Hill East Burger at 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on PA Avenue SE, opens this week. Last Thursday night, owners of Hill East Burger took the place for a little test drive in the form of a very soft (unannounced) opening. They expect to open for real early this week – Tuesday or Wednesday. Restaurateurs Chris Svetlik (owner of Republic Cantina), Joe Neuman (owner of Sloppy Mama’s BBQ), and Ben Alt have teamed up to bring smoked burgers to the space formerly occupied by Wisdom at 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. That’s Svetlik seated at the bar, on the left. The place has retained some of the informality and funkiness which characterized Wisdom. They even have a jukebox. Svetlik designed the space – Neuman created and oversees the menu – Alt manages beverages and the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. Kendrick Jackson is behind the bar. Alt says their goal is to be open Monday through Friday, 5pm – 10pm with the bar closing at 11pm. Saturdays and Sundays it will be 12pm – 10pm and 11pm for the bar. Here’s a look at the menu:Han Palace on Barracks Row Is Open. The latest addition to the local chain, at 522 8th Street SE, in the space formerly occupied by Frame of Mine (before they moved across the street), held a soft opening on Saturday night and is now open daily, 11:30am – 10:00pm. The Han Palace Barracks Row website with menu is not up yet, but the restaurant offers dim sum, congee, standard Cantonese entrees, tofu and vegetables, Hong Kong roasted items, and noodles and rice. According to Washingtonian, next week the restaurant will offer an all you can eat dim sum menu and bottomless mimosas. Owner Chris Zhu is also behind the forthcoming Ginza BBQ Lounge & Karaoke Spot a few doors down the block at 526 8th Street, SE. See Washingtonian piece here: https://bit.ly/3C5fhHI
The Week Ahead…Hill East Burgers and Han Palace Open…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 2, 2022
Monday, October 3
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
117 12th Street SE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept review for construction of a new two-story residential building.
117 12th Street SE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special Exception to raze an existing shed and construct a new, detached, two-story principal dwelling .
639 A Street SE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special Exception to construct a two-story garage with accessory apartment, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit.
Tuesday, October 4
Yom Kippur
No ANC Meetings.
Wednesday, October 5
Yom Kippur
No ANC Meetings.
(ANC6B Transportation Committee postponed until Monday, October 10)
Thursday, October 6
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of DC Public Library, at Thursday night’s community meeting in Southeast Library. The project timeline for the renovation of Southeast Library anticipates closing the library for construction next spring.
DC Public Library Updates Community of Renovation on Southeast Library
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 2, 2022
Last Thursday night, DC Public Library hosted a community meeting to update some 40 interested neighbors on the renovation of Southeast Library. The project timeline illustrated above shows where designers are in the process, with construction scheduled to begin next year and a move in date for the renovated library in the spring of 2025.
Members of the Quinn Evans design team detailed the progress since the last community meeting in 2021 which includes completion of the advanced regulatory review process, a refined design in response to regulatory comments and neighbor concerns, development of an exterior lighting analysis strategy, completion of an Environmental Noise Control study and tweaking of the design of the library’s interior spaces.
Quinn Evans asserted the new library plan will provide 25% more meeting and conference spaces, 50% more computer space, almost 50% more space for books (25,000), double the space for adult seating, and three times the space for children and families.
Night time rendering of the proposed universal entrance on South Carolina Avenue that continues to receive push back from nearby residents.
One design element which continued to irk nearby neighbors on South Carolina is the universal entrance on South Carolina Avenue. The current main entrance will remain, providing access to the current floor which will become the library’s third level. But a new universal entrance has been designed for access to the library on the southern facade. This entrance to the below grade level where space for children and families has been located, will provide access to upper floors by elevator and a grand staircase. Some attendees who are residents of South Carolina Avenue are opposed to the universal entrance on that street, fearing increased vehicular traffic, the amount of night time lighting, a design they call incompatible with Capitol Hill norms, and the potential attraction of a cadre of loungers who often currently frequent the area near the current main entrance on the east facade.
DCPL staff and the design team did their best to allay concerns and to assure residents that they had considered their suggestions and proposals but found the current design the only feasible one. They cited the approval expressed by city agencies and the historic preservation review process including the Historic Preservation Review Board and the Commission on Fine Arts.
Those concerned residents did not appear to be convinced and remain resentful that their suggestions and recommendations regarding an alternate design with a universal entrance on D Street were given what they consider short shrift by the design team. In response to a concern that a lack of funding might require scaling back the project after construction starts, Councilmember Charles Allen, who was present for the meeting and whose efforts provided city funding for the renovation, assured that he was 100% confident that the project would be fully funded in the coming fiscal year budgets.
Brian Pate and Jackie Kreiger have been appointed to seats on the Eastern Market Community Advisory Commission.
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 30, 2022
At last Wednesday’s virtual meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), Chair Chuck Burger announced that CM Charles Allen had appointed former ANC6B Commissioner Brian Pate to the seat designated by DC Statute to be filled by the Ward 6 Councilmember. Burger also announced that Mayor Bowser had appointed Capitol Hill resident Jackie Kreiger to the seat designated to be filled by the Mayor. The Ward 6 Councilmember seat has been vacant since the passing earlier this year of long-serving EMCAC member Donna Scheeder. The Mayor’s seat has been empty since Jonathan Page resigned in 2020 when he moved out of Ward 6.
Pate’s nomination was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the committee. According to Burger, Krieger must be sworn in by the executive before her nomination becomes official and EMCAC can be notified, “after which we can approve her nomination and welcome her as a voting member.”
In introductory remarks, Pate said he was “thankful to be back and hopefully contribute to the Eastern Market family.” Pate served for four years as an ANC6B commissioner 2011 – 2014 after being elected in 2010. During his tenure he served alternate years as ANC6B’s designated representative on the Market’s advisory board. He said, “I learned lessons in how the market functions, market dynamics and the different stakeholders groups at the market… I’m happy to be back and a part of it. One thing I’m excited about is that next year is the 150th year of continuous operation of the market. That is a huge deal and I think we should celebrate that.” (Later in the meeting, Pate was appointed to head up a committee to explore and discuss options for ways to commemorate the anniversary.)
In her introductory remarks, Kreiger said she had been a resident of Capitol Hill for 41 years and had never lived more than four or five blocks from Eastern Market and I know how important it is ….”While I don’t have quite as much experience as Brian in this organization…I really look forward to working with you and helping as I can.” Kreiger is an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS). Susan Oursler, a former CHRS Board member, currently represents CHRS on the advisory committee. Kreiger will serve as the representative of the Mayor separate and apart from her role in CHRS.
Members of EMCAC are designated by the DC Statute governing Eastern Market. The law states EMCAC will be comprised of the following members:
A representative from:
ANC6B
Capitol Hill Restoration Society
CHAMPS
Stanton Park Neighborhood Association
Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation (vacant)
Other organizations upon a vote of75% of EMCAC members (currently none)
uBreakiFix is now Asurion on Barracks Row. The electronic device repair store has relocated from above the former Barracks Row Popeye’s to the former Bank of America ATM at 425 8th Street on Barracks Row (a welcome trade off in the eyes of many). Asurion – an insurance company for electronic devices – purchased the 500 store uBreakiFix chain in 2019.Last Wednesday night, ANC6D voted unanimously to oppose a proposed modification in the plan for the new Latin American RiverPoint Restaurant on Buzzards Point. The RiverPoint complex at 2100 2nd Street, SW, is the site of the former U.S. Coast Guard HQ. The sentiment of the ANC seemed to be that while they welcomed the new restaurant, adding 46 outdoor seats on the mezzanine level to the 20 already planned was a reach too far in light of the substantial outdoor seating of the adjoining restaurant, The Point. Concerns raised included noise affecting residents in the complex and those living on houseboats on the river as well as parking issues and perhaps most importantly, failure to consult with the ANC on a modification of consequence. Open Streets – a global initiative that temporarily closes streets to vehicles – provides space for walking, biking, and social activites that brings a new perspective on ways that residents can experience public space. Last Tuesday, street safety advocate Mark Sussman proposed an Open Streets Event for 8th Street, NE/SE from Florida Avenue to M Street, SE, to the ANC6A Transportation Committee. The event would occur in the spring of 2023. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend the full ANC write a letter of support. Look for ANC6B to follow suit. Residents near Garfield Park are upset about the city’s removal of two of the park’s giant oak trees and hope to forestall any further removals after hearing about plans to cut additional trees. Given the condition of the tree pictured above, that may or may not be possible. The Friends of Garfield Park will meet in early October and the issue is likely to be on the agenda. (Side note: Several of the trees in Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park near the playground are likewise facing removal after apparently succumbing to stress related to the renovation of the park. The issue will be addressed at an upcoming meeting of ANC6B’s Liveable Communities Task Force.)Here’s Graham McLaughlin, Independent candidate for the At-Large Seat currently held by CM Elissa Silverman talking to residents at The Roost earlier this month. Two of the council’s four at-large seats are up for reelection this year (Silverman and Bonds), and by law only one can be held by a Democrat. According to the Washington Post, McLaughlin is running a pro-business campaign with “strong Christian themes.” McLaughlin is co-founder of Changing Perceptions, a nonprofit that aids returning citizens. See here: https://bit.ly/3DT6NWR For the WaPo piece, go here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/22/graham-mclaughlin-council-candidate/
The Week Ahead: SE Library In Person Community Meeting … & Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 25, 2022
The Week Ahead…
Tuesday, September 27
ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the ANC’s October meeting.
DC Public Library will host an IN PERSON Community Meeting on Southeast Library at 6:30pm to update the community on the final design and project timeline for the renovation. The meeting will be held on the lower level of Southeast Library.
The Line Up. (All photos courtesy of Peter and Deb Hernandez)
Artists Circle/Welcome Center at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
DC Art All Night blossomed across all across the city’s 8 Wards last night. Capitol Hill’s previous Art All Night events were confined to Eastern Market, but this year it extended from the Market all the way to lower 8th Street.
The venue was a showcase for creative talent: visual and performing arts exhibits, live music, food and drink. Art All Night is funded by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities to promote small businesses and activate the commercial corridors across the city.
The Capitol Hill events included a silent disco on C Street near Eastern Market, line dancing instruction in the Market’s North Hall, film showings at The Miracle Theater, Sneaker Cleaning Demos at Sole Wash, Friday Night Trivia at Crazy Aunt Helen’s, and pop up art exhibits and musicians everywhere.
Here’s a selection of photos from art exhibit pop ups around Eastern Market.
DCEvents representatives appeared before ANC6D last night to support a request to reduce the amount of retail near Nats Park required by a Zoning Commission order.Here’s the First Street retail (in red) next to the Ballpark that EventsDC proposes building – 34% of the amount of of which they had originally agreed.
ANC6D Lambasts EventsDC/Nats Park and Jair Lynch/Maine Ave Projects
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 22, 2022
Representatives of EventsDC and developer Jair Lynch representatives must have wondered what hit them as they reeled away from an encounter with ANC6D at a Special virtual meeting on Monday night.
Events DC came seeking the ANC’s endorsement for a proposal to reduce by 64% the amount of retail around the ballpark which the Zoning Commission (ZC) ordered 16 years ago as a condition of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) for Nats Park. The retail was never built. The COO was set to expire at the end of September and renewal was promising to be problematic before the Mayor stepped in and extended it for a year. Now EventsDC is playing catch up by downsizing the retail commitment. They are proposing an expedited procedure under which the ZC would grant the request for reducing the retail requirement.
ANC6D was having none of it. They unanimously passed a resolution offered by Commissioner Andy Litsky calling on the ZC to hold a Zoning hearing on the proposed reduction where the existing Zoning Order can be “discussed properly and testimony can be provided in full sunshine… and concerned residents will have an opportunity to provide further comment on the merits of this case.”
The meeting then segued into consideration of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Jair Lynch development at 899 Maine Avenue, SW. (A PUD allows a developer to increase the size and density of a building which would not otherwise be permitted under current zoning restrictions. As part of the process, the developer provides compensatory benefits to the community.)
Rendering of Jair Lynch Development at 899 Maine Avenue, SW
Commissioner Marjorie Lightman – in whose SMD the project lies – moved that the ANC not support Jair Lynch’s PUD application on the following grounds: the PUD violates the spirt and intent articulated by community residents within the Southwest Small Area Plan; it violates the vision of Maine Avenue incorporated into the Small Area Plan; it would deleteriously affect the social and economic diversity of the community; and would create traffic conditions detrimental to the community with no adequate plan their amelioration; and it offers no significant community benefits to warrant an extraordinary exception to alter the Small Area Plan. Lightman added, “The offer to the Jefferson school is an insult in relation with the profits over the next decade or so to be gained by the PUD.”
Litsky said it was “too big a building on too small a space and a too dangerous space and would have a negative impact on the neighbors. Unless the building is completely redesigned, there is no way in hell I’d support this.”
The motion passed unanimously.
ANC’s are empowered to issue advisory opinions on zoning matters, and city agencies are required to give those opinions “great weight.” The effect of the ANC6C6D actions remains to be seen, and will play out over the weeks ahead.
Ed. Note: A previous version of this story said the Maine Avenue project lies in Commissioner Kramer’s SMD. It is in Commissioner Lightman’s SMD.
Scuttlebutt: A source reports that the former Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill on Barracks Row has been purchased by a restauranteur who intends to put in an Ethiopian restaurant. CHC has been unable to independently confirm.Scuttlebutt: Likewise, a source reports that the empty space next to Dunkin’ on Barracks Row is being built out for a bar and hookah bar. Barracks Row has one hookah lounge – Café 8 – and H Street, NE, has a couple – Nomad and The New Elroy Bar. Olga and Manny’s Pizza has their sign up at 1430 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Olga and Manny’s Pizza has their sign up at 1430 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Here’s a link to the menu at their H Street, NE, location. https://www.mannyandolgas.com/menuTheir build out has a ways to go, though.Just next door is the future home of the smoked burger: Hill East Burger – both are a few doors down from Trusty’s. Hill East Burger’s build out is coming along. A hoped-for September opening looks unlikely.Last Friday night, the Too Much Talent Band brought R&B to Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Friday night live concerts will continue through the end of the month. Brian Ready, Executive Director of Barracks Row MainStreet says he wanted to “mix it up a little” regarding what until recently had been Friday Night Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
The Week Ahead…
The Week Ahead (Friday’s Art All Night on Barracks Row)…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 18, 2022
The Week Ahead….
Monday, September 19
ANC6A Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
236 11th Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Historic review of a plan to fill in a dogleg and add a basement to an existing two story rear addition, while also adding a partial third story to the existing two story addition in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
726 11th Street, NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for Special Exception zoning relief to construct a third story addition, and a two-story with cellar rear addition, and convert to a flat, an existing, semi-detached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit
813 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Historic review of a plan to construct a third floor partial addition and roof deck in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
1717 E Street. NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment. Request for Special Exception zoning relief and area variance zoning to construct two new, semi-detached, four-story, 4-unit, apartment houses.
Wednesday, September 21
American Pops Orchestra – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
“Live, on the Hill” Concerts @Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park Presents: The American Pops Orchestra (APO) LIVE PERFORMANCE Hosted By Barracks Row Main Street. In Partnership with: Barracks Row Main Street, Department of Parks and Recreation & the Office of Councilmember Charles Allen.
Friday, September 23rd
Friday Night Live Jazz in the Park – Artist TBA – 5 pm to 6:30 pm in conjunction with the Art All Night Festival on Barracks Row – 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Art All Night celebrates the performing and visual arts, showcasing the diverse talents of our city’s creative community. Barracks Row Main Street’s Art All Night 2022 will be an evening filled with art, local music, and film experiences all along 8th Street, SE, on Capitol Hill. Events on Barracks Row Main Street are free and open to the public, and no reservations or tickets are required. For a list of events, go here:https://www.barracksrow.org/art-all-night
The 2022 Art All Night Festival is funded by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities and is made possible by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.
Saturday, September 24
Calvary Women’s Services sponsors In This Together Community Walk to end homelessness for women in the District of Columbia. 10:00am at Anacostia Park. See here: https://bit.ly/3xAccy1
For over 20 years, Calvary Women’s Services (CWS) has worked to end homelessness, inspire hope and transform the lives of women in the District of Columbia. CWS ensure women throughout DC have access to the proper trauma-informed healthcare and educational support they need to take positive steps toward independence. These programs include transitional and permanent housing, personalized case management, life skills and education opportunities, job training, health and wellness services, on-site therapy, and daily addiction recovery meetings. At Calvary, we believe every woman has the strengths and gifts she needs to be successful. Each woman in our programs identifies and builds on her strengths, meeting her goals for safe housing, good health, and financial independence.
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Doug Carr, President and CEO of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation joined last night’s ANC6C meeting to talk about commissioner’s safety concerns. When CHC visited Union Station Thursday afternoon, there appeared to be a greater law enforcement presence on the portico at the entrance to the station.
ANC6C Commissioners Raise Issue of Safety Concerns at Union Station
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 15, 2022
Wednesday night, Doug Carr, President and CEO of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) joined ANC6C’s September virtual meeting to address concerns raised by commissioners about safety and quality of life issues at Union Station – especially those related to the southern portico running the length of the station.
Commissioner Jay Adelstein spoke on behalf of a constituent, citing reports of various criminal activities and unhoused individuals lingering in Union Station.
Carr responded that they deal with several quality of life issues on a daily basis and rely on a “fairly robust amount of resources including both contract support and city resources” to deal with homeless issues. He said that the homeless issue was very important to the station and the community and that the Redevelopment Corporation and its partners invest fairly heavily in outreach and resource support.
Commissioner Joel Kelty encouraged Carr to focus law enforcement support on the front portico, saying he had been through there several times in the past few weeks and “it is not the beautiful pedestrian experience it once was. There’s a tremendous amount of loitering, smoking, and food waste all over the sidewalk.”
Commissioner Mark Eckenweiler said that he goes through Union Station on the way to and from work and today, “as often happens, at least one individual was screaming in a very threatening and menacing way” which under any disorderly statute would be impermissible. He added, “It creates an unwelcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors to the area. I don’t know who’s supposed to be policing on the portico – Amtrak police and contract security – and at what point MPD takes over – but more needs to be done.”
Carr said he appreciated the comments and would bring back the observations, adding that the feedback was helpful, allowing them to adjust. He reiterated that there is significant investment in resources and personnel but acknowledged that this doesn’t mean they get it perfect all hours of the day. He said that these issues involve the start and finish of passenger experiences so “they are a specific area of focus for us.” He cited the corporation’s collaboration with and support of outside consultants, noting that “it’s a combination of law enforcement, private security, and homeless specialists specifically trained in crisis de-escalation and mediators trained to manage aggressive behavior.” He said those efforts have made an impact on the station but that more needs to be done and he would pass that on to the operations team.
Carr was less reassuring regarding Chair Karen Wirt’s question about where other concerns should be directed.
Carr replied that it depends on the nature of the concern, citing law enforcement for immediate concerns. He noted that the USRC has a call number (but did not provide it). He said the ANC is a valuable opportunity to express concerns. Given the daily frequency of activity he said that if something is observed, members of the community should feel empowered to seek out law enforcement, private security, or “building personnel who are identifiable.” He ended by reiterating that it depends on the nature and urgency of the concern.
The Week Ahead…& A Look Inside Mason & Greens Now Open on Barracks Row
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 11, 2022
The Week Ahead…& A Look Inside Mason & Greens Now Open on Barracks Row
by Larry Janezich
Posted September 11, 2022
Mason & Greens Sustainable Dry Goods | Grocer has opened its second outlet on Barracks Row in the former Baskin-Robbins at 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The company promises plastic free products that are ethically made and sustainably sourced and claims ownership of the title of DC’s largest vegan shop. The store’s first outlet was in Alexandria. Co-owners Anna and Justin Marino say they were drawn to Capitol Hill because it “has the same feel as Alexandria, but a little more DC” – and to Barracks Row because of its proximity to Eastern Market Metro’s bustling transportation hub. The store is still being stocked but is currently in the midst of a soft opening, 10am – 3pm daily until their grand opening on Saturday, September 17. They will be open seven days a week. Here’s a link to their website: https://www.masonandgreens.com/
Presentation: Union Station safety concerns—Doug Carr, CEO, Union Station Redevelopment Corporation.
Presentation: Office of Tenant Advocacy—Alyce McFarland.
Purl, 644 H Street NE, new license/transfer of liquor license.
Liquor license renewals for: The Boiling Crab, 300 H Street, NE; Taqueria Rosticeria Fresca, 701 H Street, NE; Yotel Washington D.C., 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW; Hilton Garden Inn-D.C./U.S. Capitol, 1225 First Street, NE; King Street Oyster Bar, 22 M Street, NE.
The Boiling Crab, request for comments on design of trash disposal area.
Discussion of DDOT H Street, NE, Bus Line Project.
Discussion of Boot/tow/VZ hearing October 5.
Discussion of Boot/tow for expired tags, deadline for comments, September 28.
Discussion of overhaul of public space regulations, September 12 deadline for comments (request for extension in progress).
Discussion of D.C. Circulator, East Capitol route.
Discussion of construction-related legislation, hearing September 30.
Discussion of oversight of DCRA successor agency, hearing September 21.
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The map shows the location of former Firehouse No. 8 – now Rumsey Aquatic Center
A Deep Dive into Rumsey Pool’s Turbulent Origins
By Hilary Russell
Posted September 11, 2022
This article is part of a series that looks back on the history of our neighborhood.
The Capitol East Natatorium (now William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center) at 635 North Carolina Avenue, SE, was the first year-round, racially integrated public swimming pool in the District of Columbia. It opened next to Eastern Market in 1970, after concerted local lobbying for and against a pool at that location. Three historic Capitol Hill properties were enmeshed in the fierce debate: the struggling DC-owned Eastern Market, which city authorities wanted to close and demolish; DC Transit’s car barn at 1400 East Capitol Street NE, which stopped servicing and storing streetcars in 1962; and timeworn Firehouse Number 8, at 635 North Carolina Avenue SE, whose buildings were used for storage, repairs, and training programs.
In 1964, local organizations and activists were galvanized by the DC Health Commissioner’s declaration that Eastern Market was “a menace to public health” and should give way to “a huge supermarket center with plenty of parking.” They collected more than 4,000 signatures for a two-pronged petition. The first prong vigorously opposed the planned sale of Eastern Market after leases expired. The second favored replacing Firehouse Number 8 with a swimming pool and playground, reflecting the burgeoning local advocacy for more recreational facilities on the Hill.
Molly Rux, a young mother and member of the local women’s group Circle in the Square reportedly initiated the campaign, stating at a March 1964 public meeting, “We should have 43 acres of recreational space for 43,000 people…and we only have 12…We don’t even have a swimming pool to rebuild.” Circle in the Square prioritized a new swimming pool because it could be “used by more people of a wider age group in a smaller space than most anything else.” The group acknowledged the myriad challenges ahead: “The diffusion of responsibility on District affairs and our inability to exercise our democratic rights of local self-government make progress more difficult.” It would take six years and countless letters, meetings, and testimonials before the new pool was opened, in part due to intense local contentions.
The biracial Emergency Recreation Council for Capitol East (ERCCE), formed in the summer of 1964, strongly promoted building a pool on the old firehouse site beside Eastern Market. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) took the lead in opposing this site. Instead, it proposed an inexpensive renovation of Firehouse No. 8 buildings as an arts-and-crafts community center and the conversion of the East Capitol Street Car Barn for swimming and other recreational purposes.
Informed by the long and dismal history of segregated swimming in the District, allegations of racism soon surfaced. Supporters of the firehouse site referenced the fact that their opponents included the Capitol Hill Southeast Citizens Association, whose bylaws required members to be “Caucasian persons.” Local author Sam Smith outlined the controversy in his 1974 book Captive Capital, which quoted an unidentified homeowner’s statement at a public meeting that he didn’t want “all those colored kids running through the market in their swimming suits.”
CHRS’s preference for the car-barn site initially won the favor of the DC Board of Recreation, whose 1968 budget request included $1 million for the DC Transit site and $54,000 for a “planning study” for a pool and playground on the firehouse site.
“Storm Brews Over Recreation Center,” was the headline of a Washington Post report on a “quasi-public hearing” at Eastern High School on the Department’s proposal to buy the car barn and spend an additional $3.5 million to turn it into “a massive recreation center containing everything from swimming pools and roller rinks to woodworking shops and bowling alleys,” along with—potentially—”employment and health centers and nurseries.” The reporter summarized the issue that had “split the Capitol Hill community down the middle” and a bevy of uncharitable denunciations from both sides, but concluded: “What most people on both sides say publicly is that they would be happy to see both projects completed. They just happen to doubt that it is possible to get both.”
The ERCCE and many other Capitol Hill organizations expressed these doubts at congressional appropriation hearings and pleaded for prioritizing a pool at the firehouse site. As the ERCCE put it, “The land is there, already owned by the District Government,” and the need for recreational facilities on the Hill, “at once immense and immediate,” could be met “before the summer of 1968.”
The argument for building a pool next to Eastern Market prevailed, though not within this predicted time frame. The Post reported in April 1969 that the demolition of the firehouse was near completion. The Recreation Department had spent the $54,000 in planning money and would spend an additional $769,500 to build the East Capitol Playground and Natatorium.
My next article will focus on the design, construction, and opening of the new pool, a period marked by other controversies.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 