Category Archives: Uncategorized

ANC6D Blasts DGS for Foulger-Pratt Deal on Lansburgh Park

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 17, 2021

Among the four ANCs which are on or touch Capitol Hill, none guards its prerogatives more jealously than ANC6D.  So when residents asked Commissioner Jared Weiss what was going on with the fenced-off area on the north end of Lansburgh Park he called the Department of General Services (DGS) to find out. 

Lansburgh Park borders the construction site where developer Foulger-Pratt is constructing a 200 unit apartment building atop a new 17,000 square foot sanctuary for the Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle Church – with which it has partnered in the venture – aptly named Venture on I. 

Weiss ran into a stone wall as DGS refused to release any information on why the park had been fenced without a Freedom of Information Act request.  So Weiss filed one.  He found that DGS was leasing part of the park for Foulger-Pratt to use as a staging area for construction of Venture on I for $1 a month for up to three years.  Predictably, his report to the full ANC at last Monday’s meeting was not well received.  It wasn’t just the lack of transparency and the $1 a month DGS was charging the developer for its use of a portion of the park, it was the failure to consult or even inform ANC6D. 

Weiss summed up what he sees as DGS’ attitude, telling the Commission, “DGS cares more about developers than residents.”

Commissioner Andy Litsky, was less restrained, saying,   “This is an outrage – if it happens here, it could happen anywhere…I’ll ask the Fox question, ‘Is somebody getting paid?’ This is disgusting – it is not the way government should operate.  Period.”  Litsky clarified he was not suggesting that somebody was getting paid.

The Commission voted unanimously to send a letter to city officials and others expressing concern about the agreement between DGS and Foulger-Pratt.  Recipients included DGS, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and CM Charles Allen, with copies to the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Planning, and a host of other community organizations.

The letter said, in part, “It is particularly disturbing and entirely unacceptable that this agreement had to be discovered via a FOIA request. This agreement also raises broader questions about the process by which DC government allows private companies to use public land to the detriment of city residents. We look forward to your responses regarding what happened at Lansburgh Park and how the process will be improved in the future.”

The building is being built “by right,” meaning that ANC6D has not had any opportunity to review the design for the building or plans for construction. 

Foulger-Pratt anticipates delivering the building for occupancy by the fall of 2023. 

Mayor Drops Vax Proof at Indoor Venues Tomorrow – Dials Back Indoor Mask Mandate on 3/1

by Larry Janezich

At today’s Situational Briefing, Mayor Muriel announced that beginning on Tuesday, February 15, indoor venues will no longer be required to verify that patrons are vaccinated.  Businesses may choose to keep vax requirements in place with appropriate signage.

In addition, she said, the District’s indoor mask requirements will be dialed back on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. 

On March 1, masks will not be required at:

• Restaurant and bars
• Sports and entertainment venues
• Gyms, recreation centers, and indoor athletic facilities
• Houses of worship
• Businesses
• Grocery stores and pharmacies
• Retail establishments
• DC Government offices/areas with no public interaction

On March 1 masks STILL will be required at:

• Any private business that wants to require us of masks by employees or customers
• Schools, childcare facilities, and libraries
• Congregate facilities, nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms, and correctional facilities
• Healthcare/medical facilities
• Public transit, taxis, and rideshare vehicles
• DC Government facilities with direct interaction between employees and the public (e.g. DMV service centers, DHS service centers)

Additional points made during the briefing:

• For venues where wearing of masks is still required, DC Department of Health will provide guidance re lifting those mandates conditioned on achieving low to moderate community transmission.
• The last day of fire house testing will be Saturday, February 26. Ward Covid Centers and library distribution centers will continue in operation.
• The vax requirement for DC employees and health care workers and for school children will remain in place.
• City action against the H Street bar The Big Board for violating city mandates on vax verification and masks will continue to play out within ABRA.
• Since the height of Omicron wave in DC, Covid-19 cases have dropped by more than 90% and there has been a 95% reduction in hospitalization.

Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force Members for ANC6A Brian Pate and Gottlieb Simon at last Thursday’s ANC6A meeting. Pate is a former ANC6B Commissioner and Simon is the former Executive Director of the DC Office of ANCs.

ANC6A met last Thursday night and heard from members of the Ward 6 Task Force on Redistricting as well as a members of the Ward 7 Task Force representing residents west of the Anacostia River.  The Task Force will make recommendations on changing ANC and SMD (single member district) boundaries by April 1.  

Ward 6 Task Force member for ANC6A Brian Pate urged community feedback on what areas of 6A are most important to residents, and where the potential flashpoints are.  Ward 6 Task Force member for ANC6A Gottlieb Simon pointed out that half of 6A is fine, but the boundaries of SMDs 05, 03, 04, and 01 need tweaking.  Simon also raised the possibility of dividing jurisdiction of Lincoln Park (now in 6A) between ANC6A and ANC6B.  That idea received push back from 6A commissioner Mike Soderman, but ANC6A Chair Amber Gove noted that two ANCs advocating for Lincoln Park might be beneficial and more effective than one.   

Ward 7 Task Force co-chair Tamara Blair noted that the term she was hearing regarding Ward 7, was “unity,” perhaps referring to the Ward 7 Task Force’s first “listening session” where residents stressed the importance of cohesive communities.  

Brian Alcorn, one of the members of the Ward 7 Task Force who also serves as ANC6A commissioner (until January when the new SMD boundaries become effective) raised two possibilities:  first, the creation of cross ward boundary SMDs (considered unlikely given the necessity of support by Councilmember Vincent Gray), and second, the establishment of a free standing 7 member Ward 7 ANC west of the river. 

Alcorn said he remained “focused on the goal of working to deliver an ANC structure and ANC SMD boundaries that are logical and enable that ANC to be effective in doing the work for the immediate community.  Having a logical geographical structure and some community cohesion is critical in making agencies effective to arguing their case in front of the DC government and do the routine business of the people.“

For the schedule for all the virtual Task Force Meetings and a link to register to attend, go here:  https://www.elissasilverman.com/redistricting

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Monday, February 14

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

To join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

The preliminary, bare-bones and incomplete draft agenda (Inexplicably, 6D waits until a few hours before the meeting to release its final agenda):

• Public Safety Report
• DC Water Potomac River Tunnel Update
• 807 Maine Avenue SW Development PUD

Tuesday, February 15

ANC6B Capitol Hill Business Interest Group meets at 2:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here.  https://bit.ly/3sErTkq   

Agenda:

• Current food safety system. 

Wednesday, February 16

ANC 6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 1207 H Street, NE.  Zoning application.  Request for a map amendment to change the property from its current NC-14 zoning (Mixed Use: Medium Density Residential and Medium Density Commercial) to NC-15 )medium density mixed use) which permits a height of 70 feet and an FAR of 4.8, and will be subject to the enhanced affordability requirements under the IZ+ program.
• 1127 G Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for special exception zoning relief to construct a detached, two-story, garage with second story dwelling unit to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.

The Week Ahead… ANC Highlights & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich         

ANC Highlights:

• Thursday: Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Ivan Frishberg, Chair and Gottlieb Simon, member.
• Thursday: Ward 7 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Brian Alcorn, member.

Tuesday, February 8

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

To join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3GpUuio

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• Alcohol Beverage Control Committee
• Planning and Zoning Committee
• Rock N Roll Half Marathon – Returning to usual Saturday, March 26, 2022
• Transportation Committee
• Letter on Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE Intersection Improvement project
• Request for FY23 Funding for ANC6B Permanent Fixtures to Replace Temporary Flexi-posts

Presentations

• Eastern High School – Elizabeth Braganza (International Baccalaureate Coordinator) and Regina McClure (Eastern Academy of Health Sciences)

Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee

• 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. ZOCA & Crush.  New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license.
• 327 7th St SE, Unit A.   New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license and Stipulated License. 

Planning and Zoning Committee

• 745 10th Street, S.E. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a two-story accessory garage with roof deck, to an existing, attached, three-story dwelling unit. 
• 739 12th Street, S.E. Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Applications.  Special Exception to construct a two story, rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.   

Transportation Committee

• Notice of Intent. Capitol Police-DDOT Signage Reconciliation.

Election of Committee Chairs & Re-establishment of ANC6B Task Forces & Working Group.

Election of ANC 6B Representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Appointment of ANC 6B Resident Members

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns

• Letter Regarding Delay of Garfield Park Upgrades – introduced by Commissioner Samolyk
• Letter to DC Council Regarding Neighborhood Concerns on Increased Carjackings – introduced by Commissioner Samolyk
• Letter Regarding ANC 6B Delay in Waitlisted Housing for Neighborhood Unhoused Individuals – introduced by Commissioner Samolyk

Wednesday, February 9

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Environment, Parks, and Events Committee

• National Park Service East, parks in ANC 6C
• Rock ‘n Roll Marathon

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• 202 K Street, N.E. Public Space Application.  Driveway, sidewalk, curb and gutters, retaining wall, landscaping.
• NoMa BID. 3rd Street Metro entrance improvements.
• DDOT performance overview, oversight hearing, February 18, 2022.
• North Capitol Street bus priority and multi-modal safety improvements.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

• 638 East Capitol Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval to demolish one-story rear addition and replace with a two-story addition and one-story screen porch. 
• 632 5th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Revised application to construct a two-story accessory garage.
• 227-235 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application. Revised application to construct a four-story rear addition. 

Thursday, February 10

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

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

ANC Highlights:

• Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Ivan Frishberg, Chair and Gottlieb Simon, member.
• Ward 7 Redistricting Task Force process and timeline – Tamara Blair, Co-Chair and Brian Alcorn, member.

Consent Agenda

• Approval of a grant of $1,500.00 dollars to Eastern High School for exercise equipment.
• 1220 H Street, N.E. Protest of the application of the Ocean Lounge for a Class C Tavern License unless a Settlement Agreement is finalized prior to the protest deadline. 
• Letter to DC DOT in support of traffic calming at the intersection of 13th and D Streets, N.E, and in the1300 block of D Street, N.E.
• Letter of support for the March 26, 2022 Rock and Roll Half Marathon and 5K and request that race organizers improve communication and clean-up and communicate an ‘open streets’ time period following the race for use by residents walking and biking.
• Letter of support for DC council to approve the MetroforDC Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0429) and authorize the ANC Chair, Vice Chair or TPS Chair to testify before the DC Council on behalf of the ANC.
• 905 L Street, N.E. Letter of support for Zoning Adjustment Application for special exception to construct a rear deck to an existing, attached, two-story dwelling.

ABC Committee

• 1220 H Street, N.E.  Letter of support for the application for a Stipulated License for Ocean Lounge in the event that a Settlement Agreement is finalized prior to the protest deadline.

Transportaion Commitee 

• Letter to DDOT in support of an installation of a speed camera in 1300 block of H Street, N.E, as well as other prior ANC 6A requests for speed cameras.

Verbal Report – Joint ANC 6A/B/C Planning and Zoning Committees’ Meeting With Office Of The Attorney General (OAG) Land Use Section. 

Ward 6 Task Force Launches Redrawing of ANC/SMD Boundaries

by Larry Janezich

The Ward 6 Task Force on redrawing ANC and Single Member District (SMD) lines met for the first time last night.  CM Charles Allen told the 12 members who were present that he hoped they would each bring their neighborhoods to the Task Force but would “think with their Ward 6 hats on,” calling their efforts an opportunity to bring the Ward together.  Allen downplayed the possibility of ANCs that cross Ward boundaries – an idea he had said he was open to – saying he had not gotten positive feedback from his fellow councilmembers for the idea.

Here is the list – so far – of Task Force Members:

• Ivan Frishberg, former 6B02 commissioner – Task Force Chair
• Marge Maceda, former 6E05 commissioner
• Iris Bond Gill, 6A01 resident
• Sheila White, 6C06 – veteran of redistricting task force
• Ken Jarboe, former 6B05 commissioner
• Brian Pate, former 6B05 commissioner
• Gottlieb Simon, former Director of Office of ANC
• Scott Price, former 6C03 commissioner
• Matthew Oberstaedt, 6B06 resident
• Anna Forgie, former 6D02 commisioner
• Gary Peterson, Capitol Hill Restoration Society
• Georgine Wallace, 6D04 resident
• Christine Spencer (absent)
• Two potential members pending

Allen said that he had followed the practice that no sitting ANC commissioner would be named to the Task Force and added the restriction that no potential ANC candidate would be appointed.  He said his role in the Task Force operations would be limited to that of an observer.

Frishberg said that the reasons for change were to two – first to ensure voting rights and equal representation, and second to stitch together neighborhoods and communities and deliver that package for Ward 6 and the city.

The Task Force heard a presentation by Joy Phillips from the Office of Planning (OP), outlining the role OP will play in the process, offering technical and analytical support.  It is OP that provides the data upon which boundary decisions will be based.

The Task Force assigned teams of two to three members to focus on each of Ward 6’s five ANCs.  Each team will consider a “starter map” created by Frischberg, outlining the obvious things that need to happen.

Frishbeg announced the following schedule for the Ward 6 Task Force

• Feb. 15: Presentation of 1^st draft map to the public
• Feb. 22: Public hearing on 1st draft map
• Mar. 1: Task Force amends initial draft map, based on public input
• Mar. 15: final approval of the map and report

The Task Force map and report then go to CM Charles Allen, who can make adjustments in the recommendations on the map before it goes to CM Silverman by April 1 (possible extension to April 5) and the City Council’s Redistricting Committee and then to the full council for a public hearing.  That will be followed by two city council votes:  first in the Committee of the Whole and then by the City Council. The map goes to the Mayor for signature and then to the Board of Elections for implementation.

Task Force member Gary Peterson noted that ANC6B and ANC6D are “about the right size.  ANC6A is too small. ANC6C and ANC6E need to be divided up” into more SMDs, focusing on the huge population increase in ANC6C. 

Frishberg said that there seemed to be general agreement to do the least change possible on ANC boundaries – but pushing against that is commission size (desire for fewer than ten members) and an the preference for an odd number of seats on a commission.  In addition, he noted, the consensus seemed to be that the Task Force is not the best vehicle to pursue cross ward boundaries for ANCs, and to leave those questions to the ANCs and the councilmember.

Here are the opportunities for public input.

• Ward6RedistrictingTaskForce@gmail.com
• Task Force Meetings
• ANCs (ANC submissions to the TF and TF visits to the ANCs)
• District of Columbia Redistricting Tool / online plans https://bit.ly/3GkefrB
• Comments to Council Member Allen on Final Report
• Comments to the Council

Neighbors Step Up to Help Robbed Owner of Cleaning Emporium on Lincoln Park

by Hilary Russell

Posted February 1, 2022

Lincoln Park neighbors were dismayed to see police cars converging at the corner of East Capitol and 11th Street, SE, mid-afternoon on Friday, January 28. Dismay turned to shock when they learned that Capitol Hill Cleaning Emporium had been held up at gunpoint. Youngmi Choi was alone behind the counter, tending a family business whose revenues have been drastically reduced by the pandemic need to stay home. The lone robber who confronted her was shielded from street view by plywood covering a large window that had been maliciously smashed a few months before. 

On listservs and in person, Capitol Hill neighbors expressed relief that Young – as she’s known – was uninjured, noting the outstanding customer service she has provided for more than 20 years. In addition to her inimitably welcoming smile and uncanny memory for names and phone numbers, customers marvel at her willingness to accept and hold their packages and her generous dispensing of children’s candy and dog biscuits. After strategizing online, neighbors launched a highly successful GoFundMe page that has attracted more than 239 donations to date. Some donors cite the names of dogs who strain their leashes to enter her premises for treats. Other donors are former customers who moved away long ago.

On January 31, the boarded-up window was repaired. Young is very touched by the support from neighbors, while expressing alarm at DC’s rising crime rate and the need for “the Council to make the city safe.”  She didn’t suggest how: whether she favors increased funding for police—Mayor Bowser’s preference—or the Council’s direction: more funding for community services, such as violence-interruption programs. Please feel free to weigh in with your favored approach, using the comment feature.

First Restaurant on Reservation 13:  Sala Thai Restaurant Eyes Opening in May

 by Larry Janezich

Posted January 31, 2022

Sala Thai is looking at a May opening in the first floor retail space of the Park Kennedy apartment building at 19^th and C Streets, SE, in Hill East.  A company representative says the owner hopes to open in May.  The liquor license application anticipates a seating capacity of 78 inside plus 30 seats in a summer garden.  The restaurant is requesting an entertainment endorsement inside the restaurant. 

Hours of operation:  Sunday, 12pm – 9pm; Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 9pm; Friday, 11:30am – 9:30pm.

Hours for live entertainment:  Thursday, 6pm, – 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 6pm – 9:30pm.  No entertainment Sunday – Wednesday. 

The Alcohol Beverage Control Administration has scheduled a hearing on March 14.  Since the building is in Ward 7, ANC7F will consider the license application, likely in its next meeting on February 15.  See here:  https://anc7f.com/

The protest petition deadline to appear before the board is February 22 and the protest hearing date is May 18. 

The company has three other outlets:  4020 Minnesota Avenue, NE, 2300 Washington Place, NE, and 4828 Cordell Avenue, in Bethesda.   Here’s a link to the menu at the Minnesota Avenue restaurant:  https://www.salathairisland.com/

Here’s the outside and inside of the locally owned Honey Made boutique shop at 727 8^th Street, SE, where President Biden stopped in last Tuesday to demonstrate his support of small businesses.  Biden bought a necklace, a sweatshirt and a mug featuring VP Kamala Harris.  Barracks Row was blocked off by MPD from Pennsylvania Avenue to the freeway for more than an hour.  On Thursday morning, the owner of Honey Made received a call saying her shop would be featured in People magazine. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, February 1

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

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the agenda:

• Rock N Roll Half Marathon – Diane Romo Thomas – Returning to usual Saturday, March 26, 2022
• 745 10th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a two-story accessory garage with roof deck, to an existing, attached, three-story principal dwelling unit. 
• 739 12th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application and Historic Preservation Application.  Special Exception to construct a two story, rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling.   
• Resolution calling for the DC Council to increase regulation on last mile delivery services – introduced by Commissioner Holman

ANC6C Environment Parks and Events Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Not available at press time

Wednesday, February 2

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

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Resolution on Reckless Driving in DC.
• Metro for DC Amendment Act of 2021.
• Penn-Potomac Intersection 90% Design Update – tentative.
• Update on Priority Topics.
• Letter to Councilmember Mary Cheh to Request FY23 Funding for ANC 6B Permanent Fixtures to Replace Temporary Flexiposts – introduced by Commissioner Holman.
• Letter to DDOT to Request Permanent Fixtures to Replace ANC 6B Temporary Flexiposts – introduced by Commissioner Holman.
• Notice of Intent on Signage.

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

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 638 East Capitol Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept Approval  to demolish an existing one-story rear frame addition and construct at the rear a new two-story frame addition (infilling closed court) plus a one-story screen porch.
• 632 5th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special-exception relief to construct a two-story accessory garage to an existing attached two-story principal dwelling unit. 
• 227-235 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application by Hillsdale College for  special exception to construct a new penthouse on an existing attached four-story mixed-use building. 
• 1173 3rd Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment application.  Special exception relief construct a new three-story dwelling with roof deck, and to construct an elevated rear deck. 

Thursday, February 3

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

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. ZOCA & Crush by ZOCA.  New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant license. 
• 327 7^th Street, SE.   New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant liquor license.   Requesting Stipulated License along with New License.
• Presentation: ABRA Representative – tentative. 

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

To join the meeting, go here: https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 202 K Street, NE. Construction Permit Application.  Paving: Driveway(s) New- Commercial, Fixture: Bike Rack(s): DDOT Standard, Paving: Curb & Gutter(s), Paving: Mill and Overlay, Paving: Sidewalk (porous/pervious), Fixture: Retaining Wall to 42″, Landscaping: Tree Planting, Projections: Balcony
• NoMa BID update on the 3rd Street Metro Entrance improvements.
• The DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing is scheduled for Feb 18th, 2022, and is the chance for the ANC to send a representative to attend and provide testimony/feedback to DDOT’s performance over the past year.
• 8th Street NE Bus Priority and Multi-modal Safety Improvements. DDOT is initiating concept planning for bus priority and multi-modal safety improvements on 8th Street, NE, between Florida Avenue and East Capitol Street. Further participation from the ANC is welcomed.

Photo Essay:  Sanabria & Co. – the Home Design Shop on East Capitol Street

by Larry Janezich

Melissa Sanabria walked away from a 15 year career in the financial industry and opened up an interior design studio.  She founded the Sanabria & Co. in 2018.  Now she and her team of 7 design associates work out of studio space at 660 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  In 2021 she opened Sanabria & Co./The Shop at 409 East Capitol.  Connecting to the community is important to Sanabria and the shop broadens her ability to do that.

According to the website, Sanabria “carries home decor and furnishings that complement the signature Sanabria & Co. style.”  Some of the shop’s offerings include furnishings, linens, tableware, books on design, framed vintage prints, and 100 year old Turkish carpets – all items used by the design team in creating their visions for Capitol Hill homes. 

The shop is a local outlet for luxury candles and body care products handmade by the renowned NYC company, Apotheka.  Design associate Katie at Sanabria says they are one of the most popular items in the store.  

The shop carries two noteworthy local products:  local honey from bee keeper Jan Day and soy wax candles hand poured by the three young Gill brothers from close-in Maryland.  The candles are produced by their company, FRÈRES BRANCHIAUX (Gill brothers).  Katie with Sanabria explained that the boys’ mother inspired them to start their company, telling them that if they wanted money for video games they would have to get jobs or start a company.  They chose the latter.  The Washington Post featured the enterprise in July of 2019 (https://wapo.st/3rbGEvL ) and in February of 2021, an article in Oprah Daily named their candles among the 25 best from Black owned companies.  The company’s products are carried by Whole Foods, Target, and Macy’s among some two dozen outlets.  They donate 10% of their profits to homeless shelters. 

Second Story Honey comes from beehives on or near Capitol Hill and Le Droit Park.  The name comes from the location of the hives at Day’s home two blocks north of Lincoln Park, i.e., the second story of her back porch, 20 feet above the sidewalk.  She also has hives at Congressional Cemetery, on the roof of Union Market, and at Common Good City Farm in NE Washington.   

Sanabria & Co./The Shop is at 409 East Capitol Street, SE.  202.844.2708.  HOURS: THURSDAY 10-6/FRIDAY 10-7/SATURDAY 10-7/SUNDAY 11-6.

ANC6B Votes Unanimous Support for LGBTQ Tavern on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

At a “Special Call” meeting on Tuesday night, ANC6B unanimously supported the application of Jo McDaniel and Rachel Pike for a liquor license for an LGBTQ bar they will open up at 500 8^th Street, SE.  As You Are will be a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant and Friday and Saturday night will offer dancing on the second floor.  Otherwise, that space will be used for “community meetings, Trivia, book clubs”….

Nearly 100 participants joined the virtual committee meeting, Chaired by Commissioner Corey Holman in his first turn as presiding officer as the new head of ANC6B. 

Former chair Brian Ready, who continues to chair the Commission’s Alcohol Beverage Control Committee, referenced the lengthy “spirited debate” in a meeting Monday night among commissioners, neighbors and the As You Are team to craft a Settlement Agreement which would set the terms under which the tavern will operate.  The terms of the agreement are meant to protect nearby neighbors from the impact of a potentially noisy and disruptive business while placing restriction on the business that are not so restrictive that it prevents them from succeeding. 

Ready announced that such an agreement appearsed to have been reached, and brought it before the commission for consideration. 

And that they did, over the course of two and a half hours of a meeting that stood in sharp contrast to the contentious and adversarial meeting earlier this month as reported elsewhere on this blog.  Discourse was civil and comments from nearby neighbors indicated that while some still had concerns, most were on board with the terms of the agreement.  Nearly 20 members of the gay community voiced their strong support for the new business. 

After the public comment portion of the meeting was over and the license application appeared well on its way to receiving ANC endorsement, Jo McDanial became emotional as she summed up how important this project is to the queer community:  “We really want to thank this community.  Y’all are the reason we do anything – this is our life’s work – and so, to the neighbors who live here who have questions – if we’re going to protect this community this carefully, I promise you your block is safe with us.”

Everything was fine after that, until former commissioner Chander Jayraman and Commissioner Jerry Sroufe raised concerns about the inclusion of language in the agreement which was intended to prevent the tavern owners from being punished twice for the same offense – once under DC law and again for violating the terms of the Settlement Agreement.  The language could provide a loophole, absolving As You Are from adhering to the Settlement Agreement.  For a few moments, it appeared that the meeting might go off the rails but language was suggested (by a nearby neighbor participant in the meeting) that resolved the concerns.

The final vote on a motion to support the tavern license application with the Settlement Agreement as amended was 10 – 0 – 0. 

Holman adjourned the meeting after welcoming Jo and Rachel “and the community already here to restore 8^th Street back to its place of pride as the home of queer culture in DC”