolution Regarding Implementation of the Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan
Motion to renew service agreements for package prep/web services and notetaker for FY2025.
Single Member District reports (2 minute each)
Community Comments (2 minutes each)
***DPR Community Meeting*** (Postponed until December 19.)
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a community meeting on the demolition and modernization of the Rumsey Aquatic Center at 6:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market. It is anticipated that the design/build team will take part in the meeting. For more, see here: https://bit.ly/3ZsHnsv
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Hill Center Event
Our City. Our Music. Our Writers., Featuring Daniel Boomhower and Carol Oja. Tuesday, December 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. In-person at the Hill Center. $10.00. Register here: https://bit.ly/3Bem7hX
Hill Center Event
“SONG OF SOLSTICE” A Celtic Christmas Celebration Featuring: OCEAN Celtic Quartet. Sunday, December 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. In-person. $20.00. Register here: https://bit.ly/49seW2g
Folger Library Free Event
Free community singalong with Choral Director and The Voice contestant (season 25) L. Rodgers. Friday, December 13, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Great Hall of the Folger Library.
The Folger is ringing in the season with favorite festive tunes at our next Folger Friday! Join for a cheerful evening of songs, crafts, and warm beverages as we celebrate in community. Free Register here: https://bit.ly/3Vp8t2n
The former Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill at 419 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row
Empire Racquet owner Bryn Bryant at left shows off the new space
And here’s the reverse shot looking toward the 8th Street
Empire Racquet Pickle Ball and Gym Is Coming to Barracks Row
By Larry Janezich
Posted December 4, 2024
What is being billed as a multipurpose family gym is opening in the space formerly occupied by Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill at 419 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row.
Owner Bryn Bryant told CHC that he hopes to open Empire Racquet by February 1. He is currently awaiting a demolition permit to begin construction in the 110 X 35 foot space. In addition to a gym, the space will hold a tennis shop which will sell equipment and string racquets.
Bryant, who is new to the area, comes from NYC where he ran tennis clubs for 15 years.
He says he will program the space to keep it busy all day and into the night:
5:00am to 9:00am – Boot Camp
9:00am to 2:00pm – Pickle Ball and kiddie classes
2:00pm to 6:00pm – Indoor cricket and kiddie classes, including indoor cricket, soccer, tennis, and gym
6:00pm to 8:00pm – Pickle Ball
8:00pm to closing – Indoor Cricket
The website – empireracquet.com – is under construction. Bryant is opening a second Empire Racquet at 15th and L Street, NW.
Here’s a photo of a beautifully restored classic 1955 Chevrolet 2-Door Sedan frequently parked at Eastern Market. Chevy introduced a revolutionary V-8 engine for the model which was the forerunner of engines for future racing cars and hot rods. Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson told CHC that it belongs to an Eastern Market Shopper named Strickland. Margeson mused, “It’s a sort of red and white Christmas card for Eastern Market.”
The U.S. Capitol’s Christmas tree arrived at the Capitol on Friday, November 22. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:00pm on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The tree will be lit from dusk until 11 PM each night until January 1, 2025.
The tree is an 80-foot Sitka spruce from the Wrangell District Region in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. The tree – an 80-foot Sitka spruce named “Spruce Wayne” – arrived by tractor-trailer from Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
In the background, the Inaugural Platform for the swearing in ceremony is under construction. The blue markings indicate the ends of the seating platforms upon which the official guests – members of Congress and the Supreme Court, as well and the Presidential parties – will sit.
The Architect of the Capitol has begun construction of the Inaugural Platform to swear in the President. The official swearing in will occur on Sunday, January 20, 2025, as required by the Constitution. The public swearing in will occur at noon on Monday, January 21, 2025. An extra measure of security for this year’s inaugural platform construction period in the form of an eight foot wooden fence surrounding the inaugural platform and all of the media stands which surround it. New AREA CLOSED signage warns “Do Not Enter or Remain” (emphasis mine).
The U.S. Botanic Garden’s “Season’s Greenings!” holiday exhibit is open, now through January 5, 2025, including models of 21 DC landmarks inside and an outdoor model train exhibit which travels around and through giant replicas of plant and pollinators all of which are made from plant parts.
The Garden is open 10am – 5pm daily and tickets are not required. On December 10, 12, 17, 19, and 26, evening hours will be extended until 8pm, with live music and food/drink vendors. Night time lighting during the extended hours brings a special glow to the monument exhibits. Plan your visit at www.USBG.gov/Holiday
Here’s a photo of visitors to the Botanic Gardens on Sunday afternoon.
And an all-plant-parts model of the whimsical statue of Albert Einstein from the memorial bronze by sculptor Robert Berks, depicting Albert Einstein seated with manuscript papers in hand. The monument is on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences on Constitution Avenue, NW.
And here’s a photo of a plant parts orchid bee visiting a vanilla orchid in the train exhibit on the west side of the Botanic Gardens. Here too, nighttime lighting brings enchantment to the display.
The Week Ahead….
Monday, December 2
6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Note: This meeting date has been adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, religious days, or other events.
Election of Chair Por-Tempore (Current chair Commissioner Frank D’Andrea’s term will expire January 1, 2025 and the committee will meet in January, prior to the election of a new permanent chair.)
ANC 6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Café 8 – 424 8th Street, SE. Request to amend settlement agreement to allow for greater occupancy, to increase occupancy capacity from 88 to 180.
Election of Chair Pro-Tempore (Current chair Commissioner Chander Jayaraman’s term will expire January 1, 2025 and the committee will meet in January, prior to the election of a new permanent chair.)
Future of Rosedale Library 6:30pm
Hosted by ANC 7D06 Commissioner Marc Friend, join DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation Theenie Freeman, and Rosedale Library Friends on Dec. 3rd at 6:30pm at the Rosedale Recreation Center to hear about the plans for the new Rosedale Library. This is our first view of the plans and a great opportunity for community feedback.
In person at the Rosedale Recreation Center (1701 Gales St NE) at 6:30pm. To join the virtual meeting, go here: https://bit.ly/3VkgsgZ
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:00pm on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Wednesday, December 4
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
11th Street Safety Discussion with Shirley Chisholm Elementary School
Election of Chair Pro-Tempore (Current chair Commissioner Matt Lafortune’s term will expire January 1, 2025 and the committee will meet in January, prior to the election of a new permanent chair.)
ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Brent Elementary Holiday Greenery Sale from December 5th- 8th.
The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will hold its 14th annual Holiday Sale from December 5th- 8th. Proceeds are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.
Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until December 3rd at http://www.brentholidaysale.org . In addition to trees the outdoor on-lot sale will include wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items. All customers will also have the popular option to have their trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup.
Thursday, December 5, 2024 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Saturday, February 1, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Thursday, March 6, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Saturday, August 23, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)
The Special Waste Collection event may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather. Please check twitter.com/dczerowaste or twitter.com/DCDPW for the most up-to-date information.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO PARTICIPATE.
To accommodate everyone in a safe and timely manner, DPW is now requiring registration to participation in the Special Waste Collection Events. District residents can sign up for a 15-minute entry slot when residents can arrive anytime in the 15 minute period and a DPW staff member will be there is assist you. Please note that time selected is the arrival window, not the time of services. Only one ticket is required per vehicle. No entry will be allowed after 2:00 pm. Open to DC residents only. Please bring proof of residency (e.g. driver’s license, utility bill, lease agreement) and Eventbrite registration. No commercial waste will be allowed. Register here: https://dpw.dc.gov/service/household-hazardous-waste-hhw-e-cycling-document-shredding
The Special Waste Collection event may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather. If DPW reaches capacity, entrance into the events may be blocked for resident safety. Please check twitter.com/dczerowaste or twitter.com/DCDPW for the most up-to-date information.
Rumsey Aquatic Court at 635 North Carolina Avenue, SE
Update: Modernization of Rumsey Aquatic Center – First Community Meeting on Dec 12
By Larry Janezich
Posted November 26, 2024
The Department of Parks and Recreation has scheduled the first of several community meetings on the demolition and modernization of the Rumsey Aquatic Court for Thursday, December 12, at 6:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market. It is anticipated that the design/build team will take part in the meeting.
The project, at $37 million, is the largest of the current 9 DPR projects in Ward 6 (see below) . The current Rumsey Center will be demolished and a new center will be constructed . Besides the new pool, locker rooms, and changing rooms, the plan calls for additional amenities, including:
A senior center with a tech lounge
A business incubator space
An indoor fitness center
DPR is just starting on the design phase and the date for starting construction is TBD. DPR anticipates that there will be several community meetings to solicit community input regarding the design, noting that since this is a significant project in a historic district, there’s a lot to talk about.
Here are the locations of eight other DPR projects in Ward 6. A ninth project – renovation of Cobb Park at 200 H Street, NW, is not shown.
The Week Ahead – Restaurant Updates … & Some Photos from Last Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 24, 2024
The Salty Doughnut looks to be headed for Barracks Row. According to a source, the popular national doughnut chain has purchased the three outlets formerly owned by District Doughnut. Last September, a sign announcing the “temporary closure” of the three District Doughnut shops (Barracks Row, The Wharf, and Union Market) was posted at the shop, along with the promise that “District Doughnut has some exciting news to share in a few weeks.” There have been previous press reports that The Salty Doughnut Restaurant chain was moving into the DMV – the opening of an outlet has been announced in the Fairfax County’s Mosaic District off Route 29 outside the beltway. Until now, the locations of potential sites in DC have not been made public. For more info on The Salty Doughnut, here’s a link to their website: https://www.saltydonut.com/ And their Instagram link is here: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltydonut/?hl=en
Barracks Row Joey’s has been bought by Teds’s Bulletin owner, Salis Holdings. Back in 2011, a NYC entrepreneur named Steve Salis appeared before ANC6B proposing to open a “high end pizza outlet” on Barracks Row called Ima Pizza. Later, the name changed to &Pizza and Salis cofounded the local chain. Salis sold out his share of the company in 2019 and subsequently acquired Ted’s Bulletin (six locations), Kramers Bookstore (the former Kramer Books and Afterwords), the Fedralist Pig, and Honeymoon Chicken (12 locations). No hints yet on Salis’ plans for Joey’s.
DC Falafel on Pennsylvania Avenue– Down Pennsylvania Avenue at 1123 next to Frager’s, Capitol Hill’s only falafel outlet has been getting favorable reviews from patrons. Here’s a link to the carryout’s menu which features falafel wraps and platters as well as wraps and platters for chicken, lamb & beef sharwarma. Here’s a link to their website and on-line ordering info. https://www.dcfalafel.com/ Inexpensive.
New Greek Restaurant – Word on the street is that a new Greek restaurant is coming to 315 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Spike Mendelsohn’s old Mexican Restaurant Santa Rosa Taqueria. This is a developing story.
Southeast Library Modernization. Here’s a recent photo of the on-going modernization of Southeast Library showing the excavation and bracing of the lower level.
And here’s a Design Phase Rendering illustrating the new lowest level. Next month will see the demolition creating a roof opening for the new skylight.
Coldwell Banker’s Holiday Animated Window display at 350 7th Street, SE, across from Peregrine Espresso, returns to celebrate the season – a nostalgic and transporting delight. The display was designed by Manuel Cortes of Groovy Cards and Gifts – see here: https://groovydc.com/
The Week Ahead….
Monday, November 25
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.
Announcements & Updates – Reminder of Sunday morning cleanups on I Street – People’s Front of H Street Group – How to join the 6A list serve.
Rat Race: Supervisory Code and Rodent inspector Andre Pitman
Community Comments & Concern
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Brent Elementary Holiday Greenery Sale from December 5th- 8th.
The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will hold its 14th annual Holiday Sale from December 5th- 8th. Proceeds are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.
Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until December 3rd at http://www.brentholidaysale.org . In addition to trees the outdoor on-lot sale will include wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items. All customers will also have the popular option to have their trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 