Proper Exotic (left) has applied for a medical weed license to open next to Hunny Bunny.
Proposed Weed Shop on 8th Street NE Forces Out Retail Neighbor Say Owners
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 22, 2025
Owners of Hunny Bunny boutique Elizabeth Cronan and Jon Bormet say they are being forced to leave their location at 311 8th St NE because DC medical cannabis policies allow a weed shop – Proper Exotic – to open next door to their business on a block that also includes preschool and family-serving businesses.
Honey Bunny is a Black woman-owned small business at 311 8th Street NE – a boutique manufacturer and retailer specializing in all-natural bath and beauty products. For more than 10 years the business has anchored a family-focused block that includes Petite Scholars Preschool, other child-oriented businesses and longstanding residences. The owners say their store cannot operate alongside a business that requires armed guards, late night hours, and heavy security – features incompatible with residential child-focused corridors such as the 300 block of 8th Street NE.
ANC6A and ANC6C have protested the opening of Proper Exotic before the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) but currently the board seems overly generous in handing out licenses and the City Council seems reluctant to sign off on new regulations to limit where weed shops can open.
ABCA dismissed every entity protesting Proper Exotic, including the ANC and a letter of opposition from council member Charles Allen. ANC6A has appealed the administrative dismissal of the protests and expects a decision around January 7.
There is widespread community opposition to the negative effects on communities brought by ABCA licensing weed shops in areas residents deem inappropriate. Other recent examples on Capitol Hill include Aloha at 528 Eighth Street SE and Garden Hill at 1322 G Street SE.
Cronan and Bormet say what happened to them is not an isolated incident and warn that the proliferation of weed shops are displacing longstanding neighborhood businesses and reshaping communities without meaningful local input.
Here are some photos reflecting progress on the build out for some Capitol Hill restaurants which hope to open by the end of December or early January.
Civic on Barracks Row at 501 8th Street, SE
Taco Bell on Barracks Row at 411 8th Street, SE
Maru San (Peruvian fishrolls) at 325 7th Street, SE
The law finally caught up with Flowerz at 318 Massachusetts Ave NE near Union Station. ABCA shuttered Flowerz, Grass & Co, and four other weed outlets after determining these unlicensed establishments posed a significant risk to public health. Among cannabis products seized at Flowerz were: Marijuana: 68.3 Pounds, Pre-rolled Marijuana Cigarettes: 11.4 Pounds, THC Beverages: 69,036 Ounces, THC Gummies: 504,000 Grams, etc. , etc.
The closing of Flowers apparently opens to door for an establishment three doors away at 312 Massachusetts Avenue NE that is sporting an application for a legal weed outlet in its front window. Ed. Note. (This caption orignianlly speculated about ANC6C’s concern on this outlet.) Update: According to ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt, “The business owner agreed to every condition I suggested to protect the neighborhood. He was willing to listen to concerns, suggestions, and was most cooperative. He stated he wants to be a good neighbor. “
Here’s a photo from Saturday night of this year’s Congressional holiday tree looking down the mall.
And here’s a photo against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol’s West Front.
The Week Ahead …
Monday, December 22
ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm
Vince Morris, Candidate for DC Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
DC Delegate Norton Challenger Emerges from Ward Six
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 18, 2025
Ward Six resident Vince Morris says he is uniquely qualified to succeed DC’s Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holms Norton. He says he is the only candidate to have worked on key Congressional Committees – both the House Rules and the Senate Appropriations Committees. He was appointed to serve on DC Sports Entertainment Commission by Mayor Adrian Fenty and the DC Public Library Board of Trustees by Mayor Vincent Gray. More local volunteer work in the city included president of the PTA, the LSAT, and Friends of NE Library – the latter for the past 16 years.
He worked for DC Mayor Tony Williams as spokesperson and Communications Director. Over a decade of working for Congress he served as either spokesperson or communication director for members, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Barbara Mikulski, and Senators Jay Rockefeller and John Kerry.
Prior to working in government, Morris was a newspaper reporter for 15 years – many of them covering Congress. Since leaving government Morris has been in public affairs and media relations.
This is his first run for political office. Asked why, Morris said that he had needed to balance his work load with his role of being a father to three kids and wanting to be present for them – that he had always been wary of time committed to activities that would pull him away from them. He says, “Now I have bandwidth because all my children are grown up – they’re all in college or out of college and I have time to really devote to something like this.”
So, why is he running? He says it’s frustration with our representation in Congress… he has respect for what Eleanor Holmes Norton accomplished early in her career, but he’s been disappointed because of missed opportunities: “We’ve allowed our relationship with other members of Congress and with the Congress generally to decline and wither and I’ve watched that happen in real time… our relationship now is worse than it’s ever been, so clearly what has been happening in the past is not working and I have ideas for how it can get better. It it would start with developing relationships and ntroducing members of Congress to the community and just educating people on what this city stands for… As the only candidate who has worked both for the District government and for Congress … I really feel like I bring to the table a close understanding of how the process works … so I know how things get done.”
Morris adds that listening to the way the other candidates talk about this campaign, “I know my approach is going to be very different. It’s going to be about building bridges – building relationships and then nurturing those relationships so that when we do have someone else in the White House and when the makeup of the Congress changes we will have more allies who will stand by the city and we can work towards statehood.”
Morris’ first hurdle will be collecting 2,000 signatures on a nominating petition to get on the primary ballot. He says, “We can’t start collecting signatures till January 26th – that’s when the petitions become available … I will be all out on 4th week in January. I’m fortunate in that because I’ve lived on Capitol Hill here in Ward 6 since 2000 and have been very active in the community through volunteer work and I easily know 2000 people right here in Ward 6 but I’m going to – of course – work around the city to get petitions signed by residents from all 8 wards.”
Looking forward to the social media battle, and asked if he has a thick skin, Morris says, “I do have a thick skin. One of the things that you gain when you work in the news businesses, you get used to editors telling you what you wrote is terrible … I have worked I worked in Congress for members of the leadership and you very quickly get adjusted to subsuming your ego for their needs…if you take things personally you don’t survive very long on the hill … I think I can handle anything that everyone says and I actually would love the opportunity to talk to people and have them ask tough questions.”
Morris says, “I look forward to that process and I think that’s really how you separate the wheat from the chaff – the other thing I’ll say on that you know, I was a Division One football player and if you’re an athlete at a very high level you get very used to not having an ego because it’s all about the team and you have to sacrifice for the greater good of your teammates and I feel like a big part of my personality was shaped by that experience. It’s also a bonding experience but the main thing is it’s a reminder that the team can’t succeed if one person is doing their own thing and so you need to work together towards a common goal. That’s been my philosophy for a lot of things in life and I would apply some of those same lessons to this challenge.”
During the interview for this article, CHC asked Morris about how he thought DC had changed under President Trump. He answered and later elaborated on the answer in a video posted to his campaign site on Facebook – see here: https://bit.ly/4j8jyzs
General Manager Melissa Campbell (left) and Labyrinth Owner and Founder Kathleen Donahue
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles Changes Hands
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 17, 2025
After 15 years, Labyrinth, the puzzle/game emporium onat 645 Pennsylvania Avenue on Capitol Hill will transition to new ownership. Owner Kathleen Donahue will handoff the business to longtime General Manager Melissa Campbell at the end of January 2026.
Donahue, who founded the store in 2010 says, “I never expected Labyrinth to become what it has. I feel very honored that I was able to be a part of it, and I’m thrilled to have found someone who is ready and willing to carry on our legacy.”
Campbell, a former middle school science teacher, came to the store in 2019, bringing a love of games and a passion for community building. She says, “Labyrinth has always been about joy, connection, and community,” Campbell said. “I am honored to continue Kathleen’s legacy and ensure that Labyrinth remains a place where people feel welcome, supported, and excited to discover something new.”
Donahue will spend more time traveling with her newly retired husband and caring for her aging mother, but will continue to support Labyrinth as a consultant and remain active in the local small-business community – including ongoing service on the Board of Eastern Market Main Street.
In 2020, Labyrinth launched its eCommerce site and now ships nationwide. For more, go here: www.labyrinthdc.com or follow @labyrinthdc on social media.
Photo Essay: Wreaths Across America at Congressional Cemetery Honors Veterans
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 15, 2025
It was cold Saturday morning, but some 200 community members turned out to pay tribute to the 1700 plus veterans – some dating to the Revolutionary War – interred at Congressional Cemetery. The volunteers also served to place wreaths purchased by the community through donations to Wreaths Across America on the graves of veterans whose remains are buried here.
The Presentation of Colors by members of the DC National Guard.
SGT Vicky Golding (vocalist) sings The National Anthem.
Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Congressional Cemetery, reminded those attending that at its core, Congressional Cemetery is a historic and active burial ground “and all of our efforts support the mission to preserve and protect these hallowed grounds while we respectfully celebrate the lives of those whose remains lie in eternal rest here.”
Hudson’s remarks were followed by Colonel Vincent A. Cummings, Command Chaplain for DC National Guard who stood in as keynote speaker for DC National Guard Commander Brigadier General Leland Blanchard II. In his remarks, he said, “Our support of Wreaths Across American reinforces the unique role the National Guard plays in our community. We’re part of the society we serve and those relationships build trust, strengthen connections, and ensure we remain ready and always there for the people of DC….
Congressional Cemetery’s Program Director A.J. Orlokoff called each service to step forward and place a commutative wreath to those assembled.
Volunteers receive wreaths to place on graves.
A member of the National Guard speaks the name and salutes the memory of a veteran after placing the wreath.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying at Arlington as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and across the country and abroad.
Comments Off on Photo Essay: Wreaths Across America at Congressional Cemetery Honors Veterans
ICYMI –A rotisserie chicken and wings restaurant is coming to 250 7th Street, SE, in space formerly occupied by Eat Brgz across from Eastern Market.
Chef Rob Sonderman – a veteran of Federalist Pig and Honey Moon Chicken – will open a moderately priced restaurant called Little Engine. He’s looking to open in January. Follow updates here: https://www.instagram.com/littleenginechicken/
Pro-union demonstrators were on the plaza outside Duck & Peach on Sunday morning. The signs read: “The Duck and Peach La Colline and The Wells Have No Union Contract.” Photo credit – Bob Gellman.
ICYMI – Over at Union Station, Wolfgang Pucks Bar+Bites opened in November, up on the second floor. Here’s a photo from last Wednesday before their 11:00 open.
Here’s a photo of the Union Station Holiday Tree…
…and here’s one of the sunset over Eastern Market Metro Plaza Saturday evening.
The Week Ahead
Monday, December 15
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm
Constitution Avenue/13th Street NE/Tennessee Avenue NE. This area in front of Maury Elementary was a recent installation of arts in the right of way which may be damaged by DC Water work that is also delaying the Vision Zero Hardeningat this intersection. DC Water representatives Taeilorae D. Levell-Young, Dexter Humphrey, and Shahanshah Shirzay will join to discuss. DDOT representatives Kelsey Bridges will also attend.
Brick Sidewalk Alternatives – The committee requested a DDOT representative to discuss a status update on the brick imprint sidewalk pilot.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 22.ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm (date change – usually 4th Tuesday).
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:
Monday, December 15
Annual Capitol Hill Menorah Lighting
6:00pm
Co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah. The event celebrates Hanukkah on the front steps of Reformation (212 East Capitol Street NE). The 9-foot Menorah was gifted to the Capitol Hill Community in 2014 by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District in honor of past Chairman of the Board and Community Leader, Paul L. Pascal, Esq. The “Men in Blue” will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa.
Comments Off on The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
The entrance to Aloha Dispensary will be inside the smoke shop at 528 8th Street, SE.
ANC6B Votes to Support Barracks Row Weed Shop
by Larry Janezich
Posted Sunday, December 14, 2025
Last Tuesday night, ANC6B voted 8 – 1 to support Tobacco King’s application for a medical marijuana license for Aloha Dispensary at 528 8th Street, SE, next to Barracks Row’s Miracle Theater. This happened over the vociferous objections of Commissioner David Sobelsohn in whose single member district the shop resides. There is overwhelming opposition to the shop among Sobelsohn’s constituents.
Earlier in the ANC meeting, Sobelsohn made a motion to continue the existing protest against Aloha which was then pending before the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). The vote on that motion failed on a 4-4-1 vote. Voting for the motion were Commissioners Pastore (6B05), Ryder (6B08), Hughes (6B09) and Sobelsohn(6B03). Voting against the motion, and to support Tobacco King’s cannabis application, were Commissioners Wolanin (6B01), Sroufe (6B02), Krebs (6B06), and Mareino (6B07). Commissioner Gorman (6B04) abstained. In the following vote to support the application, all commissioners voted for the motion except Sobelsohn. The vote to support the application also contained a provision withdrawing the protest before ABCA.
That support was conditioned on a largely toothless set of operational procedures – contained in a Settlement Agreement – which had been agreed to by Tobacco King.
The prevailing sentiment of the commission was that given ABCA’s prepensity to grant licenses unless there are compelling legal reasons to oppose them – even in the face of strong community opposition – the neighborhood would be better off with any restrictions Tobacco King agreed to rather than having the ABCA board rule against the ANC protest and allow Aloha to open without restriction. This comported with the belief of the ANC’s legal counsel retained to manage the protest. Even the argument that Tobacco King was an alleged “bad actor” having had two of its dispensaries closed for operating without a license in the last six month was not sufficient reason – in the opinion of counsel – to sway a decision against the applicant by ABCA.
The proliferation of legal weed shops has alarmed many residents in the Capitol Hill community. December’s issue of the Hill Rag carries a full page ad placed by “A Better Capitol Hill” protesting a recent ABCA’s ruling that community concerns are “moot” regarding a dispensary proposing to open 250 feet from a day care center. That dispensary appears to be Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE, which ANC 6A and ANC6C have been fighting tooth and mail to oppose via a protest before ABCA. Although the building is zoned for mixed use, it is in close proximity to residences and a day care center and close proximity to other venues providing services for children.
Location of Proper Exotic (at left) at 313 8th Street, NE
On Wednesday night at ANC6C’s monthly meeting, Commissioner Jay Adelstein told the commission that ABCA had dismissed every protestor, including the ANC against Proper Exotic and a letter “not just of protest but of opposition by CM Charles Allen.” Adelstein said afterward that a final ruling by ABCA on Proper Exotic is pending, awaiting a decision on an ANC motion for reconsideration.
Next month, ANC6B will convene a community roundtable of Barracks Row stakeholders to consider ways to restrict further establishment of weed outlets on the street. It appears the city council would have to act to approve new restrictions on the establishment of weed shops.
Tobacco King’s Aloha at 539 8th Street, Barrack Row
Barracks Row: Proposed Weed Shop Owner’s Other Outlets Were Closed by ABCA
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 8, 2025
There appears to be zero community support of yet another medical cannabis dispensary on Barracks Row. None. There are few who would say that the legal weed shops on Ward 6’s commercial corridors – especially Barracks Row, Pennsylvania Avenue SE, and Barracks Row – have had a positive impact on the community.
Yet, ANC6B could end up supporting Tobacco King’s application for a medical marijuana retail license for Aloha at 539 8th Street, next to Barracks Row’s Miracle Theater, despite ANC6B having filed a motion with the city to protest the license and hire an attorney to defend it.
Here are some facts:
DC’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) has closed two medical cannabis dispensaries operated by the applicant for being unlicensed cannabis retailers.
September 19, 2025, Tobacco King (1718 14th Street NW)
October 15, 2025, Tobacco King & Vape (934 Rhode Island Avenue, NE)
ABCA tends to give the benefit of the doubt to applicants and appears to hand out licenses with a pretty free hand.
If the ANC carries a protest to ABCA and is unsuccessful, ABCA is likely to grant a license with no restrictions on the dispensary’s operation regarding community concerns.
If the ANC can mobilize enough community opposition to the dispensary, the applicant runs the risk that the protest of the application will be successful and ABCA will deny the application.
The applicant has a motivation to sign a Settlement Agreement to address community concerns in return for the ANC dropping the protest.
Some commissioners say that little is lost by seeing the protest through and fighting hard for the denial. Others think that pursuing a Settlement Agreement is a safer course which could result in a safer neighborhood.
How this will play out will become clearer Tuesday night at ANC6B’s December meeting at 7:00pm (see below).
Regardless, the issue of cannabis regulation is a growing concern among other ANCs. ANC6B will follow up with a letter to ABCA being generated in the 6B ABCA Committee to seek clarification of new regulations being promulgated by ABCA as well as offering suggestions in part aimed at establishing criteria regarding whether a cannabis outlet is appropriate for a neighborhood. 6B is also convening a business round table aimed at addressing the problem of too heavy a concentration of weed shops on Barracks Row. In addition, ANC6C will discuss cannabis regulations at its December meeting on Wednesday night.
ANC6B will hold its hybrid meeting at 7:00pm Tuesday, December 9.The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s). For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
ANC6C will hold its virtual meeting at 7:00pm, Wednesday, December 10.
As CHC has noted elsewhere in reference to artist Anke Neumann’s spectacular handmade paper sculpture in the East Stairwell, paper means everything to the Folger. That theme is carried forward in the holiday decorations in the form conifers formed from cones made of pages of text from Shakespeare’s plays. And carried further by the decorations around the trees formed from more pages of Shakespearean text.
A holiday tree over the East Entrance to the Folger is framed by the Library of Congress and the dome of the US Capitol.
One of the presenttions of the Folger Frost Festival is Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal, December 5-14, $20-65. Folger Consort performs early Spanish Christmas carols and traditional holiday music from early modern Spain and Portugal. For more and for tickets, go here: https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/resplendent-joy/ Here’s a photo of the stage set.
Here’s a photo from Sunday at Congressional Cemetery’s Holiday Market. The cloud formations above are similar to rarely-seen roll clouds.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, December 8
ANC6B Southeast Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Second Floor, Conference Room #1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Agenda:
Renovation Update from DC Public Library
Update on Arthur Capper efforts.
Tuesday, December 9
ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Agenda:
Consent Agenda
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Consent Items
as you are. – 500 8th Street SE, Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment Endorsement.
Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out
Office of the Mayor (MOCR)
Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office
Metropolitan Police Department
Congressional Cemetery
ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns
Presentation of the 2025 ANC 6B Outstanding Public Service Award
[LATE BREAKING] Update on Exhaust, Rat, and Mechanical Noise Mitigation at Taco Bell (411 8th Street SE) and Popeyes (409 8th Street SE)
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee
ABC Renewals
New Applications/Substantial Changes. Good Stuff Eatery – 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. (Substantial Change from a Retailer’s Class “D” Restaurant to a Retail’s Class “C.”
Protests/Other Updates
High Demand (11th Street SE): Request to Modify/Extend Hours.
Ambar – 523 8th Street SE. Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing. Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application) – 539 8th Street SE. Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest.
Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable Planning.
Planning and Zoning Committee
232 Kentucky Avenue SE, 6B06, Historic Preservation Application for renovation of interior and adding a partial third floor.
1427 D Street SE, 6B07, Zoning Adjustment Application seeking zoning relief … to build a one-story accessory structure, as well as a second floor addition above an existing one-story sunroom at the property.
311 E Street SE, 6B01, Historic Preservation Application for new parapet wall roof enclosure and roof deck on existing 1-story masonry garage.
Mr. Robert Hoyle (Invited) New Site Manager for Sherwood Recreation Center to provide a brief introduction and share vision for Sherwood moving forward.
Consent Agenda
Economic Development and Zoning
Letter to BZA in support of a special exception for the roof top or upper floor element requirements at 1378 C Street NE to construct front and side additions, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit.
Transportation and Public Space
Letter to DDOT urging action to reduce traffic speeds and accidents along 11th Street NE between Florida Avenue and East Capitol Street. The letter will also reference ANC 6A’s prior requests on this street.
New Business
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A authorize Commissioners Wethington, Gove, and Giertz to finalize its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025.
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve the testimony that was presented to the DC Council Committee on Facilities on December 3, 2025 regarding Bill 26-113 “Department of Parks and Recreation Hours Expansion Amendment Act of 2025” and other issues related to the Sherwood Recreation Center.
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve Rachael Loper as a member of the Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee.
Single Member District reports
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Monday, December 8, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Repeal Day Tour 2025. Repeal Day History (and Drinks) sponsored by The Hill is Home and Barrel DC.
Meet at Union Pub, 201 Massachusetts Ave, for an inaugural cocktail and introductions. Then historian, Robert Pohl, will conduct a tour of Prohibition sites and delve into the confusing, entertaining and wacky history of how America shunned alcohol until December 5, 1933.
Tour will end at Barrel, 613 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, with a post-Prohibition cocktail. Your ticket includes a drink both at Union Pub and at Barrel.
Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Joe Troop’s “Whirlwind.”
Joe Troop is a GRAMMY- nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter hailing from the Piedmont. He is one half of the acclaimed panamerican folk duo Larry & Joe, and founder of Latingrass stringband Che Apalache. His music is deeply inspired by a decade living in Buenos Aires and traveling throughout Latin America and the world. Drawing from a kaleidoscope of influences – Latin jazz to R&B, classical music to samba, rock and roll.
Wreaths Across America – Help Raise Funds for Veterans Wreaths
This year, Congressional Cemetery invites community members to gather at Congressional Cemetery at 11:00am for Wreaths Across America Day—a truly special occasion to honor our veterans and strengthen our community bonds through remembrance. After the ceremony at 11, we will collectively lay wreaths at veteran graves.
Book Talk: Lab Dog by Melanie Kaplan – NE Library – Dec. 10 – 6:30pm
Posted December 3, 2025
Capitol Hill author and journalist Melanie Kaplan discusses her book about her beagle Hammy’s laboratory past in conversation with Mary Hollinsworth, former DOJ attorney on US vs Envigo. The case resulted in a historic resolution where the animal breeder’s entities pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy charges related to violating the Animal Welfare Act and the Clean Water Act. This followed a 2022 federal investigation and civil suit that led to the rescue and surrender of over 4,000 beagles from their facility in Cumberland, Virginia.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 