Category Archives: Uncategorized

DDOT employees use white paint on sidewalks to mark a hazard when they go into the field to validate a complaint.  

Pedestrian Safety Advocacy.  Scott Price, representing the CHV, appeared before ANC6B’s Transportation Committee to present an CHV initiative to address Capitol Hill’s dangerous brick sidewalks.  According to Price, DDOT has different standards and goals for automobile hazards vs. pedestrian hazards.  DOT has three days to fix potholes vs nine months for sidewalks – and, regarding the latter, meet that goal 54% of the time.  The issue is systemic and DDOT is dealing with it on a case be case basis. 

CHV’s plan is to set up a system whereby residents can send a photo and location of CH sidewalks in need of repair, and CHV will file a request for them with DDOT and monitor progress on repair and maintain a data base. 

CVH will take this presentation to ANC6A and 6Cto seek advice regarding CHV goals and methods. 

Separately, ANC6A Commissioner Roberta Shapiro is conducting a parallel Capitol Hill Sidewalk Survey and is soliciting input here:  https://forms.gle/9QWiSCyWb3LrZwqG9

ANC6B’s Southeast Library Task Force met Sunday afternoon in Southeast Library.  The group received an update from the Chair – Commissioner David Sobelsohn – on the search for interim space/servces for a bare bones library operation during the two years SE Library will be undergoing renovation.  Sobelsohn reported on three possibilities under consideration.  1.  A bookmobile can be rented for an estimated cost of $70,000.  2.  The former Covid Center on Barracks Row at 507 8^th Street is available at a discounted rate of $20,000 a month.  3.  The Arthur Capper Recreation Center at 1000 5^th Street, SE, has free space which is potentially available, though admittedly out-of-the-way for some current users of SE Library.  The group discussed the urgent need to express community concerns to both Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (Chair of the Council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs).  The group feels that support from the two Councilmembers is essential if the budget is to contain any funds for interim space/services.  The Council will hold an initial vote on the Budget on May 16 and a final vote will follow on May 30. The Task Force will next meet at 7:00pm on May 22, in SE Library. 

Going through Hell: The Divine Dante.  At the National Gallery, April 9 – July 16 – West Building, Main Floor.

Going through Hell: The Divine Dante exhibits some 20 works from the National Gallery’s collection, including paintings, early printed illustrations by William Blake, pieces by Auguste Rodin created for his sculpture The Gates of Hell, and a collage by Robert Rauschenberg. 

And while you’re at the West Building, if you have an extra hour, these tours start from the Rotunda.

 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 7, 2023

Tuesday, May 9

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/42xRlZq

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• Lola’s, 711 8^th Street, SE. Application for an Entertainment Endorsement for a Class C Tavern License.
• Mason & Greens DC, 400 8th Street, SE. New Application for a Retailer’s Class “B” Full-Service Grocery Store License. 
• 706 15th Street, SE, Project. Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a rear deck addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit.

Presentations

• DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Interim Director, Shirley Kwan-Hui.
• C Office of the Tenant Advocate’s (OTA) Education & Community Outreach team (E&O).

Legislative Business

Alcohol Beverage Control Committee

• I Egg You, 517 8th Street, SE. New Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license. 
• Democratic National Committee. Request to amend the existing Settlement Agreement to increase the hours of operation and sales, service, and consumption of alcohol. Current: Mon-Fri: 11:30 am – 1:00 am. The requested hours are: Sun-Thur. 7:00 am – 2:00 am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00 am. 

Planning and Zoning Committee

• Request for Oversight by Council of DOB Vacant Building Enforcement.
• 235 12^th Street SE Project. Historic Preservation Application.  To add a third floor and roof deck to an existing two story row house and construct and to add a second story/accessory dwelling unit to an existing garage structure. 
• Alley Closing in Square 762 Project. Application to close NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762. (Square 762, Abutting Lots 842, 843, and 823). Between 2nd & 3rd Street SE; Pennsylvania & C Street SE.

New Business

• Report for the Southeast Library Task Force.
• Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
• Report for the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
• Report for the Special Committee on Public Safety.
• Report for Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.
• Discussion on Hybrid Meetings.

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

DC Government Updates/Presentations

• Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS).
• Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.
• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Scheduled Community Presentations

• Lead Free DC – Stephen Akyereko, DC Water.
• 2024 Grant Funding Opportunities – JR Russ, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
• Financing Programs – Belinda Perry, DC Office of Campaign Finance (OCF).
• Community Update – Maureen Mitchell, Anacostia Riverkeeper.
• Community Update – Bob Coomber, CRYSP DC.
• Community Update – Marshall Heights Community.
• Development Organization & Minnesota Ave Main Street.

New Business

• ANC 7D Committees Update
• Adoption of Revised ANC 7D Bylaws

Commission Resolutions and Letters

• Letter Concerning ZC #05-28AC (Parkside).
• Letter Concerning ZC #05-28AD (Parkside).
• Letter Concerning ZC #05-28AE (Parkside).
• Letter Concerning ZC #05-28AF (Parkside).
• Letter to DDOT re: Restoration of 21st & C NE Turn Lane.
• Letter to DDOT re: NOI 23-64-PSD.
• Letter to Special Events Task Group re: Capitol Hill Classic.

Wednesday, May 10

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Calendar

Legislative session

• 214 Massachusetts Ave. Fixture, landscaping, paving projections (support)
• H Street, NE. Streetscape Maintenance (proposed letter)
• Sidewalk Survey from ANC 6A (support)
• 407 3rd Street, NE. (HPA 23-324) (support)
• 300 M Street, NE. Zoning Application.  (support)
• 1232 4th Street, NE. Zoning Application. (support with conditions)

Presentation/Discussion

• Discussion of 8th Street, NE. Bus Priority Project.

Thursday, May 11

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation

• David Epley, Associate Director, Data & Benchmarking Division, Department of Energy & Environment.

Consent Agenda

• Motion ANC 6A take no action with regard to the application of Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Multipurpose Liquor License.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to DDOT for the four Notices of Intent for reducing the speed limit from 25 to 20 mph, and to request DDOT provide a status report on other pending ANC 6A requests.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to DDOT for the Notices of Intent for the 8th Street Bus Priority Project.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to DDOT for Public Space Notice #10994457, and requesting DDOT give the ANC 30 days’ notice to review such requests in the future.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to DDOT for Public Space Notice #10994461, and requesting DDOT give the ANC 30 days’ notice to review such requests in the future.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for a Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit at 424 10th Street, NE.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for: Request for a Special Exception to construct a third story addition to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, flat at 1112 8th Street, NE.

Legislative Business

Alcohol Beverage Licensing

• Motion that ANC 6A not support the request of KitchenCray at 1301 H Street, NE, for a stipulated Class C Tavern License with Entertainment Endorsement pending ABRA’s consideration of its application for a substantial change to its existing license.
• Motion that ANC 6A support KitchenCray’s request for stipulated license with entertainment on the lower level only, on the condition that they sign a Settlement Agreement, with ABL Chair Erin Sullivan, ANC Chair Amber Gove, ANC Vice Chair Keya Chatterjee, Commissioners Mike Velasquez and Robb Dooling all authorized to represent the ANC in this matter.

New Business

• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DPR Director requesting:

1. an explanation for the lack of programming at Sherwood over the last two quarters and specific plans for programming in Q3 and Q4;

      2. plans for improvement in routine maintenance of the building and ground and cleanliness in the outdoor areas surrounding              the building;

       3. confirmation of alternative plans for a hypothermia shelter for Winter 2024.

• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to Councilmember Allen reaffirming ANC 6A support for the DC Streetcar extension to Benning Road Metro Station.

The shaded dog leg on the right is the deadend alley the Conservative Partnership Institute proposes to privatize.

This image shows the three buildings which would become one building after consolidaton of four separate lots into one lot.

This architect’s rendering shows the three proposed additions (in pink): two additions to the former Capitol Lounge building and one addtion to the My Eye Doctor building. The latter backs up to 203 3rd Street, SE, an apartment house which is also owned by CPI. CPL also owns two town houses on 3rd Street adjacent to the apartment building, 205 and 207 3rd Street. Building number 3 is a garage which is part of the 203 3rd Street property which currently is not directly connected to the apartment building.

Here’s the architect’s rendering of what the patio would look like, framed by the three addtions. Note the upper right where the depiction appears to show an event space on the roof of the additon to the rear of 203 3rd Street.

Here’s the architect’s rendering ot the street scape on the south side of the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The tall blue and red buildings at center and the tall white building at right are all owned by CPI. The Heritage Foundation owns the lower building between the red and white structures.

Conservative Group Seeks Closure of Capitol Hill Alley for Patriot Row HQ

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 7, 2023

The Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI) has retained one of the largest legal firms in the country to help privatize a public alley on Capitol Hill to facilitate combining several properties on the 200 block of PA Ave, SE, for its new headquarters. 

Last Thursday night, Christopher Cohen, land use counsel for Holland and Knight, David Cheney of Core Architect + Design, CPI’s COO and CPI’s President and CEO appeared before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning committee to support CPI’s application to privatize the dead-end alley behind the former Capitol Lounge at 229-231 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  That property is one of nine recently purchased by CPI – at a reported cost of $41 million – on the block bounded by 2^nd and 3^rd Streets SE and PA Ave and C Street SE. 

According to Cohen, the purpose of privatizing the alley is to enable the consolidation of three separate buildings into what will legally become a single building and will enable rear additions to two of the buildings.  The privatized area would become an outdoor patio in connection with the single building and would remain open space.   (Later, the architect for the project said in response to a question from a committee member that the additions could be done as a matter of right regardless of the privatization.) 

CORE Architect David Cheny elaborated that the patio would be an extension of the Capitol Lounge to provide additional seating and kitchen space as well as a connection to the carriage house at the rear of the property.   Renovating the former Capitol Lounge would make the restaurant compliant with DC code and thereby more attractive to a potential operator who would reopen it. 

ANC Commissioner Kasie Durkit asked Cohen about the legal standard for closing the alley.  Cohen said the standard is that the alley is not necessary for alley purposes.  He explained that after the Office of DC Survey receives an application for closure, DC agencies and utilities – including the ANC – weigh in.  After any objections are resolved the matter proceeds to DC Council for a public hearing, then the Mayor would sign legislation privatizing the alley if approved by DC Council.

Durkit also asked Cohen how he would respond to the argument that this is private conversion of public space, i.e., closing an alley to convert it to private use.

Cohen said he wasn’t sure he understood the question. 

Durkin said that some might object that what was once public space is now private space and would push back on an encroachment onto a public area. 

Cohen’s response was to refer to the process:  there’s an application to close the alley – it’s reviewed – it goes to the city council – and the mayor signs it…it doesn’t happen overnight.  He said the space was dedicated as public space over 100 years ago – it was once private property – and that sometimes alley closings are “reset” especially when an alley is not necessary for vehicular access.    

This elicited a question from a nearby resident who calculated that some 1,000 square feet of alley space valued at $400 a square foot would translate to $400,000 and wondered who pays for this.  Cohen responded that there is no payment involved other than going through the process – that (the transfer) is not transactional.

Resident committee member Corey Holman, former ANC6B Chair and former chair of 6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee, followed up on Cohen’s response to Durkit’s question about taking public land for private use.  Holman said, “I don’t think pointing to the regulations is helpful.  You are taking what is a public alley and using if for private and literally walling it off.  I need a better response to that.  Casting the argument in terms of the application reclaiming land that was originally private doesn’t hold.  I just need a better response to the claim you’re taking public land for private good.  Second, (in response to an assertion by Cohen that the alley closings do not involve the Comp Plan) … it’s completely at odds with a plain reading of the Comprehensive Plan that says  ‘protect Capitol Hill’s historic alleys’.  Closing a public alley for private use is completely at odds with the Comp Plan.  It’s curious that the Comp Plan is not meaningful in this context… every word is meaningful… (saying that) the regulations don’t matter is not helpful and doesn’t assuage me.  The applicants need a better response to these two questions.”

Commissioner David Sobelsohn provided a response to Holman, citing his own work in pioneering community benefit agreements as a commissioner in ANC6D.  Sobelsohn said that in instances where public land was transferred for private profit, ANC6D told developers “we need you to make specific benefits to the community – whatever we can negotiate.”  He said, that is why the new Rubell Museum in SW provides free admission for DC residents … “That’s how we resolved it in 6D.  I suggest we start doing the same thing in 6B.”

Holman said he totally agrees with Sobelsohn and encouraged the ANC “to follow Sobelsohn’s lead on this process, if it should move forward….” 

There followed a discussion about how to proceed and at what point the Committee should make a recommendation to the full ANC whether to support the application for closure.  Cohen expressed his willingness to return before the Committee at its June meeting when the applicants would have a better idea of any issues the project faces as the result of feedback from city agency comments to the Office of the DC Surveyor and a better idea of when they might expect to proceed to a hearing before the city council. 

Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Frank D’Andrea brought the discussion to a close, saying “It’s pretty clear…there’s going to be some sort of ask for some sort of public benefit.  I encourage applicants to come back next month when hopefully there will be more input from other agencies and we can comment on that then.” 

Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, in whose single member district the project lies, offered a motion to inform the full ANC that the committee is continuing the conversation with the applicant at the next meeting of the Planning and Zoning Committee.  The motion was agreed to unanimously. 

The Conservative Partnership Institute is chaired by former Senator Jim Demint who founded the organization after he was bumped from the leadership role at the Heritage Foundation.  Former WH Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is listed as the organization’s Senior Partner – ahead of President and CEO Ed Corrigan and COO Wesley Denton. 

Video Game Music in the Park, sponsored by Barracks Row BID, at Eastern Market Metro Park on Sunday May 7, from 1-2 PM. 

Musicians from the Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (WMGSO) will play an assortment of music from video game series like Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario.

For more, see here: https://www.facebook.com/events/924547535519330/

Ward 6’s Bike & Roll to School Day Began in Lincoln Park This Morning – Photos

By Larry Janezich

Posted May 3, 2023

The Ward Six participation in the 12th annual National Bike & Roll to School Day launched from Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill this morning.  The event highlights the benefits of active transportation to school and promotes safe and accessible spaces for all active trips.  The crowd of several hundred bikers – kids and parents – began assembling in the park at 7:30am.  There were other celebrations in the city marking the day but this one in Ward 6 was the largest. 

The event featured a host of local and national officials including Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen.  Mayor Bowser was scheduled to attend but was a no-show.  The DC government’s television crew provided live coverage of the event anyway.

Allen singled out event organizers Suzanne Wells, President, Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization (center) and Sandra Moscoso, board member of the D.C. Open Government Coalition, School Without Walls HSA, and Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization (at left) as the “stalwarts who get things going every year.”

The event closed with a performance by the Eastern High School Blue and White Marching Band.

At 8:15am, the crowd split up and departed the Park for their respective schools.  Here, the Payne School contingent – one of the largest – rolls out. 

“Framing A View” – A Capitol Hill Art League Exhibit at Frame of Mine Gallery

The Frame of Mine Gallery offers this special venue featuring the Capitol Hill Art League, offering a range of creativity, multi-media creations.  The art is on display through June 23rd in an exhibition at the Frame of Mine Gallery located at 545 8th Street, SE.

With the theme “Framing a View” artists offer such views in painting, photography and digital art media.

The following artists are featured in the show: Tara Hamilton, Carolyn Rondthaler, Elin Whitney-Smith, Karen Zens, Lisa Bernstein, Kimberly Brammer, Julie Byrne, Joseph Springer and Alexandra Treadaway-Hoare.

The Art League invites you to visit the gallery when shopping at Frame of Mine as well as viewing it online at the Capitol Hill Art League website at:  https://www.caphillartleague.org/framingaview2023/

The Capitol Hill Art League is a visual arts program of The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). For more information about the Art League, visit the website at www.caphillartleague.org

Friday night, Capitol Hill Village hosted its 2023 Gala and Fundraiser – A Night of Mystery – at St. Mark’s Church.  The mystery involved Solving the Murder – Who, When, How – from among the six suspects who attended the Gala in costume and character.  The Gala – the first since February of 2020 – also celebrated CHV’s 15th Anniversary.  The proceeds support CHV programs helps older adults navigate the opportunities for aging in place.  Through the efforts of volunteers, members, partners, and staff, CHV provides services and programs that promote the well-being of older adults in the community.  For more information on CHV and membership, go here:  https://capitolhillvillage.org/

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met last Wednesday in a conference room at 700 PA Ave, having gotten bumped from Eastern Market North Hall by a wedding.  Brian Pate, Chair of the 150th Anniversary Committee, told EMCAC that a decision on an application for a $400,000 EventsDC grant for funding the 150th Anniversary has been delayed again with no indication on when decisions on grant applications might be made.  Eastern Market Main Street applied for the grant earlier this year and were optimistic based on the enthusiasm with which the application had been received.  EMCAC planners have begun to assess how to mitigate the potential lack of funding by scaling back expenditures to new Market signage, historical lectures and tours, and a major event in November.  EMCAC Chair Chuck Burger suggested that EMCAC and community stakeholders might consider a community fund raiser to support the Anniversary. 

On Saturday afternoon, April 29, the very active local effort to reopen Mott’s Market on 12th Street, SE as “a revitalized corner market and community hub” featured members and friends of the Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian (HCSC) Music Ministry.  This “Motts Legacy Event” offered copious free treats and testimonies about Mott’s, including fond memories of buying penny candy there decades ago.  The event also collected donations for HCSC’s Food Pantry on East Capitol Street and promoted the purchase of inscribed bricks that will help fund the renovation. One purchaser said she will inscribe the name of her father, who grew up on Walter Street in the 1920s. Photo and caption: Hilary Russell

The Folger Library reopens Friday, November 17, following a three year, $80.5 million renovation project.  The Library will feature two new exhibition halls, a learning lab, new gardens, social gathering spots inside and outside the building, a café and gift shop.  Performances will return with the Folger Theatre and Folger Consort.  Season announcements will follow.  For more on the Library, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/

The Library of Congress Opens Floor of Main Reading Room to Visitors.  The LOC has begun a pilot program – through September – to allow visitors to visit the grand Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building.  A designated portion of the floor of the Main Reading Room is open for visitors to view from 10:30 to 11:30am and 2 to 3pm on Tuesdays through Fridays.

Visitors will also be permitted to view the Main Reading Room on Thursday evenings as part of Live at the Library, when the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours from 5 to 8pm.  Happy hour drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the Great Hall at that time.  

Visitors during regular visitor hours, including Live at the Library, must reserve free timed-entry passes.  Due to strong interest and limited capacity, those with timed-entry passes are not guaranteed access to the floor of the Main Reading Room.

The number of visitors allowed in the space at one time will be restricted.  Visitors may take photos of the space, but flash photography is not allowed. Visitors may not photograph or video researchers or staff.    For more on visiting the Main Reading Room, go here:  https://bit.ly/3LK5u08   For timed free entry passes, go here:  https://loc.gov/visit

Here’s Triple Candie’s May installation in their exhibit space in the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  For more, go here: http://www.triplecandie.org/  

The Week Ahead … & Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 30, 2023

Monday, May 1

The Bach Consort’s final Noontime Cantata takes place on Monday, May 1st at 12:10 pm. Free.  St. Mark’s Church, 301 A Street, SE.

Tuesday, May 2

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3AK6Dy4

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Lola’s, 711 8th Street, SE. Application for an Entertainment Endorsement for existing Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License. 
• Mason & Greens, 400 8th Street, SE. New Application for a Retailer’s Class “B” Full-Service Grocery Store license. 
• I Egg You, 517 8th Street, SE. New Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license.
• Democratic National Committee, request to amend the existing Settlement Agreement to increase the hours of operation and sales, service, and consumption of alcohol. Current: Mon-Fri: 11:30 am – 1:00am. The requested hours are: Sun-Thur. 7:00am – 2:00am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00am.
• Discussion about an organized process for handling ABCA cases within ANC 6B.
• Discussion on new Cannabis regulations and licensing.

Wednesday, May 3

ANC6B May 2023 Transportation Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3Hq7eZB

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on Penn/Potomac Intersection Redesign.
• DDOT Presentation on Infrastructure Hardening in 6B.
• DDOT Presentation on Relocating and Standardizing Commercial Loading Zones in Barracks Row.
• Capitol Hill Village Pedestrian Safety Advocacy.
• Capitol Hill Sidewalk Survey (https://forms.gle/9QWiSCyWb3LrZwqG9 )
• Metro Better Bus Visionary Network (https://betterbus.wmata.com/comment/ )

ANC 6C 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/

Among Items on the draft agenda: 

• 407 3rd Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application for concept approval for alterations and rear addition to an existing two-story row dwelling.
• 300 M Street, NE. Zoning Application of LCOR for a PUD modification, styled as a modification of consequence, for revisions to two conditions in the PUD order: 
  • Condition B.8.d – This condition required a $25,000 contribution to Playable Art DC, a District government-led placemaking initiative focused on urban art installments. The Playable Art DC program has been de-commissioned and is no longer in operation.
  • Condition B.8.e – This condition required a $50,000 contribution to WMATA in order to install two additional fare gates/turnstiles at the NoMa/Gallaudet Metro Station. WMATA does not have any current plan to add the turnstiles and would not accept the funds.
  • The applicant proposes to replace these conditions with the following:
  • Contribute $75,000 to the NoMa Business Improvement District (“BID”) to support placemaking improvements in and around the 200 and 300 blocks of M Street, NE and the 100-300 blocks of L Street, NE, including the public space at grade and the elevated railroad tracks and Metropolitan Branch Trail, with such improvements including: ground-plane artistic elements; wall art celebrating the NoMa neighborhood; bicycle play infrastructure; and/or similar improvements as developed in coordination between the NoMa BID and ANC 6C.
• 1232 4th Street, NE. Zoning Application of 1232 Shift Cubed Partners, LLC for a consolidated PUD with a PUD-related map amendment from PDR-1 to MU-9 for the construction of a mixed-use all-affordable residential building with office space and PDR space on an 8,982sf lot at 1232 4th Street, NE.

Thursday, May 4

ANC6B May 2023 Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/426jBC6

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Request for Oversight by Council of DOB Vacant Building Enforcement.
• 706 15th Street, SE, Project. Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a rear deck addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 12^th Street SE, Project. Historic Preservation Application to add a third floor and roof deck to an existing two story row house and construct and to add a second story/accessory dwelling unit to an existing garage structure in the RF-1 zone.
• Alley Closing in Square 762 Project. Closing NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762. (Square 762, Abutting Lots 842, 843, and 823). Between 2nd & 3rd Street SE; Pennsylvania & C Street SE.

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.

Friends of Southeast Library will hold their May in-person meeting at 5:30pm at Southeast Library, Lower Level. 

Agenda:

• Discussion of the second Saturday Book Sale
• Report from SE Neighborhood Library Branch Manager Julia Strusienski

Friday, May 5

Live! on the Hill Presents: CHESS – Free Play Fridays. 

• FREE Play Chess, Fridays 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
• For more, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-on-the-hill-presents-chess-free-play-fridays-tickets-590110545527

Saturday, May 6

Live! on the Hill Presents: Fitness in the Park  

• Onelife Fitness and Barracks Row Main Street have teamed together to offer Fitness in the Parks – a series of FREE outdoor fitness classes, 10:00am. (Through July 29)   Eastern Market Metro Park (near the playground), Pennsylvania Avenue, SE & 8th St SE/ 
• For more, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-on-the-hill-presents-fitness-in-the-park-tickets-619914128847

Sunday, May 7

Video Game Music in the Park, sponsored by Barracks Row BID, at Eastern Market Metro Park on Sunday May 7, from 1-2 PM.  

• Musicians from the Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (WMGSO) will play an assortment of music from video game series like Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario.
• For more, see here: https://www.facebook.com/events/924547535519330/

Ruta launched on Tuesday evening with an unannounced opening. 

Here’s the view early evening on Tuesday, shortly after the restaurant opened. 

Your host, Ruslan Falkov, Director of Operations, wears his country’s colors on his wrist.

Capitol Hill’s Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant Is Open

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 25, 2023

Ruta restaurant at 327 7^th Street, SE, near Eastern Market opened Tuesday night – Washington’s first full service Ukrainian restaurant.  Dinner is served six days a week plus brunch on the weekends. 

Dima Martseniuk, formerly an executive chef in NYC’s East Greenwich Ukrainian restaurant Veselka for more than 12 years will head up the kitchen.  As you might expect, the menu includes the Ukrainian Borscht (beef or vegetarian), pierogi, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage and Beef Stroganoff.  Many of the menu items are gluten free including seldom-served buckwheat.  See the complete menu below.

Hours:

• Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – 9pm
• Friday – 5pm – 11pm
• Saturday and Sunday 11am – 10pm
• Monday – closed

Contact:  202 492 7986

For more information and reservations, go here:  https://www.rutadc.us/

The name comes for a Carpathian legend that tells of the “Red Ruta” – a yellow flower that turns a flaming red for a few minutes on the night of the summer solstice.  The legend says that the lucky one who finds the flower and plucks it during those few minutes will find true love.

The space was formerly occupied by the short-lived Newland and before that, the long-time neighborhood favorite Montmartre.

ABRA’s orange Liquor License placards announce the future location of I Egg You on Barracks Row – brought to you by the creative team behind Chiko. The Liqour License Application comes up before ANC6’s ABC Committee next Tuesday.

I Egg You – from Chiko – Will Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 25, 2023

I Egg You is opening soon in the Barracks Row space at 417 8th Street, formerly occupied by Mekki Moroccan Restaurant and before that, by Las Placitas.  The new concept is an all-day breakfast sandwich place which will serve designer brunch cocktails.

I Egg You is the creation of Danny Lee and Scott Drewno – the Fried Rice Collective – that founded the widely acclaimed three Chinese/Korean Chiko restaurants at 428 8th, SE, and on P Street, NW, as well as on Bethesda Row.  They are also behind Anju, the Korean restaurant on 18th Street, NW. 

I Egg You breakfast sandwiches have been served out of the Chiko Barracks Row outlet, but the owners decided that the demand justified opening a new location devoted to breakfast food. 

Here’s a link to the I Egg You menu:  https://www.ieggyou.com/   

And here’s a link with more about Chefs Drewno and Lee.  https://www.ieggyou.com/about

Capitol Hill Artist and Photographer Elizabeth Eby – R.I.P. 

by Larry Janezich

Elizabeth Eby, long time Capitol Hill resident, artist, photographer, gardener, and Capitol Hill Corner contributor died on April 20, from injuries suffered in a fall 12 days earlier.  Her daughter, Carolyn, posted on Face Book: 

“On Thursday, April 20th, we said goodbye to my mother, Elizabeth Eby.  She touched so many souls with her fun,  funky personality, always shaking things up and making you look at them a different way.  She shared her passion for gardening, cooking, and art and so much more with me or anyone who was interested. She will be sorely missed.”

Her longtime friend and partner Ben Richter, posted that day:  “Elizabeth Eby, my dearest friend, life partner and constant companion for the past twenty years, passed away this afternoon due to injuries and complications from a fall twelve days ago.  I am inconsolable.”

In November of 2012, CHC featured Elizabeth’s glass work in the first post of a new series called “Piece of the Story” featuring the work of local artists.  Her work also appeared in CHC posts on art exhibits held by the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, the Capitol Hill Art League, and The Hill Center.  Here’s a link to the first Piece of the Story Post:  https://bit.ly/3AmIltQ

In March of 2022, CHC asked Elizabeth to write a column on items that interested her and she suggested an occasional post for a series called “Out and About.”  She posted and wrote about art, flowers, gardens, and “vignettes” she observed while walking on Capitol Hill.  One of her most popular posts was on the “Acme Mood Indicator” guerrilla art piece on Independence Avenue, SE.  Here’s a link:  https://bit.ly/3wAgvtD  

Elizabeth contributed to the richness and depth of the Capitol Hill community.  She had many friends and colleagues in the Capitol Hill Art Community and was a presence in the lives of many who were better for it.  Rest in Peace, Elizabeth. 

About a week ago, Barracks Row Nooshi morphed into Akeno.  Akeno means “sunrise.” 

The back story, according to Akeno staff, is that the owners of Nooshi had difficulty finding staff for their Barracks Row outlet and decided to consolidate their efforts at their second Nooshi location at 1120 19th Street, NW, in Dupont Circle.  They offered to lease their Barracks Row space to Akeno located in Alexandria. 

Here’s a shot of their roof deck overlooking Barracks Row. And here’s a link to their menu:  https://www.akenosushibar.com/

Sunday afternoon featured a book sale on Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  Turning The Page is a philanthropic non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and Chicago, dedicated to improving the education of public school students.  Part of their fund raising activities includes the sale of used books, CDs, DVDs, & Vinyl.  The organization holds several book outdoor book sales every week in different locations around the city.  Staff says a crew of three or so volunteers set up the sales, transporting boxes of books to the site in rented U-Hauls.  Sometimes it takes two hours or more to set up.  For more, go here:  https://turningthepage.org/

The meeting featured a representative from City Council Chair Phil Mendelson’s office who said that the Chairman would take his lead on supporting interim services from CM Charles Allen.  DCPL is resisting a large expenditure of funds to rent space for an interim facility but might be more flexible with respect to funding interim services in a city-owned facility.  So far, the likeliest candidate for space appears to be the Arthur Capper Recreational Center at 1000 5th Street, SE.  Some ANC6B Commissioners say the rec center would be more accessible for members of the community than the alternative DCPL is suggesting, i.e., using NE Library.  Mendelson’s office will continue to explore possibilities with CM Allen’s Office and DCPL.  The Taskforce will meet again on Sunday, May 7^th. 

Digital Art Installation at K Street NOMA Underpass is operational.  Artist My Ly’s concept speaks to the multimodal community of pedestrians, cyclists, cars and trains the location represents.   Ly created an animated layering of colors and shapes depicting vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and train movement as a matrix – projected art that captures the movement through the site.  The installation employs 12 laser projectors and plays out in a loop-able state which runs over several minutes and repeats.  The light and shapes appear to be moving with the traffic to avoid being distracting.  The apparent motion is timed to travel in 30 to 35 seconds what a car would take 14 seconds in real time.  This is to discourage drivers from racing with the light.  

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 23, 2023

Tuesday, April 25

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of application by Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Multipurpose License.
• Discussion of request by Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for a stipulated license while its application for a substantial change to its license is pending.

ANC 6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:

• The Executive Committee will meet to set the agenda for ANC6B’s May meeting.

The full ANC6B Commission will next hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm on Tuesday, May 9.

Wednesday, April 26

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold an in person as well and a virtual meeting at 7:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market.   at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE at the Yards Meeting Room on 2^nd Floor.  Please arrive before 7:00pm to assure access.  Important as all will be buzzed into building and elevator.   If you have entry problems, please text 202-258-5316

To join the virtual meeting go here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88683331818?pwd=RG5sakE1ZFRPZ3R2N0xxN1E1UVVzdz09

Among items on the draft agenda:

TBA

Saturday, April 29

Free Earth Day Concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.  The 21st Century Consort returns with “Music for Earth Day” on April 29th. A pre-concert discussion will take place with the performers at 4:00pm in Baxter Hall and the concert will begin at 5 pm.  St. Mark’s is at 301 A Street, SE.