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The Week Ahead – and Some Photos from the Past Week

Likewise at East Capitol and Second Street…

In celebration of the Cherry Blossom Festival, organizers have commissioned 26 giant sculptures, painted by 25 talented local and national artists and installed in various locations across Washington, DC, and in Maryland’s National Harbor and in Virginia’s Aurora Highlands and National Landing neighborhoods.  This one – near the playground at Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th Street – is “Flower Kuties” by 17 year old Kaila Garcia, a senior at Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  To see all 26 sculptures and for more information, go here:  https://bit.ly/317KSXa

The Week Ahead – and Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted March 21, 2021

Call for Volunteers:  Former ANC6B Commissioner Kelly Waud, continuing community involvement after retiring from the ANC in January, is appealing for volunteers to continue the upgrading of the Potomac Avenue Parks.  See Saturday entry below. 

Monday, March 22

CANCELLED ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee (COC)

Tuesday, March 23

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Discussion of a potential future application for a license by an unspecified establishment at 1500 East Capitol Street, NE.
  • Finalization of and discussion of delivery of a letter from the ANC to all ABRA licensees with ANC6A re discontinuing use of anti-loitering language in Settlement/Community Agreements.

Wednesday, March 24

The Department of General Services will hold a virtual meeting to update the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Taskforce on the renovation of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, at 1:30pm.

Typically, info on joining the meeting is distributed shortly before the meeting.

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Typically, info on joining the meeting is distributed a day or two before the meeting.

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Report of the Chair
  • Budget Review Status
  • Report of the Market Manager
  • Strategic Plan Update
  • Security update
  • Budget update
  • Outdoor Covid operating procedures: any changes?
  • Status of the conflict resolution proposal
  • Signage and banner update
  • Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards
  • Tenant’s Council Report
  • Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update

Thursday, March 25

ANC6A Ad Hoc By-Laws Committee holds a virtual meeting

Info on joining the meeting will be posted 24 hours prior to the meeting here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Saturday, March 27

  • Call for volunteers to help with the Potomac Avenue Pocket Parks. Meet at 10:00am at the park along I Street, SE (with the playground equipment).  The plan is to mix in more mulch/ soil conditioner, weed around the hedge in the back and add some plantings. Volunteers should bring water, gloves, and hand tools if they have them. Folks can register to volunteer at  https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/volunteer

Also:

On Saturday April 3

  • Call for volunteers to help with the Potomac Avenue Pocket Parks. Meet at 10:00am at the park along K (with the splash pad). We will be mulching and planting hostas along the back fence, and clearing up at the point to create a space for colorful flowers. Same rules apply: Volunteers should bring water, gloves, and hand tools if they have them. Folks can register to volunteer at  https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/volunteer

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Citywide Caucus of ANC Commissioners Pushes for More Funding and Maybe a Paycheck

Citywide Caucus of ANC Commissioners Pushes for More Funding, a Louder Voice, and Maybe a Paycheck

By Larry Janezich

The City-wide ANC Caucus held a virtual meeting last Monday night agreed to push for better funding for the ANCs, a louder voice in addressing city-wide issues, better organization, and maybe paychecks for commissioners.  The Caucus also discussed police reform and the Mayor’s amendments to the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Maps.    

The meetings typically draw 10% or so of the city’s 300 commissioners, but it was the consensus of those who attended Monday’s meeting that the city is missing an opportunity to directly enlist the assistance of commissioners in addressing city issues.

Commissioner Chuck Elkins (ANC3D01) said that what’s missing from the Commissions is money and that limits the ANCs’ ability to look at issues.  He said the ANC’s are a “boot-strap” organization and he was not sure if that was intentional or the result of benign neglect…. “If commissioners were paid, it would make a difference as well, but as of now, we have been relegated to a minor role in the city.  Maybe we deserve it, but I don’t think so.”  He added, “We want more support for what we do, not just as ANCs but on city wide issues.  [The Office of ANCs] doesn’t’ believe that’s our job but [they] have a narrow view of what our job is.” 

Commissioner Fredrica Kramer (ANC6D05) agreed that the “crux of the problem is that there are no resources for what we do”, and urged the city to provide funding for people to do studies and research. 

Commissioner Andy Litsky (ANC6D04) said he has always opposed paychecks because he feels serving is a civic duty.  But, he said, Elkins and Kramer “are spot on – I’d rather have funding which would make the ANCs self-sufficient – to do things beyond just our community…. We need funds to allow us to challenge things put before us by agencies and the city council.”

Commissioners Brown (ANC7B02) and Patel (ANC2A03) supported paychecks as compensation for the full-time demands of the job.  Commissioner Ready (ANC6B03) supported the pay issue as a way to broaden the appeal of serving as a commissioner.

Commissioner Lucio (ANC5A03) said she could take or leave the paycheck but added the ANCs need better organization from the top down including more support and a larger staff. 

Commissioner Brannum (ANC5E08) agreed with Lucio and was mildly critical of the Office of ANCs which is headed up by Gottlieb Simon.  He continued, “The OANC thinks the ANCs report to it instead of being a legislative council….  We report to our constituents and the people of DC…. I think we have to demand respect as an institution.  Many ANCs focus locally, but our outreach and impact are beyond that.”    He appealed to the city to give the ANCs support “so we can do what we do.”

Lucio suggested drafting a letter to city officials and four commissioners and Caucus coordinator Chander Jayaraman volunteered to write a draft which the Caucus will consider at its next meeting on Monday, March 29.

The City Wide Caucus – which is currently an informal organization – was organized by Jayraman in 2020 while he was Chair of ANC6B after virtual meetings offered a way for commissioners across the city to meet and discuss areas of common interest. After losing his bid for an At-Large City Council seat, the Caucus asked him to stay on as coordinator.  The caucus usually holds a virtual meeting every other Monday night. 

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CM Charles Allen on Homeless Encampments… and Helicopters

CM Charles Allen on Homeless Encampments… and Helicopters

by Larry Janezich

Last week at ANC6C’s March meeting, chaired by Commissioner Karen Wirt, CM Charles Allen briefed on the state of Ward 6 and other issues of interest to the Commission.  One of those issues was the homeless encampments near Union Station.  Allen talked about encampments, especially the one in the triangular park at 2nd and Massachusetts Avenue, NE, across from the Heritage Foundation, but there are also significant encampments beneath the railroad overpasses between 1st and 2nd Streets NE in NOMA.  About the Mass Ave encampment, Allen noted the pocket park belongs to the National Park Service, whose actions regarding the homeless are apparently governed by the Center for Disease Control. 

  • Those guidelines advise that: “If individual housing options are not available, allow people who are living unsheltered or in encampments to remain where they are.
  • Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers. This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”

See the agency’s Guidance on Unsheltered Homelessness and COVID for Homeless Service Providers and Local Officials here:   http://bit.ly/30AHwMe

Allen said that the city is struggling to deal with inhabitants of encampments in a way that preserves their dignity; “We can’t force people off the street into a shelter”. There are enough shelter beds, but shelter beds alone won’t solve the problem.  Many of the homeless are fearful of congregate housing during the pandemic, many have everything they own in plastic bags and there are no storage facilities in shelters, some have pets which shelters will not accommodate, shelters don’t accommodate couples or adult children, and some homeless have behavioral or mental health problems. 

Allen noted that the policy leaves the encampments in the hands of DC’s Department of Human Services which continues to reach out to the homeless through its Homeless Services Program.  He said, “There are good people on the Mayor’s team who are trying to solve the problem”. 

Another issue came up during the question and answer period and concerned the seemingly ever- increasing number of low flying helicopters over Capitol Hill neighborhoods. 

Allen said a number of agencies are responsible and named the U.S. Park Police, medical aircraft, and MPD.  The challenge, he said, is that the “federal agencies just don’t care about us”.  Allen related a personal incident of some 6 to 8 weeks ago when he was walking his dog near Stanton Park early one Sunday morning and saw military helicopters “30 feet off the ground” coming from the direction of RFK Stadium to the Capitol, without notice.  He said that was “incredibly disrespectful to the Capitol Hill neighborhood” and he was visibly annoyed at the idea that someone in the Pentagon thought that a training mission to evacuate the US Capitol at 6:15am was a good idea. 

Commissioner Joel Kelty – who is a pilot – noted that many of the helicopters are UH-1 single engine military aircraft which pose a threat to the community in case of engine failure and opined if these are operating during training missions, they need to be at a higher altitude.

Allen held out hope that “with a change of tone and administration we’ll be able to make some progress” in lessening the intrusion of the noise on the community. 

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Mayor Loosens COVID Restrictions – Announces New Vaccine Eligibility Groups

Mayor Loosens COVID Restrictions – Announces New Vaccine Eligibility Groups

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 15, 2021

At today’s situational briefing, Mayor Bowser announced the extension of the District’s Public Health Emergency until May 20, 2021

The Mayor announced the following loosening of restrictions.  On March 22:

  • Indoor fitness classes may resume with up to 10 people.
  • In restaurants, alcohol can be sold until midnight instead of only until 10:00pm. (Indoor dining will continue at 25% capacity or up to 250 people.)
  • Movie theaters may open with no more than 25 people or 25% capacity, whichever is less) in an auditorium.
  • Outdoor gatherings can include up to 50 people.
  • Outdoor fitness classes may have up to 50 people.
  • Professional sports may operate pursuant to a waiver with plans for fans.
  • HSEMA and DC Health will resume reviewing and approving live entertainment waivers.
  • Guided tours of museums, galleries, and exhibits can resume in these venues which will remain open with capacity limits of 250 per floor and 25 persons per room.
  • Grocery stores may operate buffets only if staff serves the food. Self-service continues to be prohibited.

On April 5, reassessments will occur on all of the above, as well as childcare, higher education, personal services, recreation centers, travel and places of worship. 

Beginning March 29, 18 currently operating libraries will begin offering limited indoor services:  access to public computers, printing pick-up, book pick-up, and library card registration – at 25% capacity limit.

As of March 15, some high school sports can resume under DCSAA guidelines and field permits will be issued for spring sessions.

Beginning March 15 the following essential workers are eligible for the vaccine.  Here’s the link to the preregistration portal https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc and the number for the call center (855) 363-0333.

  • Staff working in Courts and individuals providing legal services.
  • Frontline employees of public mass transit.
  • Employees of the US Postal Service.
  • Staff working in food service.
  • Essential employees in local government agencies.
  • Essential employees of public utilities..
  • Essential employees in health, human, and social services organizations/agencies who were not vaccinated as outreach workers.
  • Individuals working in commercial and residential property maintenance and environmental services.

Beginning March 29 the following essential workers are eligible for the vaccine:

  • Individuals working in non-public transit transportation services (for hire vehicles, ride stare).
  • Individuals working in logistics/delivery/courier services.
  • Essential employees working in media and mass communications.

Beginning April 12 the following essential workers will be eligible for the vaccine:

  • All essential employees of institutions of higher education (colleges, universities, trade schools).
  • Individuals working in construction.
  • All essential employees working in info technology.
  • Essential employees in federal government agencies.
  • Individuals working in commercial and residential property management.

Beginning May 1, DC will begin Phase 2 of Vaccine eligibility and all DC residents who are 16 years old and older will become eligible.  By the end of May, the supply of vaccine should be sufficient for all adults in DC to receive vaccinations.

Here’s the link to the graphics from Mayor Bowser’s situational update:  https://bit.ly/38LdTw6

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The Week Ahead… and Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead… and Photos from the Past Week

Monday, March 15

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/ (scroll down to March meetings)

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Discussion and Q&A with Verizon representative regarding equipment installation in the Rosedale community.
  • Public Space Permit Application for 424 11th Street Northeast, replacement of retaining wall.
  • Discussion of possible letter to DDOT to support funding for the DC Streetcar extension to Benning Road in the FY2022 budget.
  • Discussion of possible letter to federal officials regarding the fence surrounding the Capitol Complex.
  • Additional public space applications if received prior to the meeting.

Wednesday, March 17

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/ (scroll down to March meetings)

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • 1701 H Street, NE. Zoning Application – PUD Modification of Consequence (modify number of balconies on eastern facade).
  • 211 13th Street, NE. Zoning Application for a Special Exception to construct a new three-story with cellar and roof deck, rear addition to an existing, two story with cellar, semi-detached, principal dwelling unit.
  • 17 9th Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application for approval of the renovation of an existing single family row home with a rear and third floor addition in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
  • 308 11th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a third story addition and roof deck, to an existing two-story flat, and a second story addition to an accessory detached garage. 

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Mayor Bowser Update: Preregistration, Parking Enforcement, Relaxed Restrictions Coming

Mayor Bowser Update:  Preregistration, Parking Enforcement, Relaxed Restrictions Coming

by Larry Janezich

  • Today marks one year since declaration of Public Health Emergency.
  • Yesterday, 77,141 preregistered – 33,098 were those not eligible yet.
  • On Friday, DC Department of Health will send out 13,550 invitations to sign up for a vaccination, randomly selected from those eligible preregistered individuals.
  • Those registered by 11:59pm on Thursday night – or any future night before the invitations go out – will be in the pool from which randomized selections will be drawn.
  • No one will be turned away from a vaccination appointment because of a lack of documentation.
  • Health care providers also have vaccine.  (One reader of CHC after receiving an invitation to book an appointment recently said he arranged an appointment at a Medstar facility near Nats Park by calling 833-205-1553, and added that many appointments were available.)
  • CDC recommendations for how fully vaccinated individuals (2 weeks after the last shot) can interact can be found here: https://bit.ly/3erzoG9  Scroll down to the section which starts on page 12.

On other matters: 

Parking has started to be enforced by DPW.

No parking in school zones will be enforced starting next Monday. From March 15 through March 19, warning tickets will be issued – no fines, but vehicles could be relocated (call 311 to locate the vehicle in that case).   $25 tickets will be issued starting March 22.

Full parking enforcement will be phased in gradually.

Here’s what’s being enforced:

  • No parking is school zones.
  • Non-commercial vehicles illegally parked in commercial loading zones.
  • Large vehicles (22 feet +) illegally parked next to a recreational park, school, church, or residential domicile.
  • Safety violations – parking near bike lanes, cross walks, fire hydrant, etc.

Here’s what’s not being enforced:

  • Emergency No Parking violations (vehicles may be relocated).
  • Expired DC license plate and inspection stickers.
  • Expired Residential Parking Permits.
  • Expired Meters.
  • Vehicle booting and towing.

Asked about relaxed restrictions in MD, Mayor Bowser said that sometimes Maryland and Virginia have done things at the state level which do not translate to the county level – and what happens in the counties surrounding us has been the most concern.

DC Department of Health is taking a look at the restrictions and the Mayor said she will talk next Monday about loosening some Phase 2 restrictions.  And more as spring unfolds. 

An announcement on restrictions on access to the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms will be announced soon.

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Groups Plan Protest Against Capitol Fence on Saturday

Groups Plan Protest Against Capitol Fence on Saturday

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 10, 2021

Two separate neighborhood grass roots groups will use different tactics to oppose the US Capitol fence which has come under fire from local officials as well as members of Congress.  The efforts will give residents of the Capitol Hill neighborhoods an opportunity to participate in the resistance.

Last night, Tiffany Davidson of “Don’t Fence the Capitol” spoke to ANC6B’s virtual meeting to announce the give-away of 250 “Don’t Fence the Capitol” yard signs at Eastern Market this Saturday between 10:00am and 2:00pm.  The yard signs grew out of a “Don’t Fence the Capitol” petition started by Allison Cunningham four weeks ago which has garnered about 30,000 signatures as of today.  Here’s a link to the petition:  http://bit.ly/3t7Wq9a 

Davidson started the yard sign campaign by giving away 150 yard signs, and then raising $2,000 and ordering another 250 which will be distributed on Saturday. 

Another effort, spearheaded by EatDC and The Hill Is Home calls for a peaceful gathering at 2nd and East Capitol at 10:00am on Saturday to express opposition to the fence and its adverse impact on our neighborhoods.  Here’s a link to a piece in The Hill Is Home with additional information:  https://bit.ly/3rBDbEs

Yesterday, a US Capitol Police request to extend the presence of the National Guard at the Capitol through May 23 was approved by the Department of Defense.  It’s not clear, but it seems likely that the fence around the Capitol complex will remain in place at least that long.  If not removal, then reducing the footprint of the fence to alleviate its disruption of bike, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic would be welcome.

Earlier this week, a task force appointed by Speaker Pelosi and headed by retired Army General Russel Honore found the USCP understaffed, insufficiently equipped and inadequately trained.

Today, an editorial in the Washington Post points out that the US Capitol Police is one of the largest and best funded police forces in the country – and questioned whether instead of a lack of resources it was the lackadaisical preparation for January 6 – in contrast to the preparations for the Black Lives Matter protests over the summer – that resulted in their failure to protect the Capitol.  The US Capitol Police is an overconfident, secretive, highly insular, non-transparent organization that continues year after year as their elected overseers rotate into and out of office.  This has left them presiding over the Congressional security system with a “we know what’s best” attitude and little accountability.  For example, the USCP, like Congressional offices, are exempt from FOIA requests.  They operate at the direction of the US Capitol Police Board (and indirectly at the direction of Congressional leadership) comprised of the Architect of the Capitol (appointed by the President) and the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms (appointed by House and Senate Leadership).  Any reform effort should take a long look at USCP oversight, management, and accountability. 

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Councilmember Charles Allen on Fencing, Tax Increase on the Wealthy & Redistricting

Councilmember Charles Allen on Fencing, Tax Increase on the Wealthy & Redistricting

by Larry Janezich

Last night, CM Charles Allen joined a virtual meeting of ANC6D to talk about Ward 6 issues.  He said the 3-4 mile fence around the US Capitol complex impacts everybody in Ward 6 and called it “absolutely ludicrous”.   He said that pressure for change should be focused on the Congressional Leadership – Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer – and the Architect of the Capitol as being those who will make a final decision on removing the fence.  Allen is working the Representative Norton and Mayor Bowser to fight hard and push back.  He says the city must speak with one unanimous voice saying, “this has got to end”. 

(Yesterday, a report on a review of Capitol security by retired Army Lt. Gen Russel Honore recommended among other measures, installation of “retractable fencing” which would allow public access to the Capitol Grounds.  On Saturday, March 13, a peaceful protest against the fence is being planned for 10:00am – see The Hill Is Home article here:  http://bit.ly/3rBDbEs)

On another matter, Allen is going to try again to raise the income tax on DC’s wealthy.  He says that the pandemic has hit the city so unequally – if you have a job or are in the stock market you’re doing fine – but some DC residents are still hurting and “feeling deep deep pain”.   Allen says he will push to ask something from high income earners – $45 a month from people making $500,000 or over, with those funds redirected to needs such as affordable housing and child care.  In July of 2020, the City Council voted 8 to 5 to reject an Allen proposal for a modest tax increase on incomes higher than $250,000.    

Things have changed since Allen’s last comments on redistricting in February.  Redistricting was to have begun with receipt of data from the Census Bureau at end of March, but this year, that has been pushed off until the end of September.  Afterward, the City Council will have 90 days to approve new Ward Boundaries – probably in mid-December.    

The city’s total population will be divided by 8 to establish an average.  Regulations require that each ward be plus or minus 5% of the average number.  The City Council’s Redistricting Subcommittee (comprised of at-large members – Bonds, Henderson, Silverman) will hold public hearings about which boundaries need to move to achieve the population goals.

During January, February and March of 2022, ANC boundaries within each ward will be redrawn by a committee selected by the Councilmember for the Ward.  Allen said he would likely follow the lead of his predecessor, Tommy Wells, in not appointing sitting ANC Commissioners to the committee.  Those ANC boundaries will then be ratified by the City Council.  Allen said he would welcome input from the ANCs in his ward. 

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Mayor Bowser’s Situational Update – New Preregistration Portal Opens Wednesday

Mayor Bowser’s Situational Update – New Preregistration Portal Opens Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 8, 2021

Mayor Bowser announced today that the city’s new preregistration procedure for vaccination appointments for eligible groups starts Wednesday, March 10. 

Here are the currently eligible populations as of March 8:

  • Health care workers
  • Members of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
  • Residents of long-term and intermediate care facilities and residents of community residential facilities/group homes
  • DC residents 65 years old and older
  • Those experiencing homelessness
  • Members of the Metropolitan Police Department
  • Department of Corrections Employees & Residents
  • Continuity of Government Operations personnel
  • All teachers and staff who work for a school or licensed child care facility in DC
  • Grocery Store Workers
  • Outreach workers who work in health, human, and social services
  • Individuals working in manufacturing
  • Individuals working in food packing
  • DC Residents with qualifying medical conditions (see list here: https://bit.ly/3btRx46 )

Registrants will be asked for information regarding:

  • Demographics
  • Occupation
  • Medical History
  • COVID 19 History
  • Contact Info

Here’s the link to the 24/7 website portal:  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc

Here’s the number for the call center:  855-363-0333 – open M-F 8am – 7pm and Sat – Sun 8am – 4pm.

The order of registering will not affect when registrants are offered an invitation to book an appointment. 

After registration individuals will wait to be notified by call, text, or email.  The system will assign appointments to people when it is their turn so the wait could be days or weeks or months, depending on the risk factor and eligibility.  Everyone will eventually be vaccinated.  Random selection will be adjusted to make sure registrants are not continually passed over in favor of other eligible individuals. 

Once notified, registrants will have 48 hours to book an appointment – each invitation can be used only once.  If registrants miss the 48 hour window, they have to wait until the next time they are selected by the system.  Registrants can be selected up to three times to make an appointment – after which they have to re-register.  Check spam or junk folders to make sure alerts are not missed. 

On Monday, March 15, the first vaccination appointments made through preregistration will take place and the second set of invitations to make appointments will go out by calls, texts, or emails. 

After March 15, invitations will be sent out:

  • Thursdays by 10:00am
  • Sundays by 10:00am
  • Tuesdays by 10:00am (only if any appointments need to be filled)

If people who are not eligible to sign up and register anyway, they will not be called until their group is eligible.  People who are not eligible are encouraged to wait until their group is eligible before registering. 

DC Veterans 65 and older may be able to get vaccinated through the VA Medical Center.  Call 202 745 4342

Here’s a link to the Mayor’s presentation today:  https://bit.ly/3btRx46

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The Week Ahead…ANC Highlights and Photos

The City Wide ANC Caucus – coordinated by former ANC6B Chair Chander Jayaraman – met last Monday.  Commissioners expressed interest in finding ways that the city’s 300 ANC commissioners can assist the administration in the roll out of programs.  One suggestion was to help coordinate Covid 19 vaccine distribution.  Tyler Williams, Director of Operations for the Mayor’s Office on Community Relations, was present and offered to liaison the Caucus and “Senior Leadership”.  The Caucus in laying plans to hold a virtual COVID 19 Vaccine Hesitancy Town Hall Meeting to encourage vaccination. 

Tuesday, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee, chaired by Corey Holman, met and considered Barracks Row Chipotle’s request to continue operating as a fast food restaurant.  A potential sticking point regarding rodent control seemed to have been resolved as neighbors – led by Linda Elliott – praised the efforts of the Chipotle management and building owner Guy Silverman for addressing their concerns by effectively creating an indoor cooled trash room.  The Committee also voted unanimously to appeal the decision of the Zoning Committee to disregard building codes and issue a permit to change a single family dwelling at 207 3rd Street, SE, to a six unit multi-family building.  (Correction:  an early version of this post showed a photo of 203 3rd Street, SE. CHC regrets the error.)

Prefabrication sketches for “Loveful Hands” and “Found You”.  The jury is still out on the colorful “Weavings.”

DGS briefed the Eastern Market Metro Park Taskforce on Wednesday on the renovation of the Eastern Market Plaza.  There are weekly meetings regarding the fabrication of the two pieces of public art.  The city is funding “Loveful Hands” by Jay Coleman for Parcel 4 near the Metro entrance, and Barracks Row Main Street is funding “Found You” – three rabbits playing hide and seek by Beth Nybeck– to be installed near the playground on Parcel 1.  The pieces will be fabricated over the summer and installed late summer or fall.  Project Manager Diego Martinez said there was no update on a potential third installation – “Weavings” by Hiroshi Jacob – near Trader Joe’s.  Dave Perry of Barracks Row Main Street said Barracks can’t commit to funding “Weave” at this point, but “conversations continue.”   DGS is projecting a late spring grand opening for the renovation project. 

Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg’s ANC6B’s Transportation Committee met on Wednesday and resident member Brian Kirrane unveiled an interactive internet tool to assist in an ANC6B intersection audit.  He gave Mark Sussman much credit for technical assistance in the development of the tool and said they were closing in on a launch date.  The purpose of the tool is to collect data on the details to evaluate how each of the some 270 intersection in ANC6B is managed to help the ANC assess future traffic management needs. The tool will seek input from nearby residents of each intersection on how traffic is regulated, the timing of traffic signals, and details on crosswalks, ramps, and safety bollards.  Kirrane said other ANC’s might find the tool useful.  See below. 

The Week Ahead…ANC Highlights and Photos

By Larry Janezich

ANC highlights:

  • Monday – ANC6D. Councilmember Charles Allen appears at ANC6D.
  • Tuesday – ANC6B. Andrew DeFrank, Ward 6 Community Engagement Specialist, District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
  • Wednesday – ANC6C. Councilmember Charles Allen appears at ANC6C.  MPD Captain Hrebenak discusses recent carjackings. 
  • Thursday, – ANC6A. Andrew DeFrank, Ward 6 Community Engagement Specialist, District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Monday, March 8

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Presentation: Councilmember Charles Allen will update the ANC on Ward Six. 
  • Executive Office of the Mayor, Budget.
  • Westminster DC.]45 Q Street, SE.
  • 150 I Street, SW.
  • Cotton Annex.
  • Parcel 47D/Republic Portals IV
  • DOEE Programs Overview

Tuesday, March 9

ANC6B holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to access the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/event/full-anc-meeting-2/?instance_id=99

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Presentation: Andrew DeFrank, Ward 6 Community Engagement Specialist, District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
  • Presentation: Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic – Solar for All and Solar Works DC.
  • Letter to ABRA Requesting delay in protest petition deadline for Handle 19 at 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
  • The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon/Valor Brew, 723 8th Street, SE. Application to add Sports Wagering and Game of Skill endorsements to their operations sports wagering through mobile app and physical consoles for the electronic game of skill Dragon’s Ascent.
  • Chipotle, 413 8th Street SE. Zoning adjustment application – special exception to extend the terms of the special exception granted on July 19, 2011, for an additional ten (10) years, to allow a fast food restaurant use. 
  • 102 9th Street, SE. Zoning adjustment application – special exception to construct a penthouse addition to an existing three-story, attached, principal dwelling unit.
  • 610 South Carolina Avenue, SE. Zoning adjustment application – exception to construct a one story addition to two-story building.
  • 1819 A Street, SE. Zoning adjustment application – special exceptions to construct a third story and a three-story rear addition, and to convert an existing two-story, detached, principal dwelling unit to a three-story, semi-detached, three-unit residential building.
  • 411 New Jersey Avenue, SE. Zoning adjustment application – special exception to construct two new, three-story, principal dwelling units.  
  • 15 8th Street, SE. Historic preservation application – concept review for 2-story rear addition adjacent to alley. 
  • 207 3rd Street, SE. Committee recommendation to appeal the decision of the Zoning Commission to disregard building codes and issue a permit to change a single family dwelling at 207 3rd Street, to a six unit multi-family building. 
  • Resolution for Security at RNC Capitol Hill Club and DNC National Democratic Club Regarding January 6th Insurrection on the Capital.

Wednesday, March 10

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Presentation: MPD Captain Hrebenak—Recent carjacking occurrences.
  • Presentation: Council Member Charles Allen will update the ANC on the state of Ward Six.

Consent Calendar

  • Uncorked, 22 M Street NE, Class A liquor license.
  • Short-term rental rulemaking, second round, Airbnb legislation.
  • 307 A Street NE, Zoning adjustment application for special exception to add one-story rear addition.
  • 410 East Capitol Street, NE, Historic preservation application. Replacement of a one-story addition with a two-story addition.

Transportation and Public Space Committee

  • New sidewalk café, 111 K Street NE, Public space application.
  • Letter regarding H Street NE safety concerns.
  • DDOT performance oversight hearing, written testimony.
  • Baltimore-Washington SCMAGLEV Project DEIS.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

  • Capitol Crossing, future – (nonvoting). Second stage PUD application.

Thursday, March 11

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 draft agenda:

  • Presentation: Andrew DeFrank, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Community Engagement Specialist
  • Letter to ANC6A ABRA licensees via mail to physical addresses and/or e-mail regarding recent amendments to ANC 6A’s template settlement agreements as well as ANC 6A’s intent to cease enforcement of anti-loitering provisions in existing settlement agreements, and further authorize expenditure up to $150.00 for the costs of paper, printing, and postage.
  • Transportation and Public Space
  • Joint ANC6A and ANC6C letter to DDOT requesting a comprehensive review of safety and traffic concerns on H Street, NE, from North Capitol to 15th Street NE.
  • Joint ANC6A and ANC6C letter to Letter to Mayor Bowser, the DC Council, DDOT, and DCOP regarding solutions for H Street NE.
  • Motion to designate ANC6A Chair Amber Gove, or another Commissioner authorized by the Chair, to provide testimony on behalf of ANC 6A at the March 23, 2021 roundtable “Transportation in the District after the Pandemic”, sponsored by the DC Council.
  • 1637 D Street, NE. Letter to BZA opposing the Application for a special exception  to construct a two-story with basement addition to an existing, nonconforming, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit at 1637 D Street, NE.
  • 135 13th Street, NE. Letter of conditional support to BZA for a specialexception for constructing a second dwelling unit at 135 13th Street, NE.
  • 1101 H Street, NE. Letter of conditional support to BZA for special exception and an Area Variance to permit the construction of a new mixed-use residential building at 1101 H Street, NE.   
  • Ad Hoc By Laws Committee
  • Approve February 2021 committee report.
  • Letter to WMATA expressing support for the continued operation of bus transit, particularly lines used by transit-dependent neighbors and residents of 6A and Ward 6.

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