Category Archives: Uncategorized

DC Restaurateur Hopes To Open Specialty Market/Restaurant at 13th and PA Avenue, SE

by Larry Janezich

DC restaurateur Ari Gejdenson wants to open a ground floor specialty food market – items generally unavailable elsewhere, but which will complement shopping at nearby Harris Teeter – and a restaurant at 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Gejdenson, owner of Mindful Restaurant Group, which includes Acqua al 2 (where he is the chef), Ghibellina in Logan Circle; and Harold Black – the speakeasy above Acqua al 2 – is talking to the building’s owner, Douglas Development, about the project.

Currently, only the ground floor is zoned commercial.  The development company has applied for a revised zoning variance to allow commercial zoning, renovation and expansion of the building’s second and third floors.  Once zoning relief is granted, Gejdenson hopes to negotiate a lease with Douglas.

Asked for comment, Gejdenson said he has enjoyed being on Capitol Hill, and “hopefully, we can get these landlords to work with us.” Gejdenson is set to open a liquor bar in another Douglas Development building at 600 F Street NW, in late summer or early fall.  The bar, Denson’s (a play on Gejdenson’s last name), will feature a drink menu heavy on scotch and craft beer and a limited food menu.

If brought to fruition, the Pennsylvania Avenue project would be a welcome addition to a developing section of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, where several residential projects catering to singles and couples are in the works.  Douglas Development is also behind the large commercial

building at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Tuesday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted to support the zoning variance, 10 – 0, forwarding the matter to the full ANC at its monthly meeting next Tuesday.  Douglas Development bought the building at auction a year ago and has run into unexpected construction issues, increasing construction costs considerably.  Originally, it was slated to become an office building by matter of right, requiring no zoning changes.

Gejdenson grew up on Capitol Hill and played international soccer in Florence, Italy, where he opened his first restaurant which served American food.   He opened Acqua al 2, across from Eastern Market, in 2010.

 

 

Images of Madison Investments’ Proposed 49 Unit Residential Project at 11^th and I Streets, SE

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, Sia Madani of Madison Investments and Architect Jeff Goins of PGN Architects revealed renderings of Madison’s new matter of right residential building planned for 900 11^th Street, SE.   The presentation was in support of a Historic Preservation (HP) application for new construction of a 49 unit residential building at the site, a block north of the Southeast – Southwest Freeway at 11th Street, SE.

Moving against the current development trend of building units to accommodate a transient life style skewed toward young couples and singles, Madison plans units which will average 870 square feet – with 40 to 50% of them aimed at a two-bedroom family lifestyle market. Ten percent of the units (4 – 6) will fall in the affordable category, under inclusionary zoning requirements.   The project will provide 7 street level parking spaces, and additional 23 spaces in a partly underground garage, and 26 bike spaces.  Pricing for the units has not yet been determined.

For the most part, the ANC liked what it saw regarding the HP application, the only quibble being raised by Commissioner Garrison, who commented that “the building does not speak to me as residential – it doesn’t have the feel of residential.”  Goins replied that PGN Architects is still making modifications to the design to take neighborhood concerns into consideration.

The Committee agreed to support the HP Application, 9 – 0 – 1, forwarding its endorsement to the full ANC6B which will next meet on July 15.

For more on this project, see the CHC post here: http://bit.ly/1n5MjJn

 

Historic Townhouse/Frame Shop Near Eastern Market Likely To House New Restaurant

by Larry Janezich

Last night, at ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, Capitol Hill developer Ken Golding presented plans to re-develop the Sheehy house at 317 7^th Street, SE, across the street from the Hine Project.  The plans propose turning the former frame shop and residence into a restaurant, though Golding expressed hope that a retail client could be found.  Given the likely rent for a small property in that prime location, the odds would seem to favor a restaurant as a likely occupant and Golding admitted as much, saying “there are not as many retailers as there used to be.”  Golding presented the planned changes in connection with a Historic Preservation Application which he hopes to take before the Historic Preservation Review Board at its next meeting.

The plans call for demolishing the single story structure at the rear of the building, adding a two story attachment with a new emergency exit stairway in back, and replacing windows and second story French doors on the 7^th Street façade.  Golding, a partner in Stanton Development which is developing the Hine project, was representing a new entity developing the Sheehy house – 317 7^th Street LLC – comprised of himself and his two sons.  Stanton Development owns numerous properties on the block, including several fronting Pennsylvania Avenue.

Commissioner Ivan Frishberg said he had no problem with the Historic Preservation request, but raised concerns regarding the lack of an enclosed trash facility, citing the burgeoning rat and rodent problem plaguing neighborhoods which have restaurants.  Commissioner Dave Garrison urged Golding to anticipate problems and deal with them in advance, emphasizing that rats are a huge problem in the neighborhood.  He noted, “Residents back up on the alley – they will be all over you like a blanket.”

The Historic Preservation application was a late-breaking item placed on the committee’s agenda after the ANC’s Executive Committee meeting on June 24.  Commissioner Brian Flahaven said that this was the result of the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) notifying the ANC of the Historic Preservation application after the Executive Committee had met, and that consideration on short notice was necessary to allow the application to be come before HPRB at its next meeting.

While the addition of a late breaking item to the agenda is not unusual, the fact that this project is in the middle of one of Capitol Hill’s most important retail corridors and that it could appear on the ANC’s agenda on short notice means that ANC review will take place with limited neighborhood input. Indeed, in contrast to homeowners for whom historic preservation applications require extensive documentation and consultation with neighbors, the ANC Commissioners posed no questions regarding neighborhood review to Golding.  In response to a question regarding opportunities for community input last night, Frishberg suggested that local media could publicize the project before the ANC6B meeting next Tuesday. To that end, the developer initially agreed to forward digital plans to Capitol Hill Corner (the plans are a matter of public record once they are submitted to the ANC – as they were last night).  Subsequently, the developer informed CHC that “we are doing some tweaks to the plans in line with comments (at the meeting) and will have something by middle of next week.”  CHC took this to mean the plans would be shared after the ANC6B meeting next Tuesday and obtained a copy of the provisional plans submitted last night.

The committee voted 10 – 0 to take “no position,” referring the application to the full ANC without recommendation.  Frishberg urged the developer to consider all options regarding a trash enclosure and to work with the Department of Health and the BZA toward that end.

The Sheehy house came on the market listed at $875,000 this spring.  The listing agent was Kitty Kaupp of Coldwell Bankers and Stanton Development.  Since 1967, it had been “The Frame Up” – the studio, shop, art gallery, and home of prolific artist Richard Sheehy.  Sheehy died in February, 2014.

The Week Ahead….&Pizza, Two CSX Tunnels Proposal, Southeast Boulevard

by Larry Janezich

Monday, June 30  (Note change from regular Tuesday night meeting)

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

Among items on the agenda:

Historic Preservation for Madison Investments and PGN Architect’s new condo construction at 900 11th Street SE   (See CHC post here:  http://bit.ly/1n5MjJn)

&Pizza’s request for special exception to the fast food ban and a from rear yard requirements for one-story rear addition to existing building (OXXO Cleaners at 405 8^th Street, SE).

Tuesday, July 1

ANC6C Special Joint Meeting:  The Transportation and Public Space and the Parks and Events Committees will meet at 6:30pm at Kaiser-Permanente, Capitol Hill Medical Center.

On the agenda:

Alibi Restaurant, 237 2^nd Street, NE – public space applications for one enclosed and one unenclosed patios

Discussion of issues regarding delivery trucks on 3^rd Street, NE, serving Giant supermarket

Discussion of triangle parks owned and managed by National Park Service and DDOT

KIPP Public Charter School High School – The former Hamilton School on Brentwood Parkway in Ward 5 (6th and Penn Streets, NE) is being converted to a new high school by KIPP.  This includes demolition of the existing building and reconstruction of the adjacent playground, courts, and other areas.  KIPP will be attending the meeting to discuss potential public uses of the new facilities at this site.

Playable Arts DC – Informational update on the Playable Arts DC program, for which the NoMa neighborhood was selected for installation of art sculptures which are also playground equipment and interactive elements for children.  This program is run by the Office of Planning, and the selected site is along the Metropolitan Branch Trail between L and M Streets, NE.

Tuesday, July 1

The DDOT/FHWA will hold a public hearing on the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on the CSX Tunnel Proposal, 630pm to 800pm, Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I (eye) Street SW.  The FEIS incorporates feedback from the community and identifies “Alternative 3 – Two New Tunnels” as the Preferred Alternative for construction. The FEIS and a fact sheet are available at www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com

Wednesday, July 2

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

On the agenda:

Discussion of Eastern Market parking with Evian Patterson, District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Discussion of Office of Planning’s Southeast Boulevard Neighborhood Planning Study project

Resolution regarding Metrobus stops

Comments on DDOT’s draft MoveDC Transportation Plan

Letter to DDOT regarding 17th and 19th Streets Safety Improvement Project

Letter to DDOT regarding safety concerns at intersection of Independence and North Carolina Avenues and 7th Street, SE

Letter to DDOT following-up on request regarding pedestrian safety at 8^th and D Streets, SE

Wednesday, July 2

ANC6C Planning and Zoning Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE.

The agenda was not available at press time.

Thursday, July 3

PSA 107 with Lt. Eddie Fowler’s regular first Thursday of the month meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm, Southeast Library, 403 7th Street SE, basement meeting room.

Getting Down with What’s Going Up on Capitol Hill, SE

Photos of four construction projects in Southeast Capitol Hill.

by Larry Janezich

 

 

The Week Ahead…..

Historic Preservation Board Decisions Likely to Dismay Capitol Hill Residents

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, June 24

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center to set the agenda for the July 15 meeting of ANC6B.

Wednesday, June 25

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

Thursday, June 26

The Historic Preservation Board (HPRB) finds itself at odds with ANC6B on two cases affecting the Capitol Hill Southeast Community:  At its June meeting, ANC6B took no position (by a vote of 5 – 3 – 1) on the request of the owner of 706 North Carolina Avenue, SE, for after-the-fact-approval for erection of a 4 foot 7 inch trash container shed in the front yard.  A majority of the ANC was persuaded by the argument that HPRB does not have clear guidelines regarding structures to hide trash cans and in this case, the structure is hidden from public view by shrubbery.  The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) staff report, however, found that while a roofless screen may be appropriate, the current structure constitutes building on public space and recommends denying the application. HPRB usually follows the recommendations of the HPO staff.

On the other hand, the HPO staff lent tentative approval to a historic preservation application to erect a 16’X14’X15’ two-story Hardie Plank-clad structure at the rear of 1001 South Carolina Avenue, SE, in the place where the report says a stable once existed in the late 1800’s.  ANC6B, responding to the complaints of some 16 neighbors who will be negatively affected by the construction, voted to oppose the application on the basis of insufficient information.

Although the raze permit for the shotgun house at 1229 E Street, SE was on the agenda for the June 26/July 10 HPRB meeting(s), that case did not appear on the latest agenda released for those meetings.  ANC6B grudgingly and conditionally endorsed the raze permit 9-0 at its June meeting (see here: http://bit.ly/1qAicMC).  The Capitol Hill Restoration Society opposed the raze permit.  CHRS Historic Preservation Committee Chair Beth Purcell presented the following options as potential ways to resolve the issue:  the city require the owner to make necessary repairs on the historic structure; if the building cannot be repaired, the city allow demolition but require the owner to rebuild the structure; it that is not feasible, the building be demolished and replaced with a project of “special merit.”

The Historic Preservation Review Board will meet to consider the following items on June 26 and July 10. The meetings will begin at 9:00 a.m. at 441 4th Street NW in Room 220 South.

The Week at Southeast Library:  Zumba Class, Southeast Book Club, Job Seekers Drop In Clinic.  Saturday, June 28: genealogy database demonstration.  For more information, go here:  http://bit.ly/Tm9kPr

 

DC Housing Finance Agency Requires FOIA Before Releasing Public Information

by Larry Janezich

On May 29, Capitol Hill Corner contacted the DC Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to request certain specific information related to how Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) are awarded in DC.   We asked for a list of Low Income Housing Tax Credits awarded for the past five years, including the addresses and amount of LIHTC equity; the board minutes for the meeting which found the Hine and West End projects eligible for bond financing; and an explanation of how the DC Housing Finance Agency is funded.

Despite being informed that the independent agency is funded through fees charged to developers in order to process their applications for tax credits and award their financing, a brief review of their website indicated that the agency only receives a small amount of money from service fees (ranging in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars), and much more money from interest generated from their investments as well as a category simply called “Other” ($11 million).

The response we received was that the information regarding the first two requests is available but the HFA legal team said that a FOIA request would be necessary to release it.  Regarding the question as to how the agency received its financing, CHC was offered a verbal explanation over the phone.  When we pressed for a written explanation, we were told again that this would require a FOIA request.

CHC is in the process of filing the request.  It is unclear if there is any precedent for a public, independent agency requiring a legal filing in order to obtain information about their sources of revenue.  The HFA’s position seems to underscore what has been noted as a general lack of transparency in District government, particularly in those agencies which deal with development within the city.

DC Housing Finance Agency is the local agency that administers the federal program which awards lucrative tax credits to developers, who then trade these credits on Wall Street to obtain equity for construction.  The program’s generous nature is intended to prod developers, big and small, to invest in renovating and constructing housing aimed at low-income Americans.

ANC6B’s Garrison Urges Capitol Hill Restoration Board to Recruit ANC Candidates

Says Four of the Five Historic District Commissioners Will Not Seek Re-Election

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B01 Commissioner Dave Garrison told the Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board of Directors Tuesday night that he is one of four of the five members of the current ANC6B who represent areas that fall within Capitol Hill Historic District who will not seek re-election this fall.

He said his appearance before the Board was the result of his concern about the future of the Capitol Hill Historic District.  According to Garrison, “The quality of the historic preservation review work of ANC6B has declined,” and the retirement of four commissioners comprising 80% of the Historic District’s representation on the ANC “presents a unique opportunity to alter the situation going forward.”

Garrison cited two cases where decisions of ANC6B did not support maintaining the Historic District:  the pop-up across from The Maples which would have been clearly visible from the sidewalk (the ANC supported the new structure on the basis that it would allow a growing family to stay in the residence and permit their children to continue attending Brent school); and when the ANC took no position on the construction of a front yard storage shed at 700 North Carolina Avenue, after a motion to support the structure failed on a 5 – 5 tie vote.

Garrison said that he thought the decline in support on the ANC for the enforcing the principles of the Historic District were because of the election to the Commission of newer residents with less experience on the Hill.  He told the CHRS Board that there was an opportunity to recruit new people to run for the four soon-to-be vacated ANC seats within the Historic District – “people with knowledge of the Historic District and commitment to its principles.”  Elections for ANC Commissioners will take place this fall.

He urged the Board members to “run the idea up their individual flagpoles” since it would “not be appropriate for the Board to take action.”  Garrison urged Board members to “consider what can be done to identify people interested in these matters and encourage them to put themselves forward.”  He cautioned that the job was difficult and thankless and required a large commitment of time, saying, “It’s not for everyone.”  He continued, “Because of the size of the turnover, I’m bringing the matter before you this evening.  I would be glad to discuss it individually with any of you.”

Chuck Burger, who serves on the CHRS Board, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, and CHAMPS, said he agreed with Garrison regarding the changes which reflected the influx of new Hill residents.  Burger said that this was “fair warning” and that “we should be vigilant and proactive about getting candidates in.”  The Board went on to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the CHRS Board and the three ANCs who have single member districts in the Historic District:  ANC6A, ANC6B, and ANC6C.

There is a history of cross-pollinating relationships between the CHRS and the ANCs.  Recently the spouses of ANC commissioners have served on the CHRS Board:  Nancy Metzger (Norm Metzger, ANC6B) and Shauna Holmes (David Holmes, ANC6A).  Currently, Elizabeth Nelson, spouse of Nick Alberti, Chair of ANC6A serves on the CHRS Board.

The CHRS Board has launched a “Beyond the Boundaries” project which has as its ultimate goal expanding the Capitol Hill Historic District.  Several years ago, a protracted negotiation with Louis Dreyfuss Property Group over the PUD application for the company’s development between 2nd and 3rd Streets on H Street, NE, ended with a settlement under which CHRS was granted a total of $250,000 – $83,000 of which was to support historic preservation efforts outside of the historic district.  That money was devoted to the “Beyond the Boundaries Project.”  In 2010, current ANC6B Chair Brian Flahaven was elected on a platform of opposition to the creation of the Barney Circle Historic District in Hill East.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$45 Million Eastern Market Metro Park Draft Plan Unveiled

by Larry Janezich

Last night, architect Amy Weinstein of Esocoff & Associates unveiled her $45 million long-term plan to redesign Eastern Market Metro Plaza including the adjacent parks and the Pennsylvania Avenue median strips.  The occasion was a meeting of the Eastern Market Plaza Task Force organized by Barracks Row Main Street, comprising community stakeholders involved with the plan.

The primary components of the main Metro Plaza’s redesign will include a new entrance to Southeast Library featuring a pavilion with benches and a water feature, skylights for a new below-grade part of the library under 7^th Street, and numerous movable tables and chairs under a grove of trees on the south side of the plaza.  The new entrance will provide access to a major underground expansion of the library and will become the facility’s main entrance.  The current main entrance of the library would be closed but preserved.

The large park on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue would become a recreational and gathering space and include a children’s playground surrounded by a wrought iron fence.  The play area would have a rubberized playing surface, a tree house with a slide, a playhouse, a jungle gym, an educational water feature, and picnic tables.  The rest of the park would get new trees, new grass, and numerous benches.

The median strips would be redesigned with wrought iron fencing and features for storm water management and reclamation, while landscaping, trees and benches would be design elements of the small triangle at across Dunkin Donuts.

The whole plan for the entire project anticipates new lighting, relocated bus stops, more bike shares and pedestrian safety features.

The price tag for the project is $45,213,645 million – $13,517,595 for the parks and plaza,

$22,765,637 for the library, and $8,930,413 for DC Agency management fees, reorganization of traffic, and a $1.54 million maintenance endowment to provide the estimated $75,000 annual maintenance costs.

Weinstein said that if everything went without a hitch, her best guess is that construction could begin four years hence, though Sharon Ambrose cautioned that nothing at all would happen until after the election.  The next steps, according to Weinstein, would be to find a DC agency to take the lead on the project and to enlist political and community support.

Weinstein will present the plan to the community in two meetings in the coming days, Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Monday, June 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm both of which will be held at Hill Center.  The design team will receive the community’s input and come back with a final plan in September.

The plan will be available here:  http://www.easternmarketmetropark.org/ probably after Saturday’s community meeting.

Capitol Hill Corner reported on the evolution of the redesign concept here:  http://bit.ly/1duqZJd

http://bit.ly/1l0aXgR   http://bit.ly/1lAXhZk

The Week Ahead – And Wrapping Up the Week

&Pizza, Barracks Row Improvements, New Access/Exit SE-SW Freeway

By Larry Janezich

Wrapping Up The Week….

&Pizza –  Steve Salis of &Pizza has asked for a delay in further consideration of a request for an exception to the ban on fast food restaurants on Barracks Row.  The ANC will take it up again at its July 15 meeting.

Barracks Row/EM Metro Improvements – ANC6B released DDOT grants for non-automotive transportation projects funded under the Performance Parking Community Fund Awards Program.  Some of projects include  $225,000 for tree box fencing and understory plantings on Barracks Row, $75,000  for paver and brick maintenance and repair on Barracks Row, $54,000 for a Bike Share at 11^th and PA Avenue, $14,000 for tree box fencing at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, and a total of $309,700 for Capitol Riverfront BID for intersection enhancement, Sidewalks, trash bins, and bike racks.

Options – Josh Kerns, Options Public Charter School Court Appointed Receiver told ANC6A Thursday night that Options will be open next year with a reduced student body – down from 380 to about 250.  While Options will be open to new students, the school administration is not aggressively marketing the school.  He announced that teachers and staff are being evaluated and he expects significant turnover in both areas.  In addition, since neither the principal nor the Executive Director will be returning, there will be new leadership next year.  Kerns also discussed plans to revamp the exterior of the school to make it less welcoming as a gathering place for non-students after hours and encouraged public feedback to that end.  Kerns hinted that pending a long term solution to serving the needs of the at risk youths attending the school, that the school would continue to remain open with a reduced student body.

New ANC6A Commissioner.  At Thursday night’s ANC6A meeting, newly elected Commissioner Chris Ward was introduced.  He succeeds Commissioner David Holmes, who resigned earlier this year.

The Week Ahead…….

Note:  New Access/Exit for SE-SW Freeway

Starting Saturday, June 21:  CLOSED until August 23:  11th Street ENTRANCE Ramp to West Bound Southeast-Southwest Freeway – Use 3rd Street Ramp

OPENING:  11th Street EXIT Ramp for East Bound Southeast-Southwest Freeway

 Monday, June 16

The Eastern Market Metro Plaza Task Force working on the redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza meets at 5:00pm in Hill Center.  The Task Force final plan will be presented to the community at two public meetings: Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Monday, June 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm both of which will be held at Hill Center.

Tuesday, June 17

CHRS Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm in Capitol Hill townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE.

Tuesday, June 17

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

On the agenda:

Update on requests by Little Miss Whiskey’s, H Street Country Club, Rock N Roll Hotel, and Vendetta to terminate their Settlement Agreements with ANC 6A.

Discussion of request by Smith Commons (1245 H Street NE) for summer garden endorsement and support from ANC for stipulated endorsement.

Discussion of restaurant alcohol beverage license renewal for The Pursuit at 1421 H Street NE.

Discussion of recent incidents at XII, including the ABC Board’s recent suspension decision..

Wednesday, June 18

ANC6B Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force meets a 7:00pm in Hill Center.

On the agenda:

Office of Police Complaints, Nykisha Cleveland, Public Affairs Specialist, & Natasha Smith, Investigations Manager.

Office Overview

How do I file a complaint?

What happens when a complaint is filed?

Complaint trends

OPC studies and reports

Wednesday, June 18

ANC6A Economic Development Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center (10th and G Streets, NE).  Agenda not available at press time.

Saturday, June 21

The Eastern Market Metro Plaza Task Force presents its final plan for redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza to the community at two public meetings: Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and Monday, June 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm both of which will be held at Hill Center.

Saturday, June 21

Access/Exit to Southeast-Southwest Freeway changes:

CLOSED until August 23:  11^th Street ENTRANCE Ramp to West Bound Southeast-Southwest Freeway – Use 3rd Street Ramp

OPENING:  11^th Street EXIT Ramp for East Bound Southeast-southwest Freeway