Category Archives: Uncategorized

The disputed dumpster on 9th Street, SE.

9th Street Neighbors in Month-Long Dispute with Marines Over Construction Issues

by Larry Janezich

August 13, 2010

The residential neighbors on 9th Street across from the Marine Barracks are up in arms over the restoration and renovation of Building 8 – which runs the length of 9th Street.

After unhappy experiences in recent years with Marine Barracks construction projects, neighbors had pressed the Marines for several years to consult with them before beginning the long-planned Building 8 renovation work. According to the neighbors, the Marines promised to engage with them as late as last winter. In February, the firm-fixed-price contract was awarded to John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Maryland.

On July 7, neighbors were shocked to receive an email saying that commencement of the work on the $20,987,000 two-year project was imminent and demolition would last until mid-December. Neighbors felt blind-sided; according to some who had met with Barracks officials, neighbors had received consistent assurances they would be notified and consulted before anything happened.

Two days later, ACM Services – a contractor for the project – began demolition. Complaints from residents – about noise, dust, blockage of access to street and alley, traffic and safety concerns, working outside of permitted hours, and concern about disposal of asbestos – piled up as neighbors rallied and began an extensive back and forth with the Marines and DC Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Some of the issues were partially addressed by DDOT, but aggrieved neighbors, suffering the sting of feeling misled by the Marines on the underlying issue of consultation, continued to express their concerns.

On July 29, seven 9th Street residents sent a letter to Marine Barracks Commanding Officer, Colonel Teague A. Pastel, formally requesting that all work using 9th Street, SE, for [construction, demolition, debris, removal, and related activities] “immediately cease.” The letter listed the following points in support of the request:

• The noise, neighborhood disruption and street and alley blockages
• The “alarming” level of secrecy surrounding this project

The letter added, that if work must continue, “we respectfully suggest the debris collection and removal process be managed inside the Barracks and windows on the 9th Street side remain closed.

Pastel’s response came the same day. It was reserved, expressing empathy with the neighbors, but not acknowledging a failure to consult. “…we have complied with all federal and city regulations to ensure the project is completed safely and historically correct. “

Pastel offered an apology “… if you feel our work is ‘secretive and inconsiderate,’ because this is not my intent.” He encouraged the group to pursue its request for permits detailing the construction plans through Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). He said, “I also share your disappointment if a contractor is not acting considerately,” but stated that he is not allowed to engage with the workers on issues like this, and again referred neighbors to NAVFAC.

Pastel claimed that ANC6B had been a part of the planning and coordination process as early as March, though what he is referring to is unclear, since the minutes of the ANC6B March and February meetings make no reference to the project.

Pastel concludes, “I am honored to remain your point of contact if you have general concerns and are not sure where to turn for information. … “I value your input and will continue to consider feasible options to reduce the impact of the renovation project t on the neighborhood.”

Neighbors, characterizing the response as “stonewalling” followed up on August 11, with an appeal to the DC Department of Transportation, copying CM Charles Allen and ANC6B Commissioner Kirstin Oldenburg. The appeal requested revocation of the permit for placing a dumpster on 9th Street until the Marines carry out the demolition and construction from inside the Barracks grounds. The letter cited among other complaints:

• Numerous safety and work place issues with the contractor
• Refusal of Marines to allow DDOE inspector access to the site regarding asbestos mitigation
• No attempt to abate the “intolerable” noise levels

The appeal noted, “The Marines have not involved any community organization or the neighbors IN ANY WAY concerning the undertaking of this construction, and have been deliberately deceptive in springing this undertaking on the neighbors.”

ANC6B Commissioner Oldenburg weighed in with a letter to DDOT, supporting the 9th Street neighbors’ request for revocation of the permit. She added, “To my surprise last month, there was no prior consultation by MBW with the neighbors about any of the construction details. Instead everyone, including myself, was just informed of decisions made days before the arrival of the dumpster. I attempted to get MBW to change the position knowing of the havoc the dumpster would cause 9th Street residents during months of demolition work. But my request was ignored.”

Matthew Marcou, Associate Director of DDOT responded to Oldenburg the same day:

“Thank you for reaching out about this. Some of the issues raised below are outside of DDOT’s authority to address/require.

In response to neighbor complaints the Public Space Inspections inspected the site and met with the contractors. In addition to addressing concerns about the placement of the roll off debris container, the working hours were reduced to 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.

We are sending an inspector to the site to ensure compliance and will provide a full report upon completion.”

One has the feeling there is more to come.

ANC6B Completes Ward 6 COVID Humanitarian Grant Awards Totaling $45,000

by Larry Janezich

August 12, 2020

Tuesday night, ANC6B awarded the last four of the one-time humanitarian grants to Ward Six organizations providing  COVID related relief to Ward Six residents.  After two previous grants of $15,000 to Serve Your City for PEP, cleaning supplies, bath tissue, computer equipment and support, Wi Fi access, etc., and  $5,000 to Shirley’s Place for winter clothing for the homeless, $25,000 remained of the original $45,000 allocated for grants.  Those funds came from the ANC’s annual operating budget, with encouragement from the City Council.

The only group receiving full funding for its request was Capitol Hill United Methodist Church.  They asked for $9,000 to fund their Food and Friendship program for Capitol Hill’s homeless for three months.  The congregation initially contributed $15,000 to initiate the program after the Mayor’s Order closed indoor food service.  Now the service is grab and go and meals and meals delivered to the homeless who are unable or unwilling to go to homeless shelters.  The church also provides wellness checks, PPE, essential clothing and connection with case workers working to provide  permanent housing. Volunteers drop off meals to 25 people each day, Monday through Friday.  The church provides 40 grab and go meals on Sunday.  Three fourths of the funds are spent for food and food preparation in local stores and businesses, including Peregrine, Firehook, Mr. Henry’s and Eastern Market.

Capitol Community Partners received $8,000 of the requested $15,000 to provide equipment and Wi-Fi services to students and teachers of Ward Six.  In support of the application, the organization offered to match the grant with up to $10,000 of their own funding.  Capitol Community Partners works through school principals to identify students and teachers who need technology for virtual class rooms.

Light House DC asked for $15,000 for its COVID Relief Program to help Ward Six homeless and low income individuals who have secured housing, providing PPE, sanitizers, food and grocery gift cards.  The ANC awarded the group $4,000.  The group provides humanitarian aid in all 8 wards, and uses DC DHS and intermediaries such as Halfway to Housing to identify clients.  The latter group testified they have 96 clients in Ward Six who would benefit from the grant.

Eastern Market Main Street requested $5,000 to help small businesses and Eastern Market street vendors, and the committee wrestled with whether the proposal, which included marketing and technical assistance – in addition to distribution of PPE – technically met the definition of humanitarian aid.  In the end, a majority of the commission found reason to support the request to and awarded a grant of the remaining $4000.

Safeway says “welcome.” This is what you see when you walk in the door.

The deli and the Kitchen run the length of the north side of the building and the first part of it you encounter is the sushi bar.

The Kitchen has several components designed to appeal to tenants in the residences above the store as well as neighborhood shoppers.

Such as BBQ (click to enlarge)

And Poutine

And Poke Bowls

Chicago’s favorite popcorn in six flavors including a new Old Bay recipe.

Produce

The cheese stands alone.

Plants disquised as meat…

vs. the real thing.

The 500 bottle walk-in wine celler. (A wine steward is available to assist customers.)

Here’s a Preview and Photo Essay of the SE Safeway:  Grand Opening at 6:00am Wednesday, August 12

by Larry Janezich

August 11, 2020

Safeway’s new 60,000 square foot 24/7 store reopens to the public at 6:00am on Wednesday.  The store will carry 3,700 new items – hundreds of them in dairy and frozen foods – with an emphasis on natural, organic, specialty, healthy and ethnic products – according to the press release.   The selection of prepared foods has been greatly expanded and there is a notable shift to self-checkout  – the store has just five checkout stands but 12 self-checkout counters.

Among the new and returning features:

• BBQ sandwich bar
• Sushi bar
• Raw seafood bar
• Nuts on Clark popcorn shop
• Specialty cheese shop
• Starbucks Coffee bar
• Key maker and Coinstar and Redbox machines
• Underground parking and racks for bicycles

The deli provides a wide array of new items, including poutine (French fries and cheese curds topped with gravy – the “national dish” of Canada), a BBQ sandwich bar, a sushi bar, poke bowls, charcuterie and grab and go meal options.  The Italian style gelato and sorbet bar will carry 24 flavors available in cups, cones or ice cream sandwiches.

The produce department offers numerous organic choices, a new array of ethnic choices, an expanded selection of fresh cut fruits and vegetables, and an assortment of juice and beverages – including Kombucha, the sweet, fermented, effervescent, tea from East Asia.

The meat department features dry-aged beef and plant based protein masquerading as meat.  The seafood department has a raw oyster bar with a selection of nine local oysters, such as roaring point, blackberry and Chincoteague.

Beer, wine and spirits are sold from 7:00am until midnight.

The pharmacy will be open 7 days a week; it will offer a variety of immunizations as well as flu shots and clinics.

One notable deficiency is the sparse availability of gluten free options – Safeway seemingly hasn’t caught on yet to that preference or necessity for a substantial portion of the population.

The store has café seating (all temporarily closed, a concession to the pandemic) both inside next to the deli and the Starbucks, and outside at a sidewalk café.

The new store – at 14^th and D Streets, SE –  is 10,000 square feet larger than the old store, which closed two years ago.  It occupies the ground floor of the Beckert’s Park development, beneath 325 residential units.

The fine print announces the coming to Barracks Row of Bittergrace Clothing Boutique at 526 8th Street, between Nooshi and Jeni’s Ice Cream.  Timing uncertain. Go here for more information: https://bittergraceboutique.com/

The ground floor of the National Gallery’s West Building is open for visitors with timed entry tickets.  Here’s where your get them:  https://www.nga.gov/visit/reopening.html  When you go, the entrance in on the ground level on the Constitution Avenue (north) side of the building.  The exhibitions are limited – a couple of rooms of paintings, the small sculpture gallery and the American furniture gallery.  But the café and the gift shop/bookstore on the concourse between the West and the (closed) East wing is open.

The Degas at the Opera Exhibit.

and the True to Nature Exhibit.

On the Concourse, the cafe and the bookstore are open.  The tables are spaced according to generous social distensing requirements.  The waterfall is dry.

In nearby Southeast, the reconstruction of the Arthur Capper Senior Residence Building at 900 5^th Street, SE, nears completion.  On September 19th, 2018, a major fire destroyed the 162 unit building, displacing dozens of residents. There were no fatalities, and only minor injuries.

The Week Ahead …

by Larry Janezich

August 9, 2020

Tuesday, August 11

ANC6B holds a virtual Special Call Meeting to consider ANC 6B’s Grant Applications, 7:00pm. 

The agenda:

• Capital Community Partners request for $15,000
• Capitol Hill United Methodist Church request for $9,000
• Eastern Market Main Street request for $5,000
• Light House DC request for $15,000

For log in information to join the meeting, go here: https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

For more information, go here:  https://bit.ly/2C9APs4

Also:

A Celebration of Women’s Suffrage continues through August 26^th the 100^th Anniversary of the 19^th Amendment.  For on-line exhibits and events, go here:  https://womenshistory.si.edu/

Southeast Safeway, 14th and D Streets, SE, reopens.  Details to follow

. 

The Barracks Row Street Clock, Thursday evening, August 6.

Thursday morning, Barracks Row, circa 7:45am.

The Barracks Row Street Clock Is Back

by Larry Janezich

August 8, 2020

Barracks Row’s early 20th Century-style street clock – the victim of an early morning car crash in December, 2019 – has been restored to its original position in front of 520 8^th Street, formerly Orchid, and before that, Senart’s Oyster House.

The clock was a gift to Barracks Row Main Street in 2011 by 9^th Street residents Karl and Carrol Kindel and former Barracks Row restaurateur Xavier Cerveras.  The idea originated with the Kindels according to Sharon Bosworth, Marketing Manager, Barracks Row Main Street; “Karl loves clocks and simply wanted to have one in his neighborhood.” The Hill Restaurant group inherited the responsibility for maintenance when Cervera’s restaurants changed hands.

Karl Kindel says, “Carrol and I bought the original clock, the Hill Restaurant Group paid for the (extensive) construction of the base and the electrical hook-up.   Barracks Row Mainstreet had the foresight to insure the clock as part of its signage package with the insurance company.  That insurance paid for the new clock.  There is a new plaque installed that indicates that.”

Bosworth said at the time of the original installation, “As a nonprofit, BRMS could not afford to have it installed and to pay for maintenance and insurance.  Xavier Cervera, … volunteered to do the installation and to cover the maintenance and liability.”

Manufactured by the Verdin Co of Cincinnati, Ohio, founded in 1842, the clock is made of aluminum, finished in black with touches of gold detailing.  Roman numerals represent the hours and the hands of the clock have traditional spade-shaped tips.

Finn McCool’s at 713 8th Street, SE

The space formerly housing Orchid at 520 8th Street, SE

Hill Restaurant Group Gives Up Leases on Two Barracks Row Venues

August 7, 2020

By Larry Janezich

Tom Johnson, managing partner of The Hill Restaurant Group, told Capitol Hill Corner that he is giving up the leases on two of Group’s seven restaurants – Finn McCool’s and the space formerly occupied by Orchid.  Both buildings are owned by the Quillian family, and Johnson has been unable to negotiate a way forward for use of the spaces in the current economic climate.   A clause in the lease allowed him to make an exit, and he will turn over the keys this weekend.

He says he hopes someone else will come along and fix the two spaces up – especially, Finn McCool’s. Johnson said he hated to let Orchid go, “but the risk is too high”.  He had planned to turn the former LBGT bar – which closed in August of 2019 – into a high end steakhouse named 8^th Street Butcher.

The Group’s remaining restaurants on or near Capitol Hill include Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Lola’s, Tortuga, Willie’s and Ophelia’s Fish House.

Johnson cited some changes coming to some of the remaining restaurants.  Willie’s near Nats Stadium will be transformed into  the Stadium Sports Bar and Smoke House – an upscale casual dining sports bar.  Willie’s will continue operating as a BBQ catering company from the same location.  He also plans on putting a kitchen in Lola’s – which previously shared a kitchen with Finn McCool’s.

Johnson says he anticipates a lot of spaces becoming available in the next few months and expects to pick up a couple more and expand.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream on Barracks Row opened today.

Awaiting its first customers….

Flavors and prices – click to enlarge.

Jeni’s Ice Cream Opened Today – Thursday –  on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

August 6, 2020

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream opened today Barrack Row, at 526 8th Street, SE.

Featuring 19 of the company’s 35 artisan flavors, dairy from grass-pastured cows, and whole – as opposed to synthetic -flavorings, the product has won applause from customers in 13 cities across the country, including Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.  Locally, Jeni’s has outlets at 1925 14th Street, NW, and in Bethesda and Old Town, Alexandria.  For more information, see here:  https://jenis.com/

The Capitol Hill location is open Monday – Sunday, 12:00noon until 10:00pm.

ANC6B To Hold Special Call Meeting on COV Grants for Four Community Organizations

by Larry Janezich

August 6, 2020

Yesterday, ANC6B Chair Brian Ready announced an ANC6B  Special Call Meeting to consider COV related humanitarian grants for four Ward Six organizations:

Capital Community Partners: Founded in 2013 as Near Southeast Community Partners (now Capital Community Partners) works to improve the environment and strengthen schools. They are asking for $15,000 to provide equipment and Wi-Fi services to students and teachers of Ward Six.  https://www.capitalcommunitypartners.org/  Applicant: Bruce Darconte

Capitol Hill United Methodist Church: They are asking for $9,000 to support their program that provides food delivery to the homeless.  https://chumc.net/  Applicant: Rev. Sam Marullo

Eastern Market Main Street: They are asking for $5,000 to continue a variety of on-going services such as one-one small business counseling for Capitol Hill merchants. https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org   Applicant: Charles McCaffrey

Light House DC:  Light House DC launched its COVID Relief Program in early June to address the most immediate needs of the community during the COVID-19 health emergency. They are asking for $15,000 to help fund their COVID-19 Relief Program in Ward Six. https://lighthousewdc.org  Applicant: Jingwen Sun

The total amount of request ($44,000) exceeds the $25,000 out of the $45,000 originally available.  Last June, with encouragement from the city council, many ANCs decided to use a portion of their operating funds to support organizations providing humanitarian relief during the pandemic.  ANC6B allocated $45,000 of its administrative reserve for grants to organizations in Ward 6.

At its July 14 monthly meeting, ANC6B approved a grant of $15,000 to Serve Your City for PEP, cleaning supplies, bath tissue, computer equipment and support, Wi Fi access, etc.  The Commission also approved a grant of $5,000 to Shirley’s Place for winter clothing for the homeless.

The Special Call Meeting to approve Grant Applications will be held Tuesday, August 11th at 7:00pm.  See hear for WebEx Log-In Information: https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Hill East’s St. Cyprian’s Pastor Tests Positive for COV-19

by Larry Janezich

August 3, 2020

Monsignor Charles Pope of Holy Comforter St. Cyprian Catholic Church in Hill East tested positive for the virus and was hospitalized on July 27, according to an article by Rebecca Tan published last night in the Washington Post.

Pope had urged parishioners and others not to “cower in fear” of the virus and had held services in the church and distributed communion.  D.C. Health officials advised some 250 staff and others to quarantine for two weeks.

Here’s a link to the WaPo article.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/catholic-priest-dc-coronavirus/2020/08/02/006e06c6-d4c7-11ea-9c3b-dfc394c03988_story.html?hpid=hp_local1-8-12_virusdmv-335pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

On Tuesday, the body of Rep. John Lewis lay in repose on the center portico of the U.S. Capitol. Mourners paid their respects by filing past the base of the center steps. Click to enlarge.

Rep. John Lewis lived in this townhouse on Capitol Hill. His family asked mourners to place a blue or purple ribbon on the door as a sign of respect and loss.

The television news media pool their resources to cover Lyings in State. This overhead shot of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol  from the top of the dome during the invitation only ceremony on Monday was part of the coverage.

In other news last week,the new Capitol Hill Southeast Safeway got new signage in advance of its August 12 grand opening.

And over at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, new signage appeared designating the “Culinary Clubhouse” in “Blackbird” – the mixed use complex.

Pacci’s Trattoria – located in Forest Glen – says it’s opening up on 13th Street, across from Lincoln Park in the old Park Café space. The build out is just starting, so it looks like it will be a while.  Here’s a link to their website:  http://paccistrattoria.co

The Week Ahead…Wednesday Deadline to File Petition to Run for ANC & Photos from Last Week

By Larry Janezich

August 2, 2020

As per usual, August brings quiet to the ANCs and other civic organizations.  There are a few meetings later on, but for now, the most significant date in the coming week is Wednesday, when by the close of business, candidates for ANC seats must file their petitions to qualify for listing on the ballot for the November 3 election.

It’s pretty late in the game to be picking up a petition, but there’s still time.  Here’s a link to the process: https://anc.dc.gov/page/anc-elections

Currently, there are four seats for which candidates have not picked up petitions:

ANC6B01 – current commissioner is Jennifer Samolyk

ANC6B 07 – current commissioner is Kelly Waud who has announced she is not seeking re-election.

ANC6D02 – current commissioner Anna Forgie

ANC6D05 – current commissioner Fredrica Kramer

Not sure what your ANC is?  See here:  http://www.ancfinder.org/

If a seat is declared vacant in January when the ANCs convene for the first meeting of 2021, a special election ensues, with a new opportunity for candidates to file petitions.