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The Week Ahead & Some Photos from Last Week and More ANC Commissioners Will Not Run  

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 16, 2024

Last Tuesday night, at the June meeting of ANC6B, two more commissioners – Frank D’Andrea, 6B04 and Kasie Durkit 6B05 announced they would not seek reelection, joining  commissioners Edward Ryder and Matt LaFortune who previously announced their decisons not to run again.  On Thursday, ANC6A01 Commissioner Keya Chatterjee announced she would be “stepping down.”

Commissioner Frank D’Andrea said simply that he did not use social media and had chosen this occasion to announce that he would not run for reelection.  He added that it had been an honor to serve his constituents.  

Commissioner Kasie Durkit followed saying she would also not seek reelection and that it had been a joy working with the commission.  She said that a new role at work along with a likely change in residence prompted her decision.  She thanked the commission “for all you have taught me.”

Commissioner Chatterjee announced she is stepping down because she is relocating “across town,” adding that it “has been a real privilege serving all of you and the community.”  Chatterjee added that the Board of Elections (BOE) says it is too close to the next election to hold a special election. She expects to resign before the end of the month.  

Prospective candidates can pick up petitions to get on the ballot from BOE starting July 1.  Here’s everything you need to know regarding filing with the BOE to run for the ANC:  https://dcboe.org/candidates/anc-advisory-neighborhood-commissioners

Here’s an early update on what’s happening in the space formerly occupied by Radici.  The windows are papered over and a buildout is on-going behind them.  Word on the street is that it might be a bakery.  No confirmation of that yet and it seems a bakery would have to sell a lot of croissants to make a go of it what with the Eastern Market Bakery across the street, and Le Pain on the other end of the block.  Radici’s wine and beer license will convey with the building, though. 

Friday, June 21, the Folger Library reopens.  See below.

Also on Friday, Eastern Market celebrates its comeback after the fire with “Night of the Phoenix.”  See below. 

The Week Ahead….

Monday, June 17

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee holds 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: 

• Florida Avenue, NE, Streetscape Project Update. The Streetscape Project outreach team will provide project updates and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
• H Street, NE, Bus Priority Project.  Commissioner Gove requested an opportunity to present DDOT’s responses to ANC 6A’s Letter of Support for H Street, NE, Bus/Streetcar-only lanes and for the community to comment on DDOT’s response.
• National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.  DOEE is soliciting input for possible EV charging station locations. Publicly accessible sites that are not restricted to specific tenants, employers, or parking customers are eligible for the most grants and subsidies relevant to DOEE, and the Committee would like collect input from the community on possible locations within ANC 6A.
• Arts in the Right-Of-Way (AROW) project at 15th Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE.  DDOT has selected Joel Bergner, a local, District-based artist, to design and install the ground mural.  Commissioner Gove requested an opportunity to gather community comments and input on design for DDOT’s planned AROW Project at 15th Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE, as well as reiterate ANC 6A’s request for an all-way stop at this location. Further information about DC’s curb extension murals may be found here: https://bit.ly/4bTj6AF
• Maury PTA, in collaboration with Hill Family Biking, seeks a letter of support from ANC 6A for an Art in the Right of Way installation at Maury Elementary School in the crosswalk across the 200 block of 13th Street at the intersection with Tennessee Avenue. The project will consist of a 2-foot color banner on both sides of the existing crosswalk and will follow DDOT guidelines.

ANC6D Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  Not available at press time.

ANC 7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage-Cannabis Administration Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation on Utility Shut Off Ban Initiative.  Speaker: Mr. Selah Goodson Bell, Energy Justice Campaigner, Energy Justice Program, Center for Biological Diversity. 
• Presentation on BZA Cases #20768 and #20769 (4337 and 4533 Douglas St, NE).  Speaker: Mr. Oumar Seck, LNDC Inc
• Presentation on BZA Case #21149 (1801 D St, NE).  Speakers: Speakers: Ms. Sarah Harkcom, Sullivan & Barros, LLP; Ms. Alexandra Wilson, Sullivan & Barros, LLP; Mr. Matt Lee, Lee Design Studio. 

ANC 7D Public Safety Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Operation THRIVE in Rosedale – MPD Captain Megan Mulrooney
• SMD-specific Areas/Topics of Concern
• Discussion Items/Updates

Tuesday, June 18

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: 

• Motion to support Zonong Adjustment application for 430 10th Street, NE, to construct a rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• Motion to support Zoning Adjustment application for 1351 C Street, NE, to construct a penthouse and roof deck to an existing, attached, two-story, flat with roof deck in the RF-1 zone.  Seeking relief from height limitation. 
• Motion to support Zoning Adjustment application for 813 7th Street, NE, to construct a detached, two-story accessory garage with accessory dwelling to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.  Seeking a special exception to use the accessory building second floor as a dwelling unit once construction is complete and a certificate of occupancy is obtained.

Friday, June 21

6pm – 9pm Eastern Market hosts a free event, Night of the Phoenix, to celebrate and kick off the Market’s Strength in Neighbor’s Weekend.  The evening will feature live music by Rock Creek Kings, food from local vendors, and an evening artisan market.  Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase with ID.  The event is being presented free, thanks to a grant from EventsDC. 

Friday night’s event will be followed on Saturday and Sunday by the Strength in Neighbors Celebration – in honor of Eastern Market’s 150th Anniversary with a specific focus on the fire of April 2007, the community’s coming together, the resilience of the vendors and merchants and the reopening of the historic market in June 2009.   For more info, go here:  https://bit.ly/3VJ7Kte

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Friday, June 21

The Folger Library will reopen on Friday, June 21, after a four year closure for remodeling.  Mayor Bowser will participate in the June 21st Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 10am.  The event will also feature poet Kyle Dargan among others.

From the Folger Website here:  https://www.folger.edu/visit/plan-your-visit/after-our-building-reopens/#hours

ADMISSION

It is free to visit the Folger, and we welcome walk-in visitors as building capacity allows.  However, we recommend that you reserve a pay-what-you-will timed-entry pass, with a suggested donation starting at $15.  The first date to use timed-entry passes will be June 21.

HOURS

New hours begin Friday, June 21, 2024

Galleries and Great Hall, Exhibitions, café, and gift shop:

Sundays: 11am – 6pm*

Mondays: Closed

Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am – 6pm*

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 11am – 9pm

*Extended evening hours on performance days.

Friday, June 21. 

Peterbug Mattews Dog Parade at 6:30pm.  Pick up application at Peter Bug Matthews’ Shoe Academy, 502 13th Street, SE.

Saturday, June 22

Peterbug Matthews Juneteenth Block Party at 12:00noon.   502 13th Street, SE.

Reminder:  Tonight’s Live Concert at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features The Love Station at 5:30pm.

by Larry Janezicn

Posted June 14, 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

1307 K Street, SE.

1310 – 1312 L Street, SE.

Image from Investhome website.

OAG “Looking” at Foreign Investment in Hill East Voucher Rentals

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 13, 2024

Investhome is a company – based in Istanbul, Turkey – that buys DC residential properties – including some on Capitol Hill – adds stories, converts them to micro condo units – markets them to investors in Turkey – rents them to DCHA voucher recipients and manages the properties for 8% of the rent.  Its website urges investors to “Let the United States of America be your tenant.”  An Investhome partner – DILA Construction – replied to a neighbor’s expression of interest in investing by saying, “”These units are not for sale in the DC market. Thank you for your interest.”

Investhomes has two projects in residential neighborhoods in the Hill East single member district of ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder, at 1307 K Street and 1310 – 1312  L Street, SE. 

Last Thursday, Ryder told the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) was “looking into” the sales practices of Investhome and whether they are violating the Fair Housing Act which prohibits sales based on national origin.  He noted the prominent use of the DCHA logo on the firm’s website. 

Ryder said that the OAG Division of Civil Rights and Public Advocacy had reached out to him after several X followers had forwarded Ryder’s tweets raising questions about Investhome’s renting practices.  

@EdwardRyder

“Question for DC Twitter. I have a developer in my SMD who is building a condo building. The condos in the building are being marketed only to Turkish investors, with the aim of then offering them to voucher holders as an “investment opportunity” for the buyers.

The developer confirmed they will not accept or consider DC or local buyers for the condos. They wish to only consider Turkish citizens as buyers who will then in turn “let the government of DC be their tenant”. Can a seller discriminate and only sell to foreign nationals?

For the record I am VERY supportive of more housing, especially for voucher holders.  But blocking local buyers is what I have an issue with (and when it’s a company flush with money from foreign investors it makes it hard for locals to afford housing).”

Ryder told the committee members that his intent had been to ask the Planning and Zoning Committee to write OAG and ask for an investigation, “but at this point the gears are in motion,” so he was not asking for any action now.  OAG told Ryder they will keep him informed of developments. Ryder also engaged the DC Housing Authority and CM Charles Allen who said he would followup with DCHA.

It’s not clear how use of the DCHA voucher system to fill the units being created by Investhome is working out for the company.  But it is clear that the DCHA voucher system – now undergoing investigation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development which is looking at overpayment to landlords – continues to be beset by problems.

Some developers who build multi-unit residences and rent them to recipients of DCHA vouchers end up with rundown and poorly maintained buildings filled with unhappy residents.  Such is the case with a project developed by DC developer Habte Sequar of Pierce Investments.  CHC reported in April of 2014 on Sequar’s appearance before the ANC6A Economic Development Committee seeking support to develop at 49 unit condo building at 1215 K Street, NE.  Sequar completed the project in 2018 and marketed the units to voucher holders. 

The Washington Post published an article on February 16, 2023, describing the current marginally habitable building in an article titled:  “D.C. overpays landlords millions to house the city’s poorest.  Paying above-market rents means fewer people are helped by the troubled housing authority.”  https://bit.ly/3RrsgMz  The Post says, “In an interview, Sequar blamed the building’s state of disrepair on its tenants.”

The article followed a Washington Post piece on January 23, 2023, which reported that federal officials are investigating whether D.C. landlords are overcharging for apartments rented to holders of low-income housing vouchers.  https://wapo.st/3x5FqYR  

On February 1, of this year, Washington City Paper published a story titled “D.C. Housing Authority’s ‘Rent Reasonableness’ Tool Is Susceptible to Fake Online Ads, Leading to Inflated Voucher Payments.”  https://bit.ly/4bTs9BA

Tuesday night’s meeting of ANC6B. L-R Commissioners Jerry Sroufe, Chander Jayaraman, Frank D’Andrea, Chair Edward Ryder, and Commissioner David Sobelsohn.

Way Cleared for Taco Bell to Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 12, 2024

Last night, ANC6B voted unanimously clear the way for Taco Bell to open up shop at 411 8^th Street, SE.  A vote on a motion to support an exception to the ban on fast food restaurants on Barracks Row will occur at a special meeting of the ANC on June 25^th, immediately prior to the monthly meeting of the ANC’s Executive Committee.  The vote was postponed to allow commissioners and public an opportunity to review a negotiated agreement between nearby neighbors and Taco Bell.  If it is found satisfactory after review – which is likely – the ANC will sanction it and vote to support the exemption.  The agreement will then become part of the Zoning Order granting the exception. 

Final details of the agreement were nailed down since last Thursday in on-going negotiations between near-by neighbors led by 7^th Street resident Linda Elliott and Taco Bell.. The final agreement includes a commitment from the owner of 411 8^th Street not to lease the second floor of the building to another restaurant.  Also, Taco Bell made additional commitments to mitigate trash issues, as well as odor, noise, and rodent problems as they arise. 

The agreement won support and praise from the 7^th Street neighbors whose properties back up to the restaurants on Barracks Row.  Other near-by residents continued to urge the ANC to oppose the exception based on how the proliferation of fast food restaurants affect the character of the Eastern Market neighborhood and the inevitiable proliferation of trash that will result from the restaurant not offering in-store consumption.  (&Pizza won an exception to the fast food ban by declaring itself “a fast casual restaurant” and providing indoor seating, but which essentially operates as a fast food carry-out restaurant.)

ANC Planning and Zoning Committee chair Frank D’Andrea said that he does not believe that ANC action could stop Taco Bell from opening – that the regulations list conditions for meeting the criteria for an execption, and if they are met, the BZA has to grant it. 

ANC Commissioner David Sobelsohn in whose single member district the site resides, summarized the position the ANC finds itself in:  that Taco Bell can’t be stopped by the ANC – if Taco Bell comes in over the opposition of the ANC it will be under restrictiions written by the BZA which are not likely to be as rigorous as those negotiated by the near-by neighbors – and for the ANC to say no, is merely symbolic. 

The Special Meeting of the ANC will be virtual – information on how to join the meeting will be posted on Capitol Hill Corner on Sunday, June 23 in The Week Ahead. 

Taco Bell’s proposed location at 411 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row.

Taco Bell on Barracks Row – How Much Is Too Much?

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 10, 2024

Tomorrow night – Tuesday – ANC6B will consider Taco Bell’s application for an exemption to the fast food ban on Barracks Row.   They’ve hired attorneys from the high-powered law firm of Hill and Knowlton to file the application and support it before the ANC.

The proposed location on the west side of Barracks Row at 411 8^th Street lies between Chipotle and the prospective to-be-reopened Popeye’s. 

Here’s what else is on the west side of what has been characterized as a troubled block which has trash, drug activity, double parking and loitering issues:

• Starbuck’s at 403 8^th Street
• & Pizza at 405 (District Flow Yoga above)
• Paris Nail & Spa at 407 (Pure Barre above)
• Popeye’s at 409 (Mr. Nice Guy weed gifting above)
• Proposed Taco Bell at 411
• Chipotle at 413
• Ledo Pizza at 415
• Pizza Boli at 417
• Empty former Tandoor Grill at 419 and 421
• Chiko at 423
• Ensurion Computer Repair at 425
• UpNSmoke at 427 (current weed gifting but pending license medical weed dispensary)
• 7-11 at 429

Nearby-residents have gathered some 80 signatures on a petition opposing another fast-food restaurant on the block.  Their opposition is based on what they perceive as making a bad situation worse.  The well-organized 7^th Street neighbors whose homes back up to the restaurants on the 400 block of 8^th (with no alley separating them) routinely engage prospective restaurants coming to 8^th Street to exaact agreements with them regarding rodents, noise, and oder control.  At the ANC Planning and Zoning committee meeting last week, a representitaive of those neighbors credited Taco Bell’s attorneys with accommodating their most serious concerns in on-going negotiations for a settlement agreement. 

But that does little to address the concerns of the community about what the block has become and does nothing to mitigate what the block is and is likely to continue to be.  One idea floated by a community member CHC spoke with would be to include in settlement agreements an annual substantial contribution to the Capitol Hill BID as the price for this and future ban exemption endorsements as well as for the periodic renewal exemptions held by current fast food restaurants. 

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee chair Frank D’Adrea’s position seems to be that the BZA is not likely to find opposition based on too many fast-food restaurants on one block – despite the strong community feeling that the fast-food chains brings a host of negatives to a block that many residents avoid – a persuasive argument.  And that may be the reality.  It may also be that the ANC is not anxious to oppose the application or take a position on which they are likely to lose before the BZA which often seems biased to development which brings the city additional tax revenue. 

CHC reached out to CM Charles Allen for his take but did not hear back before press time. 

ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting on Tuesday night, June 11.  The meeting location will be 507 8th Street SE; First Floor (Taoti Creative Event Space/Next to Ted’s Bulletin).  There will also be a virtual options – go here for info on how to join:  https://anc6b.org/

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 9, 2024

Monday, June 10

John Wennersten (at podium) and Barry Harrelson (at left) commenting on a clip from “On The Waterfront With Arthur Cotton Moore.”

Sunday evening, June 9^th, the film-making non-profit Sustainable Waterfronts, presented three short documentary films at Hill Center, hosted by the co-founders of the organization, producers Jack Wennersten and Barry Harrelson.   

Founded in 2017, (seven years ago to the day) Sustainable Waterfronts is a public non-profit based on Capitol Hill that seeks to preserve the history of Washington’s waterfront from the founding of the city to today.

The featured films were:

“Moments At The Water’s Edge: Men & Women At Work”  https://bit.ly/3Xc3Zhj  

“On The Waterfront With Arthur Cotton Moore”  https://bit.ly/3VjjKjW  (Moore was the architect who rebuilt the Georgetown Waterfront as well as helped renovate the Library of Congress, the Old Post Office and the Phillips Collection.)

And” “John Philips Sousa – An American Icon” (no video link available). 

Here’s the situation at Pupatell’s Neapolitan Pizza on Wednesday afternoon:  While CHC was taking photos through the window, an employee opened the door and said they hope to open on Monday, June 17th.  Asked if CHC could get some photos inside, the staffer called over Mike Compty, co-General Manager.  Compty was accommodating re the photos and said he and Tom Cackett are the co-General Managers. 

Compty says the restaurant’s motto is “Pizza without Politics.” 

Pre-heating the imported Italian ovens.  They can reach 1000 degrees F.  Pupatella’s is a local chain with 9 other locations in the District and Virginia.  The location at 3rd and Mass was previously the home of Romeo & Juliet (closed in 201) – and before that, The White Tiger.  Here’s a link to their website and menues. https://www.pupatella.com/

Over on Barrack’s Row, a couple of souces told Capitol Hill Corner that Mother Blossom cannabis gift shop has closed permanently.  The likely reason is that the medical cannabis license for UpNSmoke at 427 8^th is pending, and when granted, other cannabis outlets – including gift shops within 400 feet are subject to closure once the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabils Commission starts enforcing the law.  Two other cannabis gift shops near UpNSmoke continue to operate, including Mr. Nice Guy (despite being robbed two weeks ago a source says) and Organix (which replys when asked if they were going to apply for a medical license), “This is a clothing store, sir.”

Here’s a photo of the patrons of the NE/SE Library Used Book Sale last Saturday. Photo: Jay Adelstein.

Sunday evening, June 9th, the film-making non-profit Sustainable Waterfronts, presented three short documentary films at Hill Center, hosted by the co-founders of the Sustainable Waterfronts, producers Jack Wennersten and Barry Harrelson.  

Founded in 2017, (seven years ago to the day) “Sustainable Waterfronts” is a public non-profit based on Capitol Hill that seeks to preserve the history of Washington’s waterfront from the founding of the city to today.  The featured films were:

“Moments At The Water’s Edge: Men & Women At Work”  https://bit.ly/3Xc3Zhj 

“On The Waterfront With Arthur Cotton Moore”  https://bit.ly/3VjjKjW   (Moore was the architect who rebuilt the Georgetown Waterfront as well as helped renovate the Library of Congress, the Old Post Office and the Phillips Collection.)

And John Philips Sousa – An American Icon (no video link available). 

Here’s a link to their website which has links to some of their other films.  https://sustainablewaterfronts.org/

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 10

ANC6B Parks and Public Space Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (entrance next to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Garfield Park Construction Announcement
• Throne Toilet at Eastern Market Metro Park
• Park Manager for Eastern Market Metro Park
• Shade on the Children’s Side of the Eastern Market Metro Park

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Public Safety Report

Presentations:

• Dr. Keith Pettigrew (Executive Director), DC Housing Authority:  Greenleaf, Maintenance Update.
• Linda Greenan, Pepco:  Pepco Stacks Substaion-Grounds.
• Hannah Ashenafi, Associate Director DOEE: Vulcan Permit
• Marcellus Walker Jr., CPM – 311 Chief of Operations and Danielle Drumgoole. Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Unified Communications.
• Kara Pennino, Waterways Administrator, DOEE Office of Waterways Management Authority.

Consent Agenda:

• Hen Quarter

Development, Planning, and Transportation

• Merchant Marina – M Street Landing.
• Westminster Redevelopment Zoning Application for 2 year extension.
• WMATA Better Bus Proposal – prospective community meeting.

Tuesday, June 11

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/45iWAyt

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Community Speakers

• Clint Osborn, Acting Director, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) on Agency Overview and Priorities.
• Eric DeBear, Esq. representing DC Department of General Services (DGS) and DC Department of Corrections (DOC) on Plans for Replacement of Correctional Building.

Community Presentations

• Ayanna Williams, DC Natives – Intro to Organization Focused on Pollinator Habitats
• DC Government Updates/Presentations.
• Lawrence Davlin, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS) Ward 7 Representative.
• Francis Campbell, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.
• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Representatives.

Commission Business

• Letter to DDOT concerning NOI Commission support for 17th Street NE bicycle facility.
• Discussion:  WMATA Better Bus Network – to build awareness about this project.
• Letter to DGS, EOM and Council on Unaddressed Maintenance at the Renovated Eliot-Hine Middle School.

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Consent Agenda

• Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee Consent Items.
• Transportation Committee Consent Items.
• Planning & Zoning Committee Consent Items.
• Public Safety Committee Consent Items.
• Letter Requesting a Status Update on the Implementation of the 2022 Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan and Invitation to DC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah.

Presentations

• Kilil Roussaw – Founder/Executive Director of KRoussaw Foundation.
• Christopher Williams, Director, Anacostia Watershed Society.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee (06/04/2024)

• ABRA-127963: DMV Liquors Wines and Beers, LLC t/a DMV Liquors Wines and Beers, 643 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License.

Transportation Committee (06/05/2024)

• Proposed Letter in Support of Multimodal Street Design on Major Arterials.

Planning and Zoning Committee (06/06/2024)

• BZA 21144: 411 8th Street, SE Project: To permit a fast-food establishment (Taco Bell) use in an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the MU-4/CHC zone.
• 229 8th Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. 
• 629 South Carolina Ave, SE Project: To construct a three-story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached three-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 718 7th Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application. 

Wednesday, June 12

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Thursday, June 13

ANC6A 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:

Consent Agenda

• Letter ANC6A to WMATA consolidating and summarizing comments from residents regarding the impacts of the proposed 2025 Better Bus network.
• Letter to DDOT in support of the 17th Street, NE MultiModal study including engineering, enforcement, and education (signage) for safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Motion that the ANC draft a resolution urging the DC Council, DDOT, and the Mayor to support a 5-8% increase in the FY2025 budget for the maintenance of sidewalks, to implement a more effective system for sidewalk repair monitoring, and to allow experimentation with alternative sidewalk materials and that ANC 6A authorize the Commission to testify regarding sidewalk improvements at any upcoming DC Council hearings.
• Letter of support to the HPRB re: HPA 24-274 (To construct a two-story with cellar, rear addition, to an existing, attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone)

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Thursday, June 13.  Sea Shanties and Songs Featuring Canadian Performer Seán Dagher of Assassin’s Creed Fame · Thursday, June 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  $20.00.  Go here:  https://bit.ly/3XbhzkY

Friday, June 14.  Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features a Love Station Concert from 5:30pm – 6:30pm – in Partnership with Barracks Row Main Street, the Department of Parks and Recreation & the Office of Councilmember Charles Allen. 

Friday, June 14.  Hill Center Event:  Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Singer/Songwriter Rochelle Rice with Pianist Janelle Gill at an in-person performace from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Tickets:  $20.00.  Go here:  https://bit.ly/4et6It1

Reminder:  NE/SE Library Book Sale Saturday June 8, 10am – 3:pm

“The Friends of the Southeast Library (FOSEL) together with the Friends of the Northeast Library (FONEL) will hold a joint book sale this Saturday, June 8.  The sale will be at the Northeast Library at 7th & Maryland Avenues NE.

===> Note that the location is at the NE Library <===

The sale begins when the library opens at 10:00 am. We begin to pack up around 2:45 pm and are done by 3:00 pm.The sale is on the lower level of the library.

Entrance to the sale is through the library (and down the stairs or elevator).

In general, we have new and mostly used books of all types, including children’s books, fiction, best sellers, non-fiction, cookbooks mysteries, science, science fiction, romance, religion, history, biography, self-help, classics, travel, etc. We have music CDs and movies on DVDs. We usually have a few books on disk too.

Proceeds benefit local libraries, especially the Southeast Library, the Northeast Library, and the DC Library.

If you have books to donate, we’d be happier if you brought them after the sale, but we will take donations at the sale if you must. The donation bin is located on the lower level.

Please, NO text books, NO casebooks, NO magazines, NO foreign language books, NO outdated computer books, NO encyclopedias. CDs and DVDs are fine, but NO VHS tapes or cassettes.”

Questions? bob@bobgellman.com

Herb Scott Jazz Saxophonist. Photo: Herb Scott

June 7^th Friday Night Jazz at EM Metro Features Herb Scott Band – 5:30pm

by Larry Janezicn

Posted Friday , June 7, 2024

Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza features the Herb Scott Band at 5:30pm.

Scott is a star on the Washington, D.C. Jazz scene. While studying at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the award-winning educator Davey Yarborough, he performed with renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.  For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/3PzUeCI

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.

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 6, 2024

Ward 6 Budget Town Hall Tonight:  CM Charles Allen hosts the meeting which will be tonight from 6pm – 7:30pm at Northeast Library.  The purpose is to update the community on the budget and provide an opportunity for feedback before the Council takes a final vote on June 12. RSVP here. https://bit.ly/4e4LUYB

Renovation of Garfield Park Starts This Month

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 4, 2024

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosted a Garfield Park Construction Kickoff meeting Monday night.  Christopher Dyer, Community Engagement Manager for DC DPR (center above) told a crowd of about 50 community members that the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the final design for upgrading the park and to provide an opportunity for the community to provide feedback and input.   

Dyer and Nick Kushner DPR Community Planner and project manager fielded questions and took suggestions.  Construction will start in June and be complete by the end of September. 

CM Charles Allen attended the meeting and credited the immediate neighbors of the park including the Friends of Garfield Park for their role as caretakers of the space and their sense of stewardship and ownership.  Allen successfully pushed the city to budget $1.3 million for the renovation. 

Many of those in the crowd were there to support the installation of pickleball courts on the now- deadend portion of Virginia Avenue which is adjacent to the park and under the SE/SW Freeway.  The site is owned and controlled by the DC Department of Transportation, and a group of pickleball supporters have been working with ANC6B01 Commissioner Frank Avery to petition DDOT to designate the space for pickleball use.  The application is currently wending its way through the DDOT bureauacracy.  WDCP Advocacy Director Eileen Dougherty elicited a pledge from Dyer to continue a conversation to explore ways for DPR to be helpful in accommodating the needs of pickleball enthusiasts.

Here’s the project overview and the currently scheduled improvements:

• 2 – 5 year old’s playground:  New pour in place rubber playground surfacing surface (PIP), new equipment, existing swings to remain.
• 5 -12 year old’s playground:  new PIP & Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) surface; existing rope structure, jungle gym, and swings to remain; centeral rope-play area to be replaced in kind, new equipment.
• Bocce Court:  refurbish edging and new shells.
• Volleyball Court:  refurbish edging and new sand, new net and poles.
• Tennis Court:  new court surfacing, nets, and poles; repair damaged fencing.
• Additional Park Improvements:  Improvements to grass to east of the playground, power washing of benching and tables, minor repairs to benches as needed, replacement of plant beds removed during construction activites.

Here’s the Construction Timeline:

• June:  Mobilization and demolition begins.
• July/August:  Tennis Courts completed and re-open.
• August/September:  Consturction complete and park reopens.