Category Archives: Uncategorized

June 22, 2025 · 10:19 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 22, 2025

Update on Rumsey Court – A second story for the Rumsey Aquatic Center is now in the plans for the proposed modernization of the facility, according to a DC Parks and Recreation (DPR) document distributed at last Monday night’s meeting of ANC6B’s Parks and Public Spaces Task Force chaired by Commissioner Jerry Sroufe.  The second story will accommodate a community center focused on senior services.  A community meeting where the latest design will be made public has not yet been scheduled. 

After proffering a plan with no second story earlier this year, CM Charles Allen prompted DPR and the Department of General Services to re-think their approach and they are now negotiating the incorporation the second story into the design.  The Center is a popular District asset, offering 100 plus aquatic programs for a high number of participants.  $37,021,066 has been budgeted for the project in DC’s Capital Budget, meaning it is protected from funding cuts the Mayor being forced to impose on the city’s Operational Budget because Congress has failed to authorize DC to spend its own tax revenues for the balance of the FY.

Ward 6 Budget Town Hall Meeting.  On Tuesday evening, CM Charles Allen hosted a Ward 6 Town Hall on the Budget at Hill Center.  More than 70 residents – many of them first-time Town Hall Budget attendees – showed up for the meeting.  Allen said the council has finished oversight hearings on the budget which now awaits committee votes on the programs within their jurisdiction.  The budget will then go to the full council for consideration.  Go here to watch the full Town Hall presentation on FB: https://bit.ly/4njELbw

Beuchert’s Saloon Has Been Sold.  Coldwell Banker listed the property for $2.3 million and a sold notice recently appeared on the site.  Here’s a link to real estate broker’s listing:  https://bit.ly/4eeIjaw  No word on what might occupy the building or the first floor retail, but the listing’s description suggests the property will be delivered with the restaurant intact.  Prior to Beuchert’s, the space had been occupied by the Capitol Hill Art and Frame Shop.  EaterDC recently reported that the restaurant closed in early June after 13 years:  https://bit.ly/44iNl1p

The 48th Annual Peterbug Day.  Last Saturday, Peterbug Matthews presided over his 48th Annual Peter Bug Day.  It was the 48th annual celebration of Peter Bug Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Peter Bug Shoe Academy.  The lifelong Capitol Hill resident and community advocate is a Capitol Hill legend, having used the shoe repair trade to mentor and guide community youth for decades.  The 400 block of 13th Street, SE, was named Peterbug Matthews Way in 2010.  In 2015, when the former historic Buchanan School/IGU site was developed into townhouses and condos, the site of Peterbug Matthews Shoe Academy which sat on city property as did the school, was grandfathered into the development site and preserved. 

The Original Last Run of the Fire House Horses.  Last Sunday, the DC Fire Department conducted a reenactment of the Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses.  The date marked the one hundred anniversary of the original Last Run to commemorate the service of the fire horses.  The reenactment started at the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse, and proceeded east on North Carolina Avenue, SE, and ended at Lincoln Park.  Here’s a Library of Congress photo of the Engine No. 8 Firehouse that stood on the site of what is now Rumsey Aquatic Court.  Photo Source:  Mark Eckenwiler.

And here’s a photo of the original last run: The Last Run of Barney, Gene, and Tom, District, Fire Department Horses, June 15, 1925.  Photo Source:  Mark Eckenwiler.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 23

ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm. 

Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor (Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

Agenda:  TBA

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

Among items on the agenda:

  • Announcements and Reminders: People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean-ups in 6A01.
  • H Street Main Street (HSMS) Requesting a Letter of Support for an upcoming application to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant.
  • Open Streets Volunteering.

Tuesday, June 24

ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting to set the agenda for the full Commission meeting on July 8. 

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

  • Discussion of the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with Cover Charge Dancing, Entertainment, and Summer Garden endorsements at Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street, NE.
  • Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license at Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro at 709 H Street, NE.
  • Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café endorsements at Fresca Taqueria 701 H Street, NE.
  • Discussion of the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine at B & B Convenience and More at 1447 Maryland Avenue, NE.
  • Discussion of the application for a medical cannabis license at Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE.

Thursday, June 26

ANC6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.  .

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

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About

Saturday, June 28:  Open Streets Comes to Capitol Hill – 7:00am – 3:00pm.

  • Location: North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue SE from 6th Street SE to 17th Street SE  Road Closure: Saturday, June 28th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • One mile of neighborhood streets will be closed to vehicles to allow people to safely walk, run, bike, and play.
  • Open Streets will include hourly programmed classes and performances, including live music, yoga, dancing, etc.   The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.

For morel including details on entertainment and classes, go here:  https://openstreets.dc.gov/pages/spring-2025

Thursday, June 26:  Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Qais Essar & Sonny Singh: Sangat.  7:00pm – 9:00pm.  $20  Register here: https://bit.ly/45BcgiW

  • Afghan American rabab virtuoso Qais Essar has joined forces with Sikh American trumpet player and singer Sonny Singh, which obliterates musical, political, and religious boundaries. 

Friday, June 27:  JUNO-Nominated Nova Scotian Powerhouse Duo Cassie and Maggie in Concert.  7:00 pm – 9:00pm.  $20  Register here:  https://bit.ly/4eeNmaY

  • Committed to preserving and propelling Nova Scotia’s folk traditions into new realms, Cassie and Maggie bring an energy that is both timeless and irresistibly modern.

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June 18, 2025 · 10:51 pm

Update on Development of Res 13 Phase II

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 18, 2025

Hill East Development Disposition Map showing location of parcels to be developed.

Wednesday night, Daryl Thomas from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development (DMPED), gave an update on the development of Res 13 Phase II to ANC7D’s Committee on Economic Development and to Hill East residents. 

Despite rumors to the contrary, Thomas assured that Res 13 Phase II “definitely is not stalled – we have been very much into a lot of infrastructure work on the campus.  This work consists of engineering in addition to relocation of a major 72 inch sewer line.”  The pipeline lies 40 to 50 feet below ground and extends from Massachusetts Avenue to Independence Avenue.  He added, “… this sewer line is a precursor for all the remaining work that needs to be done.  We have started the roadway design review.  Once the sewer relocation work is done then the city can come in and we can start constructing the roadways that surround the development parcels …”  Thomas said he expected the pipeline relocation to take a year. 

In 2000 the city released RFPs for the Phase II redevelopment of Res 13.  Phase II was divided into two different bundles, Bundle One (Parcels A, B-1, B-2, F-2 and G-2 – see map above), and Bundle Two (Parcels C, E. and H).  Some  parcels in Bundle One have been approved by the Zoning Commission and building design is underway.  Bundle Two ran into infrastructure issues including the sewage pipeline and utility relocation, and that has forced them to redesign their first phase of building which has prevented them from going to Zoning for approval.

Developers hoped to break ground in 2024 but infrastructure and finance issues pushed that date ahead to 2025.  Last night’s presentation suggested there may be another delay – at least in Bundle Two – until 2026 or later.  Phase III (in yellow) is a planned third phase of the development which has not launched yet.

Thomas did not offer a projected timeline for completion of development on any of the parcels.  None of the developers participated in the briefing. 

Thomas also offered a status report on the status of Phase I, where two mixed use buildings have been completed.  He reported that Sala Thai Restaurant, Duffy’s Irish Pub, and Alphabet Daycare have leased retail space in the Park Kennedy, one of the two Phase I mixed use buildings.  One retail space remains.  He said that none of the retail spaces has yet been leased in Phase I’s second mixed use building – The Ethel. 

During the Q&A, Thomas was asked if development would be coordinated with construction of the proposed NFL Stadium on the RFK site and with construction of a new DC city jail.  He noted that neither of those projects has been approved yet and once they are, DMPED would be working “hand in hand” with the developers of those projects. 

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June 15, 2025 · 10:39 pm

The Week Ahead…RFK Demolition Update…& Some Photos From The Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, June 15

Update on Demolition of RFK Stadium.  Last Monday night Events DC held its virtual Quarterly Meeting, and Senior Director Ryan Conway gave attendees an update on the demolition of RFK.  Preliminary work which began in January including demolition of some exterior and nonstructural interior elements is continuing and will be completed in June. The removal and disposal of hazardous materials prior to start of structural demolition work has been completed.  Here’s a current interior shot of the stadium.

Beginning in July the stadium will be demolished in phases by construction equipment – it will not be imploded – and the site will be backfilled with crushed concrete.  Demolition will start with the press box and stadium lights removal from the inside and proceed to the roof and superstructure starting in August.  Here’s an exterior shot showing walls coming down and some misting equipment.

Smoot Construction has deployed instruments around the site to monitor dust, noise and vibration, and will employ misting equipment to pretreat, control, and suppress dust throughout the demolition activities.   Here’s a photo from the construction camera which is available on the Events DC website: https://eventsdc.com/venue/rfk-stadium/live-demolition-camera

New Greek Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The buildout of a new Greek Restaurant coming to 315 – 316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (as reported on CHC last November) is underway.  Building permits are up and the windows are papered over.  The space was formerly occupied by chef Spike Mendelsohn’s Mexican Restaurant Santa Rosa Taqueria which closed and then reopened at 301 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.  Zusin Development is the owner of the new business.  Zusin also owns the new Taco Bell coming to Barracks Row, the building at 225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and the 56 unit mixed use building at 301 Florida Avenue, NE among many other DC properties.

Sunday afternoon, DC Fire Department conducted the Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses.  The run started at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center, the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse, proceeded down North Carolina Avenue, SE, and ended at Lincoln Park.  One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a Ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the fire horses.  The historic Ceremonial re-enactment will feature a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine.  Photo:  DC Fire Department. 

Friday night, the Too Much Talent Band performed at Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  The summertime Friday evening events are programmed by Brian Ready, Executive Director of Barracks Row MainStreet.  CM Charles Allen secured funding in the Budget to program the performance space.   

The Week Ahead…The Week Ahead…

Highlight:

  • Monday, CM Charles Allen presents before ANC6D.  See below. 

Monday, June 16

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Presentation:
  • Councilmember Charles Allen
  • Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106) 7:34 7:49 15
  • Community Announcements
  • Government Announcements
  • Community
  • ABC Matters
  • What comments shall the ANC offer on DDOT’s “NOI” for 6th & M?
  • Shall the ANC establish a Task Force on Pedestrian Safety?
  • Funding for “Town Center Park” (4th & I)
  • SMD Updates

ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 7:00pm (In Person Only).

  • This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Announcement of the appointment of resident member Marian Connolly to become vice-chair of the Taskforce. 
  • Update on the status of The Rumsey court redevelopment project. 
  • Update on the issue of school principals’ control of their schools’ playgrounds.
  • Update on leash laws. 
  • Update on the Eastern Market CVS pick-up and delivery agreement. 
  • Discussion of the preservation of the sport and recreation fields at RFK.

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda

Old Business.

  • Lincoln Park Task Force. ANCs 6A and 6B sent a joint letter to the DDOT Director requesting a comprehensive traffic study of the area around Lincoln Park.
  • Capitol Hill Open Streets on June 28, 2025.

New Business. 

  • 1100 block of Atlas Court NE. Councilmember Allen’s recent newsletter highlighted speed bumps added to alleys to help slow drivers at sidewalk crossings. Several TSIs have requested similar treatment to this alley.
  • DDOT’s Strategic Bike Plan. The DDOT team on this reported they would like to join our committee to discuss the process but  cannot make the June meeting.

Wednesday, June 18

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

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about: 

Tuesday, June 17

Ward 6 FY26 Budget Town Hall hosted by CM Charles Allen.  6:00pm – 7:30pm. 

Hill Center.  For more info and to RSVP, go here: https://bit.ly/443z35I

Saturday, June 21

Celebration of the Summer Solstice at the National Museum of the American Indian.  10:00am – 10:00pm.

Enjoy activities for all ages throughout the day: art making, music performances, and gallery talks.  https://s.si.edu/4e6B5W7

Sunday, June 22.   

Hill Center Event.  5:00pm – 7:00pm.  

Sea Shanties Featuring Celebrated Canadian Musician Seán Dagher. 

$20 | For tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/443rAmb

Seán is an active performer, arranger, and composer of music from various folk and classical music traditions: Celtic, Baroque, Medieval, Arabic, French-Canadian, and Maritime.

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June 12, 2025 · 12:22 pm

Suspected Serial Arsonist Returns to St. Joseph’s Church

Suspected Serial Arsonist Returns to St. Joseph’s Church

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 12, 2025

A video image of a suspect in Walter Alley behind St. Joseph’s Church. Video image from a St. Joseph Church neighbor’s security camera. 

Image of construction materials blazing early on Wednesday morning. Video image from a St. Joseph Church neighbor’s security camera. 

Early Wednesday morning, a suspected serial arsonist who has been setting fires on Capitol Hill since March struck the area near St. Joseph’s Church on 3rd and D Streets, NE, a second time.

ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt announced at the Wednesday night meeting of ANC6C that a pile of construction material belonging to Hillsdale College was set on fire in Walter Alley behind the church.  According to an NBC4 news report, the fire was one of four set overnight by a person who police suspect has been behind a series of some 35 fires set on Capitol Hill this spring.

MPD is seeking a person of interest who was arrested in May after FMES observed him lighting a trash can fire near Barney Circle.  That person, as reported by NBC News4 in a related television news report Wednesday night, is 50-year-old Mohammad Al-Rashidi, who investigators believe is experiencing homelessness.  The photo below is from a mug shot taken after his arrest in May. 

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mohammad Al-Rashidi.

According to NBC 4, charges were dropped in May after prosecutors determined they did not have enough evidence to pursue the case.  According to Wirt, a church parishioner saw the man on Wednesday around 11am sitting on a wall at the side of the church who also said that a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Wirt says, “Police ask if we see this (person) to not approach him but call 911 and keep an eye on where he is or what direction he goes so police can find him.”

Most of the fires have caused minor damage, but in May, a suspicious fire destroyed the car of St. Joseph’s pastor, the Rev. William H. Gurnee, which was parked in the garage behind the church.  The church is at 2nd and C Street, NE, catty corner from the Senate Hart Office Building.  Fire officials fear that one of the blazes could spread to a residence and result in loss of life or property. 

FEMS encourages the public to reach out using 202-673-27766 (ARSON) (not a typo) or submit information online https://fmhotline.femsdc.com/HotlineForm   Tips can be anonymous.

(To follow Capitol Hill Corner from a smart phone, go to https://capitolhillcorner.org/  Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the blue “Follow” button.  There is no charge, advertising or subscription fee and you can unfollow at any time.  You will automatically receive an email link for every post.  To unfollow, go to the same blue tab which will now say “Following,” and click it again.) 

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June 10, 2025 · 4:46 pm

Latest Update on East Capitol Weed Issue

Latest Update on East Capitol Weed Issue

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 10, 2025

On Tuesday afternoon, Council member Charles Allen sent an update to neighbors of the proposed retail weed establishment at 421 East Capitol.

In his message, Allen shared that, in a meeting with ABCA, the property owner and tenant agreed to remove the sign and alter the name of their establishment, which did not match the alcohol license renewal application.  In the meeting, ABCA emphasized that the new business could not sell or gift cannabis—nor could they apply for a medical cannabis license, owing to zoning.  ABCA emphasized they would enforce the letter of the law.

During the meeting, the tenant and business owner declared a desire to “only to sell groceries, beer and wine if the license is approved, and they’d like to sell cigarettes and cigars.”  Based on the original name and choice of sign, Allen expressed “strong skepticism.” 

The ABCA is preparing a memorandum of these events for their Board to consider when reviewing the liquor application of the business owner.

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June 10, 2025 · 12:18 pm

Editorial:  My Verdict on the Stadium Deal

by Larry Janezich

Posted:  June 10, 2025

RFK Stadium. Photo: DC Events

Editorial:  My Verdict on the Stadium Deal

Development of the RFK Stadium site is like building a small city:  a vast, waterfront parcel in the heart of the capital. 

Contrary to Mayor Bowser’s public assertions, the legislation transferring ownership of the site to DC does not require the construction of a stadium.

Then why build one?

Some people will always be against a stadium.  Citing the missed chance to redevelop this parcel as mixed-use development, Greater Greater Washington calculates an “opportunity cost” totaling $3.3 billion over the course of the next 30 years.  Other opponents regard the NFL as an abomination, or maybe an enormous NFL stadium which stands empty and idle most of the year as a bad investment of taxpayer dollars.

Likewise, some people will always support a stadium on this site, particularly one that returns the Washington Commanders to DC.  Presumably Mayor Bowser numbers among this group, given the remarkably poor deal she negotiated with the Commanders.

Setting aside these two ends of a spectrum, I’d guess that most people fall somewhere in between.  This editorial is directed to them, particularly to Capitol Hill/Hill East residents. 

A Stadium, But Not on These Terms

It is not surprising to learn that the city will be on the hook for the “horizontal” costs, or the necessary infrastructure improvements, entailed in stadium construction.

But the term sheet presented by Mayor Bowser also includes a taxpayer subsidy for “vertical” costs:  stadium construction ($500 million) and parking garages ($356 million).  Somewhat lost in the outcry over this direct subsidy to billionaires are the indirect costs of the deal, including the property tax that the city will waive for the developers; the sales tax that will be collected but won’t go to the District; and the interest payments on bonds that the city will need to carry to complete this project.

Rather than defend the terms of a poorly negotiated deal, Mayor Bowser has done her best to ramrod it through the Council as currently written.  According to the term sheet, an “exclusive negotiation period” between the District and Commanders will expire by July 15 – or it will expire if the Council makes any significant changes to the term sheet.  According to Greater Greater Washington, Council chair Phil Mendelson “is signaling” that he will let the deadline pass so the Council could review the deal properly and insist on better terms.  After all, to consider the baseball field, the Council had 11 months; the Council discussed the deal on Audi Field for 7 months. 

DC has suffered enough of high-handed treatment of late.  It’s a shame that, in this, her legacy-making move, Mayor Bowser has decided to treat the Council with such contempt.  As it currently stands, given that the Mayor has tied the stadium deal to the budget, the Council cannot even hold a hearing focused only on the RFK stadium deal.

A Stadium, But Not at This Time

Regardless of the fate of the national economy, DC is now headed for a localized recession, owing to the devastating employment effects of the Trump Administration’s cuts to the federal government.

Recently, in the wake of these cuts, Moody’s downgraded DC’s bond-rating, meaning that a stadium constructed under the Trump administration will cost more than one built under an administration run by Kamala Harris. 

More important, even if Congress passes DC’s Local Budget restoring the city’s money, the city still faces an enormous budget shortfall – meaning, there will be steep cuts to city government. 

In her just-released budget, Mayor Bowser has shifted some payments to next fiscal year and declared a hiring freeze in an attempt to blunt the effects of this shortfall.  But already a new DC jail is gone from the budget. Notably, the Council has shunted aside the Mayor’s economic forecast for the stadium and commissioned their own.  

Amid turmoil and retrenchment, it is difficult to say what this stadium will “cost” the city in terms of what is defunded as a result of its construction. 

A Stadium, But One That Works for the Neighborhood

Economic research demonstrates that stadiums do not generate “new” growth or revenue.  In the best-case scenario, they just focus growth on a certain location. 

Stadiums might be worthwhile if they are used to kickstart the revitalization of a particular neighborhood, but, even then, there exists a very real danger of overreach.  An astonishing number of empty storefronts currently surround Capital One Arena, a more active stadium located in a much more commercial neighborhood.  Public officials assured us that the keeping the Leonsis’ teams and a promised stadium renovation would bring tenants back; so far, that hasn’t happened.

By and large, Hill East is not a neighborhood in need of revitalization.  The kinds of things that Hill East might need or want would be best served by a mixed-use development, not a stadium. 

In light of just what little purpose a stadium can serve, the hulking parking garages planned under the current term sheet are an affront to the neighborhood.  No stadium in the heart of a city built in the 21st century should be based on automobile traffic.  In this and in other respects – particularly in regard to the environment – the Mayor has declined to seize this opportunity to construct a stadium of the future. 

Instead, she wants to build a 20th century stadium while the city strains under the weight of a 19th century presidency. 

My Verdict on the Stadium Deal

In more stable times, the case for stadium construction would be stronger, particularly given the fact that the city has slow-walked Phase II of the Reservation 13 development, effectively tying its fate to RFK. 

At this time, facing the Trump administration, a strong case could be made for RFK redevelopment without a stadium, which would create new housing and neighborhood resources, generating growth and revenue. 

In more stable times, the case for a stadium would be stronger if it were a 21st century stadium that better harmonized with the surrounding neighborhood.

But it is bad luck for the Commanders ownership that their bid for a new stadium coincides with a crisis moment in DC history, the likes of which I have not seen since the 1980s. 

The only way to make the case for an NFL stadium at RFK at this particular moment is if the public subsidy for vertical construction is reduced to $0; the DC Local Budget Autonomy Act passes Congress and is signed by the President before the DC City Council votes on the stadium deal; and the stadium development makes better use of public transportation and green technology.

Maybe the DC City Council will move the dial on the public subsidy and a more imaginative development, both of which are under their control.  But the Commanders’ owners, who profess to love DC, would do well to pledge the necessary resources to move Republicans in Congress to respect our city a little more. 

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June 9, 2025 · 12:58 pm

East Capitol Weed Shop Proposal Runs Aground on City Regs

East Capitol Weed Shop Proposal Runs Aground on City Regs

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 9, 2025

East Capitol Weed Shop Proposal Runs Aground on City Regs

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 9, 2025

Well, this didn’t take long.  After receiving more than 50 emails since yesterday, this morning CM Charles Allen updated constituents on the proposed weed shop on East Capitol.  The update came, he said, after a conversation with Fred Moosally, the head of DC’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA). 

The bottom line is that ABCA confirmed:

  • “There has been no cannabis retailer application filed for this address. Any sales taking place would be illegal and ABCA will have investigators looking into this.
  • The signage (in particular, the cartoon marijuana leaf with a rolled joint) is not allowed with our laws for cannabis retailer advertising.  ABCA will be following up on that.
  • Even if there was a license application and the signs were lawful, this location and property is zoned residential, so DC law does not allow a cannabis retailer here anyway. They will not be allowed to open as a legal and lawful business. And if they try to operate as an illegal business, ABCA has the tools necessary to close them down and even padlock the doors.”

Allen also said that ABCA has not approved the request to renew the retail liquor license and the Board will be apprised of the issue and the findings of the ABCA investigation before considering the renewal.  He credited ANC6B Commissioner, Jerry Sroufe, for being active on this and for pushing ABCA to recognize the potential change in this store from their previous presentation and commitments to the ANC.

Allen added, “What we’ve seen is a clear departure from what this business proposed to the ANC, ABCA, and to the community.  It’s bad faith and I will work to make sure that ABCA and the Executive agencies follow through on their commitments to us.”

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June 8, 2025 · 11:15 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 8, 2025

St. Georges Boulangerie Update – Here’s a hopeful sign: the arrival of new equipment waiting to be installed at the forthcoming French Bakery at 7th and C Streets, SE, across from Eastern Market.  There hasn’t been much progress on the build out inside, though the demolition work is well underway.  A fall opening looks more likely than one hoped for this summer.

Pasha Castle Arrives at 615 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – The Mediterranean dessert shop serving Turkish and Lebanese sweets and savories opened last Monday.  Among menu items:  chocolate crepe, pistachio ice cream, kaake sandwiches (sesame coated soft bread with cheese or turkey), caramel latte frappe, baklava milkshake, ten infusions, hot chocolate and hot and cold coffees.  Here are some photos.

And here’s an Instagram link for the site of the main restaurant at 3279 M Street, NW:  https://www.instagram.com/pashacastle/

Lavender Retreat Wellness Center Celebrates:  Farther down Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, at number 1236, Lavender Retreat is celebrating its 10th Anniversary.  Founder and CEO Jaime Bohl says she strives to mold Lavender Retreat into a world-class alternative health organization offering massage and acupuncture therapies,  Chakra balancing, Reiki healing, and Naturapathic healing.  Here’s a link to the website:  https://www.lavenderretreat.com/

ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee met last week.  Resident member and former commissioner Corey Holman (top center) is stepping down as Committee chair as he is relocating.  Commissioner Vince Marino (top left) will fill in as chair until a new Chair can be elected.

The ANC6B Transportation Committee chaired by commissioner Karen Hughes (top center) also met last week.  Residents continue to express unhappiness about the up-coming June 28 Open Streets Event which anticipates closing North Carolina Avenue SE between 6th and 11th Streets SE, East Capitol SE, as well as Massachusetts Avenue between 13th and 17th Street SE from 7am until 5pm.  No vehicles will be allowed on or to cross the route at any time.  One block north and south of the route will also be closed except to residents of those blocks.  Parking will not be allowed on any of the segments from 12am to 5pm on Saturday.

Triple Candies is back with the June installation in the space formerly occupied by the Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. This month’s offering references the DC World Pride celebration.  Triple Candie is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett.  Their purpose is to create alternative exhibition methods making that the object of critical focus rather than what is displayed (which for the most part does not include original artworks).

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 8, 2025

The Week Ahead…

Highlight: 

  • Tuesday:  ANC7D meeting.  Topic: RFK development and Community Benefits Agreement.

Monday, June 9

ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce Meets at 7:00pm In Person Only) POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 16. 

  • This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm. 

  • Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

Among items on the draft Agenda:

  • Renovation Update from DCPL
  • Arthur Capper and Public Hearing on 06/10/2025

Tuesday, June 10

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

  • This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
  • For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:

  • Mayor Bowser’s Deputy Chief of Staff Steve Walker to make a presentation regarding Mayor Bowser’s FY26 budget.

Plenary Session: 

Resolution Against Military Parade on President Trump’s Birthday.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee License Renewals

  • National Republican Club of Capitol Hill, 300 First Street SE.
  • Tunnicliff’s Tavern, 222 7th Street SE. 
  • Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
  • Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
  • Pacci’s, 106 13th Street SE.
  • The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee New Applications

  • ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Application for new Class CRestaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements;
  • Garden Hill LLC, 1322 G Street SE; Application for new Medical Cannabis Retailer license with Delivery endorsement; Protest Hearing Deadline: June 30, 2025.

Protests/Other Updates

Protests/Other Updates

  • ALOHA cannabis dispensary (protested, application dismissed, seeking reinstatement).
  • Café 8 (Extended to 06/30/2025).
  • Ambar (Currently Protesting).
  • Taste Budz (Currently Protesting).
  • Ted’s Bulletin (Extended to 07/21/2025).
  • Acqua al 2 – Status, Protest Hearing.

Transportation Committee

  • 1500 Block of L St: Need for speed humps and other safety measures.
  • Bus stop removal planned at E Cap & 6th SE.
  • Ives Pl construction project – operating without permits.
  • Report:  Follow-up on CVS loading/unloading situation.

Planning and Zoning Committee

  • 730 Rear 11th St SE

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • ANC 7D Commission-Led RFK Campus Proposal Discussion.
    • Receive Feedback from Commissioners.
    • Receive Feedback from ANC 7D Community Members.
    • Consider Request from Councilmember Felder’s Office on Community Benefit Priorities.
  • Commissioner SMD Reports.
  • Transportation/Public Space Committee.
    • Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC 7D issue a resolution that “appropriate DC government agencies should develop new parking facilities on the RFK campus in a manner that neither impedes access to recreational areas along the Anacostia River for neighborhoods that adjoin the campus nor disproportionately contributes to an increase of vehicular trafficin these same neighborhoods. Additionally, parking facilities should not interfere with potential location of additional Metro.

Wednesday, June 11

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting.

Among items on the draft agenda:  

  • Commissioner announcements.
  • DC agency informational announcements,  Department of Aging and Community Living; DDOT study, driver signage to slow speeds of MBT micro-mobility users.

Plenary agenda.

  • Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee.
    • Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, 175 L Street NE, renewal, entertainment summer garden.
  • Transportation and Public Space Committee.
    • Requests for Resident Only Parking in NE, 100 block 4th Street, unit block 5th Street, 100 block 5th Street, 600 block 7th Street, 700 block 7th Street, 300 block Maryland Ave.
    • ANC 6A request to support bus priority routes.
    • 1232 4th Street NE, TOPS, paving, curb, gutter, sidewalks.
  • Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee.
    • 424 7th Street NE, special exception from rear-yard requirements to demolish a two-story rear addition and construct a two-story addition with basement.
    • 406 7th Street NE, special exceptions from rear-yard and lot occupancy requirements to demolish a two-story rear porch and replace with an enlarged two-story with cellar enclosed rear addition to a three-story with cellar principal dwelling unit.
    • 605 Constitution Ave. NE, Concept approval to construct a third-story addition to an existing one-story row dwelling with a two-story addition.

Thursday, June 12

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 regarding Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget – Mr. Stephen Miller, Chief Technology Officer, Government of the District of Columbia. 

Consent Agenda

  • Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the renewal of a Class C restaurant license for Focus DC 1348 H Street NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached and that the ANC Chair and Vice Chair and the ABC Chair represent the ANC in this matter.
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to ABRA supporting a stipulated Class C restaurant license for Feru at 1128 H Street NE.
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A renegotiate the settlement agreement with Montana Liquors at 710 H Street NE and that ANC Chair and Vice Chair and the ABC Chair represent the ANC in this matter.
  • Transportation and Public Space
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support and suggested modifications to DDOT NOI regarding the 800 & 900 blocks of West Virginia Avenue NE. 
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to the Mayor, City Administrator, Deputy Mayor for Economic Planning and Development, DDOT, and Council Member Charles Allen in support of the H Street NE bus priority lanes. 
  • Economic Development and Zoning
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A withhold support for the pending request for a zoning map amendment for the property at 1000-1014 H Street NE to rezone the property from the current NMU-4/H-R zone to the NMU-5/H-R zone, subject to letters of support and coming to a draft agreement/acceptable MOU with the residential neighbors.  
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for use variance and special exception on parking requirements to allow a seasonal outdoor patio at 1382 East Capitol Street, NE; Della Barba Pizza, LLC.
  • Transportation and Public Space.
    • Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they include TSI 2500296033 concerning the 900 block of A Street NE in future quarterly prioritizations.

Standing Committee Reports

  • Economic Development and Zoning
    • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A draft a letter to be sent to the DC Council regarding its concerns about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget. The draft letter will be placed on the July 2025 ANC 6A meeting agenda to allow for community input and a vote by the Commission.

ANC6D Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About: 

Monday, June 9, 6:00-7:00pm

Events DC Quarterly Meeting (Virtual)

Go here to register for the meeting:  https://bit.ly/3HxIj9t

Friday, June 13, 5:00pm – 630pm.

Metro Plaza Friday Night Live

The “Original” Moonlighters:  Since 1990, The Moonlighters have been performing throughout the United States as one of the country’s best-loved and most authentic Motown and variety dance bands.

Saturday, June 14, 9:30am – 12:30pm. 

Eastern Market Metro Park & Barracks Row Walking Tour:  Starting at the park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) Barracks Row Main Street hosts this walking tour to explore the vibrant neighborhood filled with historic sites, shops, and eateries.

Free.  Tickets here:  https://bit.ly/4kP03eQ  

Sunday, June 15, 1:00pm. 

Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses: Sunday.  Starting at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave. SE), the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse.  One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the great fire horses, which assisted in fire responses before firetrucks came to be. DC Fire and EMS Department, in partnership with the Friendship Fire Association and the DC Fire & EMS Foundation, will re-enact the historic ceremonial Last Run of the Horses, using a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine. You can cheer on the procession from Rumsey to Lincoln Park, and then join the small reception at the park. 

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June 8, 2025 · 10:43 pm

Weed Shop Eyes East Capitol Location

Weed Shop Eyes East Capitol Site

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 8, 2025

The former Congress Market at 421 East Capitol SE.

Signage appeared Saturday, June 7, on the former Congress Market at 421 East Capitol SE, indicating it intends to open as a cannabis dispensary.  Neighbors are up in arms at the prospect and a lot of them sent emails of protest to CM Charles Allen and ANC6B.   

It didn’t take Allen long to respond, despite it being a weekend, let alone a Sunday. 

As it turns out, it does not appear that the owners of the shop have begun the process of applying for a license to dispense medical marijuana.  The expectation in the neighborhood has been that the former corner store would reopen as just that.  The owners had applied and the ANC had supported the application to renew the store’s previous retail alcohol beverage license – but this has nothing to do with the sale or gifting of cannabis.  Word spread that the renewal might come up tomorrow, June 9, at an Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) hearing, and neighbors felt blind-sided, feeling that they had lost an opportunity to protest and would have had they suspected the intent to open a dispensary.   

Sunday morning Allen reached out to Fred Moosally the head of ABCA to apprise him of the issue and the illegal signage.  Moosally, he said, will flag the property for inspection and alert the ABCA Board of the pending application for the alcohol license renewal.  Allen told neighbors in an email, “I’ll work to get more information from (Moosally) this week and follow-up…. This feels like a bad actor trying to open up under false pretenses, not engaging with the community about what it needs and wants, and appears clearly to not be what the neighborhood needs.”

Here’s a link to the ABCA website for additional info:  https://abca.dc.gov/#gsc.tab=0

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June 1, 2025 · 10:22 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 1, 2025

New Gathering Place at Hill Center – The new construction on the grounds of Hill Center will be seating in the round for community gatherings and the Center’s outdoor activities.   According to Hill Center Executive Director Diana Ingraham it will be named in honor of Hill Center visionary John Franzén.  Franzén, who died in 2020, was one of the Center’s founding board members and at one time was president of the Old Naval Hospital Foundation which created Hill Center.  He was also one of the founders of the Ruth Ann Overbeck Capitol Hill History Project. 

Here’s a rendering of the finished project – The pavilion was designed by Oehme, Van Sweden and is expected to be completed in June.  A grand opening is planned for October.  In addition to being remembered as a prominent community benefactor, Franzén had a long career in national politics as a media consultant for Democratic candidates, and progressive environmental groups and education organizations. 

CM Charles Allen’s Community Office Hours – Friday morning, CM Charles Allen held community office hours at The Roost on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  A contingent of Hill East residents showed up with questions about RFK.  David Wyman (center left), who recently purchased a home near RFK told CHC that the biggest concerns of nearby residents are the parking garages cutting connectivity for the neighborhood to the Anacostia River and having large parking structures cannibalize potential development.  He said that retail and commercial businesses and more housing should not come at the expense of parking.”  (That’s ANC7D commissioner Ebony Payne in the orange top with back to camera.) 

Update on Saint-Georges boulangerie near Eastern Market – A source familiar with the status of the development of the new French bakery told CHC that the project is back on track after getting temporarily derailed by an unreliable architect and a burdensome permitting process.  New equipment is scheduled to arrive this week and the owners hope to open this summer – though it would not be surprising to see that slip into early fall. 

The Flying Mexican on Barracks Row – The former Playa Ocho at 514 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row, is morphing into The Flying Mexican.  The space has been occupied by a series of Mexican food restaurant since its days as the home of Capitol Video Sales.

Consulting Firm Will Move to Barracks Row – Speaking of Oehme, Van Sweden, here is a pair of photos of the landscaping firm’s former offices at 800 G Street, SE, and the status of the conversion into the new headquarters for the DC consulting firm, Capital Group, founded by Curtis Porter in 2011. 

Friday Night Live on Eastern Market Metro Plaza – Friday night, dancers performed the Lion Dance on the Eastern Market Metro Plaza as part of Barracks Row Main Streets’ celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  Photo:  Deborah Hernandez

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 2

ANC6D will hold an administrative meeting at 7:00pm to set the agenda for the meeting of the full commission on Monday, June 16.

  • Please contact the office at 6D@anc.dc.gov if you wish to have a link to view the Admin meeting.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

MPD 1st District Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting, 6:00pm – 7:15pm.

Among items on the agenda: 

  • Capital Jewish Museum Terrorism attack.
  • 3rd Street to 14th Street, NE safety concerns.
  • G Street to K Street, NE safety concerns.
  • H Street, NE crime and drug concerns.
  • Burglaries, carjackings, stolen auto, and homicide follow-up.
  • Policing 14th Place, 15th Street NE, and other areas update.
  • 15th and independence Avenue, SE update.
  • North Capitol Street, NE/NW.
  • ANC commissioners and Bloc Association’s input. 
  • Business and residents comments.

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:

RENEWALS

  • National Republican Club of Capitol Hill Inc. t/a Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street SE; Renewal of Class C Club License.   
  • Tunnicliff’s Tavern, 222 7th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant License with Sidewalk Café Endorsement.
  • Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Renewal of Class D Restaurant License.
  • Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant License.
  • The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.

NEW APPLICATIONS

  • ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Application for new Class C Restaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements.

PROTESTS/Other Updates

  • ALOHA (protested, dismissed, seeking reinstatement).  
  • Café Bistro MED t/a Café 8 (Extended to 06/30/2025).
  • Ambar (Currently Protesting) (6B03) Roll-Call Hearing 06/09/2025.
  • Taste Budz (Currently Protesting) (6B02) Roll-Call Hearing 06/09/2025.
  • Ted’s Bulletin (Extended to 07/21/2025) (6B03).
  • Acqua al 2 Protest Hearing Scheduled for June 3rd, 2025.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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

Agenda:

  • Invitation for presentation from new DDOT Community Liaison, Keith Jones (TBC).
  • 1500 Block of L St: Need for speed humps and other safety measures
  • Bus stop removal planned at E Cap & 6th SE.
  • Ives Place construction project – operating without permits.
  • Follow-up on CVS loading/unloading situation in 6B03.
  • Solicit Questions for DDOT Director July Presentation to Full ANC.

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Committee will how a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

Among items on the Draft Agenda:

  • 424 7th Street, NE:  Zoning Adjustment – Expedited-review application for a special exception from the rear-yard requirements to demolish an existing two-story rear addition and construct  a two-story with basement rear addition on an existing semi-detached two-story with basement. 
  • 406 7th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the rear-yard requirements and a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements of to demolish the existing two-story rear porch and replace with an enlarged two-story with cellar enclosed rear addition to a semi-detached three-story with cellar.
  • 605 Constitution Avenue, NE.  Historic Preservation for concept approval to construct a third-floor addition to an existing one-story row dwelling with two-story addition.

Thursday, June 5

ANC6B June Planning & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

  • 730 Rear 11th Street, SE.
  • Discussion on Next P&Z Committee Chair.

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

Agenda:  TBA  See here:  https://anc6c.org/committees/transportation-and-public-space-committee/

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