CAPITOL HILL CORNER

 

 

 

On Barracks Row:  Eyeing Millennials, Investor Will Develop/Redevelop Three 8th Street Properties

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, Chris Martin of Martin-Diamond Properties, unveiled a concept/plan for development of the last empty lot on Barracks Row – the Shakespeare parking lot at 526 8^th Street, SE.  Appearing before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee in support of an Historic Preservation Application for a proposed new three-story mixed use building, Martin introduced himself to commissioners as the owner of the former Phase 1 tavern at 525 8^th Street and said that he has a contract pending for the purchase of the Shakespeare Rehearsal Space at 507 8^th Street, SE.  Martin-Diamond is a partnered with an international investment company specializing in developing retail properties targeting Millennials.

Martin, who said he was excited to be part of the development of Barracks Row,  later told Capitol Hill Corner that he did know what tenants might occupy the retail spaces the new building will provide.  He said they could be dry goods retail, offices, or a  restaurant.   Martin also said that he was uncertain what would emerge from the renovation of the Shakespeare Rehearsal Space, assuming that purchase goes through.  The former Phase 1 (and AXNO cider bar pop up) is undergoing extensive renovation and is up for lease as a restaurant.  The timeline for the parking lot and rehearsal space development is uncertain because both are currently under lease to the Shakespeare Company.

Nearby neighbors – residents of G Street – whose properties back up to the Shakespeare parking lot, raised concerns regarding what impact the new structure would have regarding traffic in the alley which they use to access garages.  They had other concerns about the lack of notification of the project and lack of communication with the developer.  In order to allow time for the residents to meet with the developer, the Committee voted unanimously to take “no position” on a recommendation for the full ANC6B which will consider the case at its June meeting next Tuesday, June 12.

Martin-Diamond Properties LLC, is an “urban retail specialist” headquartered in Delaware with an office in DC.  It has partnered with NW1 Partners, a real estate investment advisory firm focused on small cap value-added property investments in the US, UK, and Europe.   NW1 raised $175 million this year to invest in Washington, DC, retail outlets focusing on Millennial demographics.  Martin-Diamond’s job will be to find and manage real estate opportunities; in March, they purchased the Georgetown Theater building on Wisconsin Avenue.   NW1 is headquartered in London and Chicago.

Here’s a Photo Progress Report on Five Major Capitol Hill SE Developments

by Larry Janezich

There are five major residential or mixed use projects under construction in Capitol Hill SE, not counting the redevelopment of the Southeast Safeway which hasn’t really started yet.  The five projects will provide some 514 residential units to Capitol Hill’s housing stock.  Below are photos of where construction stands as of yesterday, coupled with renderings of how the projects will look when finished.

 

 

 

 

 

The Week Ahead….

By Larry Janezich

Monday, June 4

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 700 2^nd street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Fancy Radish, 600 H Street, NE, extension of operating hours for restaurant license

Kogod Liquors, 441 New Jersey Avenue, NW, tasting endorsement for retailer’s license.

Union Kitchen Grocery, 538 3rd Street, NE, discussion of noise issues.

Discussion of marijuana related establishments as potential ABL Committee business

CHRS Historic Preservation Committee meets at 6:30pm at Kirby House, 420 10^th Street, SE.

Tuesday, June 5

Second Ward 6 Candidate Forum at 7:00pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 40 I Street, SW. 

Here’s a link to CHC’s coverage of the first candidate’s forum on May 1. https://bit.ly/2sz8Jxi

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue, SE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

232 South Carolina Avenue, SE – Historic Preservation application, revised concept/front and side porch.

14 7^th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/one-story addition at side-court.

526 8^th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/new three-story mixed use building.

322 8^th Street, SE – Bureau of Zoning Adjustment application for special exception to construct a second story and roof deck addition to an existing accessory structure.

322 8th Street, SE – Historic Preservation application, concept/ construct second-story addition at existing one-story garage.

237 10th Street, SE – Bureau of Zoning Adjustment application for special exception to expand an existing rear deck addition to an existing principal dwelling unit and construct a rear accessory garage.

237 10th Street, SE; Historic Preservation application for concept/ new one-story garage.

ANC 6C Parks & Events Committee meets at 7:00pm at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 700 2^nd Street, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

NoMA Parks Foundation – update on status of pending parks projects and underpass installations.

Urban Farming – 6C Resident Sarah Dachos will talk about urban farming in the District.  Sarah works with the THEARC Farm, which is an urban farm operating as a community project of Building Bridges Across the River and was developed to involve our community in nature, nutrition, and healthy eating. The farm consists of 25 raised beds, 8 in-ground rows, a culinary herb garden, medicinal herb garden, an eighteen-tree orchard, community compost bins, a hoop house and a pollinator garden.  For more information, please visit: http://thearcdc.org/thearcfarm

Wednesday, June 6

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee meets at 6:30pm at Northeast Library, 7^th and D Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

212 A Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for new rear and side additions, and to demolish existing and construct new garage.

719 3rd Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for new basement entry and alterations to basement window.

637 E Street, NE – Historic Preservation application for concept approval for new basement entry.

2nd & K Streets, NE – Discussion of ANC recommendation to the Zoning Commission on whether to set down for public hearing the request of Lean Development to change the zoning of four lots on the moderate-density commercial and production/distribution/repair to a mix of moderate-density mixed use and medium-density, compact mixed-use development with an emphasis on residential use.

ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm in the first floor conference room (hallway to the right as you enter) at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

There is one item on the draft agenda: 

Southeast Blvd & Barney Circle Study Traffic Analysis.

Watkins Market Resumes – 3:30pm – 7:30pm – 13th & E St, SE next to Peter Bug’s Shoe Academy.

Market will begin June 6 and continue every Wednesday through October.

Thursday, June 7

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meets at 7:00pm at Hill Center, 921, Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Barracks Lane Restaurant, 517 8th Street, SE (formerly Las Placitas) – new application for a tavern license with sidewalk café endorsement.   Seating for 99 + 12 seats on sidewalk café; Proposed Hours: Sun. — Thurs. 10am – 1:30 am; Fri. — Sat. 10am – 2:30 am; Sidewalk Hours: 10am – 12 Midnight.

Discussion on compliance with settlement agreements.

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee is scheduled to meet at 7:00pm at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 700 Second Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of Union Market Streetscape – As the Union Market area continues to transition from a commercial warehouse and wholesale market district to a mixed-use activity center, the roads crossing through the neighborhood are seeing a corresponding increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic. However, the existing streetscape does not support these changing transportation patterns.   As a condition of a PUD in the area DDOT collaborated with area developers, business owners, Gallaudet University, and the DC Office of Planning to draft Union Market Streetscape Guidelines to update roadways and public spaces throughout the area for future use. However, these guidelines were drafted and published in October 2017 without neighborhood outreach and ANC input. The Committee would like to discuss current streetscape conditions in the area, short-term solutions to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety, and longer-term improvements to the new streetscape guidelines.

Discussion of NoMa / Mount Vernon Triangle Bicycle Network Study – DDOT recently concluded a study of bicycle infrastructure and ridership patterns in the NoMa and Mount Vernon Triangle areas. The study looked at the region between 6th St NW and 6th St NE, and K St to M St. Current bicycle facilities in the NoMa area primarily follow north-south corridors, and DDOT wanted to explore ways to improve east-west connectivity through safe, convenient, and low-stress routes. DDOT released a report that outlined existing conditions, evaluated bicycle infrastructure in the context of other DC multimodal plans (e.g. Move DC), highlighted known ridership patterns, and provided recommendations for new bicycle infrastructure.

Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) meet at 5:30pm at SE Library, lower level. 

The Week Ahead….and Photos from the Vietnam Memorial

by Larry Janezich

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

ANC6B Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center to set the agenda for the full ANC6B meeting on June 12 in Hill Center.

An attack on one is an attack on all – Help Dcist get up and running…

by Larry Janezich

When DCist was shut down last November by its owner Washingtonians lost an important source of community news.  News reports pointed out that the closure happened days after employees voted to unionize.  See WaPo story here:  https://wapo.st/2saROkK

Three public radio stations – including the local station WAMU – are helping to bring it back but they need assistance.  DCist has launched at Kickstarter page to raise $75,000 to get the site up and running.  For more information and to donate, see here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1685005597/lets-relaunch-dcist-together?ref=498376&token=6142aa5b

 

 

New Player Says Eastern Market Is in Trouble – Releases Report on How to Save It

By Larry Janezich

Last Tuesday morning, a new non-profit community organization – Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation (EMPDC) – held a news conference to release a report it commissioned from an expert in urban markets, listing a series of recommendations (see below) for saving Eastern Market as a food market.  The organization – currently with half a dozen or so members – is headed up by longtime community activist Ellen Opper-Weiner, who said, “The merchants and vendors at Eastern Market are an essential part of the Capitol Hill community.  Their businesses are being run into the ground by a bullying management who threatens retaliation when concerns are raised as opposed to addressing problems brought to its attention.  Eastern Market needs our support.”  A link to the group’s website and petition is here:  http://bit.ly/2s5vOsh

To that end, the group commissioned a study at a cost of $6,000 plus $2,100 in associated expenses, to bring in an outside expert – Aaron Zaretsky, executive director of Public Market Development, Inc., who the report states, has consulted on historic market operations for 40 years.  Zaretsky conducted 20 formal hour-long interviews with Eastern Market principals over four days in March of 2018, as well as “many informal discussions with a variety of tenants, residents and customers”.  Despite several attempts, he said, he was not able to interview current market management.

In related developments, at Wednesday night’s meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) – established by the city to provide oversight and advice on the Market – Chairperson Donna Scheeder announced that $300,000 from the Eastern Market operating funds derived from Market revenues would be transferred to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to fund a long term strategic plan for the Market and its associated Special Use Area comprising the close-by streets and plazas where Market-related activities occur.  She also said that $25,000 would be transferred to the city’s budget to fund a security study anticipating the possible use of bollards to protect the Market and street vendors from vehicles on weekends.

At that meeting, Opper-Weiner told EMCAC about the new Eastern Market Preservation group and said they wanted to work with EMCAC for the benefit of the Market.  EMCAC board member Chuck Burger (who represents Capitol Hill’s micro Chamber of Commerce – CHAMPS – on EMCAC) said he had been interviewed for the report, and agreed with much of it.  “I don’t have a problem with the report”, he said, but was concerned that the public might confuse the new group with EMCAC given the similarity of the two groups’ logos.  He went on to say, “The report is a positive thing and should be put in the pool of ideas. “

The list of Zaretsky’s 29 recommendations – some of them new, some of them familiar, and some of them controversial include the following:

Immediately transfer management of the market to a temporary placeholder.

Contract Market management to a non-profit entity with a 12 member governing board with positions for market representatives, community representatives, and business experts, with designated seats for minority representation.

Open 7^th Street and C Street to vehicular traffic seven days a week.

Move the weekend flea markets elsewhere.

Reconfigure the layout of the South Hall food merchants’ stalls and move refrigerated units to the basement to increase retail space.

Provide more special events and target programs for special populations such as ethnic food festivals and senior days with 10% off.

Strictly limit outside market vendors to artists and craft makers who create their own products.

Do not allow people who are not producers to sell at the market and do not allow real farmers to sell products such as oranges that are never locally produced.  Do not allow farmers who were grandfathered in 1997 to pass that right to their relatives.

Relocate the event functions of the North Hall to the Hill Center and fill the North Hall with complementary fresh food production and fresh food uses.

Fine any merchant or employee who parks on the street within two blocks of the Market.  Cancel all current tenant parking spaces in alleys or streets adjacent to the Market.

Efforts should be made to recruit additional African American vendors.

Provide fair, long term leases with Market tenants as soon as new management entity is formed.

Resist the temptation to offer uniformly upscale offerings.  Intentionally appeal to a racially and economically diverse customer mix.

The report states that the South Hall merchants (all but one were interviewed) were highly and universally critical of the current market management.  The report emphasizes that statute requires the city to contract with a nonprofit to manage the Market and that states that the market manager “should have experience operating an historic urban fresh food or farmers’ market”.  Asked for reaction to the report, representatives of South Hall merchants said they had not read the report and were uncertain whether merchants would take a position on the recommendations.

A link to the report with the complete list of issues and recommendations is here:  http://bit.ly/2kl0qS4

 

Brick Lane Restaurant to Open on Barracks Row

By Larry Janezich

Brick Lane restaurant has applied for a liquor license for a new outlet located at 517 8^th Street – the space formerly occupied by Las Placitas.  @Eat_DC  first reported the move on Twitter yesterday and a second source confirmed it.

The eatery will be Brick Lane’s second, their restaurant at 1636 17^th Street, NW, opened in March of 2016.  The menu of that restaurant features a diverse selection of comfort food.  See their website, here:  http://bit.ly/2x5X1A0

The Week Ahead…A New Player Enters the Battle over Eastern Market’s Future – See Tuesday

By Larry Janezich

Monday, May 21

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm, Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE. (ANC 6A is seeking volunteer committee members.)

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation from DDOT regarding progress of the 17th Street NE redesign project.

Consideration of ANC 6A recommendations regarding the C Street NE Rehabilitation project.

Request by On the Rocks (1242 H Street NE) to offer valet parking.

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee meets at 7:00 pm at Eastern High School, Parent Center, 1700 East Capitol Street, NE. (Enter from East Capitol Street).

Among items on the draft agenda:

Committee Business

Tuesday, May 22

Representatives of the recently revived Eastern Market Preservation and Development Corporation – including President Ellen Opper-Weiner – will hold a press conference at 11:00 am on the plaza outside of Port City Java, corner of 7^th Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE, to release a report: “DC’s Eastern Market: How to Save an Endangered Treasure”.  The group’s press release describes the report as “regarding the mismanagement of Eastern Market and solutions.”

Wednesday, May 23

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee meets at 7:00pm, North Hall, Eastern Market, 225 7th Street, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Report from the Executive Committee

Update on Budget Matters

Market Managers Report

Tenant’s Council Report

 

Touché Survivors Look to Open a New Restaurant on H Street & Dangerously Delicious Pies Expands

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, representatives of Cynthia Gibson, owner of the building which housed Touché – the troubled and now closed H Street supper club – announced a plan to open a new restaurant – The Smokin’ Pig – at 1208 H Street, formerly Kitty’s Saloon.  The plan involves transferring the Touché’s liquor license to the new location.  The announcement came at ANC6A’s Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee, chaired by Jay Williams, one of two cases on the Committee’s agenda.

The proposed Smokin’ Pig was described as a 50 seat, two floor casual restaurant with full bar.  There are no plans for live entertainment or outdoor seating.  The target date for opening is July 1.

During the meeting, Touché came under fire from committee members for ignoring ABRA laws and the Settlement Agreement for operations signed with ANC6A – despite pledges of Touché that it would be completely different from the notorious XII Lounge which preceded it.  On April 6, 2016, the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration held a hearing on ANC6A’s protest of Touché’s liquor license renewal for operating violation, but the license was renewed.  Touché closed after running afoul of the law at a December 23, 2017, event which apparently involved bartering and consumption of marijuana, which is prohibited in an establishment holding a liquor license.

Cynthia Gibson – who apparently holds the Touché liquor license – did not appear at the meeting, and committee members expressed their disappointment, saying they needed more assurances regarding the operation of the new restaurant and more answers about what happened at Touché.  The committee’s skepticism grew when Gibson’s representatives said that the kitchen manager and the bar manager from Touché would serve in those capacities at The Smokin’ Pig.

Williams told Gibson’s representatives, “I want you to succeed, but have to balance that with history.”  The Committee took no action, and told Gibson’s agents that they would like to hear from Ms. Gibson at the full ANC6A Committee meeting on June 14.  The Committee will then take up the matter at its next meeting on June 19 and the full Committee could act on any recommendation at its July meeting.

In the second case before the Committee, one of the co-owners of Dangerously Delicious Pies at 1339 H Street, NE, told the Committee that the company is in the process of building out the second floor and will apply for a full liquor license allowing them to serve liquor, beyond the beer and wine they now offer.  They are also planning a roof top summer garden, which will be shielded from residential neighbors by a hayloft which occupies the rear portion of their building  They also want to expand their Friday and Saturday operating hours from the current 11:00pm until 2:00am.  The Committee agreed to support a 12midnight closing on Friday and Saturday for three months and reconsider a request for later hours after that.  DDP is hoping to open the expansion for business in three weeks.

The Week Ahead…

Monday, May 14

ANC6D meets at 7:00pm, 1104 4^th Street, SW.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 105 & PSA 106) Capt. Pulliam, Lt. Queen

Presentation:  DDOT Briefing on Nats Ballpark TOPP & Public Safety

Presentation:  250 M Street, SE, WC Smith, DDOT, DGS

Presentation:  Save Our Tips – Kevin Wrege

Presentation:  Crown Castle Wireless Communications Facilities – Adam Shapiro

Liquor license:  District Hardware, 730 Maine Avenue, SE: Amendment 1 to Settlement Agreement – additional inside hours

Letter from ANC6D to ABRA/ABC Board re: summer gardens & pedestrian/vehicular traffic 8:05 5 Min,

Letter from ANC6D to ABRA/ABC Board re: differences between CAs/Board Orders & licenses 8:10 5 Min.

Discussion: Wharf Phase 2 Adjustment

Letter to DDOT RE CSX Vibrations Report

Buzzard Point Letter

49 L Street, SE, Public Space Application:  Construction Permit

Update RE 325 & 425 M Street Parcels – Forest City

Tuesday, May 15

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee meets at 7:00pm, Sherwood Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Discussion of new establishment, Smokin’ Pig, 1208 H Street, NE, potential transfer of license from Touche, 1123 H Street, NE, and request for a stipulated license while the placard is pending.

Discussion of request by Dangerously Delicious Pies (1339 H Street NE, License No. ABRA-087422) for expansion to second floor with outdoor seating, and for a stipulated license while the placard is pending.

Wednesday, May 16

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherweed Recreation Center, 10^th and G Streets, NE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Emerald Street Historic District Design Guidelines:  Review of proposed new HPRB design guidelines for the Emerald Street Historic District.  Community feedback and discussion of any proposed changes.

220 14th Place, N.E. – Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions to construct a rear addition to an existing nonconforming structure in the RF-1 Zone.

Thursday, May 17

Sector 2 (PSAs 104, 107, 108) Community Meeting at 7:00pm, place to be announced.