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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May 30, 2025 · 11:34 am

Hill’s Kitchen Is Changing Hands

Hill’s Kitchen Is Changing Hands

By Larry Janezich

Posted May 30, 2025

Hill’s Kitchen, 713 D Street, SE, 

Leah Daniels:  “After 17+ years of owning Hill’s Kitchen, it is time for me to pass the baton. I am thrilled to introduce amazing people to continue the legacy of Hill’s Kitchen. After this weekend, Sarah and Miles will be the new owners of the store.”

Leah Daniels, founder and owner of Hill’s Kitchen’s and dedicated community supporter and advocate, announced today that she has sold Hill’s Kitchen to Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton.  She said her last day as proprietor of the store will be Sunday and the sale goes to closing on Tuesday.  She said she has no idea what she will do next – the store has been so consuming:  “I’m so in the weeds but I haven’t thought about anything – that’s part of the problem – that the store is everything and all-encompassing that there’s no chance to think about what’s next.  There’s no chance to think strategically or plan so I have to let it go to let other opportunities open up.” 

She added, “This is a happy moment but I’m devastated,” she said tearfully.  “I love this store of course that’s why this is so hard.  I’m not leaving the neighborhood…I want people to be able to find me. Maybe I’ll have office hours at Tunicliffs or Peregrine or somewhere else,” she laughs.  She says to her customers, “Stop by the store and come say goodbye to me over the weekend.” 

Asked why she decided to sell, Daniels says “This is 100% my choice.  I don’t know, I’m just looking to open up the world’s other adventures.  The community has been amazing and supportive through 17 plus years. I started working on the store – I incorporated the week after I turned 26 – so it’s just time for a new adventure.  Sarah and Miles are going to be amazing stewards for the space and hopefully bring new space and life to it.  They’ve made it clear to me that it is important to them to keep the keep the emotional heart of the store.” She says, “They’ll certainly focus on cooking classes and events and things – they have to figure out the space upstairs – but they have an energy that will be a wonderful addition to the community.”

Daniels expects that after closing on the sale the store will be closed for a number of days, “because they’ve got to get their sale system going – they need to learn how the lights work and then they’ll be up and running maybe the following Tuesday.”

CHC asked CM Charles Allen for a comment on the contributions Daniels has made to the community.  Allen says, “Oh my gosh.  Everybody loves Leah.  For 17 years she’s been the face of Hill’s Kitchen and created just a beloved local business.  I think we’re blessed to have people like her that invest the time.  I also think after 17 years of knowing every single person that walks through the door, what they thought, what they like, the allergies they may have, and how they like to cook, I’m excited for her to figure out what her next chapter is going to be.  And I know she has she has been very intentional to make sure that the store and what it means to everybody is going to be in good hands with the next owners.”

Statements by Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton:

As the new stewards of Hill’s Kitchen, we hope that the heart of our store is shaped by the same passion and love for food that has always been at the center of our lives, whether in a bustling restaurant kitchen or around our cozy dining table at home. As former restaurant professionals, we’re here to offer up our expertise, share a few recipes, and provide a space where everyone—home cooks and professional chefs alike—can gather, learn, and celebrate the joy of cooking together. Our mission is simple: to make your kitchen experience richer, more joyful, and a little bit bigger—just like the dining room table we’ve always cherished. – Sarah and Miles

Sarah Needle moved to Washington DC after graduating from Smith College. Like many recent college graduates, she found a need for a part-time job and wound up at Hill’s Kitchen. There, and in her personal time, her cooking hobby turned into a true passion and career. Sarah cooked at A Rake’s Progress under Chef Opie Crooks, Mt. Pleasant favorite Elle, Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Jonathan Sybert, and then its sister restaurant Reveler’s Hour. While at Reveler’s Hour, Sarah’s food found its way into the New York Times, The Washingtonian, and the Washington Post.

Miles Hamilton cut their teeth in the New York dining scene when a nannying job serendipitously turned into their first cooking job at Houseman, under the guidance of Chefs Ned Baldwin and Adam Baumgart. After cooking at a number of beloved restaurants in New York City (Diner, Cervo’s, and Hart’s), Miles moved to Washington DC in 2019 to cook at Tail Up Goat and Reveler’s Hour, where they eventually made the switch from back to front of house. Miles managed the floor at Tail Up Goat before ultimately becoming the Service Director of Reveler’s Hour, where they were awarded the 2024 RAMW RAMMY Award for Best Service Program.

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May 29, 2025 · 1:23 pm

Artist Profile:  Tarek Fahd – Finding Where You Belong Through Art

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 29, 2025

Tarek Fahd at Peregrine Espresso, May 24, 2025

Most Saturday mornings you find Tarek Fhad sitting in the window of Peregrine Espresso drinking coffee and drawing.  CHC asked him about his drawings. 

Fhad said, “It’s kind of like yoga – a place which makes me happy and a place that makes me use my creative mind that’s an escape from everything – I just live in that drawing for an hour or hour and a half.”

Swing…

Originally from Lebanon, Fahd says he’s been drawing for 30 years.  It started with what sounds like a voyage of self-discovery while he was studying interior design in college.  In those days, he would draw sketches of people during breaks between classes.  He says, “I started drawing people doing different things and saw how they’re connected to different parts of their lives and I was able to find my own character in the people that I drew.”

Now, he doesn’t draw people like he did then.  He draws designs – “But,” he says, “I still have people in my patterns.  There’s always a hidden person in my patterns – so it always starts with a person hidden in the pattern and with a moon, and the whole pattern builds around them.”  He has hundreds of these sketches. 

Le Balcon…

Asked if he had thought about commercializing his art, he said:  “I never thought about doing the full commercial thing.  I don’t want to put it on T shirts and pillows and like all that.  What I want to do is I want to be able to draw and enjoy it….  For me art has to be accessible to everybody … I enjoy drawing and it’s something that is part of me and if I can share it with the people around me and they’re happy that makes a huge difference to me.”

In keeping with making his art accessible, he thought of a way to do that through Etsy.  “So I have an Etsy store and you can buy a digital download for $1.99 and print it and color it.  I wanted a store that was not a chore – involved in packing and shipping….”

Big windows, small cities…

He says, “I’m originally from Lebanon I grew up in Lebanon and I’ve been in the United States for almost 20 years.  I came here and loved it and I decided to become a citizen.   I’m influenced by both Lebanon and the United States and I try and put all of that in my drawings.

I made a choice to become an American and there are a lot of beautiful things in this country and a lot of beautiful things in Lebanon and drawing is a way of trying to find where you belong and I belong in-between those two countries.  The United States offered me a lot of opportunities – I drew in coffee shops in Lebanon I still draw in coffee shops here and finding a way to mix those influences in my art is very interesting for me.”

On a random week night…

Professionally, Fahd is now a data analyst.  He and his wife – an engineer – live on Capitol Hill.  He helps her in her community volunteer work as a bee keeper at Congressional Cemetery. 

Here’s a link to Fahd’s MoonlightPages on Etsy https://etsy.me/4kbQPtf

Here’s a link to Tarek Fahd’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/_tarekfahd_/

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May 27, 2025 · 3:38 pm

Memorial Day – A Reflection

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 27, 2025

Thanks to those who showed up to say thanks to the veterans who we remember for their sacrifices in our wars.

Here’s where the Memorial Day Parade started on Constitution Avenue, NW.

TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.

“PTSD Pulling for Veterans” refers to a non-profit organization, Pulling for Veterans, which uses trailers to raise awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in veterans. They offer low-cost trailer rentals for educational purposes, serving as “rolling billboards” to educate the public about PTSD and its impact on veterans.

Here’s a video of the sounding of Taps at the National Native American Veterans Memorial following the laying of a wreath on Monday afternoon.  The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) hosted a ceremony to recognize the contributions of Native veterans.  American Indians and Alaska Natives enlist in the U.S. military at the highest rates per capita of any group in the nation.

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May 25, 2025 · 10:50 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 25, 2025

Wednesday, May 6, The Hill Center held a reception for the Capitol Hill Art League’s Juried Art Show, which opened Man 6 and runs through September 8. The entries were judged on the body of work submitted by individual artists. Here are the winners:

First Place: Mixed Media on canvas by Anne Barnes.

Second Place: Watercolor on paper by Tara Hamilton.

Third Place: Photos on archival paper by Rindy OBrian.

For more go here:  https://www.hillcenterdc.org/product-category/2025-chal/

In other news, here’s a couple of photo updates on the progress on two previously-announced fast food restaurants coming to the 400 block of 8th Street, SE – Barracks Row.

Popeyes at 409 8th Street, SE.

Taco Bell at 411 8th Street, SE.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, May 27

  • Memorial Day.  Trash and Recycling pick up slides one day. 
  • The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC, will take place on Monday, May 26, on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets NW. The parade will begin at 2:00 PM, preceded by musical performances at 1:00 PM. For more go here:  https://americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/parade/

Tuesday, May 27

ANC6B will hold a virtual Executive Committee Meeting at 7:00pm.  The meeting will include several items that were tabled from the May full meeting.

Agenda: 

(At the Executive Committee Meeting the agenda for June will be discussed, voted upon, and adopted. At this meeting, PRIOR to the agenda for the June meeting being adopted, the Executive Committee will address the following items that were tabled during the May full Commission meeting due to time limits,)

  • ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns.
  • Resolution Regarding RFK Site Football Stadium.
  • Resolution Regarding Councilmember Allen’s Fair Swipe Act (B26-0138).
  • Resolution Regarding Councilmember Allen’s Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Act (B26-0224).
  • Resolution Regarding Councilmember Allen’s petition to demand a second floor at the redesigned Rumsey Aquatic Center.
  • Resolution Against Military Parade on President Trump’s Birthday.
  • Southeast Library Taskforce.
  • Report for the SE Library Taskforce.
  • Resolution Regarding Closure of Arthur Capper Tech Express Due to Excessive Heat.
  • ANC 6B Administrative Items.
  • Appointment of Resident Member for 6B03 to ABC Committee.

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license for Focus DC, 1348 H Street, NE.

Wednesday, May 28

ANC6A  Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean ups in 6A01, May 31, 2025 Block Party.  Understanding the ANC6A Grant Application.
  • Discuss ANC6A Community Outreach strategies for Open Streets DC: Capitol Hill event on June 28, (9 am-3 pm). ANC 6A will have a booth at Lincoln Park. Details at https://openstreets.dc.gov/pages/spring-2025
  • Public Safety Discussion

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm in the North Hall, Eastern Market. 

(The meeting may be available Zoom, but the coverage tends to be unreliable.)

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Approval of the agenda.
  • Approval of the minutes.
  • Treasurer’s Report.
  • Chair’s Report.
  • New Format for Committee Reports
  • Protocols for Bikes and E-Scooters to Ad-Hoc Comm. on Public Safety
  • Bricks
  • Volunteers
  • Market Manager’s Report.
  • Tenant’s Council Report.
  • Operations Budget Committee Report. 
  • Capital Improvements. 
  • Ad-hoc Committee on Public Safety.
  • New EMCAC Business.
  • Community Questions Suggestions & Comments.
  • Adjournment.  

Thursday, June 29

ANC 6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Wednesday, May 28

FreeDC Campaign Orientation In-Person Meeting, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place, Southwest.

Sunday, June 2

Hill Center Event

American Roots Concert Series: I Draw Slow.  4:30pm – 6:30pm. 

Their distinctive blend of Irish and Appalachian roots composition has been licensed for film, TV, and advertising and is widely covered and recorded by other artists.

Go here for free tickets: 

Free. Register here:  https://bit.ly/3Ft3Pvn

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May 23, 2025 · 2:12 pm

Photo Essay:  The Mayor’s Hill East Town Hall on the RFK Development

Photo Essay:  The Mayor’s Hill East Town Hall on the RFK Development

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 23, 2025

Here’s a conceptual rendering of what the proposed new stadium for the Washington Commanders would look like. 

Thursday night, Mayor Bowser brought a Town Hall Meeting on development of the RFK Site to the communities most affected by it – Ward 7’s Hill East and Kingman Park.  Some 350 residents turned out for the meeting near the stadium in the gymnasium of St. Coletta’s School.

A panel comprised of Mayor Bowser, Ward 7 CM Wendell Felder, CM At-Large Kenyan McDuffie and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development Nina Albert made presentations and took questions. The Mayor supported the current plan for a $3.7 billion development of the 65,000 seat covered stadium and the beginning of a new neighborhood on the Anacostia River.  She told the attendees that the 174 acre site could hold four Wharfs.  The Commanders will contribute $2.7 billion to the project for vertical construction and the DC government will pay $1 billion for infrastructure and parking. 

ANC7D08 Chair Brian Alcorn (far left), whose ANC encompasses the RFK site, commented after the meeting: “I’m pleased that Councilmember Felder is appropriately focused on ensuring development at the RFK site would be consistent with the community’s wishes as well as having a positive financial impact for neighbors and the District.  I also appreciate Mayor Bowser’s acknowledgement that the project is in the very early stages and community-driven modifications are both possible and expected.  As ANC7D hosts nearly 75% of the overall RFK campus, our Commission and residents look to closely coordinate with officials from the District, the Commanders, WMATA and all other stakeholders to ensure that the results, whatever they may be, support and enhance our many neighborhoods.

ANC7D05 Commissioner Ebony Payne (seated behind Alcorn), whose Single Member District borders the north edge of the RFK Campus commented:  “I am encouraged that we finally have a firm commitment from the Mayor that the Fields at RFK will be maintained – the number one concern I am hearing now from my constituents is about the two massive parking garages planned for Oklahoma Avenue.  This is the main thoroughfare to our community and people want to see a new map that does not burden Kingman Park with the bulk of the heavy traffic. 

Here’s the site plan for dividing the development into six districts.  The Commanders will oversee the development of the Plaza District, the Stadium District, and the Riverfront District, while the city will take charge of development of the Kingman Park District, the Recreational District and the Anacostia Commons.  The city will also fund a $89 million SportsPlex providing indoor track and gymnastic facilities not available in other District recreation centers.

The vision includes 6,000 new homes – 30% affordable housing – for 10,000 new residents. 

The crowd was mostly supportive of the development, but the occasion fell short of exuberant enthusiasm, perhaps over concerns about how the proposed development would change the community.  Questions from the audience reflected worries about parking, traffic, public safety, jobs for community members, funding for education, property taxes, and community benefits. 

There were caps and signs for residents to indicate support the new development – the caps went pretty fast.

Here’s an image reflecting the timeline for the project.  The Mayor is hoping for the City Council approval this summer, groundbreaking for the new stadium in late 2006, and opening of the stadium in the fall of 2030. 

While many in Ward 7 have reservations about the effects of the proposed development, the focus now – in the face of a full court press by the Mayor’s office and public support for a new stadium – seems to by focusing on addressing concerns of the nearby residents and getting the best deal possible for the city.  And despite the aggressive promotion, the Mayor and her supporters have not addressed the well-documented assertions of respected economic analysts that sports stadiums are not economic generators for a city.  The Mayor points to potential some 200 events annually, including 20-30 major events.  Perhaps, but how many Beyoncé or Taylor Swifts are there who can fill a 65,000 seat stadium?   It’s uncertain whether the city will make money from the new stadium – it’s more certain that the developers will. 

How to follow Capitol Hill Corner.  To receive an email when an article is posted on CHC go to the homepage here:  https://capitolhillcorner.org/  On the right hand side of the page there is a column below “Blog Stats.”   Scroll down to the bottom of the Archives and click on the blue tab that says “Follow Capitol Hill Corner.”  You will automatically be notified as soon as anything is posted.  To stop following CHC go to the same blue tab which will now say “Following,” and click it again. 

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May 18, 2025 · 9:58 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 19, 2025

Last Monday night, the ANC6B SE Library Task Force, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn, heard Jaspreet Pahwa, Director of Planning &Construction DC Public Library update the community on Renovation of SE Library.  Here’s a photo of the current state of the main floor looking toward the 7th Street entrance showing the slab demolition and ceiling opening which will provide natural light from the new skylight in the roof to all three floors.

Here’s a detail. 

Here’s a current photo of the former lower level (street level) of the library. It, too, will have an opening in the floor providing natural light to the level below. 

Here’s a schematic cross section showing the distribution of natural light to all three floors. For more, go here, https://bit.ly/47YgK1f and click on the May 9th update. 

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B, chaired by Commissioner Edward Ryder, heard an informational presentation from the principals behind the modernization of and addition to St. Peter School, 422 3rd Street, SE.  St. Peter School is a private Catholic school founded in 1868 affiliated with St. Peter’s Church.   It has a maximum capacity of 228.  This is an image of the current school. 

And here’s rendering of the completed project including a roof-top playground.  The renovation will bring the school into compliance with ADA requirements.  St. Peter School will remain 100% active throughout the construction of the new building which will open in 2028. 

ICYMI – The Lobby Bar at 224 7th Street, SE, across from Eastern Market, opened last Friday night.  The space was formerly occupied by Boxcar Tavern. 

Here’s a photo inside from mid-afternoon on Saturday. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, May 19

ANC6B Public Safety Committee Meeting scheduled for 7pm tonight CANCELLED

ANC6D will hold its May Business meeting ONLY IN PERSON with no on-line option at 7:00pm at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 555 Water Street SW (6th & M).   

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106)
  • Community Announcements
  • Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)
  • Community Concerns  
  • Approval of April 2025 Minutes
  • ABC Matters
  • Further consideration of the DDOT 2025 TOPP   (Traffic Operations & Parking Plan)
  • Shall the ANC comment on DDOT’s “safety treatment” for 6th & M?
  • Shall the ANC establish a Task Force on Pedestrian Safety?
  • Shall the ANC support Modification of Consequence: M Street Landing?
  • Shall the ANC support 2-year extension of the PUD in ZC 16-02D & 16-02C?
  • Does the ANC endorse renaming a street for Leona Walker?
  • SMD Updates
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Chairperson’s Report

ANC6ATransportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • Introductions & Announcements.
  • Old Business.
    • West Virginia Avenue NE.  Kelly Jeong-Olsen from DDOT will discuss the recently issued NOI for the stretch of West Virginia Avenue NE between 8th Street and Florida Avenue NE and the signal project at the intersection of 8th Street/West Virginia Avenue/K Street NE.
    • Capitol Hill Open Streets on June 28. ANC 6A has a tent reserved along the route for this event. The TPS Committee does not have formal plans for this event at this time.
    • H Street NE Bus Priority Project. Last year, DDOT presented the 90% plans for this project which was slated to begin construction this year. DDOT stated the project is being reevaluated at this time.
  • New Business. 
    • 900 Block of A Street NE.  Requesting traffic calming and that DDOT close off this block to traffic similar to both parts of the 900 block of E Street NE where it intersects with Maryland Avenue NE. Neighbors are concerned about traffic speed and volume.
    • Alley Closure near the intersection of C Street NE and Warren Street NE scheduled for July 7-11, 2025 for construction. Permit applicants sent notice to the ANC as part of their DDOT application. Additional community comment (time permitting).

Wednesday, May 21

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will meet at 7:00pm

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Resolution of previously heard cases 
    • 901 H Street NE.  Hearing of May 8, 2025: Request for a Modification Without Hearing to the planned unit development (“PUD”) along with the Applicant’s associated request for special exception relief to permit fast food restaurant use at the Property. Zoning Commission approved the following modifications to the conditions of the approval: The PUD shall have a maximum density of 5.0 FAR and a gross floor area of 435,265 square feet. Of that, the PUD shall have approximately 51,420 square feet of retail and/or eating and drinking establishment uses, including fast food restaurant use, of which approximately 5,365 square feet may also be devoted to veterinary hospital use.  If any new uses are adopted under the eating and drinking establishment use category after the effective date of this Order, such newly adopted uses shall be considered matter-of-right uses within the PUD, except that following such amendment, the establishment of a new fast food restaurant or a new fast food drive-through shall require review and approval by the Zoning Commission.
    • 1355-1359 H Street, NE.  Hearing of April 30,2025: The BZA concluded that the applicant has satisfied the burden of proof for the requested relief to include: Special Exception from the rear yard requirements; Special Exception under the eating and drinking establishment use requirements; Special Exception under the fast-food establishment use requirements.  The Board approved the application consistent with plans submitted subject to the following conditions: All trash for tenants that have obtained a Certificate of Occupancy for fast-food shall be stored in indoor trash rooms within the main building envelope, until such time as the trash is removed from the premises by a garbage contractor.  No dumpsters or other trash or recycling containers serving the fast-food uses shall be kept in public space.  Exterior doors to any trash rooms shall be kept closed except when in use by tenants depositing trash or by the contractor removing trash. For more information, please contact: Dave Wethington and Michael Cushman,  Co-Chairs Economic Development and Zoning Committee,
  • Old Business
    • 917 Constitution Avenue.  To construct a second story addition to a detached garage, in the rear of an existing, attached, two-story plus cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone. A recommendation that ANC 6A send a letter to BCA to support the special exception was approved unanimously by the EDZ Committee on March 19, 2025, and approved by unanimous consent by ANC 6A on April 10, 2025. BZA Virtual Public Hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2025.
  • New Business
    • 1000-1014 H Street NE: The potential applicant is pursuing a zoning map amendment for the property at 1000-1014 H Street NE to rezone the property from the current NMU4/H-R zone to the NMU-5/H-R zone. The zoning map amendment would allow for an additional story in building height. If the zoning map amendment is successful, the potential applicant envisions a similar mixed-use project to what was approved by the BZA in 2023, with the primary change being the one additional story allowed in the NMU-5/H-R zone. 
    • 1382 East Capitol Street, NE; Della Barba Pizza, LLC requests a use variance and special exception to expand its existing, nonconforming, pizza restaurant use beyond the first floor, with cellar, in order to provide for additional seasonal outdoor patio seating within public space.

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Monday, May 19

Hill Center Event

Overbeck Lecture: Jack Jones on the building of the National Guard Armory

In-person.  7:00 pm – 9:00pm Free.  Get tickets here:  https://bit.ly/4j6xlow

How the vacant land between East Capitol Street and Independence Avenue west of the Anacostia River became a center of civic and military activity is a history worth telling. Jack Jones, historic preservation specialist at the DC Historic Preservation Office, will do just that at the May 19 Capitol Hill History Lecture.

Tuesday, May 20

Hill Center Event

Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Brazilian Singer/Songwriter Luciane Dom.  A multilingual singer, songwriter, and producer, she is part of a group of contemporary artists who use poetic themes to impact the construction of her emotions. 7:00pm – 9:00pm – $20

Go here for more info and tickets:  https://bit.ly/4kpt4O4

Wednesday, May 21

Hill Center Event

Hill Center Galleries 2025 CHAL Juried Exhibition Opening Reception.  6:30pm – 8:00pm – Free. Register here https://bit.ly/4ksUNNP

During the Opening Reception prizes will be awarded.  All pieces of art will be on display throughout our Galleries and online at Hill Center Galleries.

Thursday, May 22

Congressional Cemetery Event. 

Cemetery Speaker Series: The Pink Triangle and the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights in the U.S. Speaker Dr. Jake Desai-Newsome is an award winning scholar of German and American LGBTQ+ history whose research and resources educate global audiences. 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $20

Go here for more info and tickets:  https://bit.ly/44DnzGW

Saturday, May 24

Congressional Cemetery Event. 

An Evening with the Residents: A Comedy Show@ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm  $20 

The Congressional Cemetery is pleased to host an uproariously funny comedy show in our on-site chapel. An Evening with the Residents, so named to recognize the affectionate nickname for the permanent “residents” of the Congressional Cemetery, will feature some of DC’s top comedians bringing their best thematic material to the stage. Get your tickets today—this is a rare opportunity to spend an evening of live entertainment in one of DC’s historic, revered landmarks.

Go here for more info and tickets:  https://bit.ly/43443lO

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May 16, 2025 · 9:59 am

CM Allen Says He Will Work to Change a Bad Stadium Deal

Councilmember Charles Allen at Wednesday nights ANC6C meeting.

CM Allen Says He Will Work to Change a Bad Stadium Deal

by Larry Janezich

Posted:  May 16, 2025

CM Charles Allen told ANC6C Wednesday night in his presentation on the DC budget that the city will spend over a billion dollars to build a new stadium on the RFK campus. 

Allen said, “Right now a majority of the council does not support the proposal…I think actually a good number of my colleagues want to get to a yes but they are not there yet…A majority is absolutely opposed to the deal as is because it’s not a good deal for the city and it’s not a good deal for the taxpayer.”  Allen said that for more than a decade he has been consistent in pointing out that NFL stadiums are not economic generators.  

(More than a half dozen prominent economists and the St. Louis Fed point to data showing that using public funds for new stadiums is a poor investment.)

Allen cited one example out of what he said is many regarding why this is a bad deal.  He said that the proposal as it now stands is that DC would build, fund, own, and maintain parking garages for 8,000 spots.  The two parking garages at Nats Ballpark provide 1250 spaces for a 45,000 seat venue.  For the 65,000 seat stadium, the Commanders want 8,000 spaces.  “That,” Allen said, “would create a wall of parking garages right next to the fields and block off the fields from the community.” 

“I think it’s a really bad idea to build that much parking … also that we all need to foot the bill and on top of that…we get no parking tax revenue so we will own, build, maintain, and operate parking garages and then we get zero revenue from it.”

Allen said that there is no money in the proposal for another Metro to serve the site, and “that makes no sense if we’re going to be building a stadium and provide for 15,000 new people … as we build 6000 homes.”   

ANC6C Commissioner Mark Eckenweiler asked Allen if the proposed deal includes “sweeteners” for the city as is sometimes the case for municipalities providing subsides for sports arenas. 

Allen said that right now there’s no revenue sharing from things like naming rights.  The Commanders are also tax free on things like concessions and sales – not just on the stadium – but entire RFK campus…”and so the commanders will get all of that for a dollar a year and build everything on it…we will not get property tax, we will give up all parking revenue tax and sales tax….If you look at Nats Park the way that that works right now is that the District and the Nationals split 50/50 parking revenue on large scale events that are 5000 or more.  So why would we treat one stadium very differently than the other?”

Allen said it makes no sense that we’re just giving it all away “so that’s what I mean that this is a bad deal.  If it’s going to pass we’ve got to make a lot of changes to it.” 

Allen’s position seems to be that in the event the city council passes the bill, it will need to be a better deal – that being the case, he did not say that even with major changes he could support the bill.

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