Reminder: Tonight’s Live Concert at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features The Love Station at 5:30pm.
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 13, 2024
The Love Station launched in 1975 to create music and tell love stories and has been on the DC soul music scene since the 80s. The concert series comes to Eastern Market Metro Plaza through the efforts of Barracks Row Main Street and the Department of Parks and Recreation. CM Charles Allen secured funding in the current FY DC Budget to program the performance space at the Plaza. Here’s a link to some of Love Station’s music. https://soundcloud.com/the1lovestation
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List of ANC Candidates for ANCs on or Near Capitol Hill
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 9, 2024
Here’s a list of the candidates seeking seats on the five ANCs regularly covered by Capitol Hill Corner: ANCs 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 7D. There have been a few surprise developments.
Commissioner Edward Ryder, commissioner and current Chair of ANC6B (after announcing his retirement in June) launched a write in campaign for his seat since no candidate emerged.
In 6C03, incumbent Commissioner Jay Adelstein was being challenged but on September 3, the DC Board of Elections ruled to deny ballot access to his challenger – Rasheedah Hasan – for not having the required number of valid petition signatures.
Over in ANC6D, longtime head of the DC Office of ANCs Gottlieb Simon is running unopposed for the seat currently held by long-serving commissioner Ron Collins, who is retiring.
Four seats are being contested:
6B06 (incumbent Commissioner Chander Jayaraman is retiring)
6D01 (incumbent Commissioner Bob Link is being challenged)
7D01 (incumbent Commissioner Sirraj Hasan is retiring)
7D07 (incumbent Commissioner Brett Astman is being challenged)
Four seats have no candidates: 6B04, 6B05, 6C01 and 7D02.
Incumbents on the list are marked with an asterisk.
ANC6A
6A01 Paul Spires (Commissioner Keya Chatterjee is retiring)
6A02 Mike Velasquez *
6A03 Roberta Shapiro*
6A04 Amber Gove*
6A05 David Wethington*
6A06 Jeff Giertz (Commissioner Robb Dooling is retiring)
6A07 Stephen Kolb (Commissioner Steve Moilanen is retiring)
ANC6B
6B01 Tyler Wolanin (Commissioner Frank Avery is retiring)
6B02 Gerald Jerry Sroufe*
6B03 David Sobelsohn*
6B04 (NO CANDIDATE – (Commissioner Frank D’Andrea is retiring)
6B05 (NO CANDIDATE – (Commissioner Kasie Durkit is retiring)
6B06 Burl Haigwood (Commissioner Chander Jayaraman is retiring)
6B06 Anna Krebs (Commissioner Chander Jayaraman is retiring)
6B07 Vince Mareino*
6B08 (Commissioner Edward Ryder* has launched a write in campaign)
6B09 Karen Hughes (Commissioner Matt LaFortune is retiring)
ANC6C
6C01 (NO CANDIDATE – Commissioner Cristy Kwan is retiring)
6C02 Karen J. Wirt (Commissioner Leslie Merkle is retiring)
6C03 Jay Adelstein*
6C04 Mark Eckenwiler*
6C05 Daniela Kelley McInerney (Commissioner Joel Kelty is retiring)
6C06 Andrew R. Hayes (Commissioner Patricia Eguino is retiring)
6C07 Tony T Goodman*
ANC6D
6D01 Bob Link*
6D01 Marquell Merlin (challenging candidate)
6D02 Gottlieb Simon (Commissioner Ron Collins is retiring)
6D03 Gail Fast*
6D04 Andrea M. Pawley*
6D05 Chearie Phelps-EL*
6D06 Bruce Levine*
6D07 Fredrica (“Rikki”) Kramer*
6D08 Rhonda N. Hamilton*
ANC7D
7D01 Charles Boston (Commissioner Sirraj Hasen is retiring)
7D01 Joshua Taborn (Commissioner Sirraj Hasen is retiring)
7D02 (NO INCUMBENT, NO CANDIDATE)
7D03 Artilie Wright (Commissioner Wendell Felder is retiring)
7D04 Mike Davis*
7D05 Ebony Payne*
7D06 Marc Friend*
7D07 Brett Astmann*
7D07 Ivory Gaskins (challenging candidate)
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Here’s an update on the Palestinian House of Freedom at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. According to their website, “We are a new Washington-based non-profit organization dedicated to educating Americans on Palestine.
Mission: We will embark on an aggressive educational campaign targeting everyone from lawmakers, staffers, the media, to the general public to show how dismantling apartheid and establishing a free democratic Palestine from the River to the Sea with equal rights, is the path to peace and will benefit all parties involved.”
Among the board members, the website lists Andy Shallal, best known according to Wiki as founder and CEO of the chair of restaurant-bookstore-performance venues, Busboys and Poets. He was a candidate for DC mayor in 2014. He came in fifth. For more, go here: https://www.daralhurriya.org/
Tuesday night, Michael Skinner (left) President of Mott’s Market Neighborhood LLC and Payton Sherwood, the vendor and operator of the new Capitol Hill’s Mott’s Market, appeared before ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee in support of a Tavern License that would allow Mott’s Market to serve beer, wine, and spirits at the proposed backyard summer garden and the sidewalk café. The Market is owned by 90 community members and the liquor license application received overwhelming support from the community. The committee approved the application unanimously and placed it on the consent agenda for the full committee’s meeting on Monday, September 9.
“Joey’s on Barracks Row” at 527 8th Street abruptly closed its doors on Friday. The restaurant opened last January. The sign in the window says “Closed for Vacation.” A reliable source tells CHC this – as the legacy media would say – is a developing story. More later.
District Doughnut at 749 8th Street, Barracks Row, has temporarily closed all three of its District Outlets (Barracks Row, TheWharf, and Union Market). The sign on the door says,
“To our customers:
District Doughnut has some exciting news to share in a few weeks.
We are taking a break till then!! Thank you for your patience and understanding while we get ready for the next chapter of District Doughnut!”
This, too, is a developing story.
Miel Medical Marijuana Dispensary at 727 8th Street, SE, opened for business on Friday. They are offering a 20% discount on first visit purchases. Here’s their website: https://mielwellness.com/
Here’s a photo of a piece in the National Museum of American Art: American Voices and Visions, Modern and Contemporary Art. It’s by Firelei Baez, Untitled, 2022. From the label: “Beneath the swirling streams of paint lies an image of the Atlas Historique, a map created in 1718 to document the recently conquered European colonies. Charting the farthest reaches of human knowledge at that time, the Atlas joined the earth, the solar system, and the constellations into one view.”
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 8, 2024
Monday, September 9
ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm
The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
Submission of Suggested EV Charging Locations to DOEE.
Letters Regarding School Pickup/Dropoff Issues on 11th Street, SE.
DDOT
Digital Pioneers Academy
Letter to DDOT Requesting Resident-Only Parking on the 1300 Block of Ives Place, SE
Community & Commission Announcements and Speak Out.
Anacostia River Watershed Society 6B Tour
Presentations
Presentation from the Anacostia River Watershed Society
Eric DeBear, Department of Corrections Hill East Planned Correctional Building
Mott’s Market, 233 12th Street SE, new Retailer Class “B” Beer & Wine Store license.
Mott’s Market, 233 12th Street SE, new Retailer Class “C” Tavern license.
Saint Georges, 301 7th Street SE, new Retailer Class “C” Restaurant license.
Bud Love, 1221 Pennsylvania Ave SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.
High Demand, 511 11th Street SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.
Radici Market, Substantial Change application to change the location of the liquor license to 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Request for approval of a stipulated license.
530 5th Street SE Project: Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1/CAP zone.
530 5th Street SE Project: Historic Preservation Application to construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1/CAP zone.
Discussion Item: Strategies for Increasing Committee and Task Force Resident Member Participation.
Bylaw Amendment #1: Proposal to Remove Resident Member SMD Residency Requirement for ANC Committees & Task Forces.
Bylaw Amendment #2: Proposal to remove the term limit for the Chair of the ANC.
Discussion Item: Request for Authorization of Commissioner Mareino to Conduct a “Clean Up” Review of the ANC Standing Rules for Commission Approval at a Future Meeting.
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS) Ward 7 Representative.
Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray Casework Representative.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Representatives (THRIVE, 1D, 5D, 6D all invited).
Plenary session:
Missed Alley Trash Collections by DC DPW. Proposed Motion: Commission to send a letter to DPW concerning missed collections.
Rosedale Recreation Center Malfunctioning Alarm. Proposed Motion: Commission to send a letter to DC DGS requesting prompt repair of malfunctioning alarm.
Notice of Intent: East Capitol & 16th Street NE Proposed Motion: Commission to send a letter to DDOT to support & recommend further traffic safety improvements at East Capitol and 16th Streets, NE.
622 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Opposition.
Plenary Matters
Transportation and Public Space Committee
TBD
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
700 A Street, NE. Proposed letter to DOB, cc to HPO. (World Mission Society Church of God.)
627 A Street, NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application. (BZA 21163).
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Thursday, September 12, 7:00pm.
Rachel Louise Snyder, Women We Buried, Women We Burned.
East City Bookshop 645 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast 7:00pm.
East City Bookshop welcomes Rachel Louise Snyder to discuss her book, Women We Buried, Women We Burned, for its paperback release. Kirkus Best Nonfiction Title of 2023.
Note on Format: This hybrid event will have both an in-person component with limited seating as well as a virtual broadcast via Zoom Webinar. Both in-person and virtual attendees will be able to pose questions to the authors during audience Q&A.
ANC6B Commissioner and ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder. Photo: Edward Ryder
ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder Reconsiders – Will Run After All
By Larry Janezich
Posted September 6, 2024
Edward Ryder, Chair of ANC6B announced in June that he would not seek reelection, citing his likely relocation outside of his Single Member District (SMD). After the deadline passed for candidates to file papers to get on the ballot for the November election, and no candidate emerged, Ryder reconsidered and at the end of August announced he would launch a write in campaign to continue to represent SMD 6B08.
CHC asked Ryder why he changed his mind.
“At the end of the day there are a few reasons I decided to run a write in campaign. While I am still planning to move, I’m still hopeful that I find something in my SMD (though that’s not guaranteed). I was hoping to find someone willing to run for 6B08 in case I didn’t find something in 6B08, and I thought it was better to find someone willing to run than run and have to step down if I moved out of the SMD. Since I’ve not found anyone willing to run, I’m thinking it’s probably better to run myself than have a vacancy. There are few reasons for that – firstly I want to ensure our neighborhood still has an active voice in 6B. I also want to ensure resident members are appointed to our committees. I really don’t want there to be a lapse in any of the progress that has been made on a number of things in my neighborhood, especially the inroads I’ve made with DCHA and getting Potomac Gardens and Hopkins some needed attention. Another big reason is the very high turnover of 6B commissioners and current lack of any administrative support. I felt that being on the commission I could help with continuity and help new commissioners start out on the right foot.
Even if, down the road, I do move out of the SMD and have to step down (which would then necessitate a special election), I felt it better to keep 6B08 represented in the meantime. It also might buy me some time to encourage others to step up and run if a special election is going to happen at some point.”
The latest in Mama Joon’s restaurant/carryout chain is opening at 404 8th Street, Barracks Row, “soon.” The former Sweet Lobby is being renovated for Persian carryout.
From the Maman Joon website: “We take pride in creating authentic Persian food that reflects our heritage. Our ingredients are always fresh, most of our spices come from Iran, and our menu is lovingly prepared using our treasured family recipes.”
Maman Joon translates to “Dear Mom” – a familiar and respectful form of address in Farsi..
This will be the sixth outlet for the chain, owned by Peter Tabibian and Kevin Ejtemai. The other locations are in Columbia Heights, Tenleytown, Mclean, Tyson’s Corner, and Olney.
New Jersey Avenue, SE, with the US Capitol at the end of the street, is a prime location for illegal use of residential properties. Last September, on a community walk of the area with CM Charles Allen, Commissioner Frank Avery said that he and neighbors have identified at least 22 corporate owned properties located on New Jersey Avenue, 1st Street, D Street, and 2nd Street, SE. See here: https://bit.ly/45p2pJv ANC6C submitted a list of 29 residences to DOB in close-in NE which they say are being used for commercial purposes. Here’s the list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IBief7ir5EwNahtjvkTxY6CUc2Y7cq4mV1Ht5XvigNs/edit#gid=0
Mayor’s Order Stops Enforcement of Illegal Commercial Use of Residences
by Larry Janezich
Posted Wednesday, September 4
At a community meeting on June 17th, Department of Buildings Director Brian Hanlon told CM Charles Allen, ANC6B Commissioner Frank Avery, Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, and some ten concerned community members that DOB had been instructed directly by the city administrator to cease enforcement actions against use of residences for commercial purposes.
The problem is acute in neighborhoods near the Capitol in both Southeast and Northeast. Here, corporations, non-profits, and lobbyists use residences for offices and fund raising events, changing the character of the neighborhoods and disrupting the quality of life for neighbors bringing in unwelcome issues like extra traffic, scarce parking, excessive noise, and post-party trash sitting on the curb waiting – sometimes for days – to be picked up. Zoning laws generally prohibit use of residential properties for commercial purposes.
Asked to comment on Director Hanlon’s statement, CM Allen replied, “I appreciate the candor and honesty from Mr. Hanlon, but I am deeply frustrated that he’s been ordered by the Mayor to stand down and stop enforcement of these illegal uses. We continue to see residential properties in our neighborhoods snapped up and used for commercial and business uses. That’s not just eroding the residential character of a neighborhood, but it’s also allowing businesses to cheat the District out of tax revenue. With these schemes, they pay lower residential property tax and skip out of the required licensing and registration that we ask of every other local business. It violates the law and it’s simply not fair. Since the Mayor has ordered her staff not to enforce the law, that leaves neighbors and ANCs to fend for themselves with one hand tied behind their back. I’ve talked with Commissioners and neighbors about ideas ranging from bringing in the Attorney General or using the Courts, but without enforcement actions from the Mayor’s office, everything will be much harder than it should be.”
The meeting, which was held at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, was organized by ANC6B Commissioner Frank Avery whose single member district lies closest to the Capitol in SE.
Avery says, “I offered the Director the meeting only after he/the agency failed to adhere to DC law requiring an acknowledgement and response to letters from ANCs 6B an 6C to the agency asking for a response on the issue regarding the multitude of addresses (in violation of the regulations) previously provided, and the director personally committing to assisting.
It seems the agency, based on Director Hanlon’s address to neighbors, is operating under a misguided view that enforcement of any kind – from voluntary compliance to issuing basic notices of infraction – are a threat to statehood and congressional relations in ‘the current environment.’ This could be true, except many of these complaints and concerns go back years and years, well before the recent concerns about the political environment on the Hill.”
ANC Commissioner Jerry Sroufe reported after the meeting that “there was considerable agitation about the lack of action or even a plan for action, (with Hanlon) being forced to talk much about resources, structures, and processes. There was also considerable agitation for a community mobilization or legal challenge to the city.”
ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee will discuss the issue at its virtual meeting Thursday night – September 5th – at 7:00pm. Here’s a link with info on how to join the meeting: https://anc6b.org/
The sign announcing the pending arrival of Butterworth’s being installed on Tuesday morning.
Images of what’s going on inside are not available yet. Here’s a photo featuring a detail of the interior design by Studio Lo https://www.studiolo-design.com/ Renovation was completed by Tower 7 Construction.
Butterworth’s – A French Style Restaurant/Café/Bar to Open on PA Ave SE
by Larry Janezich
Posted Tuesday, September 3
Butterworth’s, modeled after the casual French restaurant/café where one hangs out and returns to regularly will open at 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE in October.
The group behind Butterworth’s took over the building formerly occupied by Coastline Oyster Company in February. Before that it was home to ZOCA Mexican Restaurant, Stanton + Greene, Pour House, and Politicki.
According to a knowledgeable source, the new venture will be a casual hangout, open all day starting at 8am with a coffee program and progressing through the lunch hour and ending with dinner. The new venture is being billed as a place where quirkiness and creativity are celebrated. The menu is still being worked out but will have broad appeal, leaning heavily on French cuisine but including grilled cheese and tomato soup.
The owners think Butterworth’s can set the standard for what a business is capable of compared with other hospitality providers on PA Avenue, and for a similar price point. Butterworth’s will initially open on the first floor and eventually expand to the second floor and basement. The hope and expectation is that Butterworth’s will become an institution with a lasting relationship to Capitol Hill and DC. The name comes from the last name of the company’s main investor.
The restaurant is trying not to give away too much in the press prior to opening. The current marketing plan is to not explain the concept in advance but rather to create an aura of intrigue to preserve what the owners think is special.
Butterworth’s is waiting for certificate of occupancy and hopes to open in October.
The pace of renovation has picked up at the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop next to Peregrine on 7th Street, SE. Workers say the shop should be open in October.
Update on renovation of SE Library. The ground and foundation below the Library have been removed and the building is now completely supported by steel supports and cross bracing. Photo courtesy of DCPL.
Here’s the view from under the building looking Southwest. Photo courtesy of DCPL. Next, excavation of another level below this one. Meanwhile, in other Library news, the ANC6B SE Library Taskforce, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn, continues to push for restoration of library services at the Arthur Capper Tech Express. DC Public Library has scaled back that operation owing to air conditioning issues. The Taskforce is seeking a meeting with CM Charles Allen to help resolve the issue.
The former Capitol Valet at 801 East Capitol Street is now the GW Club. The sign – with the George Washington University logo – says, “A private club: Invitation only for members and guests.” Not clear how it will be used – perhaps an alumni benefit? Since the building was already zoned commercial, it does not fall under the regulations restricting commercial use of residential properties.
Here’s something new at the Eastern Market Flea Market. Dartpoker came into being as an idea from Jeremiah Ford’s father, and Jeremiah (above), seeing its potential, got a patent and developed a marketing plan for playing card games on a dart board. The skill (and luck) of the throw replaces the luck of the draw. Currently, each board is handmade, but the Ford’s are looking for a sponsor to underwrite production and promotion. For more, go here: https://www.facebook.com/dartpokerbydreams2fruitionllchttps://x.com/DartpokerD2F
Here’s Triple Candies’ September installation in the front space of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Triple Candie is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett. Their purpose is to create alternative exhibition methods making that the object of critical focus rather than what is displayed (which for the most part does not include original artworks).
The Week Ahead…
Highlights:
Tavern License for Mott’s Market – Tuesday
High Demand, 511 11th Street, SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer – Tuesday
Discussion of a Moratorium on any additional Cannabis Retailers licenses being issued within ANC 6B – Tuesday
Community Crime Meeting – Tuesday
DDOT Presentation on 8th Street Bus Priority Project Loading Zone – Wednesday
EV Charging Locations – Wednesday
Discussion on Use RF-1/RF-3 Zoned Residential Properties for Unlicensed Commercial Activities – Thursday
Tuesday, September 3
6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm
Mott’s Market, 233 12th Street, SE, new Retailer Class “B” Beer & Wine Store license.
Mott’s Market, 233 12th Street, SE, new Retailer Class “C” Tavern license.
Saint-Georges, 301 7th Street SE, (new Retailer Class “C” Restaurant license.
Bud Love, 1221 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, New Medical Cannabis Retailer.
High Demand, 511 11th Street, SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer.
Radici Market, Substantial Change application to change the location of the liquor license to 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (for on-line sales); Request for approval of a stipulated license [6B02].
Discussion of modifying the alcoholic beverage license process to apply to Cannabis applications.
Discussion of a Moratorium on any additional Cannabis Retailers licenses being issued within ANC 6B.
622 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Application of Dilan Investment for concept approval for new two-story accessory building, enlarged existing rear stoop, and new wood fence with a pedestrian gate.
627 A Street, NE. Application of Kaely Michels-Gualtieri for a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements, a special exception, from the building area requirements, a special exception from the maximum principal dwelling unit requirements, and a special exception from the accessory building use requirements to construct a two-story addition to an accessory building, and to convert the accessory building into a principal dwelling unit, on the same lot as an existing semi-detached two-story flat.
700 A Street NE. Discussion of proposed letter to HPO re “storm window” exception to permit requirement.
Thursday, September 5
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
530 5th Street SE Project. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition, to an existing, attached two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1/CAP zone.
530 5th Street SE Project: Historic Preservation Application to construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition, to an existing, attached two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1/CAP zone.
6B05 Zoning Application – TBD.
Discussion on Use RF-1/RF-3 Zoned Residential Properties for Unlicensed Commercial Activities.
Motion to approve a grant to Guerilla Gardeners of Washington DC in the amount of $1,000.00 to plant tulips bulbs at Sasha Bruce House at 1022 Maryland Avenue, NE.
Motion to approve a grant to Atlas Performing Arts Center in the amount of $1,500.00 to host a free lobby event on November 2, 2024.
Plenary session:
Preliminary discussion on a proposed letter to the DC Council and appropriate agencies to improve application process, oversight and enforcement of violations for establishments selling Cannabis and/or Alcohol.
Motion to send a letter of support to the BZA for Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application for a Special Exception from the height requirements at 1351 C Street, NE.
Motion that ANC6B protest the alcohol beverage license application of Aldi #15 at 801 H Street, NE, unless a Settlement Agreement is reached between the ANC and the license applicant prior to the protest deadline.
ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8
ART WALK: Over 80 local artists and artisans will display their work in their own micro-galleries, in Capitol Hill home studios, on porches or in yards.
Presented by the Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) and cosponsored by the Hill Rag, and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS).
World-famous scarves, award-winning paintings of all styles, metal arts, and even a new Capitol Hill Bingo game will be able to be purchased during the art walk. Many of the artists are clustered along the sidewalks and alleys, making the art walk easy to access within a few blocks and close to several Metro stops (Capitol South, Eastern Market, or Union Station). Rest facilities are available at the Old Navy Hospital, Hill Center.
Sunday, September 8.
Hill Center Event: AMERICAN ROOTS CONCERTS RESUME: Jourdan Thibodeau with Cedric Watson & Joel Savoy. 4:30pm-6:30pm. Free & Outdoors at the Hill Center. Go here for free tickets: https://bit.ly/3Xq89BE
Sunday, September 8
Opening: Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment. National Gallery of Art – West Building, Main Floor
Community Group Urges City to Upgrade Eastern Market Security Measures
by Larry Janezich
Posted Tuesday, August 28
Concerns about the security at Eastern Market have steadily increased over the past four years. Those concerns continue to preoccupy the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) and have grown increasingly urgent with the yet-another-delay announced in July regarding the installation of security bollards intended to prevent vehicular attacks on the Market and the adjacent weekend-crowded streets.
During the last year the EMCAC established an ad Hoc Subcommittee on Public Safety to review a wide range of issues including building code compliance, fire prevention, utility infrastructure, general operations, vendor stalls, ADA compliance, lighting, signage, general security and management support.
EMCAC (Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee) recommends that the D.C. Department of General Services (DGS), in cooperation with the D.C. Department of Homeland Security, with support from an experienced risk and security advisory consultant, take steps to (in order of priority):
Conduct a threat assessment of Eastern Market to assess the likelihood and impact of dangers including, but not limited to, natural disasters, terrorism and other security risks, and the general public safety.
Conduct research on how large public markets in other cities have prepared similar public spaces from similar threats.
Review and revise the existing Eastern Market Emergency Response Plans and related procedures to ensure that they are aligned to the current risks and threats facing the market.
Do an assessment of electrical distribution, water, and gas infrastructure that both addresses the needs of merchants and vendors and ensures public safety.
Provide expanded MPD and DGS on-site security as crime deterrents.
Create a list of current emergency response resources (and personnel trained to use them) available at Eastern Market and surrounding facilities such as the Rumsey Aquatic Center and MedStar Urgent Care. Distribute this list to all EM merchants, vendors and staff and provide training with mandatory attendance.
Create and make available easily accessible and understandable materials regarding public threats, emergency response, crime deterrents and prevention, health code regulations and violations, etc. Making this information available could include signage, posters, QR codes, posts on the EM web-site, etc.
EMCAC has tasked itself with developing a timetable for starting and completing these recommendations, providing oversight of the progress on the recommendations, reporting on progress at its monthly meetings, initiating updates with relevant agencies, inviting officials for walkthroughs of the Market, and increasing engagement with relevant stakeholders on public safety and risk reduction.
EMCAC is the District’s legislatively-established body entrusted with advisory and oversight responsibilities for the operations, management, and renovation of Eastern Market.
Name change for the former Tyler Elementary. A new sign announced the change just in time for the start of school on Monday. On January 9th, 2024, the DC council approved changing the name of John Tyler Elementary to Shirley Chisholm Elementary School. She was the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for president and a strong advocate for early education.
Over on Barracks Row, the in-coming medical marijuana shop at 727 8th Street – Miel Wellness – drew attention this week for the crown of artificial blossoms over their doorway. The building was formerly the home Soul to Summit sports clothing outlet. For more on Miel Wellness, go here: https://mielwellness.com/menu/
ICYMI Also on Barracks Row, Trattoria Alberto is sporting a new coat of hard-to-miss paint. The restaurant was a favorite of former Speaker of the House John Boehner.
Another new sign at 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, confirms the coming of Dos Toros Taqueria to the space formerly occupied by Firehook Bakery. Dos Toros has outlets in Chinatown and Duport Circle, and multiple locations in NYC. For more on their menu, go here: https://www.dostoros.com/menu
New Pasha Café Sweet Shop’s arrival on PA Ave SE appears to be in doubt. Here’s a photo from last week of the store front at 615 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, sans the Pasha Café Coming Soon and the Now Hiring signs. Pasha Café, whose coming was announced by a window sign last May, was (is?) to be a sister restaurant to Pasha Castle on M Street in Georgetown, billed itself as a Mediterranean Dessert Shop.
Last Wednesday, the Italian Air Force flying team Frecce Tricolori did a flyby over DC, starting on the east side of the city with a single east to west pass just south of the National Mall. Frecce Tricolori are on a tour of North America, the first time since 1992 that their signature red, white and green smoke has been seen over the United States. The team will perform flyovers of iconic U.S. landmarks in a series of major U.S. cities. Separately, a local pigeon pictured above the smoke trails did its own flyover.
The Week Ahead….
Monday, August 26
ANC6B Southeast Library Taskforce will hold a virtual and in person meeting at 6:30pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, second 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 agenda:
Discussion of the renovation and the status of the interim library service at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center.
Tuesday, August 27
ANC 6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 