CAPITOL HILL CORNER

Editorial:  Why I’m Not Voting for Bowser Again

by Larry Janezich

I’ve supported Mayor Bowser and given credit where it’s due.  But the recent decision of the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability – all mayoral appointees – to not renew the contract of Director of the Office of Open Government Traci L. Hughes, speaks of an indifference to residents who care about accountability and shows the arrogance of an executive sure of coasting to re-election.

Hughes ran afoul of the executive branch by enforcing DC’s transparency laws, notably against the board of the United Medical Center and the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Caribbean Community Affairs for holding secret meetings.  Both boards are controlled by appointees of Mayor Bowser.

Closer to home, in 2014 and 2015, Hughes responded to complaints by Eastern Market vendor Joe Snyder about lack of transparency regarding the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), with the result in a change of EMCAC procedures.  Changes such as these benefit the entire community.

Then came yesterday, when the City Council unanimously approved a bill to authorize publicly financed campaigns.  Bowser says she will not budget funding for it.  As has been widely reported, Bowser already suffers from a public perception that she is too close to campaign contributors.  In a case that had indirect consequences for Eastern Market, former Department of General Services chief Chris Weaver (DGS owns and runs Eastern Market) resigned after two of his staffers were fired when they failed to award lucrative contracts on the DC United soccer stadium and the Washington Wizards practice facility at St. Elizabeth’s to Ft. Myer Construction – a significant donor to local politicians.  When Councilmember Mary Cheh presented Bowser with evidence of corruption in the contracting process, Bowser chose to ignore it.

In 2015, the Mayor’s allies were forced to shut down Bowser’s controversial political action committee FreshPAC, funded in large part by developers like Hine Project partner Buwa Binitie, after public and media reaction turned it into a liability.

And in March of 2016, the Washington Post reported that most of the sites selected for relocating the homeless from DC General were “…owned or at least partly controlled by major donors to the mayor.  And experts have calculated that the city leases would increase the assessed value of those properties by as much as 10 times for that small group of landowners and developers.”

Most of these controversies are now so much water under the bridge – but the cumulative effect of the drip, drip, dripping speaks to a continuation of a venal and moribund city government.

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 8, Councilmember Charles Allen, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, will hold an oversight hearing where he says he will seek answers on the failure to renew Hughes’ contract from the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability.  It’s ironic that the Board finds itself in a forum where it is being held accountable.  Let’s hope our trust in accountability is not misplaced.

The hearing is at 9:30am in Room 500 of the Wilson Building.  The hearing can also be watched live by clicking on the “Watch Hearings Live” link on this webpage:  http://bit.ly/2E5eIP1

Update:  The Week Ahead…. – ANC6C Committee Meetings – Dockless Bikes and Sidewalk Cafés

by Larry Janezich

Wednesday, February 7

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

214 A Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application of Jonathan D. Schmidt for concept approval for side and rear additions, to raze garages, and to construct new garage.

311 F Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application of C&S Development LLC for concept approval to construct a full-height rear addition.

1139 6th Street, NE – Zoning adjustment Application for a special exception to construct a rear and third-story addition to an existing one-family dwelling.

Discussion of B22-669 – Department of Buildings Establishment Act of 2018

Discussion of upcoming DCRA oversight hearing (March 8)

Thursday, February 8

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm, Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center, 700 2^nd Street, NE, Room G3-G4. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Dockless Bikeshare Presentation:  The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will provide an overview and update ofthe dockless bikeshare pilot program.

Peet’s Coffee, 1275 1st Street, NE – Application for an unenclosed sidewalk café.

CAVA Grill, 523 H Street, NE – Application for unenclosed sidewalk café

Indigo, 243 K Street, NE – Application to convert current unenclosed sidewalk café to an enclosed sidewalk café

Southeast Safeway at 14th and D Streets, SE

Restrictions and exceptions apply to the 30% off sale (see below)

Southeast Safeway Announces March 10 Closing with 30% Off

by Larry Janezich

The Southeast Safeway will close for two years on Saturday, March 10.  When it reopens, it will be 10,000 square feet larger and part of a large mixed use 329 unit residential/retail project, “Beckert’s Park” – named for the Beckert’s Brewery that once occupied the site.  Capitol Hill Corner first reported the planned  development in March, 2016.  Details of the project were subsequently posted on CHC here:  http://bit.ly/2qjZpii

The 30% off does not apply to meats, dairy, baked goods or produce.  It does apply to wine and dry/canned goods.  Current employees will be offered transfers to their choice of three other stores during the two year period.

Part of the pleasure of visiting Capitol Hill Books at 657 C Street across from Eastern Market is experiencing the acerbic wit behind the admonitory notices reminding customers to return books where they came from, to wit, the above.

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

Monday, February 5

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

Tuesday, February 6

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

Among items on the agenda:

Presentation/consideration of a letter regarding renovation of Potomac Avenue Parks

1511 C Street SE; Zoning adjustment – Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing one-family dwelling.

656 Independence Ave SE; Zoning adjustment – Special Exception to construct a two-story, rear addition to an existing one-family dwelling,

Letter to DC Water, DCRA regarding night work within 500 feet of residences.

Wednesday, February 7

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

Among items on the agenda:

Discussion on the DDOT decision for 8th and A Streets parking issue, SE.

Discussion on traffic problems at Brent and Tyler Elementary schools.

Proposed letter on Park Drive.

Public usage of Lot 843 in Square 1046 (tentative).

Thursday, February 8

The ANC6B ABC Committee which usually meets this day has not scheduled a meeting. 

ANC6A meets at 7:00pm at Miner Elementary School, 601 15^th Street, NE. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentation:  District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian.

Motion that the ANC approve the submitted Settlement Agreement with Truth Hookah/Cigar at 1220 H Street, NE, and not protest its request for a restaurant liquor license.

Recommendation that ANC 6A provide a letter of conditional support for the 2018 Rock and Roll Marathon on the condition that the organizers commit to meeting with the ANC prior to their meetings with DDOT and HSEMA in order to discuss the possibility of alternate routes that do not repeatedly impact ANC 6A and the streetcar for the 2019 race, and that ANC 6A oppose the “Clean Route” requirement that no cars be permitted to park along the route far in advance of the race.

Recommendation that ANC 6A send a letter of support to the Mayor’s Task Force on Special Events for the 2018 Capitol Hill Classic race and oppose the “Clean Route” requirement that no cars be permitted to park along the route far in advance of the race.

Recommendation that ANC6A send a letter to DCPS and DGS encouraging them to request a variance and seek other ways of increasing playspace at Maury Elementary School.

Recommendation that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they engage with DCPS to come up with a solution to the challenges regarding parking and space restrictions at Maury Elementary School.

Recommendation that ANC6A send a letter to BZA asking for flexibility in the interpretation of parking requirements at Maury Elementary School.

Saturday, February 10

The Friends of Southeast Library will hold a book sale from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Southeast Library, lower level. 

Maury Elementary School will hold a book sale in the Eliot Hine multi-purpose at 18^th and C Streets, NE, from 10am until 2:00pm.  Hundreds of books to choose from for both children and adults – $1 for paperbacks and children’s books and $2 for hardcovers.  Also for sale:  valentine treats, popcorn and hot chocolate, & valentine pencil-grams.  There will also be a make your own bookmark craft station.  All proceeds will go to sending Maury 5th Graders to space camp in 2018.

Diane Hoskins, ANC6B02 Commissioner, resigned today

ANC6B02 Commissioner Diane Hoskins Resigns

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B02 Commissioner Diane Hoskins announced her resignation today, effective immediately, saying the demands of a new job were incompatible with serving the neighborhood.  The announcement came in the form of a letter to Director of the DC Board of Elections, Alice Miller, and is as follows:

Hoskins was elected in 2014 to succeed retiring commissioner Ivan Frischberg.  She recently stepped down as ANC6B Treasurer.  Hoskins and has been an active supporter of efforts to manage the impact on the neighborhood of Hine Project and has been the ANC’s representative on the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.  Her single member district includes Eastern Market, the Hine Project, and Eastern Market Metro Plaza.

The usual procedure for filling the seat once ANC6B declares it vacant is by special election at a time and place determined by the ANC.  Capitol Hill Corner will post the details as they become available.  A map of ANC6B is below showing the boundaries of Single Member District 6B02.  If only one candidate emerges, the usual procedure is for the ANC to declare that candidate the new commissioner.

Map of ANC6B.  ANC6B02 contains within its boundaries Eastern Market, the Hine Project, and Eastern Market Metro Plaza

The neon Tibetan lettering means “dumpling” in the evening window of Bullfrog Bagels – 317 7th St. SE

Tibetan Dumplings at Eastern Market?  Here’s the Menu

by Larry Janezich

Former popup restaurant Dorjee Momo has found an evening home (at least through August – maybe longer) at Bullfrog Bagels on 7^th Street near Eastern Market.

When evening comes, Bullfrog Bagels – which operates 8am – 2pm, is transformed into Dorjee Momo with the addition of traditional Tibetan décor at the 22 upstairs seats.

Momos are vegetable or meat Tibetan dumplings, some gluten free, and can be accompanied by Tumeric rice, sweet buns, spicy Tibetan sauce, or “roadside pickles”.  See the menu below.

The restaurant also offers a vegetarian or meat based Sichuan hot pot for four which – the owners warn – can be made more spicy, but not less.

Beverages include wines – and cocktails with a decidedly Tibetan spin.

Co-owner Dorjee Tsering worked at Bullfrog Bagels, Maketto, and Sospeso.  He and his wife/partner Amjerjade started catering traditional Tibetan dinners in private homes before graduating to Union Kitchen which helps launch fledgling restaurants.  That led to popups and the stint at Bullfrog Bagels.  Next stop: a permanent brick and mortar outlet.

Dorjee Momo is open Thursday – Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.  317 7th St. SE; for their webpage, go here:  http://www.dorjeemomo.com/

Ebenezer Methodist Church, 4th and D Streets, SE. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Divided Historic Preservation Board Objects to Ebenezer Church Mechanized Parking Plan

by Larry Janezich

Thursday morning, The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) concluded consideration of a plan for a 16 car mechanized parking unit behind Ebenezer Church at 400 D Street, SE, located within the Capitol Hill Historic District.  The proposal failed to get the required majority endorsement on a 3 – 3 vote.  But it might not be over.

As previously reported, opposition was largely based on the likely consequences of a proposed curb cut on 5^th Street which would allow access to the parking garages.  Residents feared that among other effects, traffic would backup on 5^th Street, SE, as many vehicles arrive simultaneously for Sunday services.  The developer pushed to have the issue of the curb cut passed on to DC Department of Transportation (who has the final say) without input from HPRB, but several of the Board members asserted that the curb cut fell under their province.

Board member Outerbridge Horsey said, “I looked up the definition of compatibility.  It means harmony.  I see conflict everywhere….it’s incompatible.  The whole is worse than sum of its parts….I see issues with timing of cars coming and going out.  I see this as within our purview.  I’m not saying I could never get on board; I like the structure and it is doing what it needs to.  But you need to think through these impacts; I’m not in support as it currently stands, but could be, given more attention to alleviating potential back-ups.”

Opponents of the project presented a petition signed by 70 neighbors who oppose the project; other neighbors presented a letter signed by 16 supporters

It appears that the mechanized parking structures are off the table for now.  The proposal could re-emerge in a different form, or the Church could simply seek a curb cut from the DC Department of Transportation – a likely easier hurdle than approval by HPRB – and park as many cars as they can in the 12,000 square foot space.

ANC6B Vice Chair Chander Jayaraman presented the case to HPRB for ANC6B’s opposition to the project.  Jayaraman told Capitol Hill Corner:  “The split decision in this case by the HPRB is emblematic of the struggle that ANCs representing historic areas of DC face between responsible development and historic preservation.  Over the several meetings on the proposed Ebenezer development, it was apparent to me that the community supports Ebenezer Church and recognized the need for the church to develop their underutilized property.  However, testing a new mechanical parking garage concept that would serve only the applicant and eliminate all green space was asking too much.

I think that if this parking concept was proposed outside the historic district, I would be more supportive to see if new technologies and more efficient use of space can alleviate the daily parking struggle.”

A cross section of the plan shows the three level parking structure on the left. On the right is a cross section of one of the five new townhouse rental units being built be the Church, and one of the five parking spaces behind those new units.

Historic Preservation Board Resumes on Ebenezer Church Parking Issue this Thursday

by Larry Janezich

The Historic Preservation Review Board has revised its February 1 Continuation Meeting schedule to accommodate continued consideration of the Capitol Hill Historic District Case at 400 D Street SE Ebenezer Church).

9:00 – 9:30     400 D Street SE, HPA 17-488, concept/construct parking structures [continuation from January 25th meeting]

The meeting will be held at 441 4th Street NW in Room 220-South.  Applicants and those interested in testifying should arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the assigned time for the case.

HPRB Meetings are streamed live.  Go here:  http://bit.ly/2ndn7Jc and click on “View Live Video” in column on the left to view hearings.

For a report of the initial HPRB consideration of the case, see CHC post here:  http://bit.ly/2DPpoEy

Metro Center

Metro Sales Office at Metro Center to Re-open with Expanded Hours on Feb 26

by Larry Janezich

Metro’s in-person sales office is moving back to an inside Metro Center Station and will offer expanded hours, starting February 26, 2018.

The announcement, by press release, stated, “The new Metro Center Sales Office will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. – two hours later than the existing sales office at Metro Headquarters, which closes at 4 p.m. The new location will allow customers to conveniently purchase SmarTrip® cards, add value to their card, purchase senior and specialty cards and pick-up bulk sales packages – all without exiting the Metrorail system.”

“Metro Center is the center of Metro, making it the ideal location for our sales office,” said Dennis Anosike, Metro’s Chief Financial Officer. “Relocating the sales office to a space within the rail system will maximize convenience for visitors and customers, who will now be able to purchase fare products without leaving Metro.”

At a January 6 DDOT community meeting at Barracks Row’s Miracle Theater on proposed Circulator Bus changes, Heather Foote – representing Capitol Hill Village – pleaded with officials to consider providing an indoor location in DC where residents can purchase Senior Discount Smart Cards.  She told officials that since the location at Metro Center was eliminated, the only place in the District to buy a Senior Discount Card is the outdoor location at Metro sales office at 600 Fifth St, NW.  Capitol Hill Corner reported on that meeting here:  http://bit.ly/2m2Z2E3

While it is clear that many factors went into the decision to re-open the Metro Center outlet, Foote’s comments brought home to DDOT, at least, needs of seniors in the system which needed to be addressed.

The existing sales office at Metro Headquarters will permanently close on February 23, 2018.

Not What You Think – NWYT is an a cappella ensemble performing pop, light jazz, and folk. They performed at East City Book Shop on Saturday, January 20.

The Week Ahead….

by Larry Janezich

There’s not much happening the last week of January

Tuesday, January 30

ANC6B’s Executive Committee meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center to set the agenda for the next full meeting of ANC6B on Tuesday, February 13.