Category Archives: Uncategorized

Councilmember Charles Allen held community office hours at Hype Café, at 11^th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Friday.  Commissioner Jerry Sroufe pictured above talks to Allen about the problem of Capitol Hill residences which are illegally being used by corporations, non-profits, and political parties for office and fundraising event space.  Sroufe hopes to get ANC6B to invite Acting Director of the DC Department of Buildings, Brian Hanlon to appear before the Commission to answer questions on the issue. 

Last Wednesday, MPD made a presentation to Eastern Market vendors and others about what to do in case of an active shooter at the Market.  The briefing comes in light of increased security concerns at the Market, following an assault of a Market employee by an individual involved in a traffic accident near the 7^th and North Carolina Avenue.  Funding has been approved for the installation of security bollards to better protect 7^th Street in lieu of the random collection of vehicles that currently block access to the street during the weekend vendor and flea markets. 

According to MPD, an active shooter is one targeting multiple individuals in a public space.  The officers stressed the importance of having a plan in place in case of an active shooter inside the market; vendors should have an individual safety plan for themselves and get out as quickly as possible.  They reminded vendors to be mindful of surroundings and to watch for out-of-the ordinary behavior. 

Much of the responsibility for a response lies with the Market and the vendors in creating a plan for what should happen in case of an event inside and outside the Market.  To that end, Market Manager Barry Margeson said that questions raised during the meeting expressed a desire for more specific, Eastern Market focused training and the management is currently working to update the Emergency Response Plan; a contractor and funds have been identified for this purpose. 

On Wednesday, the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously voted to support a plan for the creation of an “gathering space” on the grounds of Hill Center.  Here’s a rendering of where it will be located.  The Hill Center hopes to start the project in fall and complete it over the winter. 

And here’s a rendering of what it will look like.  The new structure will:

• Provide seating for events which currently take place in the East Parking Lot. 
• Provide space which can function in multiple ways including accommodating tables and chairs, amphitheater seating, or lecture seating.
• Provide a gathering space for community members before and after attending events or classes at Hill Center.
• Provide a new revenue stream for rentals to support maintenance of the exterior of the building.

Barracks Row apparently needs a new retail liquor store.  On Wednesday, ANC6B voted to support a retail liquor license for 725 8^th Street, across from the Marine Barracks and cheek to jowl with Valor and the Ugly Mug.  The space is currently occupied by the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

Los Lomita II at 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, is changing hands.  Last Wednesday, ANC6B voted to support a Class C Restaurant liquor license for the owners of the in-coming Los Caballeros.  When one door closes, another one opens. 

Sunday afternoon, the ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force met at the library.  Chair David Sobelsohn (center left) said that library staff had cautioned that the closing of the library may not happen this summer.  That would be in accordance to DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan’s statement to ANC6B a few weeks ago that he expected the library to close this summer but “I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.”  In any event, it appears library staff members have been told that there will be six weeks’ notice before closing.  The Task Force laid plans for members to testify for the upcoming Library Board of Trustees Meeting on July 26 to press their case for additional interim services for patrons of SE Library. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 9, 2023

Monday, July 10

ANC6B  Special Committee On Public Safety will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.

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

Among items on the agenda: 

• Follow-Up Discussion: City 911 System
• Status of Recommendations from 06/12/2023 Meeting
• Councilmember Brook Pinto – Pending
• Councilmember Pinto Fare Evasion Legislation
• Identify Agenda Items and Potential Expert/Guest Speakers for Next Meeting

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Agenda:

• Committee business and agenda for the July meeting of the full commission.

Tuesday, July 11

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Presentations:  Sukrit Mishra – Solar 101
• Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE; Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License, Application for an Entertainment Endorsement.
• 725 8th Street SE; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store.
• Los Caballeros Restaurant; 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.
• Update on I Egg You liquor license protest.
• Public Space Permit for New Sidewalk Cafe Un-Enclosed at 106 13^th Street, SE (Pacci’s Trattoria). 
• Letter of support to Hill Center to add a gathering terrace at the Hill Center for public use and events.
• 116 5th Street, SE, Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval for addition of a third floor containing a bedroom and bathroom and enclosure of a second-floor rooftop deck to extend an existing bedroom.
• 405 4th Street, SE, Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval for a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
• 405 4th Street, SE, Project. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit. 
• Update on Subcommittee on Alley Closing in Square 762, behind the former Capitol Lounge, 229 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 
• Draft testimony on Electric Vehicles for upcoming hearing by City Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment.
• Resolution supporting a raised crosswalk 13^th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, SE.
• Letter Supporting Efforts to Create Virginia Avenue Connector and Provide Pickle Ball.
• Resolution Supporting SYC/W6MA 4th Annual Back to School Bash at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.

Wednesday, July 12

ANC6C holds 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

• Notice of intent for K Street Protected Bike Lane
• NY Avenue Trail
• Chop Shop DC/Nice N Easy.  Protest Class C Tavern License.
• Zoning regulations amendments. 

Plenary Agenda

• 601 Massachusetts Avenue – Capitol Bikeshare Docking Staation
• Two Rivers Public Charter School – School Parking Zone (SPZ)
• ANC 6A Sidewalk Survey Results
• National Park Services properties discussion.
• 616 7th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for rear deck.
• Grant for Capitol Hill Cluster/Peabody
• Proposed letter on 1165 3rd Street, NE.   

Thursday, July 13

ANC6A 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 agenda: 

Presentations:  Anthony Hall, Department of Behavioral Health

Consent Agenda:

• Motion to oppose the application of Providencia at 1321 Linden Court, for a Class C Tavern License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date. 
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support for Maury Elementary School’s application for a School Parking Zone, with four recommendations: that Maury prioritize on-site spaces for mobility-impaired staff and staff using carpools; that staff not utilize Resident Only Parking Zones (e.g. west side of 200 block of 12^th Place NE); that the school comply with the intent and spirit of the Transportation Benefits Equity Act; and that school leadership would not solicit Visitor Parking  Permits for staff use.
• Letter of support to DDOT for extending the bicycle lanes on K Street, NE, to meet the pocket park to be installed at 8^th and K Streets, NE, and connect to the bicycle lane on West Virginia Avenue, NE.
• Letter of support to DDOT for Public Space Permit Application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.
• Letter of support to DDOT to urge the installation of vertical traffic calming measures, including but not limited to a raised crosswalk and speedbumps near Miner Elementary School (15th Street and Tennessee Avenue/on 15^th Street and at 15^th and G Street, NE) prior to the beginning of the SY23-24 school year (August 28, 2023).
• Letter to DDOT requesting attention to and prioritization of traffic safety input requests for the 1400 block of G Street, NE.
• Letter of support to the Zoning Commission for a proposed map amendment to rezone the property at 721 H Street, NE, from NC-16 to NC-17.
• Letter of support to Bureau of Zoning Adjustment for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse, 175-210 dwelling unit, mixed-use building at 1207 H Street, NE, with the stipulation that the apartment lease documents include a prohibition against amplified music on the roof deck after 11:00 pm, or comply with DC code, whichever is earlier.
• Letter of support to BZA for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit at 1216 Constitution Avenue, NE, in the RF-1 zone.

Regular Business: 

• Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application by Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for Substantial Changes to its Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
• Letter to the DC Council to commission a formal assessment and plan for systematically maintaining and replacing, if necessary, dangerous sidewalks in ANC 6A.
• Letter of support for the following traffic calming and safety measures:

Installation of all-way-stop at 11th and F Streets, NE.

• 900 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 800 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 700 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 600 block 11th Street, NE – Two speed tables.
• North leg of 11th Street, NE and E Street NE – Raised crosswalk.
• 400 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• South leg of 11th Street, NE and D Street NE – Raised crosswalk.
• 300 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 200 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
• 100 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.

Earl Ronald “Doc” Payne. Photo: Nicky Sundt

R.I.P. “Doc” Payne

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 6, 2023

“Doc” Payne, 83, passed away last Sunday.  He was a fixture outside of Peregrine Espresso near Eastern Market for years – soliciting change from customers and passersby regardless of the weather.  His full name was Earl Ronald “Doc” Payne. 

According to his friend and Peregrine habitué Nicky Sundt, “Doc was born in 1940 in Washington, DC, and by the age of 14 was living on his own.  He learned how to box and was promising in the ring….But before he could get close to realizing that dream, he killed a man.  Enraged after his brother-in-law beat Doc’s sister, Doc tracked him down to the military commissary where he worked.  He chased him through the commissary and thrashed him.  His brother in law fractured his skull in the fight and died.  Doc shows me the scar on the back of his head where the Military Police hit him with the butt of a gun to subdue him.

He spent more than twenty years in Federal penitentiaries for that. He subsequently returned to DC and entered a program that teaches “long timers” to live outside prison after their release.”

“Doc” and friend Tama Duffy Day prior to the motorized wheelchair. Photo: Tama Duffy Day

Sundt continued, “In recent years, after a minor stroke and a long hospital stay, Doc (had) a harder time getting around and relie(d) on a walker….when one of his many fans noticed that his old walker was in poor condition, she picked up a new one and dropped it off at his house.”  Later, when the walker became too difficult to manage, he acquired a motorized wheelchair.

Doc lived in Kentucky Courts, raising his daughter’s two teenaged sons, one of whom died about a year ago.  His daughter – who lived in West Virginia – died in an auto accident a several years earlier. 

He’s remembered for his unfailing kindness and positivity.  Sundt recalls Doc’s customary greeting to passersby:  “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!  Yes it is, yes it is.”  

During the pandemic, his friends feared he wouldn’t survive.  But he did.  He survived despite a host of medical problems and a life time of adversity.  And he never gave up.  

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 5, 2023

Last night, many Capitol Hill residents opted for the firework display at Lincoln Park rather than the one on the National Mall. The display was an uncoordinated effort by half a dozen or so civic minded residents who just like shooting off fireworks and want to share the experience with neighbors. One of those celebrants – who CHC talked to at Peregrine Espresso this morning and who travels to West Virginia for the pyrotechnics – noted how much more expensive they’ve become this year.

But it wasn’t just these major players – many residents chose the location to shoot off their own supply. The gathering was casual and many families watched from blankets spread on the grass. The sense of community was strong in a way that is generally absent from the Mall gathering and for many, it was clearly the place to be.

Tommy Wells,fFormer Ward 6 Council Member and current Director of the DC Mayor’s Office of
Policy and Legislative Affairs stood in for Mayor Bowser.

And DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb did as well.

Community activist Peterbug Matthews was there.

… and local businesses marched – Leah Daniels of Hill’s Kitchen and behind to her left, KathleenDonahue of Labyrinth.

Ward 6 DC Councilmember Charles Allen marched…

… and got in some face time with future voters.

City Council Chair and Capitol Hill Resident Phil Mendelson showed up.

So did Council Member at Large Kevin McDuffie.

The increasingly influential Capitol Hill bike riders demonstrated a show of strength.

Capitol Hill BID President Patty Brosmer led the Men In Blue Contingent…

…which was far away the most popular among the younger crowd.

Here’s the grandstand for “A Capitol Fourth,” with the National Symphony Orchestra as it appeared Monday morning on the West Front of the US Capitol. Grounds open at 3:00pm, Tuesday – music starts at 8:00pm – fireworks at 9:06pm. Among the featured talent: Boys II Men, country duo Maddie and Tae, opera star Renee Fleming, R&R Hall of Famer Belinda Carlisle, and others.

The US Capitol – currently under renovation – faces the grandstand.

Off to the side is the mess tent to feed the dozens of crew members who make the event happen.

Over on the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill has papered over the windows of the former Roland’s. Not sure what’s going on behind the paper, but no permits are visible. (Re orginal caption, Barred in DC points out they will not be serving alcohol and will have no license issues with ABC6B.)

Bob Gellman from Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) has created a list of 160 Little Free Libraries – locations he collected while walking on Capitol Hill. One that’s not on his list is on Decater Street in Petworth that replicates the owners’ house and goes the extra mile…

I mean, with a wall-papered interior and all.

The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 3, 2023

Tuesday, July 4

Barracks Row MainStreet July 4^th Parade starts at 10:00am. 

Wednesday, July 5

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE.  Application  for an Entertainment Endorsement for Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License. 
• 725 8th Street, SE. Application for a new Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store.
• Los Caballeros Restaurant.  308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License. 
• Capital Square Bar and Grill.  1500 East Capitol Street, SE.  (SMD 7D08)  On-going noise complaints impacting SMD 6B06 residents.
• Update on I Egg You Protest. ABC Chair attended the required Roll Call hearing.  The Mediation is scheduled for July 19 but the Chair has a conflict on that date.  Jayaraman for ANC 6B and the Counsel for the Establishment agreed to change the date to July 26 but this must be done as a formal joint request. Counsel for the Establishment is drafting a filing to do that.
• Pacci’s Trattoria.  106 13^th Street, SE.  Public Space Permit application for New Sidewalk Cafe Un-Enclosed. 

ANC6C Planning and Zoning 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:

• 616 7th Street, NE.  Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements and a special exception to construct a rear deck on an attached, two-story (with cellar) principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on 17th Street, SE, (Barney to Potomac).  Notice of Intent (tentative).
• DDOT Presentation on Crosswalk at 6th and E Streets, SE. (tentative).
• DDOT Presentation on 295 and 11th Street, SE, (tentative).
• ANC 6B Electric Vehicle Testimony
• Raised Crosswalk Request at the Intersection of 13th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, SE.
• Report for the Transportation Committee

Thursday, July 6

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/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Hill Center Gathering Terrace Project. Adding a gathering terrace at the Hill Center for public use and events.
• 116 5th Street SE Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Design concept for addition of a third floor containing a bedroom and bathroom and enclosure of a second-floor rooftop deck to extend an existing bedroom.
• 405 4th Street SE Project.  Historic Preservation Application.  Design concept for a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
• 405 4th Street SE Project.  Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
• Update on Subcommittee on Alley Closing in Square 762

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

Friends of Southeast Library will hold an in-person meeting at 5:30pm in Southeast Library, lower level.

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Committee met.  Committee Chair Commissioner Jerry Sroufe announced Resident Member Eileen Dougherty’s appointment as Vice Chair.  (Photo from the May meeting of the Committee – Sroufe is at left, Dougherty is center, front). Commissioner Frank Avery is at right.

The PP&S Committee is circulating among its members a draft letter to city officials in support of the proposed Virginia Avenue Corridor Vision Plan via a public space permit from DDOT, to include improvements in Virginia Avenue and the area under the SE/SW Freeway where 2^nd Street intersects Virginia Avenue just south of Garfield Park. The letter could be on the agenda for the July ANC6B meeting.  Here’s a link to Capitol Riverfronts vision plan:  https://ctycms.com/dc-capitol-riverfront/docs/underpass-vision-plan.pdf

It looks like the owners of the former Tandoor Grill on Barracks Row at 419 8^th Street have spruced up the façade of the For Lease building with an enlarged city scape photo.  (An alert reader points out the signage indicates the photo was provided by the Capitol Hill BID – an earlier version credited Barracks Row MainStreet.) The conditions outside the front of the building had become pretty nasty what with the bird droppings and such, adding another layer of distress to the forlorn building. 

The ANC6A Transportation and Public Space Committee met Tuesday night to consider Commissioner Roberta Shapiro’s Capitol Hill Sidewalk Survey. (Shapiro is top row, center.) Among the revelations:

• 473 households responded to sidewalk survey.
• 305 respondents reported that they or a member of their household fell in the community over the past two years – many experienced multiple falls.
• 263 injuries were reported and 114 required medical care.
• 105 were younger than 40.

The Committee unanimously voted to request the city council to commission a formal assessment and a plan for systematic maintenance and replacing if necessary, dangerous sidewalks in the ANC6A, 6B, and 6C area to achieve a safe pedestrian friendly environment. 

Whither building Biker Barre?  Word on the street is that a new lessee will open up a dance studio in the space at 738 7^th Street, SE, which hosted Capitol Hill’s first barre studio.  As of now, it’s only word – CHC has not been able to confirm. 

The Interior Life at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art.  The curators found the theme of the show in the words of James Baldwin in Nobody Knows My Name:  “Though we do not wholly believe it yet, the interior life is a real life and the intangible dreams of people have a tangible effect on the world.”  From the National Gallery’s website:  “Baldwin highlighted the power of people’s interior lives, specifically those of artists, to move our world forward.”   The painting above is Paradise for A Tourist Brochure, by Freddy Rodriquez.  The exhibit runs through September 10. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 25, 2023

Tuesday, June 27

ANC6A 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 on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of application by Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for Substantial Changes to its existing license.
• Discussion of application of Providencia, 1321 Linden Court, NE, for a Class C Tavern License.

ANC6B will hold a virtual Executive Committee meeting to set the agenda for the July meeting of the ANC.

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

Wednesday, June 28

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold an in-person and virtual meeting at 7:00pm in North Hall. 

Items on the draft agenda:  

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS 

150th Update  

Up Date Strategic Plan 

Emergency Response Update 

TENANTS COUNCIL COMMITTEE  

CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE 

MARKET OPERATIONS COMMITTEE 

REPORT OF THE MARKET MANAGER 

CHAIR REPORT – PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW, UPDATE & COMMENT 

• DGS Response  
• Market Public Safety Update (Bollards, Strategic Plan, Emergency Response)
• Report, Ongoing/Past Actions 
• Proposals for Market  
• Concierge Staff Program 
• DMPED Officer Funding Inquiry 
• Police & Self Training 
• Camera/Speaker (Interior / Exterior) 
• Expand Scope and Membership in Establishing an Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee 
• Establish Incident Report System and Protocol 

COMMUNITY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS 

EMCAC STATEMENTS AND MOTIONS

Thursday, June 29

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe is hosting an in-person neighborhood meeting to discuss illegal use of residences as business offices on Thursday, June 29, at 7:00 at the 700 Pennsylvania Building

An earlier version stated this would be a meeting of the 6B Parks and Public Spaces Committee.  CHC regrets the error.  

Saturday, the community celebrated the annual and the designation of the Peterbug Shoe Academy as a Historical Landmark. The Academy and Buchanan Park were so honored for its architecture and history in November, 2022. 

The Ladies of Distinction, wearing their distinctive pink blazers, hosted a tree planting ceremony to spotlight Lady Bird Johnson’s commitment to the Beautification Program under which Buchanan Plaza was created in 1968.  After the purpose of the Plaza faltered in the 1970’s Peterbug Matthews picked up the mantle and established his Shoe Academy to continue the work of improving inner-city neighborhoods.  The Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was established in 1964 as a non-profit educational and humanitarian organization.

Ladies of Distinction leaders pose with Peterbug Matthews.  From left to right:  Lady J. Allison Riley, Lady Karen Cherry, Lady Hope V. Ruffin, Lady India Gray, Lady Dolores Brazil, Lady Michelle Smalls, and Lady Pauline Hunter. 

Ladies of Distinction and Peterbug participate in the ground breaking for the tree planting.

A high five from an appreciative parent expresses gratitude for entertainment skills. 

Peterbug Matthews, community leader, activist, mentor and inspiration. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Peterbug Matthews Day

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 19, 2023

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, June 20

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting 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: 

• Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. Mr. Mohammed Dahir, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Project Manager, and Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT Program Manager will provide and update on the Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project and address community safety concerns with related contractor work. A representative of Washington Gas will also attend to address community concerns.
• Maury Elementary School Parking Zone application. Jason Meggs, DDOT School Parking Zone Program Manager and Maury Elementary School representatives will provide an update on the application for daytime permits for Maury staff to park in Residential Parking locations in 6A.
• Vision Zero streetscape hardening. Mr. Othman Chebli of the DDOT Vision Zero Team will provide an update on streetscape hardening at 13th Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE, and at 11th Street, NE, and East Capitol Street.
• Ward 6 Sidewalk Survey and Traffic Safety Investigation data. Commissioner Shapiro will report on the results of the survey and the results of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests pertaining to Traffic Safety Initiatives.
• Pedestrian concerns in 6A. Cheryle Adams, Ward 6 Representative, Pedestrian Advisory Council.
• Public Space Permit Application Commissioner Dooling will present the permit application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.

ANC6B Parks And Public Spaces Taskforce will hold a public meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, June 21

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning 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: 

• 721 H Street, NE. Zoning Application:  Proposed map amendment to rezone the property from NC-16 to NC-17.
• 1207 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse
• 1216 Constitution Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.   Request for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 1244/1246 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for a Special Exception to construct a side and rear addition, and permit a fast food establishment use, to an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the NC-14 zone.

Mezeh’s construction team members assess buildout requirements for the new fast casual restaurant.

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill Coming to 333 PA Ave SE (Formerly Roland’s)

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 15, 2023

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill hopes to open in September in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s convenience store at 333 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, according to the firm’s construction manager.  The store will be the latest in the Mezeh’s chain of more than 40 fast casual restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region. 

Mezeh specializes in fresh food and natural flavors, made from scratch in-house daily with 100% olive oil halal protein, no hormones, no preservatives, and or additives. The restaurant targets young health conscious professionals, 21 – 45. 

The most popular menu item is “create your own bowl” with some 65 toppings that fits any diet – vegetarian, vegan, Keto, gluten free, etc. 

“Mezeh” is the company’s twist of a host of similar Eastern Mediterranean words all of which mean some variation of taste, flavor, nibble or small plate. 

Here’s a link to Mezeh’s menu:  https://mezeh.com/menu/

The visionaries behind the chair are Saleh Mohamadi, head chef Steve Walker, and Tai Chiao.  The five- partner organization is based in Annapolis, MD.

Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of DC Public Libraries, gave an update on the closure of Sourtheast Library to ANC6B on Tuesday night. The image depicts a cross section through the rendering of the renovated library.

SE Library Closure/Interim Services Update

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 15, 2023

Executive Director DCPL Reyes-Gavilan appeared before ANC6B Tuesday night to provide an update on the closure of SE Library as well as what interim services will be available during the estimated tw0 year library renovation project.  

Here are the take-aways:

Closure

• Gavilan: SE Library Closure targeted for this summer, but “I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.”   
• Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023.
• There will be one final community meeting prior to the building’s closure to discuss all issues related to the project.
• DCPL will give approximately 6 weeks’ notice prior to the closing.
• The construction team will start after 6 – 8 weeks of building closure. This provides time for move out, mobilizing the construction team, putting up required site protections, interior abatement and selective interior demolition.
• DCPL and the Design Build teams continue doing pre-construction work, responding to comments and reconciling sub-contractor bids

Interim Services.

The main go-to for library collections and services will be NE Library:  (20 minute walk, 10 minute bus ride via the 90/92 bus from Pennsylvania and 8^th Street.  Additional NE Library services include:

1. Two weekly morning story times, one weekly Todler Explorations program, and one weekly “Not a Box” play party.
2. SE school engagement – outreach, class visits, etc.

Laptop computer and printer/scanning services will be provided at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center several days a week starting in the new calendar year.  At present, no books, videos, audio books or book pick-up/drop-off services are planned for the Arthur Capper Center.  Estimates are that up to a dozen laptops will be available at the Center, as well as the services to two staffers – “digital navigators.”  (Afterward, the ANC unanimously voted to urge DCPL to provide drop-off/pick-up services at Arthur Capper.)

Other interim services at non-library locations:

• Weekly Story Time at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue
• Outdoor programming in Turtle (Marion) Park and EM Metro Plaza
• Adult Book Clubs at Little District Book Store
  • Travel Fiction Book Club (monthly)
  • BookTok Book Club (monthly)
  • Travel Fiction Book Club (monthly)
  • BookTok Book Club (monthly)