Tuesday night, ANC 7D met for its January meeting and unanimously elected the following officers for the 2024 term of office.
Clockwise, Commissioner Wendell Felder as Chair, Commissioner Brian Alcorn as Vice Chair, Commissioner Ashley Shapitl as Secretary, and Commissioner Brett Astmann as Treasurer.
Also on Tuesday night, ANC 6B met for its January meeting and unanimously elected the following officers for the 2024 term of office.
L-R, Commissioner Edward Ryder as Chair, Commissioner Vince Marino as Vice Chair, Commissioner David Sobelsohn as Secretary, Commissioner Frank Avery as Treasurer, and Commissioner Kasie Durkit as Parliamentarian.
(L-R) Chair, Rikki Kramer; Vice Chair, Bob Link; Secretary, Bruce Levine; Treasurer Ron Collins.
A Divided ANC6D Elects Kramer Chair for a Second Term
By Larry Janezich
Posted January 8, 2023
Monday night, ANC6D re-elected Commissioner Rikki Kramer for a second term as Chair of the Commission. The eight member board split 4-4 between Kramer and ANC6B01 Commissioner Bob Link. Former head of the DC Office of ANC’s – Gottlieb Simon – who presided over the vote, had announced prior to the vote that in event of a tie, the commission would continue to vote until one candidate attained a majority of commissioners present and voting. After the first vote, however, Link withdrew his nomination, apparently convinced that the votes would not change in subsequent ballots and the commission would enter a prolonged and divisive period.
Link was subsequently elected Vice Chair by acclamation after Commissioner Bruce Levine (nominated for the post by Kramer) refused the nomination. Commissioners Levine and Commissioner Ron Collins were then elected Secretary and Treasurer without opposition.
In remarks delivered prior to the vote, Kramer praised the members of the commission who she called talented and dedicated. She also acknowledged that despite the fractiousness, competition and frustration which had sometimes characterized the commission’s meetings, the members had always remained committed to the commission’s goals, including adherence to the Small Area Plan, diversity, mixed development, green space, common areas, affordable housing, a clean environment, SW renewal, and traffic safety. She thanked constituents for pushing the commission to do better.
But many observers would agree with her characterization of the commission’s meetings, which have lately become noteworthy for their level of acrimony. Some of that is attributable to personalities and ambition. Some of it is the old guard vs. the new guard. But there are numerous structural and procedural problems which affect the commission’s functionality. The commission appears to be unfamiliar with Roberts Rules of Order, the concept of “regular order,” and how the work of the commission could be expedited by the use of a parliamentary procedure called “unanimous consent.” All of that is procedural but there are other problems. ANC6D is among the least transparent of the four ANCs on Capitol Hill or touching its borders. Unlike most other ANCs, it routinely withholds making public the agendas of commission meetings until hours before the meeting. Agenda items are often inadequately described. For years, ANC6D was the only ANC of the four covered by CHC which operated with no committees. Several years ago an Alcohol Beverage Committee was appointed and recently a fledging Transportation Committee has been authorized. Prior to that, commissioners discussed alcohol licensing, zoning, and transportation issues privately and informally with petitioners before discussing them in public before the full ANC at their once-a month-meeting. The commission still lacks a Planning and Zoning Committee. And until recently, the public and press were not allowed to witness the “Administrative Meetings,” where issues are discussed prior to formulating an agenda for the next ANC meeting.
There’s work to be done here and SW residents have much to hope for that some of that will be done not only by ANC6D but within ANC6D.
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No Kids Allowed; 637B Pennsylvania Ave SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.
DC Dash; 727 8th Street SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.
Transportation Committee
Safety Concerns at North Carolina Ave and 7th Street SE.
6B01 Request for ANC Support for TSI Request and Repaving of 1st Street SE.
Planning and Zoning Committee
Letter to DOB Regarding Illegal Construction at 319 9th Street SE.
Letter recommending the ANC take no position at this time on Pennsylvania Avenue and 203 3rd Street SE Project: Concept/subdivision, alterations and additions to existing buildings.
Southeast Library Task Force
February 5th Event Related to Arthur Capper Interim Library Location Opening.
Report for the Southeast Library Task Force from December Meetings.
Election of Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian.
Selection of 2024 Dates for the New Standing Committee – Public Safety Committee.
Bylaws Amendment Relating to Reestablishment/Reauthorization of Special Committees & Taskforces.
Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter of support to the Zoning Commission for ZC 23-23, a Zoning Map Amendment.
Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for BZA 21052.
Transportation & Public Space Committee (Chair Brian Alcorn)
Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DC Department of Public Works (DPW) requesting prioritization of parking enforcement around Rosedale Recreation Center.
Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) requesting augmented “no parking” signage on the 600 Block of 18th Place, NE and 1800 Block of Rosedale Street, NE.
Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DDOT requesting a study and/or Agency recommendations for improving motor vehicle circulation, parking and emergency vehicle access around Rosedale Recreation Center.
Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to relevant DC Agencies/Council regarding need for reciprocity with states on moving violation/parking infractions.
Community Relations and Grants Committee and Environment Committees
Information about the 2024 meeting schedule.
Other Commission Business
Appointment of ANC 7D Chair/7D03 Commissioner Wendell Felder to DPW Benning Road Zero Waste Campus Community Advisory Team (CAT).
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.
Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. The Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project (https://floridaavene-streetscape.ddot.dc.gov/) outreach team will provide project updates and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
Safety concerns with the existing design and approved Florida Ave NE Streetscape Project design at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE, 12th Street NE, K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.
Prospective recommendation: That ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting immediate consideration of design changes ahead of existing construction plans to address persistent safety issues at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE, 12th Street NE, K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.
New Business.
43rd Annual Capitol Hill Classic 10K, 3K, and Fun Run. Jayme Johnson, OutreachChair for the Capitol Hill Classic, requests a letter of support for the 43rd Annual Run, and will present race course and logistical details, and answer any questions. Prospective recommendation: That ANC 6A send a letter of support to HSEMA for the 2024 Capitol Hill Classic Race
DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing. Commissioners Gove and Shapiro would like to gather Commission and community input for ANC 6A testimony ahead of the DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing, tentatively scheduled in February 2024.Prospective recommendation: That ANC 6A draft testimony with Commission and community input for the DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing.
Wednesday, January 10
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Motion to edit the ANC 6A Standard Operating Procedures (page 8) language to change the name of the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Committee.
Motion to elect officers: Chair – Amber Gove; Vice Chair – Keya Chatterjee; Secretary– Robb Dooling; Treasurer – Steve Moilanen.
Motion to elect members and leaders of the permanent Committees for 2024.
Transportation and Public Space Committee.
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting immediate consideration of design changes ahead of existing construction plans to address persistent safety issues at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE, 12th Street NE, K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to HSEMA for the 2024 Capitol Hill Classic Race.
Single Member District reports.
Community Comments.
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CHC went to South East Library on Thursday, January 4th, to record its last day before closing for a two years of renovation.
The day seemed unremarkable when the library opened at noon – library patrons trickled in to use the computers.
The most striking feature of the reading room is the fireplace on the rear wall. Fireplaces were unusual in the Carnegie Libraries; they took up wall space which could be used for bookshelves. The dark wood of the surround on this fireplace reflects the federal style of government buildings. Ten brown glazed tiles on the header over the firebox depict five of the storytellers in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The five characters on the SE Library’s fireplace are: The Knight, The Wife of Bath, The Doctor, The Merchant, and The Prioress.
Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th Century masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales is comprised of 24 stories – moral lessons told by members of a cohort of London travelers on a pilgrimage to Saint Thomas Becket’s Shrine at Canterbury Cathedral.
The Knight. Holding the most prestigious position of all the characters he has a common touch in demeanor and dress. Though a veteran of 15 crusades his motives are betrayed as suspect when the reader learns he has fought for one non-Christian leader against another. His tale is one of courtly love played out as two knights pursue the same woman.
The Wife of Bath. A seamstress from the town of Bath who has survived five marriages and many affairs as she travelled broadly in Europe and thrice to the Holy Land. Her tale presents an early progressive view of feminism and answers the question, “What do women really want?”
The Doctor. Highly accomplished and professional, an expert diagnostician who assiduously minds his own health and well- being although apparently not so much his spiritual dimension. His character is blemished with a fondness for acquisition. His tale concerns the downfall of a corrupt and lecherous judge.
The Merchant. A wealthy trader in furs and textiles. A member of the upper class. His tale is a satire about the pitfalls of marriage.
The Prioress. Head of her convent, she is modest, quiet, well-mannered and dressed, kind, thoughtful, charitable and considerate – perhaps a little too concerned about the impression she is making. Her tale relates the martyrdom of a child at the hands of the perceived enemies of Christianity.
The fireplace and all of the interior woodwork will be preserved and incorporated into the new library. This includes the two grand wooden pillars with ornately carved Corinthian capitals encountered after passing the librarian’s stations just inside the entrance.
CHC went to the lower lever and photographed the “We’ll Miss You” sign on the wall created by children (with the help of library staff) from the Thursday afternoon “Out of the Box Playtime.”
Southeast Library, circa 5:00pm, Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Library officials expect the SE Library’s limited interim services “TechExpress” at the Arthur Capper Community Center, 1000 5th Street, SE, to open on Monday, February 5.Services at this location will include access to computers, a copier, and tech assistance, as well as return of borrowed books and pick-up of books ordered through the library. Patrons will have to use NE Library for most library staff services as well as physical access to shelved books and magazines.
Library patrons may borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, and digital magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app, by OverDrive. Borrowed eBooks can be sent to your Kindle eReader. For more info, go here: https://www.dclibrary.org/research-and-learn/overdrive-libby
Ward 7 City Council candidate Ebony Payne at the playground at The Fields on the RFK campus – part of 27 acres on converted parking lots. Photo: Ebony Payne
There’s One Anti-Stadium Ward 7 Candidate for City Council
by Larry Janezich
Posted January 3, 2024
Ask Kingman Park’s ANC7D Commissioner Ebony Payne why she’s running for City Council from Ward 7 and she cites carjackings, violent crime, Ward 7 truancy rates, the need for activities for young people, better schools, fully-funded programs to protect school children such as the safe passage program, and the need to address Ward 7’s food desert. But what distinguishes her from the other ward 7 candidates is her opposition to the Mayor’s plan to build a stadium on the RFK campus.
“RFK Stadium is in my single member district and that is the biggest galvanizing issue; it overshadows the needs of my most vulnerable constituents.” She recalls how Kingman Park – located just to the north of the RFK campus – was initially proposed to be part of Ward 6 while leaving RFK in Ward 7 in last year’s first draft of the redistricting map. She said, “I knew that planners had a vested interest in separating the community from that site and I fought to keep Kingman Park in Ward 7 so we could have our voices heard. I’m the strongest voice of the community most affected by RFK and I know what the community wants and what it doesn’t want is a sea of parking lots.”
Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray announced December 20 that he would not seek re-election. That opened the door for the six Ward 7 candidates who have filed to run for the seat: besides Payne, they include ANC7D Chair and Ware 7 Democrats Chair Wendell Felder, Veda Rasheed, Ebbon Allen, Eboni-Rose Thompson and Kevin Brown.
Payne says, “Councilman Vincent Gray leaves behind very large shoes to fill and a long legacy of public service. I am inspired most by his dedication to bringing healthcare access to residents East of the River and I look forward to having the opportunity to carry on his legacy.”
Payne says she went back and forth on whether to run for City Council. Asked what it was that made up her mind, she says, “You know, I guess I got fed up with feeling my voice was not being heard and as an ANC commissioner we’re supposed to have great weight. And when it comes to special interests that have deep pockets your voice matters even less. So I became dissatisfied with waiting for other candidates to adequately represent the community. When I talk to people about RFK, they feel resigned to its fate whereas I’m much more engaged … and now I feel like we’ve really got the attention of the mayor and the Commanders and the city council, and that’s what we needed.”
Getting that attention came about as a result of a community meeting last October sponsored by the Friends of Kingman Park Civic Association where Mayor Bowser engaged the community on the RFK issue. Payne said that 300 people attended the meeting, plus another 50 on-line and said it “showed that the community wants to be engaged. Getting RFK is one of the Mayor’s top priorities – so I just feel the community’s voice needs to be at the forefront.”
And that issue of priorities is the other part of the reason she decided to run, because she says, she “reached out to community leaders – some of whom are candidates – for things the community needs and was greeted with indifference because it wasn’t their priority. I feel like my community needed me to step up in this moment. And that’s what I’m doing.”
Asked for her reply to someone who says she is too young and inexperienced, she says, “I would say I’m not bought and paid for. I’m a real person. I’m part of the community and they can trust that and that I have the community’s best interests at heart.”
Payne says that last August, the Friends of Kingman Park sponsored a poll of 2,000 residents of the communities affected by RFK: Rosedale, Hill East, River Terrace, Parkside, Mayfair and Eastland Gardens. She says that 1500 residents responded to the poll and “70% of them were opposed to a stadium and that’s what we presented to the Mayor at the meeting in October.”
What her community wants to see on the RFK campus, she says, is “community-led mixed use development including sports amenities, open green space, new intergenerational housing, a hospital, and retail shops.”
But before anything happens on the RFK campus, DC needs to gain control of the property which is owned by the federal government. Congress is considering legislation which would extend the city’s lease of the property for 99 years and permit development of the site. The US House of Representatives Oversight Committee has reported the bill to the House which could take it up in 2024. The bill has bipartisan support and if passed by the House would go to the Senate for passage there.
In her personal life, Payne is partnered with Democratic political consultant Chuck Rocha, who has been using social media to support Payne’s candidacy and help raise funds in the Capitol Hill East neighborhoods.
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The Rubell Museum of Contemporary Art at 65 I Street, SW, opened in October of 2022. Admission is free to DC residents, thanks to a community benefit negotiated by ANC6D. The museum boasts one of largest collections of Contemporary Art in the country. That means art produced by artists living today. The collection tends to reflect global culture using diverse methods and addresses broad concepts and subjects. Unlike other movements in art, contemporary art lacks an underlying organizing principle which provides a fluid boundary. As the current exhibit illustrates some of the themes of contemporary art critique or comment of identity, relationships, and national/international culture and politics. An on-going Capitol Hill exhibit of contemporary art can be found in the 700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in the gallery curated by Triple Candies in the front window of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which is featured regularly on Capitol Hill Corner. For more on the Rubell, go here: https://rubellmuseum.org/dc/about-rubell-museum-dc
Above is the Rubell’s first gallery after you enter. The space is impressive and features the work of 2022 Artist in Residence, Alexandre Diop Jooba Jubba – The Art of Challenge.
His assemblages reflect the local and global history of civilization.
Jesse Mockrin. Winter Magic, 2014 oil on linen.
Matthew Day Jackson. Chariot (The Day After The End of Days), 2005-2006.
Matthew Day Jackson. Chariot – Interior (The Day After The End of Days), 2005-2006.
Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe is one of the Rubell’s 2021 Artists-in-Residence. His portraits of family and friends in this triptych made during the residency present a new perspective of the myth of the American cowboy.
John Miller. A Refusal to Accept Limits. 2002. Nearby, on a wall outside the gallery where this installation is located is a plaque by artist Jenny Holzer which reads: “Protect me from what I want.”
Nearby, on the wall outside another gallery where a sign warned that the installation inside may be unsuitable for some patrons, another Holzer plaque reads: “Laugh hard at the absurdly evil.”
The Week Ahead… & Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted January 1, 2023
Tuesday, January 2
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm
Letter to DOB Regarding Illegal Construction at 319 9th Street, SE.
229-233 Pennsylvania Avenue and 203 3rd Street SE. Historic Preservation Application. Project: Concept/subdivision, alterations and additions to existing buildings.
ANC6A will hold a virtual Special Meeting at 8:00pm
For info on how to join the meeting, go here:
Among items on the draft agenda:
ANC 6A protest the application of UpnSmoke III LLC at 712 15th Street, NE, for a Medical Cannabis Retailer License unless a settlement agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline.
ANC 6A protest the application of Granny Za’s at 1383-1385 H Street, NE, for a Medical Cannabis Retailer License unless a settlement agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline.
ANC 6A draft a new standard settlement agreement(s) for alcohol license holders and medical cannabis license holders located within the ANC, and that the ANC seek the assistance of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners in drafting the new settlement agreement(s).
ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will NOT meet in January.
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Architect’s rendering of the renovated Folger Library.
By Larry Janezich
Posted December 27, 2023
Folger Shakespeare Library announced just before Christmas that the Library will reopen this coming June. Last fall, the opening scheduled for November 17, 2023 was moved to a TBA date in 2024. The date for the ribbon cutting ceremony will be made public at the end of January.
According to a news release, the newly renovated building is largely done and staff is preparing the collection for display in the exhibition halls. Work on building out the exhibition galleries and the new café in the Folger’s Great Hall continues.
The announcement from the Library states, “Our goal has always been to guarantee that generations after us are able to enjoy and benefit from our incredible collection, our innovative exhibition halls, our storied theater and all the new public spaces we’ve created.”
The U. S. Botanic Garden, First and Independence, SW.
The south side of the Botanic Garden, along Independence Avenue, SW.
Image from the Plaza at entrance to the Botanic Garden.
Image from the Plaza at entrance to the Botanic Garden.
The Botanic Gardens “Season’s Greenings” holiday display features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens through Jan. 1, 2024. The train display will run 10:00-5:00 daily except December 28 when it will run until 8:00pm.
Tree and light display, outdoor gardens, US Botanic Garden.
The US Capitol Chirstmas Tree.
The Week Ahead….
There are no events scheduled during the coming week for the civic and political organizations which are regularly covered by Capitol Hill Corner.
Some 20 residents participated in last Wednesday night’s Safety Walk west of 4th Street, SE, and south of Pennsylvania Avenue, including ANC6B Commissioner Frank Avery (far left) and MPD 1st District Captain Harding, Council Member Charles Allen, and ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe (center).
ANC6B Commissioners on the value of Public Safety Walks: CHC asked Commissioners Frank Avery (ANC6B01) and Jerry Sroufe (ANC6B02) to comment on the value the Safety Walks have for the community.
Avery: I appreciated the thoughtful discussions about how different agencies work together and people sharing their experiences. I was especially appreciative of Captain Harding for leading, Mr. Hughes from the Department of Behavioral Health for providing so much information, the US Attorney’s Office for sharing some background, and both ANC 6B Public Safety Chair Lisa Matsumoto and Councilmember Charles Allen for attending and fostering collaborative ways to address public safety holistically.
Sroufe: I think the safety walks are useful in two respects. First, they tend to bring out some people who are not regulars at ANC meetings, EMCAC meetings, etc. Questions from these residents tend to be less policy oriented and more instrumental – directed to immediate concerns that are often overlooked in policy discussions. Questions and concerns of residents are addressed. The full participation of police and other security agencies, Council Members and Commissioners, also provides assurance that the city does care and is active in addressing the problems. The “walks” I have attended have been positive community building events. I find the opportunity for side conversations with police and other security folks in this setting is very helpful in working on specific problems in my SMD.
The walks are not sufficient, of course. There are systemic issues to be addressed. For one example, the schools are seldom included in these discussions, even though many of the problems are associated with youth who are or have been students (CM Allen is an exception to this comment0. …recently when Mayor Bowser convened all ANC Commissioners to discuss public safety issues, she involved almost every District agency except the schools.
Bethel DC360. Last week, ANC6D heard a presentation on the status of reconstruction for the Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle Church at 60 I Street, SW. The project is being undertaken by the church in partnership with the major development firm Foulger-Pratt under an agreement which allows Bethel to continue to operate on the site while providing Foulger-Pratt rigthts to develop the property. The final product will be a seven story residential building, the ground floor of which will be a new 17,000 s.f. sanctuary. The project will provide 197 residential units with 14 units designated as affordable housing. The reconstruction is being undertaken as a matter of right, limiting oversight by ANC6D. Some commissioners expressed reservations about the exterior lighting of the building, noting that it exceeds standards for the norm in ANC6D. Above is a rendering of the completed building at night.
Here’s a Google Map showing the location of the Bethel DC360 – as the project is known – directly across I street from the Rubell Museum.
Archibald Walk Redux. At its December 4th meeting, the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee heard from residents of Archibald Walk, SE, who described what was later characterized by the committee as a “putatively illegal construction” of a fence and patio at 516 Archibald Walk. The evidence presented appeared to be compelling enough that – according to the Committee Report – Commissioner Sobelsohn, in whose single member district the property lies, moved that the Committee recommend to the full ANC that a letter be sent to the Department of Buildings laying out what has happened regarding illegal construction at 516 Archibald’s Walk, urging investigation of the situation, and requesting an explanation of why the illegal construction was allowed to happen. That motion passed, 5 – 0. Currently, such a letter is being drafted and will be sent to DOB. Some readers of CHC will recall the dispute back in 2015 regarding a tree house in Archibald Walk which apparently was constructed in violation of public space restrictions. The owners of the tree house and the city subsequently agreed that the tree house would come down by 2024.
Union Kitchen on Barracks Row? CHC never sees any work being done on the buildout of the former Subway outlet at 430 8th Street, Barracks Row. Still, a buildout is underway. In 2022, the site was tapped as a future location of a Union Kitchen outlet and it appears the plan – though delayed – may still be on track.
Pastry at Souk. Here’s a Saturday afternoon capture of the pastry case at Souk café and patisserie at 705 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row. For more info go here: https://www.dcsouk.com/
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
By Larry Janezich
Posted December 1, 2023
Monday, December 18
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Florida Avenue NE, Streetscape Project Update. The Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project (https://floridaavene-streetscape.ddot.dc.gov/ ) outreach team will provide project updates and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
Safety concerns with the existing design and approved Florida Avenue NE, Streetscape Project design at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE/12th Street NE/K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.
Scott Price of Capitol Hill Village (CHV) will present the CHV Pedestrian Safety Program Sidewalk Safety Project, reviewing sidewalk safety data and goals for 2024 DDOT hearings.
ANC6D Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
DC Public Library Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan addresses residents at the final community meeting before closure of SE Library last Thursday night.
Council Member Charles Allen told the audience that “the project is better because of the advocacy of some members of the community and the ANC. We’re on the cusp of getting this going….this is one of the aging facilities that are phenomenal spaces we have to upgrade” and noted that “we’re rebuilding the Rumsey Aquatic Center next year.”
SE Library Prepares to Close – The Final Community Meeting
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 16, 2023
Thursday night, DC Public Library held the final community meeting prior to the closure of SE Library on January 4, and the beginning of the modernization of the library. The Library will not reopen until early 2026. At the meeting, the Southeast Library construction team – Whiting-Turner – updated the community about logistics and on what can be expected during the construction period. About 60 community members attended.
DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan addressed the issues of the interim Library and interim library services which have been the foci of ANC6B and its SE Library Taskforce. He said that the interim Library during the construction period will be NE Library at 330 7th Street, NE.
Regarding interim services for the SE Library, he announced that he expects the SE Library interim services the “TechExpress” at the Arthur Capper Community Center, 1000 5th Street, SE, to open on Monday, February 5. ANC6B had pressed for an opening immediately after closing of SE Library, but Reyes-Gavilan said that installation of equipment at Arthur Capper couldn’t begin until January 8, and that the efforts of all available staff would be required to move out of SE Library. He said that opening by February 5 was the best the Library could do.
The following services will be available at this location:
Holds Pick-Up
Item Return
Wi-Fi Access
Public Computers for Children, Teens and Adults (Desktops and Laptops)
Printing and Copying
There will be no browse-able collections housed at this location.
The hours for this location will be as follows:
Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
The provision of interim services at Arthur Capper came only after the SE Library Taskforce, Chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn, lobbied the DC Public Library and Councilmember Charles Allen. Allen acknowledged those efforts saying “Not everyone is entirely satisfied w every aspect of it but thanked Sobelsohn for his advocacy and for making sure “we got out there and fought for additional funding for interim services.”
Sobelsohn raised several other issues regarding signage, limited hours, and weekend closures for the Tech Express, wringing from Reyes-Gavilon concessions for better signage announcing the closure and directing patrons to the TechExpress Center and possible reconsideration of expanded hours there if the demand justifies it. Closure on weekends Reyes-Gavilon said was a budget constraint.
Asked during the Q&A why DC Public Library was not providing a closer interim library, Reyes-Gavilon said it was because that expenditure would have come at the expense of funding for modernization of the SE Library (as opposed to the separate funding acquired by CM Allen for the Arthur Capper site.) He said he wanted “every dime” of the funding to go to the modernization.
ANC6B Commissioners hold press conference prior to the DCPL Community Meeting. From left, Commissioner Frank D’Andrea, Commissioner David Sobelsohn, and ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder. At far left is SE Library Task Force member Wendy Blair.
Prior to the community meeting, Sobelsohn along with ANC6B Commissioner D’Andrea and ANC6B Chair Edward Ryder and several member of the SE Library Task Force, held a press conference on the SE Library steps. Sobelsohn, as spokesperson on this issue, listed several demands the ANC supported regarding the modernization project, including a two week delay in closing the library, better signage, and for Capper, a prompt opening, weekend services, longer hours and minimal reference materials.
As above, Reyes-Gavilan conceded to better signage and possible longer hours at Arthur Capper and cited budgetary reasons why the other demands could not be met.
The ANC6B Task Force will continue to meet during the construction period to represent the concerns of residents and library neighbors to DCPL. The Task Force with meet on Sunday, December 17, at 3:00pm, in Southeast Library, lower level. The meeting will be hybrid – both in-person and virtual. A link to join the meeting virtually will be posted on the ANC6B website, here: https://anc6b.org/
To watch the entire Thursday night community meeting as it was live-streamed on YouTube, go here: https://bit.ly/474QiC1
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 