More Funding for Capitol Hill Projects – Eastern Market Metro Plaza, Eastern Market, Safe Passage, H Street, LGBTQ Retail – in FY 2025 Budget
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 16, 2024
Last Tuesday night at ANC6B’s May meeting, Kimberly Kennedy, CM Charles Allen’s Constituent Services Coordinator, gave a brief presentation on budget items directly affecting Capitol Hill which Allen successfully inserted in DC’s FY 2025 budget. CHC followed up with his office for these additional details
Eastern Market Metro Park
New Park Managerfor Eastern Market Metro Park: $100,000 to enhance the existing Department of Parks and Recreation grant Allen created in FY23 for Eastern Market Metro Park programming to fund a new Park Manager position; the Park Manager will be responsible for managing maintenance, repairs, activation, and programming with relevant agencies, Main Streets, and the Capitol Hill BID. (In April, the ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce chaired by Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, sent a letter to CM Charles Allen supporting a Park Manager for the park.)
Eastern Market Metro Park maintenance and repairs: $400,000 in both FY25 and FY26 for ongoing capital maintenance and repairs at Eastern Market Metro Park
Safe Passage: Fundimg for Safe Passage grants to create a new priority area including and between the Potomac Avenue and Eastern Market metro stations; this will support students commuting to and from several schools in close proximity to the station, including Brent ES, Chisholm ES, Payne ES, Watkins ES, Digital Pioneers Academy, Capitol Hill Day School, St. Peter School, and Friendship PCS Chamberlain Campus.
Eastern Market
Securtiy and Maintenance at Eastern Market: An additional $1,700,000 in FY25 for Eastern Market for the completion of the bollards installation project, chilled water piping replacement, and stabilization of hot water piping
Security at Eastern Market: Identified $81,000 to fund weekend security coverage at Eastern Market.
LGBTQ
$100,000 grant through the Office of LGBTQ Affairs to preserve LGBTQ nightlife and retail establishments along DC Main Street retail corridors in Ward 6, including Barracks Row.
H Street Corridors
Small Business Support: $350,000 for a new grant to a non-profit organization that advocates, connects, and promotes Capitol Hill businesses and commerce to support partnerships with small businesses, retailers, restaurants, and neighbors retail corridors in Ward 6, for corridor and vacant storefront activation, events, and arts and cultural programming.
Pop-Up Permit Program: Extension of the Department of Buildings’ new Pop-Up Permits Program from the current Downtown boundaries to the H Street NE corridor to speed up permitting to activate vacant buildings.
Funding to install private security cameras and other tools like glassbreak sensors inside small businesses in response to a series of break-ins at H Street restaurants.
The city council’s first vote on the final FY 2025 budget is scheduled for late May.
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ANC Votes to Support Conservatives’ Alley Closing Request
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 15, 2024
Tuesday night, ANC6B signed off on both a motion to support the alley closing behind the former Capitol Lounge on the 200 block of PA Avenue, SE, and the community benefits agreement negotiated with the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI) to compensate the community for the loss of public space.
The vote was 5 – 1 with 2 abstentions – the “nay” vote coming from Commissioner Frank Avery and the abstentions from Commissioners Kasie Durkit and Matt Lafortune.
Several commissioners had concerns which threatened to delay a vote, the most significant was a provision which required that (until the council votes to approve or reject the closing) an ANC representative would “periodically” urge CM Charles Allen to urge Council approval). CPI representatives present at the meeting offered to remove that language to expedite consideration. The motion that ended up passing struck the offending language from the benefits agreement. That change prompted a change in the degree of opposition of Commissioners Durkit, who voted to abstain, rather than “nay.” * The change did not fully satisfy opponents of the measure who had additional concerns about procedural and substantivd matters. Prior to the final vote, a motion to postpone the issue until June failed by a vote of 3 yeas – 4 nays – 1 abstention.
The agreement, according to the ANC’s press release, provides a dozen benefits, including
A $100,000 contribution to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, a local nonpartisan nonideological grants-making fund that, according to its website, supports “activities, projects, and groups that enrich the lives of residents and celebrate the history and beauty of our community.”
Public access to the courtyard, currently off-limits to the public.
Public use of meeting space in CPI’s buildings.
Indoor trash storage, a limit on truck access and on hours CPI can use its courtyard, and the installation of security cameras, a privacy fence, extra lighting, and a safety mirror.
The application to close the alley has to receive the approval of multiple city agencies, and exactly where it is in this process is uncertain. Copies of the letter went to CM Charles Allen and to the Office of the DC Surveyor. The City Council will have to approve the alley closing and the Mayor will have to sign off on it before it becomes effective. The Council generally defers to the Ward Councilmember on alley closing issues wirh respect to timing or whether to take it up at all.
*An earlier version of this post said Commissioner Lafortune abstained rather than voting “nay.” In fact, Lafortune announced early in consideration that he would abstaiin.
ICYMI: Jab We Met Indian Kitchen opened May 4 on Barracks Row. The restaurant is located at 515 8th Street in the space formerly occupied by El Bodegon, which closed in January. According to General Manager Sandeep Kapoor, the owner decided to open on Barracks Row owing to the dearth of fine dining Indian restaurants in the area, not only on the nearby commercial corridors on Capitol Hill, but in Navy Yard. Here’s a link to their website and menu: https://www.jabwemetindiankitchen.com/
Here’s the view from inside Jab We Met circa 11:30am on Sunday.
Five members of the Capitol Hill Art League held a pop-up art sale on the corner of 9th and D Street, SE, on Sunday, featuring the works of Tara Hamilton, Kimberly King, JoAnn Laboy, Carolyn Rondthaler, and Karen Zens. The genesis of the pop up idea was the suspension of the Capitol Hill Mothers’ Day CHRS House Tour during Covid and the plein air art exhibits CHRS sponsored in place of the tour. Now that the tours are back, Art League members have planted the seed for what could become a local Mothers’ Day tradition. BTW, there will be an opening reception for the CHAL Juried Exhibition at Hill Center on Tuesday, May 14, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. See “CHC would also like you to know” below for details.
Here’s the view of the mixed use high rises between 1st Street, SW, and the north end of the Frederick Douglas Bridge. The view is from the pier supporting the former Capitol Power Plant Pump House. The structure – in use until 1961 – is now the Monique Johnson Earth Conservation Corps Anacostia River Center, operating under a lease from the DC Government. For more go here: https://www.earthconservationcorps.org/copy-of-a-river-of-hope
And here’s the view of the Frederick Douglas Bridge from the pier.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, May 13
ANC6D will hold its monthly virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
ANC6B will hold its monthly hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the meeting virtually, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
Consent Items
Chat’s Liquors; 503 8th Street, SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License with a Tasting endorsement.
8th Street Liquor; 725 8th Street, SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License with a Tasting endorsement.
Hayden’s Inc.; 700 North Carolina Avenue, SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License.
World Wine and Spirits; 1453 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License with a Tasting endorsement.
Albert’s Liquor; 328 Kentucky, SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License.
Safeway; 415 14th Street, SE; Renewal of a Class A Liquor License.
Request to Expand eBike Authorized Vendor List.
Traffic Signal at 7th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
Presentation:
Kilil Roussaw – Founder/Executive Director of KRoussaw Foundation.
Planning and Zoning Committee
138 E Street, SE Project: Zoning Adjustment Application, to construct a second story addition to an existing detached accessory garage to an existing, attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
138 E Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application, to construct a second story addition to an existing detached accessory garage to an existing, attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
816 G Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application to construct a two-story side addition to an existing semi-detached rowhouse in the RF-1 zone.
Consideration of the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Committee that the ANC support the Community Benefits Agreement for Alley Closing in Square 762 (300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE).
ANC7D will hold its monthly virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
Proposed motion: ANC 7D to send a letter to DC Department of Buildings in support of after-hours/holiday construction permits for Old Miner School renovation
Proposed motion: ANC 7D to send a letter to the DC Council endorsing concurrent authorization and funding for a new library and new recreation center to be located in the Rosedale Community
Proposed motion: ANC 7D to send a letter to National Capital Parks East, Events DC and DC Department of Buildings concerning anticipated issuance of a raze permit for RFK Stadium
Proposed motion: ANC 7D to send a letter to the Office of Councilmember Vincent Gray to suggest the designation of the alley within Square 1084 (between 16th/17th and East Capitol/AStreets NE) as “Moriah Court, NE” or “Mount Moriah Court, NE” or “Friendship Court, NE.”
Proposed motion: ANC 7D to send a letter to the Office of Councilmember Vincent Gray, and the Office of Councilmember Brianne Nadeau to request the honorary renaming of the entirety of Gales St, NE to memorialize Malachi Jackson.
Wednesday, May 15
ANC6A Planning and Zoning Committee will hold its virtual monthly meeting at 7:00pm.
235 10th Street, NE: Historic Preservation Application to construct a two-story with cellar, rear addition, to an attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
Thursday, May 16
ANC6D Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Tuesday, May 14 @ Hill Center from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Opening Reception for Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) Juried Exhibition 2024 & The Art of Healing. Get Tickets Free here: https://bit.ly/44LMINB
Conservative Group’s Community Benefits Package Advances to Full ANC6B
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 10, 2024
Thursday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted to support the community benefits package its Alley Closing Subcommittee had negotiated with the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI) to compensate the community for loss of access to public space by privatizing the alley behind the former Capitol Lounge on the 300 block of PA Avenue, SE. The building, now owned by CPI, along with adjacent buildings is the headquarters of the Institute.
The vote on the motion to support the benefits package along with supporting the application to close the alley and forward the language to the full ANC was 8 – 5 – 0. Also included was a recommendation that the Community Benefits Agreement be incorporated into any legislation the city council passes approving the alley closing.
The most significant benefit is a $100,000 grant to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for the benefit of other community organizations. The ANC struggled to find a recipient for the funds. selected the Foundation as an organization that would best serve the Capitol Hill community. (See Sroufe comment below.)
In addition, the proposal was controversial for two other reasons. Resident members of the committee objected to the lack of language limiting use of the courtyard (which is planned after closing the alley) during the period of time close to the presidential inauguration. They spoke of nearby neighbor’s fears of how the space could be used in another January 6 insurrection incident. Such language was part of the negotiations, but did not make it into the final agreement.
The second reason – one which some ANC Commissioners had concerns about – had to do with language in the agreement, as follows:
“Until the DC Council votes to approve or reject the alley closing, a representative of the ANC will periodically contact DC’s Ward Six Councilmember to urge Council approval of the alley closing.”
Two Commissioners – Frank Avery and Kasie Durkit – opposed the language. Avery’s opposition was based on a fundamental principle that government can’t encumber itself and basic contract law requires a termination date. Durkit’s concern went to whether the ANC usually follows up with urging action in a written agreement like this and that the requirement appears to be novel. She said she agreed with a resident who characterized the requirement as a “bridge too far.”
Committee Chair Frank D’Andrea said that while it was not impossible to re-open negotiations to tweak the language, it would be “a tough lift,” and suggested that the best way to proceed was to vote on the pending motion and if that failed, to then decide how to proceed.
Earlier in the meeting, Commissioner David Sobelsohn opened the discussion with a statement on the importance of honoring the Constitution. He said there were few who liked the applicant for – among other things – supporting politicians who ignore the Constitution. But, he said, “We’re Americans and must follow our principles…the Constitution requires equal treatment – communists and fascists have equal rights and the right to equal treatment from government, including the ANC…it can’t matter if CPI support unconstitutional principle – we can’t take that into consideration. Government discrimination on the basis of belief is un-American….We were in negotiations for months – not once did ideology affect our negotiation positions. We treated them exactly as we would have treated any other property owner trying to close a dead end alley.
As above, the Committee voted to support the benefits agreement and associated recommendations to the full ANC which will meet next Tuesday May 14, to consider the matter.
Here’s how the roll call vote broke down:
In favor: Commissioners Sroufe, Sobelsohn, D’Andrea; Resident Members Rutkowski, Smith, Girod, Jarboe, and Holman.
Opposed: Commissioners Avery and Durkit; Resident Members Friedman, Robertson, Bruggman.
Not voting: Resident Member Taylor.
Here’s a link to the full text of the community benefits agreement: https://bit.ly/3JDye8F
CM Charles Allen leads a community input walk to hear from the community on modernization of the five areas comprising Watkins Field Rec Center at 6:00pm on Monday, May 6. The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services will also participate. The goal is to hear from the community what its vision is for the modernized Rec Center. Meet at the Watkins Playground on D Street. RSVP here. https://bit.ly/44JAyFb Above, Watkin’s Field.
Watkin’s Basketball Court.
The Hocky Rink.
The Playground.
The Splash Pad.
Here’s an image of Radici’s last hours on Tuesday morning. That’s Brigitte Sasso at rear, receiving condolences and a hug from a Radici patron.
Radici’s Classy Farewell. Last Tuesday morning found former Radici co-owner Brigitte Sasso in the former Radici space packing up and delivering a final special order of pastries to a long-time customer. Asked what her thoughts were, she replied: “We’re terribly sorry to go – but we can leave with our heads held high. I was able to create what I found in Italy – an alimentari – a place to go in the morning for coffee and pastry – in the afternoon for pasta and sauce – and the evening for wine and an opportunity to enjoy the community… that’s the reason I worked 7 days a week – because there aren’t eight.
In the morning, we had the yoga ladies – young interns from the Hill would come in the evening for a glass of wine. We were a focal point – a rock – we attracted celebrities and members of Congress – we had the First Lady (Michelle Obama). It’s heartbreaking….a sad goodbye. I’m dehydrated from crying so much.
It’s just so sad … the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and affection from the community… the event we held last night for the community to show their appreciations for the staff was fabulous – so many people came. (Tickets were $15 – all proceeds went to the staff.)
Everyone wants to know when we’ll be back. We’re looking – hopefully we’ll find something on Capitol Hill.”
Enrico Sasso and Brigitte Sasso host a staff appreciation event last Monday night.
Here’s a video from the staff appreciation event on Monday night. There were multitudes.
The Week Ahead…
Highlight: On Thursday, (see below), ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will consider a community benefits proposal (including a $100,000 grant to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for grants to community organizations) as a benefit to the community for privatizing public space. The Conservative Partnership Institute’s (CPI) application to privatize the alley behind the former Capitol Lounge on Pennsyvania Avenue, SE, is pending before ANC6B. Last Wednesday, the ANC6B Subcommittee on Alley Closings voted 4- 1- 0 to support the proposed community benefit and to recommend that the ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee likewise support and forward the proposal to the full ANC, and, further, to recommend that the full ANC request the City Council to include the entire community benefit agreement in legislation related to this specific alley closing. The one vote in opposition was from a resident member who – as a neighbor – said she could not support the proposal without some restrictions on use of the court yard which the CPI intends to construct in the space created by closing the alley.
Monday, May 6
ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.
Mayor’s Proposed FY2025 Budget – Lindsey Appiah, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
Motion that ANC 6A protest the license application of Jumbo Liquors unless a Settlement Agreement is reached between the ANC and the license applicant prior to the protest deadline.
Recommendation: ANC 6A take no action with regard to the license renewal application of New H Wine & Spirits.
Motion that ANC 6A take no action with regard to the license renewal application of Montana Liquors.
Motion that ANC 6A take no action with regard to the license renewal application of H Street Beverage Warehouse.
Motion that ANC 6A take no action with regard to the license renewal application of H Street Spirits.
Motion that ANC 6A protest the license application of Smokin’ Pig unless a Settlement Agreement is reached and that Interim Chair Velasquez represent the ANC in the matter.
Transportation and Public Space
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of Lane Re-configuration of westbound C Street NE between 17th and 16th Streets NE, with one suggested addition for study and consideration: to reduce the travel lanes of westbound North Carolina Avenue NE from two lanes to one from 16th to 14th Streets NE to reduce driver speeding and improve pedestrian safety.
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to the BZA for a request for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit at 430 10th Street NE in the RF-1 zone.
Plenary Session
Motion that ANC 6A protest the license renewal application of Noble Liquor and Tobacco and that Interim Chair Velasquez and the Chair and Vice Chair of the ANC represent the ANC in the matter.
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of Vision Zero Hardening at the intersection of 13th Street NE/Constitution Avenue NE/Tennessee Avenue NE with the following changes: 1) to slightly shift the pedestrian island on the north side of the intersection on 13th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE to the east, putting a two-foot barrier between the west side bike lane and travel lane and making the pedestrian crosswalk two feet shorter east-to-west; and 2) to narrow the vehicle travel lane to improve pedestrian safety and move the 13th Street NE northbound bike lane curbside from North Carolina Avenue NE all the way through intersection with Constitution Avenue NE, while retaining vehicle parking.
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
138 E Street, SE Project: Zoning Adjustment Application – To construct a second story addition to an existing detached accessory garage to an existing, attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
138 E Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application – To construct a second story addition to an existing detached accessorygarage to an existing, attached, three-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
816 G Street, SE Project: Historic Preservation Application – To construct a two-story side addition to an existing semi-detached rowhouse in the RF-1 zone.
Consideration of Community Benefits Agreement for Alley Closing in Square 762 (this is in regards to the application of the Conservative Partnership Institute to privatize the alley behind the former Capitol Lounge on the 300 block on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know:
NE Library May 11 Book Sale Cancelled
The joint NE/SE Library Book Sale scheduled for Saturday, May 11, has been cancelled owing to a conflict in scheduling use of the space. The next book sale will be on Saturday, June 8.
Hill Center Concert:
Masters of Irish & Cape Breton Fiddle Featuring Musicians Caitlin Warbelow and Troy MacGillivray – Saturday, May 11 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. $20 . Tickets here: https://bit.ly/4a616Bh
Help the Anacostia Watershed Society preserve funding for vital watershed conservation programs in DC!
Anacostia Watershed Societ Petition:
Mayor Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposes to sweep funds collected under the DC Bag Law out of the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund and into the general fund to help close the anticipated FY 2025 budget gap. Sign the petition urging the Mayor and DC Council to ensure Bag Law funds are invested as intended, in projects and programs to protect and restore the Anacostia River, Rock Creek, and other District waterways. https://bit.ly/4bjowEZ
On Saturday, East City Books celebrated its 8th birthday. Owner Laurie Gillman, pictured above, defied the conventional wisdom about the demise of the brick and morar bookstore and opened its doors for the first time on Independent Bookstore Day in 2016. Here’s a link to their website: https://www.eastcitybookshop.com/
Wednesday, demonstrators gathered in front of the Supreme Court which was hearing arguments on whether a federal law aimed at protecting access to emergency medical care superseded Idaho’s near-total abortion ban. One observer was overheard, “There’s energy everywhere.”
On Thursday, another group of protestors demonstrated while the Court heard arguments regarding whether former President Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution. This would seem to be a slam dunk, and it’s scary that it’s not.
Guerrilla Gardners were out in force Saturday morning in the Potomac Avenue Triangle Park at 13th and Potomac Avenue SE. Pictured from left is Jim Guckert, GG founder and Executive Director, and two of the volunteers from Naval Lodge No. 4 at 330 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. For more on how to donate or volunteer, go here: https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/
More Guerrilla Gardener volunteered were digging and planting in the Triangle Park at 14th and Kentucky Avenue, SE. Pictured from left is ANC6B Commissioner Vince Marino, Bryan Bundens, and Diane Kroupa.
Here’s another view of the Triangle Park, catty corner from the Southeast Safeway.
The Week Ahead…
Tuesday, April 30
ANC 6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the May meeting of the full ANC. 8:15pm – 9:45pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Thursday, May 2, 7:00pm. FREE.
East City Bookshop welcomes Nicole Chung to discuss her memoir, A Living Remedy. Joining her in conversation is Lupita Aquino. 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. https://bit.ly/49QMQMM
Mapping Segregation in Washington, DC – Walking Tour Featuring Historian Sarah Jane Shoenfeld. 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm $15. https://bit.ly/4dsdO0i
Wednesday, May 03 – Sunday, May 05, 5:00 PM
The Force is strong on 8th St Barracks Row – May 3rd to 5th Barracks Row Main Street’s Unofficial Star Wars Weekend. For more, go here: https://www.barracksrow.org/
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The Conservative Partnership Institute’s (CPI) Headquarters in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
After closing the alley, CPI’s plan is to use the space for a courtyard behind the former Capitol Lounge.
Community Benefits Proposed in Conservative Group’s Bid to Close Alley
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 27, 2024
Details of the deal ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Subcommittee reached with the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI) regarding the latter’s application to close the dead-end alley behind the former Capitol Lounge have been posted on the ANC’s website. (Technically, the agreement is with Clear Plains, LLC, a legal entity controlled by CPI.)
The CPI has assembled a bloc of properties on the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue and around the corner on the 200 block of Third Street, SE, for use as the new CPI Headquarters. They say they plan to open a restaurant in the former Capitol Lounge and suggest that use of a courtyard in what is now a deadend alley behind the property may be used for outdoor seating by the restaurant.
Since the application would require the city to surrender the right-of-way it currently holds for public use of the alley, and as is the case in other private development of city controlled property, community benefits are often sought as compensation for loss of public space.
Negotiations between the Subcommittee – chaired by ANC6B Commissioner Frank Frank D’Andrea – and representatives of CPI have been ongoing for several months. The Subcommittee has scheduled a virtual meeting at 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 1, to vote on forwarding the proposed agreement to the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee. That committee would then meet to vote on the Subcommittee’s recommendation. A vote in favor there would send the agreement to the full ANC6B for approval. The City Council will have the final word in the form of passing legislation approving the alley closing.
(Ed. Note. An earlier version of this post mis-identified the Chair of the Subcommittee which is chaired – as noted above – by Commissioner Frank D’Andrea, who also chairs the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee.)
Under city regulations, city agencies are required to give “great weight” to ANC opinions on zoning and public space issues including alley closings.
Here are the main community benefits which have tentatively been agreed upon by the Subcommittee and representatives of CPI:
In part exchange for ANC support of the alley closure, CPI will make a total contribution in the amount of $100,000 to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. CPI will condition its contribution upon the Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s promise to use it to benefit organizations based in ANC 6B. The agreement provides for $25,000 up front and $75,000 after Alley Closing Legislation becomes DC Law.
Current Zoning or Land Use Designations on the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map of abutting properties will remain in place and no attempt will be made to change them. This preserves the current residential use of properties on Third Street.
CPI and any lessee will only use the outdoor areas of the Courtyard under their control from 7:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. (midnight) Sundays through Thursdays, and 7:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; provided, that, if a ground-floor lessee obtains a valid license to serve alcohol in the Courtyard, the hours of that license will control the lessee’s hours of operation in the Courtyard.
ANC 6B’s Use of Courtyard. If and after the Alley Closing Legislation becomes effective and within three months after substantial completion of Courtyard renovation, the Courtyard will be available for use by the ANC, its committees, subcommittees, and task forces and by mutually agreed upon ANC6B community groups which the ANC designates from time to time, up to a total of six times per year provided this does not interfere with regular operations of the tenant.
Use of Interior Building Space for Community Meetings. Starting six months after the ANC votes to endorse this Agreement, CPI will make interior Building space, of at least a capacity of 20 people, available for use as a community meeting space by the ANC Bodies; provided that under certain circumstances CPI may substitute equivalent indoor space elsewhere in ANC6B.
Use of Interior Building Space for meetings by ANC6B community groups. Starting one month after the Alley Closing Legislation becomes DC law and the Alley Closing Plat is recorded, CPI will make interior Building space, of at least a capacity of 20 people, for use as a community meeting space by ANC 6B community groups that the ANC designates and that CPI approves for such use.
Use of Interior Building Space would be no more than twelve times a year for ANC bodies and ANC community groups combined, provided that CPI at its discretion may permit additional use.
The Conservative Partnership Institute is chaired by former Senator Jim Demint who founded the organization after he was bumped from the leadership role at the Heritage Foundation. Former WH Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is listed as the organization’s Senior Partner – ahead of President and CEO Ed Corrigan and COO Wesley Denton.
Here’s a link to info on how to join the Subcommittee’s virtual meeting at 7:00pm on May 1, including info on how to join virtual meeting: https://bit.ly/4bdZGFX The agenda includes a link to the full text of the proposed agreement.
US Attorney for DC Graves Takes Flak at ANC Public Safety Committee Meeting
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 27, 2023
US Attorney for DC Matthew Graves visited ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee (PSC) Wednesday night. The meeting, chaired by Resident Member Lisa Matsumoto, was hybrid – both in person and viewable online. Graves was invited to give a presentation on the role his office plays in prosecuting crime in the District.
Graves appeared earlier this month at the MPD 1st District Community Advisory Council for a similar presentation. An attendee at that meeting had asked him if he would bring his suggestions for tweaking current legislation to the Wednesday night PSC meeting. As a result, Graves appeared before the ANC with the latest crime data and a list of recommendations for amendments to the Youth Rehabilitation Act and the Second Look Act.
Graves presented an avalanche of recent data on crime trends:
A city-wide 24% decline in the number of violent crimes this year to date compared to last year to date. (chart below)
A 58% increase in federal prosecution of federal crimes in FY 2022 and FY 2003. (chart below)
A steady increase in the number of arrests and charging of serious felonies over the past three years. (chart below)
He explained why there is a disparity between the number of arrests and the number of prosecutions, adding that almost all violent crimes are prosecuted. Among the reasons prosecutors decline to pursue a conviction:
DC is an outlier in jurisdictions which require arrests in cases of all domestic violence, few of which are prosecuted.
Many arrests for misdemeanors are not prosecuted because it’s not warranted.
Constitutionality issues. (Probably this means that incriminating evidence would not be allowed in trial because it was not obtained properly.)
Much of the discussion involved the proliferation of guns and the increase in numbers of gun-related offenses. Graves said that prior to 2022, the high point in MPD recovery of illegal guns was 2,300 in a year. In 2022 and 2023, MPD recovered about 3100 guns each year. Roughly 450 to 500 of these (20%) were untraceable ghost guns assembled from kits at home. (In 2018, only 25 ghost guns were recovered.) He said manufactured guns come from legal purchases in VA and MD and along the I-95 corridor all the way to Georgia where purchase of guns is easy.
Following the lengthy presentation, the discussion turned to changes in current legislation the Office of the US Attorney General for DC would like to see. Graves said that his office supports both the Youth Rehabilitation Act and the Second Look Act, but each contained language with consequences his office thinks the Council did not intend. He listed the following recommendations:
The Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA): (see illustration below)
Limit YRA provision expunging the record for those under 25 to one occasion per offender rather than multiple instances of granting relief under YRA.
Make a mandatory minimum applicable in carjacking cases – most of which are committed by juveniles – rather than the no mandatory minimum for juveniles under current law.
The Second Look Act: (see illustration below)
Allow the courts to fully consider the nature of offense when applying relief in sentencing under the Second Look Act.
Require the court to assess rehabilitation and whether remorse has been demonstrated.
Require the court to consider a community impact statement if provided.
Make sure released inmates are supervised in the community rather than granted relief from parole under the Second Look Act.
In the Q&A period following his presentation, Graves ran into tough and critical questioning on how these proposed amendments would work to reduce crime in the community and whether resources would be better devoted to determining the source of firearms and stopping the flow of guns. The criticisms were raised by Public Safety Committee alternate resident member Jody Kent Lavy. Lavy is a senior fellow at the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth and has deep roots in criminal justice system including work for the ACLU.
Much of the nearly hour-long Q&A was concerned with the proposed amendments, with participation of members of the audience affiliated with community organizations involved with addressing criminal justice such as Credible Messengers and Violence Interrupters. After the meeting, one commissioner expressed surprise at the presence in the PSC audience of this community criminal justice contingent.
Graves concluded by reminding the audience that he had been asked to make recommendations regarding what could be done legislatively to amend portions of the Secure DC Act to further the public safety goals of his office. He said that his suggestions were meant to address the “unintended consequences of reform,” and that it was not the “end-all be-all” but “it is the right thing to do.” Graves added that “part of the equation is busting the myth which has grown in recent years that there are no consequencs for anything, particularly if you’re a juvenile.” He called the proposals “modest measures” and added, “We’re doing all these other things as well” – referring to his office’s “robust community relations division. “
The meeting – which ran well over its scheduled time limit, ended somewhat abruptly with a thank you to Graves. The video feed ended before a formal motion to adjourn was made.
Friday evening, shortly after Radici announced it will close on Sunday, April 28, Captain Cookie at 660 7th Street, SE, announced it will close the same day. Both retail outlets share the same landlord, Stanton Development. A source familier with the situation says there will be an announcment very soon about a new tenant replacing Captain Cookie who will take over their lease.
Radici’s announcement cited “difficulties with the extension of our lease and condition of the building proved impossible to overcome” as the primary reason for their closure. Captain Cookie did not offer an explanation for closing.
In their announcement, Captain Cookie said, “To our beloved Eastern Market neighbors: we are sad to say we will permanently close the doors of our 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE location after this Sunday, 4/28. It’s our privilege to be able to continue to delight you with the best cookies and local ice cream in DC from our cookie truck or any of our other DMV locations either in person or with delivery.
We deeply appreciate all the support from our Eastern Market customers these past four years and look forward to the opportunity to serve you again soon!”
Captain Cookie opened at the 7th Street location in February, 2020, in the space formerly occupied by Pitango Gelato. Pitango continues to operate at other locations in DC, MD, and VA.
Captain Cookie started as a food truck merchant before opening the two brick and mortar bakeries which also market their menu of a dozen different cookies, ice cream, and local milk. The Captain Cookie trucks still service the city and are popular hires for special events. According to their website, each truck is a mobile bakery with running water, dipping freezer and bakery oven.
Their website stresses the company’s commitment to social issues, stating that they have committed a large portion of their profits to support efforts to end hunger including the DC Central Kitchen, Capital Area Food Bank and No Kid Hungry.
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Above: The Radici Team. Owners Bridget Thibodeau Sasso – center – in a recent photo and Enrico Sasso.
Eastern Market’s Radici Closes on Sunday, April 28
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 24, 2024
Wednesday afternoon, Radici, the popular Italian deli/café across from Eastern Market, announced that it will close its doors on Sunday, April 28. Radici posted the announcement Wednesday afternoon and distributed it on Instagram. (See link below.)
The announcement stated, in part, “Over the past six months we have tirelessly explored every avenue to ensure continuation of Radici at our current location. We considered various options to sustain our operations and engaged in lengthy negotiations with our landlords, but despite our best efforts, difficulties with the extension of our lease and condition of the building proved impossible to overcome.”
Radici’s landlord is Stanton Development whose offices occupy the second story of Radici. A previous verstion of this story reported that a source told CHC that the current lease for the first floor and the basement was $20,000 a month. Another source familer with the negotiations said that number was inaccurate and overstated. The second source also said that Radici had an option to extend its lease for an additional five years that it did not attempt to exercise or negotiate. That would appear to indicate Radici felt it could not continue to operate under that lease – otherwise they would have.
Radici’s announcement cites numerous challenges Radici has faced: three years of disruptive construction across the street, a global pandemic, endless maintenance issues and increasing crime – and notes, “Reflecting on our unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of these challenges … the decision… was not made lightly.”
Radici opened at at 303 7th Street in October of 2014, in the space formerly occupied by The Silver Spork.
One of Radici’s finer moments came in April of 2016 when First Lady Michelle Obama was one of a group of women who attended a birthday luncheon for an unnamed friend, an event which drew a large crowd as word spread.
The communique ended on a hopeful note: “We bid you arrivederci for now thile we find a new home for Radici and look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to our table….”
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 