Category Archives: Uncategorized

March 18, 2012 · 10:57 pm

The Week Ahead….

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

March 19, Monday

ANC6B Hill East Task Force meets holds a panel discussion at 7:00pm on the history of Reservation 13.  Mayor Gray meets with Hill East residents on Reservation 13 on Thursday at the Armory. 

March 20, Tuesday

The ANC6B Hine Subcommittee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center on mitigation amenities and benefit issues. 

March 20, Tuesday

CHRS Board Meeting, open to CHRS members, 6:30pm Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6th Street.

March 20, Tuesday

Ward 6 At-Large Candidates Forum, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at Brent Elementary School.

March 22, Thursday

Meeting with Mayor Gray on Reservation 13, 7:00pm  – 9:00pm at DC Armory.  Security will be in effect, so you will need photo ID to enter the building.

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March 14, 2012 · 10:50 pm

ANC6B Endorses Wednesday Farmer’s Line at Eastern Market – Could Be in Operation this Summer

ANC6B Endorses Wednesday Farmer’s Line at Eastern Market – Could Be in Operation this Summer

by Larry Janezich

At Tuesday night’s ANC6B meeting, the ANC endorsed a tentative plan by Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson to have a mid-week farmer’s line at Eastern Market.

Commissioner Brian Pate, the ANC’s representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), reported to the Commission that a plan is in the works to open the new farmer’s line, possibly this season.  Commissioner Ivan Frishberg, in whose single member district the Market lies, said “this is a great idea, long overdue.”

Margeson is reportedly waiting for EMCAC to sign off on the idea, but it seems likely they will approve the plan.  EMCAC  will next meet on Wednesday, March 28 in the market’s North Hall.

The ANC vote was 8 – 0 – 1, with Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Francis Campbell abstaining until more details regarding how parking for vendors and patrons are available.

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March 14, 2012 · 2:30 pm

Weekend Flea Market to be Much Reduced by Stanton Eastbanc Hine Development

Weekend Flea Market to be Much Reduced by Stanton Eastbanc Hine Development

by Larry Janezich

No matter what happens, the Eastern Market weekend flea market will be smaller in the future.

Competing interests of the city, the developer, and Eastern Market have put the squeeze on the weekend flea markets and the vendors who operate outside the market on weekends.   Stanton Eastbanc’s current development plans do not allow for a full weekend flea market, and the city has no immediate or obvious plans to either compel the developer to make room for the flea market or to create a new home for it that will accommodate its current size.

One of the requirements for all the contractors who bid for the Hine development was that “sufficient space” for the flea market had to be provided.  The original Stanton Eastbanc plan for the development which got the nod from the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development would have provided 90 spaces for vendor’s tents on the newly reopened C Street, and on a square plaza centrally located within the project and set back from the middle of the newly opened C Street.

After the project was awarded to Stanton Eastbanc, the size of the project increased and the space for the flea market was shrunk.  Currently the plan provides for space for 68 vendor tents on C Street.  The plaza – originally touted as vendor space – currently appears to be reserved for public space including water features and café seating (which is proprietary and not public space).

Most people don’t realize that the weekend outdoor market comprises three entities:  the food and non-food vendors outside Eastern Market, on 7th Street and on the natatorium plaza under control of Barry Margeson, Eastern Market manager; the Saturday flea market on the Hine playground, managed by Carol Wright; and the Sunday flea market, managed by Diverse Market Management, owned by Michael Berman.  The popular weekend market attracts up to 30,000 visitors and supports up to 150 vendor tents on a good weekend, according to Berman.

Councilmember Tommy Wells is currently re-writing legislation establishing a Trust which will be the new governing authority for Eastern Market, including the weekend flea markets.  The legislation – which may be revealed within days – will likely provide for consolidating the management of the three outdoor markets under the Trust.  The goal of the Market is to be self-sustaining within ten years, and it is difficult to imagine a scenario that will allow it to be so without consolidating control of the weekend market and using vendor fees toward that end.  Currently, the two flea market managers each pay $24,000 annually to the city to rent the Hine parking lot on weekends, and they in turn charge individual vendors for space on the weekends.

In addition to concern over the number of vendor tents accommodated under current plans, Michael Berman calls Stanton Eastbanc’s proposal for parking 50 vendor trucks in the development’s parking garage problematic, noting that many of his vendors deal with large pieces and that access to C Street for set up with be limited to one small service elevator.

In an apparent attempt to salvage the current weekend flea market’s size and diversity, Councilmember Wells has floated the option of closing 7th Street on weekends to accommodate vendors who cannot fit onto C Street, but Berman notes that at best, there are spaces for 50 vendors.

In addition, the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) opposes closing of 7th Street for several reasons, including detrimental impact on the “brick and mortar” merchants on 7th Street, loss of 30 parking spaces on 7th Street, and loss of access to the new development’s loading dock.  EMCAC has also gone on record opposing Stanton-Eastbanc charging vendors for use of the new C Street as well as charging vendors for the 50 spaces reserved for vendor parking in the development on weekends.  (EMMCA is currently supporting subsidized parking for vendors on weekends so as to prevent vendors from seeking parking on residential streets.)

There are other ways to provide space for vendors, including widening the sidewalks on 7th Street and/or C Street, or widening the plaza on C Street.  All of these would involve changing the footprint of the building, which will undoubtedly be resisted by Stanton Eastbanc.  The developer’s private ownership of C Street also imperils the market; as currently written, the ground lease allows the developer to unilaterally close down the flea market if it wishes.  EMCAC is strongly opposed to permitting the developer to have this authority and supports language in the new Eastern Market legislation to prevent it.

The flea market manager’s contracts with the city extend until construction on the new project begins – currently slated for September 2013.  What happens after construction begins and in the interim until the newly reopened C Street is ready to accept vendor operations is uncertain.  Commissioner Brian Pate, ANC6B’s representative to EMCAC, reported to ANC6B Tuesday night, that EMCAC’s current position is that the developer created this problem and should solve it without shifting responsibility to the city to close 7th Street.  He also called upon EMCAC to step up and develop a plan for the flea market during the construction phase.

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March 11, 2012 · 10:38 pm

The Week Ahead ….

 

The Week Ahead ….

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, March 13

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center. 

Agenda items of interest:

Application of Acqua Al 2 to expand operation upstairs with 36 additional seats and extend hours of operation. 

Approval of Hine Redevelopment Subcommittee Preliminary Recommendations on Amenities & Benefits and Design Changes in order to begin negotiations with the developer.

Discussion of Transportation-Related Mitigations related to the Hine development.

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March 9, 2012 · 2:43 pm

ABC Committee Lends Conditional Approval to Acqua Al 2 Expansion

 

Acqua al 2 at 212 7th Street, SE

ABC Committee Lends Conditional Approval to Acqua Al 2 Expansion – Some Neighbors Raise Strong Objections

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B Commissioner Carol Green’s ABC Committee last night endorsed Aqua al 2 restaurant’s request to add seating for 36 guests upstairs and extend hours of operation until 1:00am on weekdays and 3:00am on weekends.  The approval was conditional on the restaurant agreeing not to use either the back of the second floor or the first floor rear garden for guests, to provide an additional trash container in the rear, and to discourage parking in the alley and deliveries to the rear of the business.  The restaurant, at 212 7th Street, SE, across from Eastern Market, specializes in Tuscan fare and tends to attract a tony clientele. 

Some nearby neighbors objected to the expansion, saying it will make existing problems concerning trash, noise, and deliveries worse.  They also said it would be a bad precedent for other restaurants and bars on the block and those which might come. 

Co-owner Ari Gejdeson, appeared before the ANC to support the application.  He stressed that the expanded hours were meant to accommodate late=staying diners rather than to encourage a late night bar scene. 

Much of the neighborhood unhappiness stems from the narrow alley separating the rear of 7th Street restaurants from their back yards.  Of particular concern are deliveries to 7th Street restaurants that block the alley and prevent access to garages.  Gejdenson explained the lengths he goes to in order to be a good neighbor, an assertion supported by several neighbors who suggested that he provides a good example of a business owner taking responsibility for the conditions which his business created and who works with the neighbors to ameliorate those conditions. 

The ABC Committee voted unanimously to forward the application to the full ANC for consideration at its meeting next Tuesday.

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March 7, 2012 · 5:55 pm

Sapore Moves Into Former Quizno’s on Pennsylvania Avenue

Sapore Arrives on Capitol Hill

Sapore Moves Into Former Quizno’s on Pennsylvania Avenue

Artisanal Oils & Vinegars – Pasta – Salts

by Larry Janezich

Sapore Oil & Vinegar has leased the space in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which formerly housed Quizno’s Subs.  Owner Renee Sheilds Farr, awaiting one more city permit, hopes to open the doors on Sunday, March 18.  The store will be DC’s first purveyor of fresh, premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, according the Farr. 

Sapore (Italian for “taste” or “flavor”) will carry 16 traditional and flavored extra virgin olive oils, 12 basalmic vinegars, a variety of specialty oils and exotic salts, including Himalayan Pink, Fleur del Sel, Indian Black, Hawaiian Red and Wood Smoked.  The store will also carry a variety of pastas. 

In keeping with the tradition of many European olive oil outlets, customers will be encouraged to sample before they buy.

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March 7, 2012 · 1:26 pm

ANC6B to Take Up Requests for Hine Design Changes/Benefits & Amenities

Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Francis Campbell (third from left) leads the vote to send requests for Hine development design changes to the full ANC

ANC6B to Take Up Requests for Hine Design Changes/Benefits & Amenities – Schedule Released Leading Up to Zoning Commission Hearing

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC Commissioner Francis Campbell’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted to forward initial requests for design changes to the Hine project as well as a list of initial requests for benefits and amenities to the full ANC.  Following consideration at next Tuesday’s ANC meeting at Hill Center, the ANC’s Hine Subcommittee, chaired by Commissioner Ivan Frishberg,  will begin negotiations with Stanton/Eastbanc to achieve these goals.

Additional benefits, amenities, and mitigations are being worked on by the Subcommittee’s working groups: i.e., Design, Transportation, Open Space, and Retail.  The Subcommittee will meet later this month to consider these additional issues.

The first group of requests regarded changes in the project’s design:

  1.  Lowering of the residential building at 8th and D and redesigning the façade to be more “outstanding;”
  2. Redesign the corner of 7th and Pennsylvania Avenue to create a focal point through greater articulation at street level;
  3. Lowering the height of the 7th and Pennsylvania Avenue building;
  4. Reconsideration of the entrance to the office building to ensure an outstanding façade on Pennsylvania Avenue;
  5. More open and public use space in the Plaza.

The motion to forward these requests to the full ANC was agreed to 6-1, with Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Frishberg, Pate, Metzger and resident member Wildermann voting for the motion and Commissioner Oldenberg voting in the negative.

The second group of requests concerned “big ticket” benefits and amenities:

  1. A greater percentage of local retail than offered in the current application;
  2. More exterior open space for public use;
  3. Interior community use and meeting space;
  4. Subsidized non-profit office space;
  5. Developer support for an infant and toddler care facility to be run by a third party.

A motion to forward these requests to the full ANC was agreed to unanimously.

There is strong sentiment among ANC commissioners and members of the community that the façade of the 8th and D Street building fails to achieve the distinction that the signature buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue require; further consideration of this issue awaits the developer’s response to similar concerns by the Historic Preservation Review Board.  The developers are scheduled to present new drawings to the Board on March 23.

Other major issues which are expected to be addressed in the near future include the height of the office building on 7th Street, the interior courtyard, space for the weekend flea market, and maintaining of a buffer between the project’s retail component and nearby residences in the neighborhood.

The proposed schedule for further consideration of the project and management of negotiations with the developer is as follows:

March 13         Developers submit a design revision to HPRB to respond to requests made in HPRB’s preliminary review in 2011

March 20         Hine Subcommittee meets to review the proposed list of mitigation issues and additional benefit/amenity issues for the April ANC cycle

March 29         Hine Subcommittee continues work from the March 20 meeting, including consideration of a response to the design revisions presented to HPRB

April 3             Planning and Zoning Committee considers recommendations on full amenities and benefits list, mitigation list and recommendations to HPRB

April 10           ANC6B considers recommendations from Planning and Zoning Committee

April 26           Hine Subcommittee meeting on tentative agreements with developers

May 1              Potential action from Planning and Zoning Committee

May 8              Potential action from the ANC

May/ June       Possible Hine Subcommittee and ANC special call meeting to    prepare for Zoning Commission hearing

Late June         likely beginning of Zoning Commission hearing

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March 4, 2012 · 9:29 pm

The Week Ahead ….

The Week Ahead ….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, March 5

6:30pm CHRS Historic Preservation Committee meets at 420 10th Street, SE, first floor.  (Agenda when available)

Tuesday, Marcy 6

7:00pm ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at St. Coletta’s School, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE. 

Report from Commissioner Ivan Frishberg on Hine PUD Subcommittee on major recommendations regarding Hine Design Changes

Letter to Deputy Mayor on Marathons on Capitol Hill

Resolution regarding Reservation 13

Wednesday, March 7

6:30pm ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at Hill Center.  Discussion of what the community wants the developer to do to compensate for the transportation problems created by the Hine development. 

6:30pm EMCAC Committee of the Whole meets in the North Hall of Eastern Market.  To discuss taking a formal position on three issues concerning the Hine development.

  • Fees charged the flea market vendors for use of the newly reopened C Street and the plaza and the developer’s plan to charge the vendors for parking their vehicles in the 50 allotted parking spaces in the development on weekends.
  • Closing the 300 block of C 7th Street to accommodate the weekend flea market since the newly reopened C Street and associated plaza will accommodate less than half of the current maximum number of vendors.
  • How to assure that the retail mix in the new development complements Eastern Market

Thursday, March 8

7:00pm ANC6B ABC Committee meets at Hill Center. 

  • Consideration of application of Acqua Al 2,  at 212 7th Street, SE to expand to the second floor with additional 36 seats and change of hours of operation and sales.

7:30pm CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 420 10th Street, SE, first floor.(Agenda when available)

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March 1, 2012 · 11:40 pm

Residents Weigh Extending Parking Restrictions North of Pennsylvania Avenue

ANC Commissioner Brian Pate (white shirt at table) Explains Performane Parking Restrictions to Constituents

Residents Weigh Extending Parking Restrictions North of Pennsylvania Avenue

by Larry Janezich

About 25 residents of ANC6B Commissioner Brian Pate’s Single Member District (SMD05) met Thursday night to hear a proposal to extend the Performance Parking Pilot north of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Recently, DDOT informed commissioners in ANC6B that the department would support extending the program north of Pennsylvania Avenue, but the initiative had to come from the ANC and subsequently the residents of the streets affected.  DDOT has also stated that the program must be extended in the four adjacent ANCs, 6B01, 6B02, 6B05, and 6B04, rather than piecemeal.  Commissioners Pate in 6B05, Garrison in 6B01, Oldenburg in 6B04 support the extension.  Commissioner Frishberg in 6B02 is still assessing the views of his constituents.  (See map:  http://www.anc6b.org/map.html)

The program anticipates addressing parking problems by imposing restrictions, as follows:

  • one side of each block will be restricted to Zone 6 Permit holders only during the days and hours of enforcement; the other side of the block continues with a current two-hour grace period for cars without permits;
  •  each residence receives annually one guest parking pass for permanent parking;
  • coverage extends Monday through Saturday;
  • normal Monday through Saturday hours are 7:30 am to 9:30 pm (effectively meaning that cars without permits can park on the grace period side of blocks after 7:30 pm and let the remaining enforcement hours expire.)

As Commissioner Pate explained it, residents will have to weigh the pros (the permanent guest parking pass, parking protection, access to Performance Parking Funds for non-transportation projects) vs. the con (difficult parking for guests for dinner or other gatherings who park between 7:30am and 9:30pm).

The Performance Parking Pilot program was started in 2008 around Nationals ballpark to address the parking problems associated with the ballpark.  The affected areas benefit from a “Neighborhood Revenue Share” program funded by the parking pilot under which the affected areas receive grants for non-automotive transportation improvements.  Currently, some $750,000 is expected to accrue to the fund from parking proceeds.  Applications for grants are processed through the ANCs or directly by DDOT.

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March 1, 2012 · 11:16 am

Developer Releases Winter/Summer Shadow Studies on Hine Development

Shadow Studies – Winter

Shadow Studies – Summer

Developer Releases Winter/Summer Shadow Studies on Hine Development

by Larry Janezich

Stanton/Eastbanc has released projections of how the sun’s shadow will affect the surrounding streets and buildings in summer and winter.   The studies are required by the Planned Unit Development appication necessary to change the zoning of the Hine site in order to accommodate greater height and density.  Consideration of the height issue by community organizaitions has been delayed pending receipt of the studies.  Consideration of the scale and mass continues to await the arrival of the three dimensional model of the project and the surrounding blocks scheduled to be available in mid March.   The ANC6B Hine Subcommittee working group on design will meet at 5:00pm today, to continue its work on design issues given this new information.

For additional information on shadow studies, click here:  http://www.3rddimension.ie/news/equinox-shadow-studies/

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