Category Archives: Uncategorized

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Bowser Holds Late Night Briefing – Extends Public Emergency 15 Days

by Larry Janezich

Posted Jan 7, 2021

Mayor Bowser called today’s insurrection at the US Capitol Building “an affront on American Democracy and DC values”.  She said MPD immediately answered a call to support federal partners and helped to quickly restore order to the US Capitol.  Bowser said, “…we saw an unprecedented attack on American Democracy incited by the United States President and he must be held accountable”. 

The statements came at a 10:30pm Situational Briefing Wednesday night.

Bowser announced she had extended the state of emergency ordered today by 15 days to assure peace and security through the Inaugural.   The order gives the Mayor authority over business operations and to restrict the movements of residents.  The extension will allow the Mayor to organize the operation of government and provides notice that some action by government restricting activities may be necessary.  Curfews will be announced as necessary to assist police, especially at night.  Residents can expect about 4 hours’ notice of curfews.

Bowser was asked if she considered what happened at the Capitol a failure on the part of the US Capitol Policeband about video which seemed to show US Capitol Police letting people through the barricades.  Bowser said she was unaware of that instance but would be spending a lot of time working law enforcement partners regarding the security of the building, and that the focus would be on making sure members of Congress can do their work.  She said, “Clearly we will have more events at the Capitol and we want to make sure every lesson learned is implemented. 

Asked if the Inaugural will be secure, Bowser said the city will regroup with the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Joint Committee on the Inaugural Ceremony so that the best situational plan can be in place. 

Acting Chief of Police Contee provided an update on police activities.

MPD received a call for assistance from US Capitol Police shortly before 1:00pm on Wednesday.  The call reported significant activity at the Capitol where insurrectionists were trying to breach a fence and invoked an mutual support agreement.  MPD deployed platoons to assist US Capitol Police.  Contee said MPD and US Capitol Police regained control of the US Capitol by removing trespassers and conducted a sweep of the building. By 7:15pm, US Capitol Police, MPD, assisted by law enforcement officers from local jurisdictions in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey as well as the National Guard established a secure perimeter around the Capitol.   

During the insurrectionist’s invasion of the Capitol Building, they were confronted by plain clothes officers.  Contee said one Capitol Police Officer discharged their weapon, striking a female who was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.  MPD Internal Affairs will conduct an investigation, as it does for all officer related deaths.  There were three other deaths on or near the Capitol Grounds – one adult female and two adult males – all of whom apparently suffered a health emergency.  MPD is awaiting reports from the DC Medical Examiner regarding the causes of death.

As of 9:30pm on Wednesday, 52+ individuals had been arrested, including four for carrying a pistol without a license, 1 for carrying a prohibited weapon, and 47 for curfew and unlawful entry violations.   Six firearms were recovered today and three last night.  26 of the 52 arrests took place on the US Capitol Grounds. 

Two pipe bombs were found – one at the DNC and one at the RNC.  A cooler containing Molotov cocktails was recovered from a vehicle which also contained a long gun. 

14 officers suffered injuries, at least one which required hospitalization. 

Contee was asked about the perception that there was restraint on the part of MPD showing restraint on arresting people after curfew, the reporter citing the 194 arrests which took place in June during the BLM protests.  Contee said the comparison was not appropriate.  MPD had to “make sure we have a safe situation, and then start effecting arrests.”  He said initially MPD started making arrests at the Capitol and then moved out from there and that arrests were ongoing “as we speak.”  Bower added that “Be On The Look Out” (BOLO) alerts will be going out for people who breached the Capitol or who were in the building. 

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Bowser Announces Target Dates for Vaccinations for Next 3 Eligible Population Groups

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 4, 2020

Mayor Bowser held a Situational Briefing today and announced target dates for vaccinations for DC residents 65 and older, specific categories of essential workers, and DC residents with chronic medical conditions/all other essential workers. 

Currently, vaccinations are being provided to the Phase 1a population – workers in health care settings who are directly or indirectly exposed to infectious materials and unable to telework – including:

Workforce in acute care hospitals, specialty care hospitals, long-term care facilities, intermediate care facilities, emergency medical services, frontline public health settings, home health aides, outpatient settings, dental settings, and pharmacy settings.

DC Health has launched https://vaccinate.dc.gov/  to provide a portal to make it easier for healthcare workers to get vaccinated.  As other population groups become eligible for vaccinations, the portal will be available to them.  

Other takeaways from the briefing:

• 16,989 people have received the COVIC-19 vaccine in DC, with 58% of providers reporting
• Total doses delivered to DC: 40,075
• Additional doses to be delivered per week: 4,200
• There are two vaccines available. A key difference is when you receive the second dose.
• Pfizer: 21 days after the first dose
• Moderna: 28 days after the first dose.
• After the second dose, it takes up to 14 days for the vaccine to become effective.
• Washingtonians are encouraged to take the first vaccine that becomes available. Those vaccinated should continue to wear masks, social distance and practice good hygiene.

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The Week Ahead…Mayor Bowser Asks Residents to Avoid Downtown Tuesday/Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 3, 2021

Tuesday, January 5

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For information on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/event/planning-zoning-committee-meeting/?instance_id=54

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Update on Boys and Girls Club Term Sheet extension and modification. DGS Representative Erica Dukes and Sarosh Olpadwala Sarosh Developer representative Joel Kelty.
• 514 Archibald Walk, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exceptions to convert an existing residential parking garage to a two-story, attached, principal dwelling.
• 1507 E Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception to construct a three-story rear addition and a third floor addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.
• 514 9th Street, SE –Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception to construct a second story addition to an existing one-story principal dwelling unit.
• 314 10th Street, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception to construct a two-story addition, with cellar, to an existing two-story principal dwelling unit.
• 921 G Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application. Concept review for dogleg infill and partial one-story rooftop addition.

Wednesday, January 6

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

For information on joining the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/event/transportation-committee-meeting/?instance_id=55

• Request to Rename Ellen Wilson Street, SE.
• Proposed ANC6B Traffic Calming Inventory.
• Discussion of Evaluation Process in 4 Experimental Advisory Bike Lane Projects Undertaken or Planned by DDOT in ANC6B.

ANC6C Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee meets at 6:30pm.

For information on joining the meeting, go here: https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 1165 3rd Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application – special exceptions  to construct a three-story rear addition to an existing attached dwelling unit.
• Public hearing – Zoning Commission hearing on proposed zoning regulation amendments concerning penthouses.  Hearing date: Jan. 21, 2021.

Thursday, January 7

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

For information on joining the meeting, ho here:  https://anc6b.org/event/alcohol-beverage-control-committee-meeting/?instance_id=56

Draft agenda:

• BR Fine Wine & Spirits, 801 Virginia Avenue, SE (corner of 8^th and L Streets, SE. Application for a New Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store.  Hours of operation:  Sunday through Saturday, 9:00am – 11:00pm. 

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

For information on joining the meeting, go here: https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• NoMa Benches – Public Space Application for installation of sixteen 6-foot benches in the public space at three locations: (1) eight benches at 175 N Street NE (Metro entrance); (2) three benches at 1140 3rd Street NE by the Uline Arena; and (3) five benches at 1050 First Street NE. The benches are similar to existing benches already used in the NoMa neighborhood and in
• Press House Artwork (301/331 N Street NE) – Public Space Application for the artwork structure along N Street NE associated with the Press House project located at 301/331 N Street NE. The artwork consists of three structures with maximum heights of 3.8, 2.8, and 3.9 feet above proposed grade. The overall construction permit for the project has been approved and issued.
• Boiling Crab Sidewalk Cafe (400 H St NE) – Public Space Application – Follow up on last month’s discussion of the new application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at the Boiling Crab at 400 H Street NE. The proposed 1,073 sq. ft. cafe will face 4^th Street NE. Submitted plans indicate a total of 16 tables, or 48 seats total. Other elements include string lights and railings.

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Ward Six Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Sworn in Today

by Larry Janezich

Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen swore in Ward Six Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners today, in a virtual ceremony broadcast live on the DC Council cable television channel 13. Ward Six has five ANCs, 6A – 6E. 

An Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is a non-partisan, neighborhood body made up of locally elected representatives who serve without pay.  There are 40 ANCs and each ANC is divided into Single Member Districts, each represented by a single commissioner.  There are about 2,000 residents in every ANC. 

The ANCs’ main job is to be their neighborhood’s official voice in advising the District government (and Federal agencies) on things that affect their neighborhoods. District agencies are required to give the ANC recommendations “great weight.” Moreover, District law says that agencies cannot take any action that will significantly affect a neighborhood unless they give the affected ANCs 30 days advance notice. This includes zoning, streets, recreation, education, social services, sanitation, planning, safety, budget, and health services. 

The ANCs may also initiate recommendations for improving city services, conduct neighborhood improvement programs, and monitor resident complaints.

A list of the commissioners from the four ANCs comprising or abutting Capitol Hill follows.  The eight commissioners designated with an asterisk are newly elected – the rest are incumbents.  At the bottom of the list is a link to a Hill Rag article by Liz O’Gorek with profiles of the newly elected commissioners. 

ANC6A by Single Member District (SMD)

• 01 Keya Chatterjee*
• 02 Phil Toomajian
• 03 Michael Soderman
• 04 Amber Gove
• 05 Laura Gentile*
• 06 Robb Dooling*
• 07 Sondra Phillips-Gilbert
• 08 Brian Alcorn

ANC6B

• 01 Jennifer Samolyk
• 02 Gerald Sroufe
• 03 Brian Ready
• 04 Kirsten Oldenburg
• 05 Steve Holtzman
• 06 Corey Holman
• 07 Edward Ryder*
• 08 Peter Wright*
• 09 Alison Horn*
• 10 Denise Krepp

ANC6C

• 01 Christine Healey
• 02 Karen Wirt
• 03 Jay Adelstein
• 04 Mark Eckenweiler
• 05 Joel Kelty
• 06 Drew Courtney

ANC6D

• 01 Andrew Bossi*
• 02 Jared Weiss*
• 03 Ronald Collins
• 04 Andy Litsky
• 05 Fredrica Kramer
• 06 Rhonda Hamilton
• 07 Edward Daniels

For profiles on the newly elected commissioners, see the Hill Rag article here:  https://www.hillrag.com/2021/01/02/meet-the-new-anc-commissioners-2/

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“Replace the Emancipation Memorial with Stepping into his Shoes” is in a fire call box at 7th and East Capitol.

Laura Lyster-Mensh laura@lmwriter.com a local author and podcaster, is searching for the Fearless Girls 2020 artist(s) to interview them, anonymously or pseudonymously, for a podcast she hosts called the Auldton Laughing Club Podcast. 

She says, “Something about these pieces speak to me almost personally, as their topics and energy feels very of this moment and this place. They have changed how I walk around and what I see, and I am grateful.

I would love to find others who are watching for these pieces, and to identify others, and if possible the artist(s).”

So far, protest sculptures have been spotted at 5th and Constitution, NE; 6th and Independence, SE; 7th and East Capitol; 4th and East Capitol; 2nd and E Streets, SE; and 3rd and Independence, SE.

The Week Ahead… And More Protest Art from Fearless Girls 2020

Monday, December 28

ANC6A Transportation Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the agenda:

Public Space Permit Application – Modernization of Goding Elementary School including paving, landscaping, fixtures, projections.  Representatives from DCPS will present details of the project and discussion.

Traffic Safety Assessment Request for 1300 North Carolina Avenue, NE, and 1300 A Street, NE, including consideration of request for raised crosswalks and/or speed humps.

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The Duck and The Peach – New American Restaurant Near Eastern Market Is Open

by Larry Janezich

The Duck and the Peach at 300 7^th Street, cattycorner from Eastern Market, opened its doors on Monday for a preview period leading into the Christmas holiday. 

They are serving their day menu of breakfast and lunch items from the Cafe until 3:00pm today.  Closed on December 24 and 25, the restaurant reopens on Saturday, December 26 at 10:00am with regular hours for Cafe and Dinner service with limited patio seating.  Takeout and delivery will be available 5 days a week (closed Monday and Tuesday).

Regular Café hours will be 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5 days a week starting December 26 (except 10:00am open on the 26^th).  Dinner will be from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, starting December 26.  The Duck and the Peach will be open on New Years’ Eve for regular business hours, and will open Jan. 1, 2021 at 10am.

To see the day and night menus go here:  https://www.duckandpeachdc.com/

The city has banned indoor dining starting at 10:00pm tonight, Wednesday, December 23 until January 15. 

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Barracks Row Medical Marijuana Dispensary Will Move to Northwest

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B was notified last week of the pending move of Metropolitan Wellness Center (MWC) – Barracks Row’s medical marijuana outlet –to 433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.  The new location in Mt. Vernon Triangle was formerly occupied by a Le Pain Quotidion franchise which closed in June of 2019. The new MWC will provide cannabis flowers, cannabis concentrates and a line of edible products as well as home delivery services to registered patients in Washington, DC.

Capitol Hill Corner asked MWC co-owner Corey Barnette for comment.  Barnette said the move had been in the works for a year because MWC had outgrown its current 850 square feet of retail space.  “We’re still growing, he said, “but there are some customers we can’t serve.”  Also, there’s competition from two dispensaries which have opened – one in Ward 7 and one in Anacostia.  The company looked at M Street but zoning won’t allow them to open there; they looked at H Street, but found the same square footage problem they have on Barracks Row.

“Fortunately,” Barnette said, “we found a place on Massachusetts Avenue, NW, with 3,000 square feet on the first and second floors.  It will be cleaner, allow a more robust inventory, and be less cramped and crowded.” 

Asked when the move will take place, Barnette said “As soon and the city allows it – ideally in February.”

MWC was founded by co-owner Mike Cuthreill, the current co-managing director, in 2011.  He met Barnette in 2011, a fellow applicant for a dispensary license.  Barnette received a cultivator’s license, Cuthreill a dispensary license.  During the early days of operation, MWC struggled with a limited patient and product base, and Barnette came in as a partner. 

Barnette is an entrepreneur with extensive experience investing in small businesses with growth potential.  He received an M.B.A from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University.  He has lived in DC since 1999. 

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The Week Ahead … and Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 20, 2020

The Week Ahead…

It’s pretty quiet heading into the holidays. 

Best wishes for the holiday season and the New Year from Capitol Hill Corner. 

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ANC6B Lawyers-Up to Protest Liquor License for Sports Betting on Pennsylvania Ave SE

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 20, 2020

ANC6B has authorized the expenditure of up to $14,000 in attorney fees for representation before the Alcohol Beverage Regulatory Administration’s (ABRA) scheduled protest hearing on a liquor license for a proposed sports betting outlet on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The hearing will probably take place next February. 

ABRA doesn’t have anything to do with the gambling license which is governed by DC Lottery.  The owners of Handle-19 – the city’s first retail sports gambling venue – correctly say they can open a gambling house without a liquor license. 

But, the rules say you can’t just open a gambling joint – you have to have something else there as well, like a restaurant or a bar.  And if you want to serve alcohol – which often goes hand in hand with betting – you need a liquor license. 

Residential neighbors near 319 Pennsylvania Avenue – the planned future home of Handle 19 – are fighting tooth and nail to prevent the place from opening.  They urge protesting the liquor license on the grounds of peace, order, and quiet, including the noise and litter provisions of the DC Code as well as residential parking needs,vehicular and pedestrian safety, and the effect of the establishment on real property values.  They stress the outlet’s proximity to several schools and day care centers. 

They hope that denying a liquor license will make the location so unattractive the owner will look elsewhere.  The attorney says, not, that they will open retail sports betting with or without alcohol.

ANC6B voted 6 – 2 – 1 in November to join the protest, with Commissioners Waud and Holman in opposition.    ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage Control Committee Chair Chander Jayraman told the ANC on December 17, this is a high profile, precedent-setting case involving the first retail sports betting establishment in the city.  He said that the neighbors and the ANC had not been able reach agreement with the owners regarding neighbors’ concerns in mediation required by ABRA,  and the matter will go forward to the protest hearing.  He outlined three possible outcomes: 

• ABRA could deny the liquor license
• ABRA could approve the liquor license
• ABRA could approve the liquor license with operating conditions

When the city council approved sports betting for the city, it did not put any restrictions on where they could be located.  Maybe they didn’t anticipate they would open on commercial strips adjacent to residential areas, and maybe they did, but didn’t care. 

Last Thursday night, the ANC authorized up to $14,000 for attorney fees for the protest hearing on Handle 19, pending an agreement between other protestants clearly delineating the decision making hierarchy.  That motion passed 7 – 0 – 0. 

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Here’s a bird’s eye view looking Northwest showing the Southwest corner entry. The current main entrance would remain a public entrance. Also shown is skylight on the roof and skylight on the south side of the building at berm level.

First Look at Concept Designs for Renovation of SE Library

by Larry Janezich

DC Libraries Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan hosted a virtual community meeting Wednesday night on the plan to rehabilitate, renovate, a preserve SE Library.  He opened the meeting saying that the design team had come up with a great solution to preserve the historic framework of the SE Library while also expanding it.

CM Charles Allen joined the meeting, calling the effort “an amazing opportunity and a challenging opportunity”.  Allen said, “One thing we’ve learned during the pandemic is how important community anchoring spaces in our lives are”, and cited both the library and the Eastern Market Metro Plaza across the street (currently under reconstruction).  He said, “My job is to make sure the dollars are there,” noting that the new SW branch of DC Libraries would open soon.

With a goal of increasing library space from its current 8,292 square feet to 18,500 square feet, the concept design anticipates dropping the existing street level floor a few feet and adding a new lower level floor below that and expanding that floor toward South Carolina Avenue.  This floor will have considerable space for children and family activities. 

The street level floor will have conference rooms and meeting spaces. 

The main floor will continue to serve adults. 

The ground floor would be entered through a new universally accessible entrance from South Carolina Avenue at the SW corner of the building.  The current main entrance would remain a public entrance as well. 

The new concept, designers say, will significantly increase incentives for people to spend time in the library.  The expansion will provide:

• 30% more meeting/conference space
• 50% more computer space
• 50% more space for books
• Triple the space for adult seating
• Quadruple the space for children and families

Currently, the plan is in the Design/Regulatory Approval stage which will last into 2022.  Construction will start in late 2022 and the library will reopen in the spring of 2024.

Next steps:  builders will continue discussions with regulatory staff, finalize the concept design and start schematic designs, and continue community engagement.  The next community meeting will be scheduled in the spring.

Library staff says that Wednesday night’s presentation will be posted on the project website by close of business on Friday.  See here:  https://www.dclibrary.org/southeastlibraryrenovation