Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezicch

Posted July 27, 2025

Last September, the former Capitol Valet at 801 East Capitol Street was being transformed into the GW Club.  A sign – with the George Washington University logo – said, “A private club:  Invitation only for members and guests.” 

Plans appear to have changed or the club has gone incognito, as evidenced by the disappearance of the signage. 

The City Council holds two days of hearings – Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30 – on the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025.”  See “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know” below.  

Update on the $33 million  renovation of SE Library.  Here’s an image of construction underway on the South Carolina Avenue side of the Library. 

Here’s a rendering of how it will look upon completion.  The Library is scheduled to re-open mid-2026. 

Here’s an image of the fill in and new construction on the D Street side of the project. 

And the view from 7th and D Streets, SE.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 28

ANC6B SE Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.

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

• Virtual Option is Available:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:  TBA

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

• Announcements and Reminders:
• People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean-Ups in 6A01
• Recruitment and Outreach 
• Public Safety Discussion
• In-Person meeting (during FY26)

Wednesday, July 30

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm in North Hall, Eastern Market.

• Virtual option available:  TBA

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, July 31

Councilmember Charles Allen holds Community Office Hours at 5:00pm at Spin Time Records, 613 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Suite 2 upstairs.  Note that the shop is on the second floor, which requires being able to walk up one flight of stairs.

For more on Spin Time Records, go here and scroll down:  https://bit.ly/3TWTPyf

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Reminder – The Fridge Launches Bid to Reopen – When The Fridge closed in 2023, Barracks Row lost its most interesting business.  According to founder Alex Goldstein, the underground gallery helped start the careers of over 1,000 artists in addition to being a gathering space for those often left out of the traditional art world.  Now Goldstein – in partnership with Shaymar Higgs of The SPACE Free Art For All – has launched a GoFundMe to make reopening of The Fridge in 2026 a realty.  Go here for more information and to donate:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/thefridgedc   

This current view of The Fridge features Alicia “Decoy” Cosnahan’s last mural on the walls of The Fridge after it closed.  The image is the centerpiece of a larger work by several artists, including Taxi Gang, a tag used by Goldstein.

Thursday, July 31

Library of Congress Event:  8:00pm – 10:00pm. 

Summer Movies on the Lawn: “The Muppet Movie” (1979)

Thomas Jefferson Building, Southeast Lawn

LOC hosts a screening of “The Muppet Movie” (1979), starring Jim Henson. It has become a staple in American pop culture.

Part of the Library’s “Summer Movies on the Lawn,” this series showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry and will be presented on Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue.

No tickets are required, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Visitors must stay with their items on the lawn at all times. Guests may bring their own blankets, chairs, food and beverages, but alcohol is prohibited.

Restrooms are available in the James Madison Building located at 101 Independence Ave SE. Please be advised, visitors must navigate U.S. Capitol Police security screening to enter the building to use the facilities. Restrooms in this building are fully accessible.

Themed snacks and drinks will be available for sale before the movie begins.

Tuesday, July 29, at 10:00am and Wednesday July 30, at 10:00am.

City Council hearing on the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025”

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

The hearing will be conducted in two parts. The first part will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 for public witness testimony.  The second part will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 for testimony from the Executive and representatives of the Washington Commanders football team. To join live coverage of the hearing, go here:  https://bit.ly/45v0qW7

Souk Spices & Pastries at 705 8th Street, SE.

Souk Closes on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 22, 2025

Souk, the boutique bakery and patisserie which opened February 5, 2015, has closed its doors on Barracks Row.  The following notice appeared on social media.  “Dear Friends.  Our time on Barracks Row has come to an end.  Look out for news about our new retail location soon.”

Souk Spices & Pastries opened in February, 2015, in the space at 705 8th Street, SE, previously occupied by Hello Cupcake. 

Store owner Winnette McIntosh Ambrose also owned The Sweet Lobby, which opened June 2011 and closed in the post-pandemic retail slowdown.  Maman Joon’s Kitchen opened in the space last April. 

Winnette McIntosh Ambrose and her brother Timothy, both graduated from MIT with degrees in chemical engineering and decided to pursue the development of a bakery sideline into multiple outlets.  The decision to expand came after the pair won a first place prize on the reality television series Cupcake Wars. 

The Week Ahead…The Fridge Launches Bid to Reopen & Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 20, 2025

The Fridge Launches Bid to Reopen – When The Fridge closed in 2023, Barracks Row lost its most interesting business.  According to founder Alex Goldstein, the underground gallery helped start the careers of over 1,000 artists in addition to being a gathering space for those often left out of the traditional art world.  Now Goldstein – in partnership with Shaymar Higgs of The SPACE Free Art For All – has launched a GoFundMe to make reopening of The Fridge in 2026 a realty.  Go here for more information and to donate:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/thefridgedc  

This current view of The Fridge features Alicia “Decoy” Cosnahan’s last mural on the walls of The Fridge after it closed.  The image is the centerpiece of a larger work by several artists, including Taxi Gang, a tag used by Goldstein. 

Celebrating Mary McLeod Bethune – On Saturday, July 12, the National Park Service hosted Mary McLeod Bethune’s 150th Birthday Celebration in Lincoln Park.  Mary McLeod Bethune July 10, 1875 – May 18, 1955).  

This image was not from that event – it’s from July 4^th.  But it powerfully reflects her spirit and influence as an educator, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist.  Bethune became the first Black woman to lead a federal agency when she was appointed by President Franklin Roosevelt as the Secretary to lead the National Youth Association.  In 1932, she was appointed as a national advisor and worked with Roosevelt to create the Federal Council on Colored Affairs, also known as the Black Cabinet.  The 1974 statue as the first monument to honor an African American and a woman in a public park in Washington, D.C. as the Black Cabinet. 

Circling Back to the Former Congress Market – To recap, signage appeared Saturday, June 7, on the former Congress Market at 421 East Capitol SE, which led neighbors to fear the store intended to open as a cannabis dispensary.  Neighbors protested to CM Charles Allen and ANC6B.  At the request of Allen, ABCA investigated and told the owners that signs depicting cannabis symbols violated city regulations.  The business owners claimed it was all a mistake – that their intent was to open a business selling cannabis paraphernalia – however, in the six weeks since the sign was painted over, there has been little evidence of activity at the site. 

Here’s how it looks today.

Here’s a Little Library on 4^th Street, NE:   “Libraries and Justice for All.”

And here’s Triple Candies’ latest installation in the space in the front of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, featuring a 1972 quote by George McGovern. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 21

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://www.anc6d.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106)

• Community Announcements (1 minute per speaker, please contact us 48 hours in advance)  
• Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)  
• Commissioner Announcements
• Community Concerns (3 minutes per speaker, please send request 48 hours in advance)
• Consent Agenda
  • ABC Matters  
• Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application:  Will the ANC support this application for 1224 Carrollsburg Place?
• Consideration of an ANC Letter regarding the Better Bus reorganization
• SMD Updates
• Chairperson’s Report

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee 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:

• DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum will join the committee to discuss H Street Transit Priority, Streetcar plans, sidewalk safety and accessibility and other transportation issues affecting the neighborhood.

Tuesday, July 22

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee meeting  CANCELLED

Wednesday, July 23

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

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Thursday, Juyly 24

Rescheduled: ANC6B’s Parks and Public Spaces Task Force will hold an in person meeting at 7:00pm.

The meeting will be held on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The entrance is next to the Trader Joe’s. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Dogs Off-leash in Parks.
• Open Public School Playgrounds.
• Park Identification Process (and “adoptions” by committee members).
• Adoption of Mission Statement, Working Procedures.
• Rumsey Pool Rebuild.
• Throne Restroom on Eastern Market Metro Park.
• Garfield Park and Underpass Update.
• Signage in Garfield Park.
• Open Streets Review.
• Future agenda items?   Thoughts on furthering work of the Committee?

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

CM Charles Allen hosts the annual Ward 6 Week.   Join Councilmember Charles Allen from Sunday, July 27, through Saturday, Aug. 2, for a week of fun, free activities highlighting all our community has to offer.  Here’s a link to the full schedule:  https://bit.ly/3GzHz3J

For Sunday, July 27

• CM Allen and his staff kick off Ward 6 Week with a Pop-Up at the Spray Park and Playground: 10 to 11 a.m. at Eastern Market Metro Park (800 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). 

• (Registration Full) – LGBTQ+ Cemetery Tour: 1 p.m. at the Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St. SE).

• Cake in the Park!: 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Garfield Park (1-299 South Carolina Ave. SE).  Enjoy delicious cake with your neighbors in the park! It’s simple: Sign up to bring a cake of your choosing (bake, buy, or convince a loved one to make one), BYO plate and utensils, and eat your heart out. Thanks to our event partner, Friends of Garfield Park!

Thursday, July 24 – 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Summer Movies on the Lawn at Library of Congress: “Spy Kids” (2001).  Free.

Where:  Thomas Jefferson Building – Southeast Lawn

Join us for a screening of “Spy Kids” (2001) starring Antonio Banderas as Gregorio Cortez.

For more and to register, go here:  https://bit.ly/4lEndpf

Saturday, July 26 – 7:00pm

Folger Library – Members $20/Non-members $25

Join us on Saturday, for our next “Cocktails and Conversation” with writer, culinary historian, and educator Michael W. Twitty, who has appeared on the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods America with Andrew Zimmerman, Hulu’s Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, and Netflix’s High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.

For more and to purchase tickets, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/cocktails-convo-michael-twitty/

Neighbors Protest Weed Shop on Kid Friendly Block

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 15, 2025

Blue placards in the window announce the application for a medical marijuana license for Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE. The location is in a mixed residential/commercial block.

Here’s the view to the north, across the alley from 313 8th.

Directly across the street is the Boneval, a 40 unit condo building.

Neighbors Protest Weed Shop on Kid Friendly Block

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 15, 2025

ANC6A’s July meeting last Thursday night became contentious during consideration of an  application for a medical marijuana license for Proper Exotic Dispensary at 313 8th Street, NE. 

Proper Exotic originally applied for a license last year and ANC6A voted to protest the application.  One of the Proper Exotic partners unilaterally withdrew the application.  Subsequently, the other partner retained legal counsel McGowan and Kinner to reinstate the application.  The Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) agreed to the appeal which initiated a new opportunity for ANC6A (and ANC6C as an affected party) to protest again.

Community members in attendance at the on-line meeting were overwhelmingly opposed to a medical marijuana dispensary coming to the location.  Although the building is zoned for mixed use, it is in close proximity to residences and a day care center and close proximity to other venues providing services for children.

A few residents voiced support for the owner saying effectively that under the law opening a dispensary in a properly zoned location was a matter of right. 

Several neighbors expressed concerns over safety issues, with some saying the dispensary will be a target for a potential robbery and that it will become a focus for a gathering of users who will consume cannabis products nearby which the business will be unable to regulate. 

Meredith Kinner of Kinner & McGowan suggested because ABCA security requirements for the business, Proper Exotic “will probably enhance the security of the neighborhood rather than detract,” and given the risks presented by a 7-11 which was formerly nearby, a dispensary is “5000% safer and more secure….”   

ANC6C Commissioner Jay Adelstein who represents a Single Member District in ANC6C which is across the street from 313 8^th Street, added his voice to those of the opponents, adding that ANC6C had voted to protest the application earlier in the week. 

ANC6A Commissioner Roberta Shapiro, speaking for temporarily-absent Commissioner Amber Gove, said that proximity to a day care center is not grounds for issuing a license, but is grounds for protesting the application.  Kinner said flatly, “That is not correct,” and later offered a link in the chat to support her claim. 

Summing up before the vote, legal counsel John McGowan said their goal was to work with the ANC to get a Settlement Agreement to satisfy concerns of the community.  The alternative, he said, was to go to protest and if the ANC loses, there will be no Settlement Agreement and the dispensary will open without one.  He said he hoped to continue negotiations with the ANC. 

The ANC subsequently voted to protest the application by a unanimous vote of 7-0. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 13, 2025

Update on St. Georges Boulangerie.  Saturday morning, July 5, at the prospective French bakery across from Eastern Market, a French flooring installer puts down a base maybe for a tile floor.  The contractor on site says he hopes for completion in two months.  Photo and content credit:  Paul and Eileen Dougherty

Here’s another angle.

Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation (far left), meets with ANC6B last Tuesday night to discuss DDOT projects and programs.

Commissioners had questions related to Capitol Hill traffic concerns and Kershbaum shared her thoughts regarding those concerns.

• Traffic safety concerns around Lincoln Park? – Lincoln Park is not in a high injury corridor upon which DDOT has to focus.  We can tweak conditions and signage to address problems but can’t address concerns in a comprehensive way. 
• Preparation for increased traffic related to redevelopment of RFK site? – We will have lots of engagement on RFK traffic issues but it’s early in the process and DDOT is just getting started. 
• What’s the best way for ANC to interact with the kinds of things you need to hear from us? – Continue being our eyes and ears and boots on the ground in the micro environment.
• Open Streets? – (CM Allen’s legislation is closing down the Open Streets Program).  DDOT is planning for enacting the legislation’s vision for closing select streets in the city for up to 24 hours each week to become pedestrian plazas to create more places like the downtown Holiday Market and Eastern Market in hopes of replicating the Eastern Market’s success in activating street life. 
• Kershbaum also defended DDOT’s record on sidewalk repairs saying the 270 day repair wait time is a meaningless service level because DDOT responds on the basis of how hazardous the sidewalk conditions are and aims to fix very hazardous conditions within days and less hazardous within 60 to 90 days, whereas much fixing less hazardous conditions can stretch into months. 
• She also cited development of a pilot program to replace brick sidewalks with stamped concrete sections.  She was uncertain about the Historic Preservation aspects of that proposal.  

Brent School Renovation.  And so it begins.  Last week, this heavy equipment was photographed demolishing the playground at Brent School – apparently the first step in the forthcoming renovation.  The school is located at 3rd and North Carolina SE. Photo credit:  Bob Gellman

Here’s an architect’s rendering of the finished project.  Demolition will be complete by the end of the year and construction of the new building will begin thereafter.  The raze-and-construction timeline anticipates that the new building will be ready to open in the fall of 2027.

Elbows Up is an expression used in sports like ice hockey and boxing generally meaning someone should be ready for a fight and be prepared to hit back.  This message is being displayed at a house on 10^th Street, SE.  There are plenty of applications, it seems. 

This is worthy of your attention.  Miracle Theater on Barracks Row is showing what many consider one of the greatest films ever made – Citizen Kane.  7:00pm, Wednesday and Friday night,  July 16 and 18. 

The Week Ahead…

Highlight:  Monday:  ANC6B Parks and Public Service Task Force discusses Dogs off-leash in parks and Rumsey Pool rebuild.  See below.

Monday, July 14

ANC6B’s Parks and Public Service Task Force will hold an in person meeting at 7:00pm.

The meeting will be held on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The entrance is next to the Trader Joe’s. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Dogs Off-leash in Parks.
• Open Public School Playgrounds.
• Park Identification Process (and “adoptions” by committee members).
• Adoption of Mission Statement, Working Procedures.
• Rumsey Pool Rebuild.
• Throne Restroom on Eastern Market Metro Park.
• Garfield Park and Underpass Update.
• Signage in Garfield Park.
• Open Streets Review.
• Future agenda items?   Thoughts on furthering work of the Committee?

Wednesday, July 16

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

• For info on how to join the meeting go here:  https://anc6a.org/agendas/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 828 12th Street, NE; The scope of the project is to construct a penthouse with roof deck to an existing, semi-detached, two-story plus basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone. The proposed project would remove a turret to allow for the remodeling of the residential property. The relief requested is for a Special Exception. 
• 628 15th Street NE; The scope of the project is to construct a new, detached, two-story, accessory dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone. The proposed 2-story accessory structure would accommodate a 2bedroom secondary dwelling at the rear of the property. The relief requested is for a Special Exception Pursuant To The minimum vehicle parking requirements.
• 916 D Street NE; The proposed project is to add a front porch to an existing single family dwelling in Zone RF-1. The potential applicant is pursuing zoning relief as a Special Exception re Lot Occupancy. The stated maximum lot occupancy is 60%; the potential applicant is requesting 66%. 

ANC7D Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Monday, July 14

Mayor Bowser to Cut Ribbon on Eastern Market Store at Reagan National Airport.

On Monday, July 14 at 11 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser and District leaders will be joined by partners to officially open the first-ever, government-owned Eastern Market retail store at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.  This event is not open to the public.

The DC Office of Cable Television will provide a live feed of this event. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN), https://bit.ly/4lzgJrK

Tuesday, July 15

Opening:  Capitol Hill Art League Holds Flora & Fauna Show

The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) presents its latest Art Exhibition, themed “Flora and Fauna”, at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) located at 547 7th Street, S.E. Washington, DC, 20003. The show will be on display in the CHAW Gallery, from July 15 through August 22, 2025.  The selected works of art include a wide range of media, including painting, photography and mixed media.

There will be an opening reception from 5:30-7:00 pm, on Saturday, July 19, at CHAW, where juror Sondra N. Arkin, will discuss the selected artist works and award prizes.

Washington D.C. artist, Sondra Arkin’s work explores space, connections, and boundaries in both paintings and sculpture. Her work is exhibited in galleries, museums, private, corporate and public collections here and abroad. http://www.sondranarkin.com 

Ongoing:

Actions to Fight for a Better RFK Stadium Deal

• RFK: Fight for a Better Stadium Deal

• Take Action:  https://www.windc.org/rfkstadium/  

• July 29 Sign up to testify, the Washington Interfaith Network will provide talking points, July 29th https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/927  

• Support a Community Benefits Agreement:  https://chng.it/JBtWyvC82S      

• Kingman Park not Kingman Parking campaign to move/reduce parking garages and add a metro station:  http://kingmanparkdc.com/take-action-on-rfk