Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 16, 2025

Awakening Bar and Grill on Barracks Row, at 520 8^th Street, opened on Friday, November 7.  Weekend brunch features a local saxophonist. 

Here’s a view of the bar and a link to their menus.  https://awakeningdc.com/

Last Friday, CM Wendell Felder presided over the unveiling of Elmore-Friendship Court in the back alley of 1608 East Capitol Street, NE.  The naming was necessary so a residential property located there can be completed and hooked up to utilities.  The court was named to honor long time former residents of the neighborhood, Morgan Elmore and his wife – now deceased.  Elmore operated a community-serving upholstery enterprise in the alley.  The City Council passed legislation naming the alley last summer.  ANC7D shepherded the legislation through the process and Felder brought it before the council.  The alley in is the Single Member District of ANC7D Chair, Brian Alcorn.  CM Felder is at left center above, and to his left is Linda Elmore, Morgan Elmore’s daughter.  Brian Alcorn is at far left. 

Here’s Mark Hudson, New Director of Congressional Cemetery.  Hudson was named Executive Director on August 29^th and began serving in his new role on September 8.  Photo from Congressional Cemetery. 

Last Wednesday night, Hudson, introduced himself to ANC6B during the commission’s hybrid virtual/in-person November meeting.  Hudson came to the job after serving as Executive Director of Tudor Place Historic House and Garden in Georgetown. Also pictured, from lower left:  Commissioner Sam Pastore, Hudson, Chair Edward Ryder, and Commissioner Vince Marino. 

He spoke to the ANC of wrapping up the on-going planning for the five-to-ten year master plan for enhancing the cemetery’s ability to serve its primary function of an active cemetery to find ways to better care for and sustain the cemetery’s resources.  He said he looks forward to being invited back before the commission to explain what those five-to-ten years will look like. 

Hudson will host a meet and greet this coming Saturday, November22, in the Chapel at Congressional Cemetery, from 2:00pm to 3:30pm.  For details, see below under “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:”

The Latest on St. Georges Boulangerie.  Here’s the latest photo on the build out of St. Georges across from Eastern Market.  Photo courtesy of a CHC reader. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, November 17

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion:  11th Street NE and E Street NE. Traffic Study Initiative 25-00614939 is part of 2026 Q1 prioritization.  Speeding, pedestrian safety, and property damage continue to be an issue on 11th Street.
• Constitution Avenue/13th Street NE/Tennessee Avenue NE. This area in front of Maury Elementary was the site of a recent installation of arts in the right of way which may be damaged by DC Water work that is also delaying the Vision Zero Hardening at this intersection.  DDOT will provide written update and may have a representative attend in person.
• Atlas Court NE. This alley between 11th and 12th Streets NE and H and Eye Streets NE is extremely wide and the site of speeding and truck traffic. A resident’s alley dwelling was recently damaged by truck traffic. ANC 6A requested DDOT traffic calming here over the summer.

ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor – Conference Room #1 (Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

• For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:  TBA

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Public Safety Report
• Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)
• Commissioner Announcements
• Consent Agenda
• Report of Task Force on Pedestrian Safety
• ABC Matters
• Merchants Marina
• Owners of 801 Maine Ave are requesting a time extension for their PUD (Zoning Case).  
• SMD Updates
• Chairperson’s Report (Executive Session)

Tuesday, November 18

ANC6B 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.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda: 

• To set the agenda for the December meeting of the full ANC.

Wednesday, November 19

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Agenda: 

Old Business

• 1231 F Street NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special exception to construct a second story accessory dwelling unit to an existing, detached, accessory garage, in the rear of an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.   
• Background: In September 2025 ANC 6A EDZ voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for subject request, which was approved in the Consent Agenda during the October 2025 ANC 6A meeting. A letter of support was submitted to BZA dated October 26, 2025.
• Update: Dr. Daniel Kocevski and/or Ms. Eleanor Garretson will testify as the owners and occupants of the adjacent property at 1233 F Street NE, located immediately to the east of 1231 F Street NE, which is the subject of the application for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
• Their testimony will describe the adverse impacts that the proposed ADU would have on the use and enjoyment of their property and their property value. In addition, their testimony will describe how the proposed ADU is not in harmony with the purpose and intent of the zoning regulations and zoning maps.
• The BZA Hearing is currently scheduled for December 10, 2025.

New Business

1378 C Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for a Special Exception to construct front and side additions, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit.

Thursday, November 20

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026

Contemporary Art at the Folger Library featuring the work of Missy Dunaway.

Blending acrylic ink with research, Missy Dunaway investigates the connections between art, literature, history, and the natural world.  Her ongoing project The Birds of Shakespeare visually catalogs every bird mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poems – at least 65 species – in consultation with an ornithologist and a scholar of early modern natural history.  Dunaway’s detailed work reminds us that wildlife destruction is a cultural loss as well as an environmental one.  For more, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/programs/contemporary-art-at-the-folger/

Thursday, November 20

Folger Salon with Virginia Burnett, Dorothy Kim, and Mary Beth Long

4:30pm

Great Hall, Folger Library

Free; no ticket required.  Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discussion:  Caribbean Shakespeares. Chaucer’s Black London. Martyrdom.

Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time.  Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation. Arrive early to purchase food and drink from the Folger’s new café, Quill & Crumb.

Saturday, November 22

Congressional Cemetery Event

Join Historic Congressional Cemetery’s Executive Director, Mark Hudson, for a fall afternoon of conversation and community. We’ll have hot cider, seasonal sweets, and light refreshments as you get to know the leader helping guide the future of this beloved historic landmark.

Time: 2:00–3:30 PM

Location: Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel

This informal meet and greet is a chance to:

• Hear about Mark’s vision for Congressional Cemetery
• Ask questions about upcoming projects and events.
• Share your ideas, hopes, and stories about the cemetery
• Connect with fellow neighbors, members, and friends in a relaxed setting
• Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, you’re invited to stop by, grab a cup of cider, and say hello.

See here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/meet-and-greet-with-executive-director-mark-hudson/  

Leaf Collection in underway.  Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker.  https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf   (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections. This week, leaf pickup will start in Section B.)

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 11, 2025

CIVIC at 501 8^th Street, SE on Barracks Row, will open this winter in the space formerly occupied by Ophelia’s Fish House.

CIVIC’s operator Rhonda Foxx (left) with beverage director Andra “AJ” Johnson.

“CIVIC” on Barracks Row – Rhonda Foxx’s new concept for a day time coffee bar/evening cocktail bar – is best described by its website: “A Salon for the City.”  https://www.salonforthecity.com/  

CIVIC’s genesis can be traced back to an organization Foxx founded in 2023 – “PERSIST,” a 70,000 member nonprofit women’s political coalition who aim is to connect power players, national leaders, influencers, organizers and everyday activists.  Foxx says, “After 15 years in national Democratic politics and three in corporate America I realized that we have to have a place to get offline and bring together people who are like minded.”  The concept behind CIVIC, she said, is Gloria Steinem’s “gathering circles” – who holds informal, in-person meetings in her apartment where activists, organizers and individuals gather to share ideas, and build community.  Foxx was inspired by these events after being invited to host one at Steinem’s  home. 

Her take away from the gathering circle was the importance of building physical community and CIVIC pays tribute to that idea – “a place to gather, to create and make things happen.” 

The website says as much: 

“Where culture and community meet.  From coffee to cocktails, CIVIC. is a neighborhood salon built for connection. Woman-owned and locally operated, we honor what came before while shaping what’s next – through conversation, curation, and craft.

We feature a rotating lineup of coffee roasters in residence, guest chefs, visual artists, and music curators. New voices, new work, more reasons to stop in.”

Foxx says, “You’ll see some really cool iconic DC women in this place, for example (DC muralist) Lisa Marie’s murals will go up on the back wall.  And, you know, we’re a cocktail and coffee bar and that’s being powered by Andra “AJ” Johnson (beverage director and managing partner at Serenata at Union Market).  And (DC artist) Maggie O’Neill will be one of the first artists that we showcase on our walls… if you remember Winnette McIntosh Ambrose (two-time Food Network Champion who ran Souk Bakery and Sweet Lobby), she’ll provide our pastry offerings.” 

Foxx says CIVIC is still working on its restaurant alcohol beverage license and hopes have a soft opening before year’s end.  Their day time café and beverage menu – featuring locally sourced Swing’s coffee – is here.  https://www.salonforthecity.com/menu An evening menu will follow. 

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 9, 2025

Spotify joins the corporations buying residential properties near the Capitol.  Spotify has purchased the townhouse at 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE, near the Congressional Office Buildings.  Company reps came before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee on Thursday night to support a Historic Preservation Application for work at the address.  The applicants said they planned on fulfilling the city’s requirement that the townhouse have a full time resident and added that they are maintaining the current office space at 1100 15th Street, NW.  A group of commissioners will meet with Spotify before the ANC meeting next Wednesday, November 12, to see if they are willing to provide a written agreement about use.  Neighbors around 440 NJ may join the debate then. 

The illegal use of residences by corporations for business activities is an ongoing controversy for neighborhoods close in to the Capitol.  A concerted effort by ANCs 6A and 6C and efforts of CM Charles Allen appeared to be making traction with Brian Hanlon, Director of the DC Department of Buildings, until Mayor Bowser stepped in and ordered Hanlon to turn a blind eye to the violations.  See here: https://bit.ly/4hX7kJx (Update)

Dos Toros Taqueria Capitol Hill at 215 Pennsylvania Ave SE, has been open for a couple of weeks now.  Here’s their menu:  https://www.dostoros.com/menu

Emergency vehicles respond to death at Eastern Market Metro on Wednesday night.  Here’s a photo of the scene at Eastern Market Metro Plaza at circa 10:10pm on Wednesday night.  At least 20 MPD, DC Transit, ambulances and other emergency vehicles surrounded Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  Subsequently, DC Metro reported that an individual had apparently placed themselves in the path of an oncoming train. 

Volunteer Musicians stepped up when Marine Band cancelled its annual concert to honor Marine Band legend John Phillips Sousa on the anniversary of his birthday at his grave site at Congressional Cemetery.  The tradition’s rescue was organized by Capital City Symphony member Sarah Hanks (second from left), who reached out to colleagues and the community to help remember Sousa. 

A crowd of some 50 community members turned out for the ceremony.

Organizers distributed flowers to lay on Sousa’s grave. 

Here’s video of the band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

The Week Ahead…

Monday, November 10

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Task Force will hold an IN PERSON ONLY meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd floor.

Agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, November 11

ANC7D will hold its November virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda:

Elected District Government Updates

Metropolitan Police Department Updates

Community Presentations

Commissioner SMD Reports

Commission Business Items

7D Committees

• Transportation/Public Space Committee
• Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee
• Community Outreach and Grants Committee

Other Commission Business

• Election logistics of 7D06 Vacancy
• Proposed Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to relevant District agencies recommending the re-designation of a presently unnamed alley as Graceland Court, NE.

Wednesday, November 12

ANC6B will hold its November hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.  Note: This meeting date has been adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, religious days, or other events.

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

• For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Items (TBA)
• Transportation Committee Items (TBA)
• Planning & Zoning Committee Items (TBA)
• Public Safety Committee Items (TBA)
• SE Library Task Force Items (TBA)
• Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force Items (TBA)
• Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee Items (TBA)
• Administrative Consent Items (If Any)

Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out

• Office of the Mayor (MOCR)
• Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office
• Metropolitan Police Department
• Congressional Cemetery
• Update on Items from Executive Committee Meeting
• Adoption of Revised Standing Rules (Update/Announcement)
• Reminder of Upcoming Meeting Dates

Presentations

• 11th Street Bridge Park Presentation

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

• Testimony Regarding MPD & Immigration Enforcement
• Testimony Regarding Youth Curfew

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee Renewals

• Hawk N’ Dove– 329 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
• Dos Toros Taqueria – 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  Renewal of Class “C” Restaurant License with Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
• Kaiju Ramen – 525 8th Street SE.  Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Sidewalk Café and Summer Garden Endorsements.
• Lola’s, LLC t/a Lola’s – 711 8th Street SE (ABRA-086141), Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
• Hill East Burger – 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.

Protests/Other Updates

• Ambar – 523 8th Street SE.  Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing. Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
• ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application) – 539 8th Street SE (ABRA-129362). Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest. (Roll Call Hearing 11/03/25)
• Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable Planning.
• Consideration of Letter Regarding Cannabis Licensees.

Planning and Zoning Committee  

• 655 South Carolina Avenue SE; Zoning Adjustment Application. 
• 440 New Jersey Avenue SE; Historic Preservation Application.

ANC6C will hold its November virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/  

Agenda:  See here:  https://anc6c.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ANC-November-2025-agenda.pdf

Thursday, November 13

ANC6A will hold its November virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentation (TBA)          

Consent Agenda

Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee Recommendations:

ANC 6A take no action on the renewals:

• Class C Tavern license with for Brewpub, Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Henceforth DC , 1335 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license for Providencia, 1321 Linden Court NE.  
• Class C Tavern license with Dancing, Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Sushi Sato, 1245 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with an Entertainment endorsement for Solid State Books, 600 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with an Entertainment endorsement for The Little Grand, 808 7th Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with Entertainment and  Summer Garden endorsements for Copycat Co., 1110 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge, Dancing and Entertainment endorsements for District Alley on H, 1378 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with Dancing and Summer Garden endorsements for Pie Shop, 1339 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Sol Mexican Grill, 1251 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with an Entertainment endorsement for Allure Lounge, 711 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge, Dancing and Entertainment endorsements for Ethio Vegan,  1362 H Street NE.
• Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge, Entertainment and  Summer Garden endorsements for Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar, 1104 H Street NE.

Economic Development and Zoning Committee:

• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA in support of a special exception for rear yard and lot occupancy requirements at 1332 Corbin Place NE to construct a third story and a three-story with basement rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.
• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA in support of a time extension for 1371-1375 H Street NE submitted by Salvation Arts, LLC, to extend for an additional year, the Board of Zoning Adjustment Order Number 20967, to construct a new, attached, six-story with roof deck, 30-unit, mixed use building.

Transportation and Public Space

• Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT and WMATA asking that they coordinate to fill the gap in transit service that will be left by the early end of Streetcar service.
• Recommendation: ANC 6A Send a letter to DDOT outlining ANC 6A’s requests for their update to the Strategic Bikeways Plan.

Standing Committee Reports

New Business                                                                                            

• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve Lorena Gil as a member of Community Outreach (COC) Committee

Presentation: Results of survey about Sherwood Recreation Center

Single Member District reports

ANC6D Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/abc-committee/

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Leaf Collection in underway.  Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker.  https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf  (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections.)