Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Conservative Partnership Institute which has purchased several buildings in the 200 block of PA Ave, SE, for their HQ, hopes to reopen the former Capitol Lounge as a restaurant. The alley closure behind the restaurant could be used for outdoor seating or event space. 

Here’s a preliminary rendering of what the closed alley would look like – the relevant portion of the alley is indicated by grey flagstone. A deck in the foreground appears to be event space atop a series of garages which are the rear of a residential building at 203 3rd Street, SE, which is also owned by the Conservative Partnership Institute. 

ANC6B Body Proposes $500,000 Cash Community Benefit for Patriot’s Row Alley Closure

by Larry Janezich

December 12, 2023

Tuesday night, ANC6B Commissioner Frank D’Andrea who chairs the Commission’s Subcommittee on Street and Alley Closing, reported that the Subcommittee had crafted a proposed list of 14 community benefits it will seek from the Conservative Partnership Institute to compensate the community for privatization of the dead end alley behind the former Capitol Lounge at 229 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

Earlier this year, the Conservative Partnership Institute retained Holland and Knight, one of the largest legal firms in the country, to help privatize the public alley on Capitol Hill to facilitate combining several properties on the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenues, SE, for its new headquarters.  ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee – chaired by D’Andrea – created a Subcommittee to represent the community to consider the merits of the alley closure application and to negotiate an agreement to compensate the public for the conversion of public to private space.  DC regulations require the alley closure application to be reviewed by the ANC and city agencies are required to give the opinion of the ANC “great weight.” 

The Subcommittee went behind closed doors at a meeting on December 9th to draft the list of potential Items for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).  The list is a draft for discussion only and once the substance of the list has been discussed and agreed upon by the parties, a formal agreement will be drafted by the Subcommittee and sent to the applicant for their review.

The most significant proposal is a financial settlement that provides “Within 3 months of the signing of the CBA the applicant shall make a $500,000 one-time, lump-sum donation to a 6B-based nonprofit organization or foundation chosen by ANC 6B before finalization of the CBA.

The other 13 items proposed for inclusion in a CBA between Clear Plains, LLC (the Applicant) and ANC 6B are:

• The applicant shall construct an indoor, refrigerated trash room and indoor recycling room both in the building where trash and recycling are generated.  Further, all trash and recyclables produced on the premises shall be stored in said rooms.
• Before giving a Notice to Proceed for construction to their general contractor, the Applicant shall work to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with ANC 6B regarding construction management.
• No trucks, delivery, service or construction vehicles shall enter or exit Lincoln Court from 3rd Street SE.
• The applicant shall only permit residential uses in 205 3rd Street SE or at 207 3rd Street SE if applicant reacquires it.
• The courtyard shall be open to the public from dawn till sunset daily, except for private events that the applicant may hold from time to time.
• The applicant and any retail lessee shall only use the courtyard from 7AM-10PM Sun-Thurs and 7AM-11PM Fri-Sat.
• The applicant shall offer any potential lessee a portion of the courtyard for its use as part of the leased premises.
• The applicant shall make the courtyard available for use by the ANC or community organizations for events or meetings.
• Neither the applicant nor its licensees or lessees shall use the courtyard between November 1st and January 31^st.
• The applicant shall install security cameras that monitor the courtyard and entrance to the courtyard from Lincoln Court.  Applicant shall provide security-camera footage to federal and local law-enforcement authorities upon request.
• The applicant shall perform the following improvements:
  • Install a blind-corner mirror at the entrance to the courtyard from Lincoln Court.
  • Provide a mural on the western façade of 203 3rd Street SE Rear.
  • Additional lighting mounted on the property to illuminate the courtyard and the entrance to the courtyard from Lincoln Court.
• The applicant shall maintain in perpetuity a contract for rodent abatement.
• The applicant shall propose in its application to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) a privacy fence of at least 10 feet in height on the roof of 203 3rd Street SE Rear. If HPRB approves the application the applicant will construct a fence of that height.

D’Andrea reported to the Commission Tuesday night that the list had been sent to the applicant and “we are waiting to hear back.…we are going to have to wait to see what they say on the initial opening bid and then well have to go from there.…were hoping we can dispense with this by January….”

The Week Ahead…Thursday Community Meeting on SE Library & Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 10, 2023

The US Botanic Gardens “Season’s Greenings” holiday display features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens running through a display of pollinators and their related plants all made from plant parts.  Tickets are not required to view the trains or any part of the USBG’s outdoor holiday display.  G-gauge model trains circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily between Nov. 23, 2023, and Jan. 1, 2024, closed Dec. 25.  The train display will run until 8:00 p.m. on three Thursdays: Dec. 14, Dec. 21, and Dec. 28.  Inside the building the display features a series of iconic Washington landmarks all made from plant parts.  The pollinator-plant scenes made from plant parts include:

Gecko pollinating a Trochetia flower

Chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower

Long tongued fruit bat pollinating a banana flower

Honeycreeper bird pollinating a lobelia flower

Euglossine orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower

Lemur pollinating a traveler’s tree flower

A Swallow Tail Butterfly greets visitors outside the main entrance to the Botanic Gardens. For more information, go here:  https://www.usbg.gov/holiday

The Week Ahead…

Monday, December 11

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report (PSA103,105,106)

Community Concerns 

• Amidon-Bowen Swing Space 

Presentations: 

• DC Battery Recycling Program (Carin Stuart)
• DMV – Vision Zero and New License Design (Dir. Robinson)
• OAG Snap Alert (Gabe Shoglow-Rubenstein)
• 60 I St. Project (Rudy Knott)
• Pepco – 4th and I Streets, SW Capitol Grid Project (Jamaal Jordan)

Consent Agenda

• ABCA Hearing on Safeway License Renewal Dec. 26 – Designate CM Pawley

Development, Planning, and Transportation Committee

• Wharf Parcel 6, 7 Café Enclosure 8:33 15 min.
• Letter to WMATA – 74 Bus Service 8:48 5 min.

ABCA Committee Reports and Committee Appointments

• Hen Quarter Protest Letter (CM Kramer)

Tuesday, December 12

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

Beverage & Cannabis Committee

• No Kids Allowed; 637B Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.
• Tentative: DC DASH, 727 8th Street, SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license
• Planning and Zoning Committee

Letter to DOB Regarding Illegal Construction at 516 Archibald Walk

• Update on Alley Closing in Square 762

Wednesday, December 13

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  TBA

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• Proposed installation of raised crosswalk in 1200 block of 4th Street, NE.

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee

• New Leaf Smoke Shop, 416 H Street, NE, (new license, cannabis retailer.
• Thrive Hair Bar, 528 H Street, NE, new license, class C tavern.
• Chopsmith, 300 M Street, NE, new license, class C restaurant.
• Grand Central Sports Book,  new license, class D tavern,

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

• 424 4th Street, NE, Historic Preservation Application. 

New Business

• Alley safety, 6th/7th/Eye/K Streets.   

Thursday, December 11, 2023

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentations:

• Dr. Oye I. Owolewa, Shadow US Representative for Washington, DC
• Tommie Jones Chief of External Affairs and Michael Watts, Program Manager
• Community Relations. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)

New Business

• Motion:  ANC6A resolves to oppose Washington Gas’ PROJECT pipes Phase 3 Application, authorize the Chair, Vice Chair, and/or their designee(s) to represent ANC 6A on this matter, and forward copies of our resolution to the DC Council, the Office of the Peoples Council, and the Office of Mayor Bowser.
• Discussion of methods for cooperation between Ward 6 ANCs on the processing of Ward 6 Cannabis applications under the Emergency Regulations and on gathering of data and community feedback for any future regulatory modifications

Community Meeting on Closure of SE Library.  DC Public Library will hold an in-person community meeting in SE Library, lower level, on the closure of SE Library at 7:00pm. The last day of service will be Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.  Library officials will discuss the upcoming logistics related to construction and more details about interim services.

The Northeast Library will serve as the primary interim location for services while the Southeast Library is closed for renovation and will remain open seven days per week.

Weekly Story Time will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (in partnership with Barracks Row Main Street).

An express services location at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center, will offer:

• Holds Pick-Up
• Item Return
• Wi-Fi Access
• Public Computers
• Printing and Copying

The opening date for Arthur Capper will be announced at the December 14 community meeting.  There will be no browse-able collections housed at this location.

For more info, go here:  https://www.dclibrary.org/news/southeast-library-modernization-project

Stickies Gift Shop at 1104c Lower Barracks Row across from the Blue Castle.

New Weed Regs Affect Hill’s Retail Corridors – ANC6B Committee to Discuss Tuesday Night

by Larry Janezich

Earlier this year, the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2021 went into effect which allows expansion of the number of medical marijuana outlets in the city.  The move side-steps the 2015 Congressional ban on the sale of recreational weed in the city by lowering the threshold for availability; the law also makes permanent a temporary measure that allows all adults 21 and older to self-certify their medical need for cannabis. 

One of the unintended consequences of the Congressional ban on recreational weed has been the proliferation of illegal “gifting” shops which gift marijuana to purchasers of expensive trivial items, i.e., stickers or tee shirts.  The new law would enable gift shops to apply for medical marijuana licenses which would bring them under jurisdiction of the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration.  There are currently at least nine gifting shops on Barracks Row or on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, between 3rd and 11^th Streets, SE, and 20 on the H Street, NE, corridor over in ANC6A and ANC6C. 

Currently, one existing gift shop on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – No Kids Allowed, at 637B Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – has an application pending before the ANC6B licensing committee.  In addition, one proposed medical marijuana outlet – DC Dash at 727 8th Street, SE – either has or soon will have submitted an application for a medical marijuana license to ANC6B.  So far, these appear to be the only applications on ANC6B’s the horizon, leading some to speculate that those gift shops which are not moving to legitimize their operations are not taking the threat of civil enforcement seriously.

Tuesday night, ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee, chaired by Commissioner Chander Jayaraman, will hold an in-person AND virtual meeting at 7:00pm to discuss how the changes in the law will affect the retail marijuana operations in the ANC’s commercial corridors.  The in-person meeting will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd Floor Conference Room.  (Entrance to the building is just to the left of the entrance to Trader Joe’s)

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

The agenda for the meeting includes: 

• A brief presentation on the Cannabis Regulations. 
• A question and answer period for the pubic (Sarah Weniger, ABCA Community Liaison; and a representative of a law firm working in the Cannabis industry.)
• Community comments from residents on how the ANC should handle the applications from the illegal cannabis retailers (often advertised as “Initiative 71 Compliant” stores).
• Consideration of the application from No Kids Allowed for a medical marijuana license. 

The new licensing regulations going into effect will provide greater oversight and regulation of the sale of marijuana and provide that no gift shop can operate within 400 feet of another.  Stepped up civil enforcement against gifting shops will begin next year.

Saturday, Wendell Felder, Chair of ANC7D and Chair of Ward 7 Democrats announced he is running for Ward 7 Councilmember.  That seat is currently held by Councilmember Vincent Gray.  Gray has not announced his intention to seek re-election, but speculation is that he won’t.  If not, there could be as many as a dozen candidates vying for the seat, according to City Paper.  Capitol Hill residents will recall that much of Hill East east of 15^th Street, lies in Ward 7. 

If you were wondering why Eastern Market’s North Hall is no longer open to the public:  Eastern Market Management says it’s because parents and caretakers have not been responsive to Market staff requests that children under their care be kept from climbing on stacked furniture and event equipment. 

ICYMI – I Egg You has been open for a couple of weeks on Barracks Row.  Here a shot at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.  Open 8am – 4pm everyday.  This location turns into The Shell at night, a private dining and event space.  Here’s their website and menu:  https://www.ieggyou.com/

Blue No More – The former 1891 Navy Yard Car Barn, also known as the Blue Castle is being restored to reveal its original brick exterior.  The architecture is noteworthy for the southeast façade that mimics a medieval castle.  (Wiki- ditto below)

The Car Barn was used to turn around the cable cars that ran from Navy Yard to Georgetown.  This recent  mural on the 7^th Street side garage doors, depicts a scene from circa 1919. 

The Capital Turnaround:  Street car service ended in 1962 and the ownership passed into several different hands and the building was used for various purposes including office space.  In the 1990s, it acquired its coat of blue paint.  In 2014, the development company Madison Marquette sold the building to the National Community Church which began to renovate the building, renamed “The Capital Turnaround.”

Current uses:  Here’s the main entrance on L Street.  The Church opened an 850-seat event space in the summer of 2021 and a child development center in October of 2021.  (The Church also owns the Miracle Theater on Barracks Row.) 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 3, 2023

Monday, December 4

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Letter to DOB Regarding Illegal Construction at 516 Archibald Walk
• Update on Alley Closing in Square 762

ANC6C’s Alcohol Beverage Control Committee 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:

• Grand Central Sports Book, 625 H Street NE, Application for a new Retailer’s Class “D” Tavern License.
• Thrive Hair Bar, 528 H Street NE, Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License. 
• Chopsmith, 300 M Street NE, Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License. 
• New Leaf Smoke Shop, 416 H Street NE,  Application for a new Medical Cannabis Retailer License. 

ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.

• Please contact the office at 6d@anc.dc.gov if you wish to have a link to the Admin meeting.

Tuesday, December 5

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will how an in-person AND virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  The in person meeting will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd Floor Conference Room 1.  (Entrance to the building is just to the left of the entrance to Trader Joe’s)

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Brief presentation on the Cannabis Regulations
• Question and answer segment for the pubic [Sarah Weniger, ABCA Community Liaison; a representative of a law firm working in the Cannabis industry.]
• Hear from ANC 6B residents on how the Commission should handle the applications from Cannabis Retailers (often advertised as “Initiative 71 Compliant” stores).
• No Kids Allowed; 637B Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Application for new Medical Cannabis Retail License.   
• Barrack’s Row Joey’s; 527-529 8th ST SE.  Renewal of an existing Class “C” Tavern License.  (This is a renewal of an existing license that was transferred from a prior establishment named Marty’s to CAVA (2017) and back to the current Applicant.)

Other Items for Discussion

• Implementation of the ABC Committee process for ABRA and ABCA applications in the New Year.
• ABRA law review and revision upcoming this fall.

Wednesday, December 6

ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

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

Agenda not available at press time.

• For the draft agenda, go here:  https://bit.ly/3sYazv7

Special Committee On Public Safety Meeting will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Guest Speaker Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
• Whole Government Response to Crime Act 2023
• https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B25-0537
• Among other matters, this bill addresses violence interruption, the DC Crime Lab, and it would also create a 911 System Improvement Task Force.
• Guest speaker Jason Juffras regarding NEAR Act Audit Report
• https://dcauditor.org/report/near-act-police-reforms-advance-procedural-justice-but-data-initiatives-stall/
• Committee Updates

Thursday, December 7

ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda not available at press time.

• For the draft agenda, go here:  https://bit.ly/4ahJion

Eastern Market released this security camera photo of persons-of-interest in connection with recent pickpocketing at the Market.

City Ups Security at Eastern Market after Pickpockets Strike

by Larry Janezich

At last Wednesday night’s meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), Market Manager Barry Margeson reported that on November 18, 19, and 22nd, (as earlier reported by Capitol Hill Corner) pickpockets robbed three different customers. Margeson said all three incidents were of the “bump and run variety” with two individuals acting in tandem.  

Separately, in a follow up email to one of the persons robbed, CM Charles Allen said that he had reached out to the Director of the DGS (who manages the market) with concerns about the recent pickpocket crimes as well as concerns about possible thefts from vendors and artists.  Allen said that “[DGS] Director Hunter informed me … that he has agreed to my request to place dedicated Protective Services officers at Eastern Market on both Saturdays and Sundays.  He shared with me that they expect that increased presence to begin this weekend.  I appreciate his agreement and action and am hopeful we don’t see (further instances) of pickpocketing…. 

EMCAC has been pressing the Department of General Services (DGS) for more security at the market on weekends when the outdoor street markets attract throngs of visitors.  

How it works: When two persons are operating a bump and run scheme, one person will suddenly stop in front of you making you bump into them.  If the person you bump has their hands full, it relieves their target’s suspicions.  The second member of the team takes advantage of the distraction to steal the target’s valuables.  Carrying a wallet in a front pocket or putting a rubber band around it is not necessarily a useful ploy to avoid becoming a victim.    

Here’s an excerpt from a piece by travel writer Rick Steves on outsmarting pickpockets:

“Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions. Go on instant alert anytime there’s a commotion; it’s likely a smokescreen for theft.  Imaginative artful-dodger thief teams create a disturbance — a fight, a messy spill, or a jostle or stumble — to distract their victims.  Crowds anywhere, but especially on public transit and at flea markets, provide bad guys with plenty of targets, opportunities, and easy escape routes.

Be on guard in train stations, especially upon arrival, when you may be overburdened by luggage and overwhelmed by a new location. A petite bump and a slight nudge getting off the Metro in Paris and…wallet gone.”

And here’s a link to the article: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams/outsmarting-pickpockets

Joey’s Barracks Row at 527 Eighth Street SE expects to open mid-December.

Family Dining Returns to Barracks Row – Joey’s Is Opening Soon

by Larry Janezich

John Boyle, who opened the popular Marty’s family dining on Barracks Row 20 years ago is bringing family dining back to the location in December. Six years after opening Marty’s, Boyle leased the space to CAVA which opened in 2009 and closed November 28, 2021.  Though successful on Barracks Row, CAVA did not renew their lease, having decided to change their business model and expand their new concepts to other locations. 

Boyle says CAVA was a great tenant and he tried to get a good operator to succeed them.  He said that he was uncomfortable with some people who were interested in operating a restaurant with entertainment who appeared to be interested in opening a club and decided to jump back into the restaurant business in his old location. 

He redesigned the layout to open up the space and give it a lighter, brighter, friendlier atmosphere.  Boyle says he doesn’t expect to have entertainment except for 1980’s background music and wants Joey’s to be a place “where people can eat, drink, meet their neighbors and friends and have a conversation without yelling.”  He hopes to open the second week of December.  As is the trend for Capitol Hill restaurants, the new design includes event spaces. 

Joey’s will be run by two managing partners:

Rob Gilson, ex Executive Chef at the U.S. Senate and graduate of Culinary Institute of America will oversee the kitchen and menu. 

Terry Cullen, who Boyle says is an old friend, will come to Joey’s from being the general manager at Tommy Joe’s Bar and Grill in Bethesda and manage the front of the house.

Boyle says the main focus of the menu will be ala carte family meals – “Everything on the menu will be on the diner’s table in 12 minutes.  I want neighbors to know that if they come here and sit down, the food comes out quickly.”  The moderately priced menu is strictly American cooking, including salads, soups, chili, wings, burgers, sandwiches, beef brisket, ribs, chicken breast, salmon filet, spaghetti & meatballs, grilled vegetarian shishkabob.  There’s a menu for kids with kid sized portions of hamburgers, hot dogs, and spaghetti and meatballs.  Gilman says he will weave in daily seasonal specials which could include rib eye, roast chicken, London broil, meatloaf, and fish and chips. 

Boyle says he will start with dinner and maybe do lunch later and says he “wants the place to be known to be consistent, fast, and good.”  “And with the best burger in the city,” added Gilson. 

Hours: 

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  noon until midnight, kitchen closes at 11pm.
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4pm until midnight, kitchen closes at 11pm. 
• Closed Monday

Asked about the name, Boyle says there is no actual Joey – he was searching for a name that was not already a trademark and hit upon Joey’s of Barracks Row.   

Here’s what you see when you enter.

The bar.

The light-filled first floor rear of the restaurant features a raised dining platform which can be turned into a podium platform for events.

The upstairs dining area overlooks 8th Street.

Dining al fresco just off the upstairs dining area – which can double as event space upon demand.

Brent Elementary School’s annual holiday sale starts this week.   Proceeds are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.

Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until Nov. 28 at www.brentholidaysale.org.  In addition to trees the outdoor, on-lot sale will include wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items.  Customers will also have the popular option to have their trees delivered and an option for in-home setup.

Brent is partnering with Everyone Home DC https://everyonehomedc.org/ – a local nonprofit group working to ensure everyone has access to a safe, affordable, and comfortable home – via its “Donate a Tree” program to provide trees, ornaments and lights to approximately 40 families in need this holiday season. Donation trees may be purchased online here:  https://bit.ly/47QUV3j

This year’s on-lot sale will be open at 301 North Carolina Avenue SE on the following days and times:

• Thursday, November 30th – 4pm – 7pm
• Friday, December 1st – 4pm – 7pm
• Saturday, December 2nd – 9am – 5pm
• Sunday, December 3rd – 9am – 5pm

For more information, please email brentholidaystore@gmail.com

Not ready for prime time yet – but soon:  This year’s U.S. Capitol’s Christmas tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce.  The tree will be lit on Tuesday, November 28, during a ceremony on the West Front Lawn beginning at 5pm.  It will then be lit from dusk until 11 pm each evening through January 1, 2024.

Here are some photos of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Saturday afternoon.  The Botanic Garden unveiled their holiday season decorations on Thanksgiving Day – the “Landmarks of DC” exhibit inside and the model train exhibit outside.   The Landmark models are made from many different plant parts.  Each piece is a unique plant-based masterpiece – architectural details are fashioned from hundreds of dried plant materials. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 26, 2023

Monday, November 27

ANC6A’s Community Outreach 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:

Public Schools’ Principal Presentations

• Eastern High School: Steve Miller
• Stuart Hobson Middle School: Eric Fraser
• Committee Questions
• Community Input/Ques

Tuesday, November 28

ANC6A’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing 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 of the draft agenda:  TBA

ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to discuss the agenda for the meeting of the full Committee on December 12

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3GdM1Bl

Wednesday, November 29

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold both an in person meeting and a virtual meeting at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market.

For info on how to join the meeting virtually, go here:  TBA

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Pickpockets Target Eastern Market Shoppers

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 23

Over the last five days three patrons of Eastern Market have reported being the victims of pickpockets.  The latest incident occurred Wednesday, November 22.  The victim was robbed around 1:15pm and by the time they got home the thieves had charged over $5000 to four credit cards.  The credit card companies deleted the charges and cancelled the cards and the victim filed a police report.

Pickpocketing has become a recurring problem at the Market.  Last weekend, a source told Capitol Hill Corner that two victims reported being robbed by pickpockets to Market management and that police believe the thieves are professionals rather than opportunists.

On November 11 – Veteran’s Day – the NYT featured Eastern Market as one of its destinations in a Travel Section piece on 36 Hours in DC.  Pickpockets need crowds – and with destination status come the crowds that attract pickpockets.  The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) has been pressing the city for more security personnel at the market and has established a public safety committee which has been discussing security protocols and needed public safety measures.  EMCAC will meet next Wednesday at 7:00pm in the North Hall of the Market and the recent criminal activity will likely be part of the discussion.

Meanwhile, Market customers are advised to be aware of the threat and to protect all of their valuables when shopping at the Market. 

Here’s an architect’s rendering of the design for the renovated Southeast Library.

SE Library Will Close January 4 for Two-Year Renovation

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 20, 2023

DC Public Library announced today that the last day of service for SE Library at 403 7^th Street, SE, will be Thursday January 4, 2024.

A community meeting on Thursday, December 14, featuring DC Library officials and the construction team of Whiting-Turner will provide an opportunity for neighbors to learn what to expect during the construction period scheduled to last at least two years.  The meeting will be at SE Library from 6:30pm until 8:00pm.

The Interim Library for the Southeast Library during the modernization is the Northeast Library, located at 330 7th Street, NE.

The Interim Library Express Location will be at the Arthur Capper Community Center, 1000 5th Street, SE.  The opening date for the Arthur Capper location and operating hours will be announced at the December 14 Community Meeting. 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

Please note that there will be no browse-able collections housed at this location.

Weekly Story Time will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, (in partnership with Barracks Row Main Street). 

The goals for $33 million transformation of the historic Carnegie library include:

• Expanded space for children, teens and adults
• More space for books, computers and seating
• Preservation and restoration of the building’s historic elements
• Universally accessible entrance (as well as maintaining the original historic entrance)
• Restoring the exterior landscape
• Environmentally sustainable design
• Improved sight lines
• More meeting, collaboration, and study space

For more info, go here:  https://www.dclibrary.org/news/southeast-library-modernization-project