CAPITOL HILL CORNER

Dept of Behavioral Health Backhands ANC Reps on Hill East Mental Health Clinic

DBH Director says ANC/Community Has No Voice in Locating Mental Health Clinic

by Larry Janezich

On Monday afternoon, ANC6B Commissioners Chander Jayaraman and Denise Krepp met with Dr. Tanya Royster, Director of DC’s Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).  The commissioners sought the meeting to discuss the planned opening of two mental health clinics – Andromeda and Community Action Group (CAG) – within a block of each other in Hill East.  See CHC post here:  http://bit.ly/1UPmiAi

According to commissioner Krepp, Royster “…refused to provide information regarding Andromeda’s proposed services and directed Commissioner Jayaraman to FOIA the information.”  The commissioners told CHC that Royster said DBH doesn’t need to notify the ANC in advance of certifying a mental health clinic to operate in a community and is free to issue an approval without considering the impact on the neighborhood.

Last Friday morning, at his community office hours at Pretzel Bakery, CM Charles Allen told CHC regarding Andromeda, “There’s a need – we want to make sure it’s done the right way.”  Much of the hour and a half of Allen’s availability that morning was devoted to hearing more than a dozen neighbors express their strong concerns about the clinic.  Former ANC commissioner Brian Pate told Allen that he thought that it was “time to get some lawyers,” and cited his willingness and that of his neighbors to contribute to a legal fund to make that a reality.

Jayaraman said he will file a FOIA for the application Andromeda filed to get certified.  He wants to know where clients are coming from, the number of clients served, and what services will be provided by the clinic.

Jayaraman said he told Royster that the ANC has more input on a pop up in their neighborhood than on establishment of mental health services.  According to the commissioner, the agency determines the city’s need for more providers and certifies them to open until the agency determines there are enough.  In addition, he said, unless a provider receives money from DBH, there is no oversite of clinics.  Further, there is no absolute limit of clients a clinic may serve:  once a number of clients are certified using – say Medicaid funds from DBH – the clinic can treat other clients using other sources of funding from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) or Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Jayaraman says he will ask ANC6B to send a letter to Royster opposing the establishment of Andromeda at 15^th and Massachusetts, SE, including a request for a detailed response regarding how the agency gives the ANC opinions “great weight”.

Jayaraman has also filed an appeal before the Board of Zoning Adjustment, citing a 1997 case, claiming that DCRA incorrectly issued a Certificate of Occupancy for an Outpatient Substance Abuse Recovery facility as “General Office Use” which should, instead, fall under the category of a “Medical Facility”.  He says Andromeda is waiting for the appeal to be resolved so they can be certified to operate.    The appeal comes before the BZA on September 20.

If it proves to be the case that DBH is exempt from giving the opinion of the ANC “great weight”, it will be yet another example of the casual dismissal by yet another agency, which includes the Department of Transportation, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Department of General Services, the Zoning Commission, the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment, the Alcohol Beverage and Control Administration and the Historic Preservation Review Board which routinely pay lip service to the ANCs, but then give them the backs of their collective hands.  In effect, they give the same treatment to the residents of the District.  Maybe the Mayor should step in and require that her agencies give the opinions of the ANCs the “great weight” to which they are entitled.  And maybe, when the residents and ANCs decide they have had enough, they’ll demand it.

 

The Week Ahead….Controversial H St. Pop Up Before ANC6A Zoning Committee Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Monday, July 18

1. ANC 6A Transportation and Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm at Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Request for brick sidewalk on 800 Block of A Street, NE

Request to convert 2-way stop to 4-way stop at 8th Street, NE and West Virginia Avenue, NE

Request for traffic study at intersection of 10th Street, NE, and Massachusetts Avenue, NE

2. SW Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) and ANC-6D will jointly host a Community Forum on Transportation in Southwest at 7:00pm at the Arena Stage Kogod Cradle Theater. The meeting will provide an opportunity for city officials to address the escalating transportation challenges presented by development in Southwest.  Construction now underway or planned, includes three new museums, a 21,000 seat soccer stadium, and 6,000 units of housing contemplated for Buzzard Point.

Tuesday, July 19

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

Agenda not available at press time

2. CHRS Board of Directors meets at 6:30pm, Capitol Hill Townhomes, 750 6^th Street, SE.

Wednesday, July 20

1. ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10^th Street, NE

Among items on the agenda:

1701 H Street, NE, Planned Unit Development.  Update from the developer.  The PUD seeks a land use designation change from the existing C-2-A to C-2-B in order to develop the Property. The applicant proposes to construct a mixed-use building with approximately 14,342 square feet of ground-floor retail uses and 180 residential units on nine floors above.  The applicant will also use the PUD process to obtain relief from other requirements of the Zoning Regulations, including the parking, loading and roof structure requirements.

1336 H Street, NE, applicant is requesting lot occupancy relief and court width relief from zoning regulations for the residential levels, and rear yard relief in order to provide for an external stairway that will extend into the otherwise open rear yard.

313 11th Street, NE, Concept/construction of two-story carriage house with roof deck.

2. Maryland Avenue Pedestrian Safety Plan meeting at 7:30 pm – NE Branch Library, 330 7th Street, NE, with Mayor Bowser, CM Charles Allen, the District Department of Transportation, ANC6A, ANC6C and residents for an update on the implementation of the Maryland Avenue Pedestrian Safety Plan. The Maryland Avenue Pedestrian Safety Project has been previously approved by ANC6A and ANC6C and adopted by DDOT. The plan is available on ANC6A’s website here: http://anc6a.org/

Thursday, July 21

Police Service Area (PSA) 108 public meeting, 7:00pm, Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE

Heroin Hotspot on H Street Gets Attention of ANC6A, CM Charles Allen, and MPD

by Larry Janezich

Thursday night, ANC6A Chair Phil Toomajian told the Commission that some of his constituents – residents who live near the intersection of 11th and H Streets, NE, had increasing concerns about quality of life issues on those corners, including loitering, public urination, intoxication and drug dealing.  He noted that there is no law against loitering, but the other issues are addressed by law and are alleged to occur frequently on the corner.

Confirmation of drug dealing came on Friday morning from CM Charles Allen.  At his community office hours at the Pretzel Bakery in Hill East, Allen related that in response to complaints he had asked the First District Commander to monitor activity at the location.  After witnessing drug activity taking place, undercover First District officers made at least one arrest for sale of heroin.

Toomajian said residents were associating the benches placed on the corners after redesign of the street scape with the quality of life issues, and wanted them removed and that a petition being circulated had more than 50 signatures.

The commission subsequently voted to send a letter to the city supporting removal of the benches from the Southeast and Southwest corners.  Toomajian acknowledged that removal of the benches might not solve the problem, but said the action would give some comfort to the neighbors.  The motion to send the letter was agreed to by a vote of 7 – 0 with one abstention.

Game On for “Eastern Market Main Street” Proposal

by Larry Janezich

The 7^th Street Market Association comprised of businesses near Eastern Market is promoting the establishment of an “Eastern Market Main Street” to take advantage of funding available in the District’s budget for creation two of the commercial advocacy and support entities.  There are currently ten “Main Streets” in the District including Barracks Row Main Street and H Street Main Street.   Last Tuesday, ANC6B voted 8 – 0 to give it’s  qualified support for creation of an Eastern Market Main Street – essentially giving a green light to take the effort to the next stage.  The ANC will revisit the issue before any final action is taken.

The proposed Eastern Market Main Street District would encompass 7^th Street between North Carolina and Pennsylvania Avenue, C Street between 6^th and 8^th Streets, both sides of the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, and the businesses inside Eastern Market.  Undecided is how the Eastern Market outside vendors and the weekend flea market vendors would be incorporated or represented, but organizers seemed confident that could be resolved satisfactorily.

Main Streets are chartered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street program through an application process.  ANC approval is an initial step in the process of tapping District funds to support the effort.

The purpose of a Main Street is to promote member businesses and coordinate improvements to the the designated commercial corridors involved.  This includes street-scaping, façade improvements, use of technology and marketing.  Main Street organizations are funded through grants, contributions, and proceeds from sponsored events, not from fees or dues.

There will be a community meeting on July 26 at 7:00pm in Hill Center to solicit community input as to what community stakeholders want out of an Eastern Market Main Street.

 

Shakespeare’s Barracks Row Rehearsal Space Wants to Be Retail/Office/Residential. But…

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, Michael Oxman, architect and part owner of the building housing Shakespeare rehearsal space on Barracks Row, unveiled details of the proposed re-development of the former warehouse into a mixed use retail, office, and residential project. Oxman was seeking ANC6B approval of the Historical Preservation application for the design of the proposed Barracks Row structure.   Rehearsals for the Shakespeare Company are due to relocate to new facilities in Southwest in the near future.

ANC6B approved the historic preservation application, by a vote of 6 – 1 with one abstention, but opposition to the project’s proposed fourth floor by the Historic Preservation Office is likely to be a deal killer.  Preservationists say that the fourth floor is, in the words of Planning and Zoning Committee resident member Ken Jarboe, “a pop up in a commercial property.” Jarboe could have added, “in an Historic District.”

Oxman’s plan provides for the largest retail space on Barracks Row on the first floor, office space on the second floor, and 12 micro residential units on a third and fourth floor.  Despite ANC support, Oxman will probably have to go back to the drawing board on this one.

For more on this project, see previous CHC post here:  http://bit.ly/1OexKk1

SRO at Solar Information Meeting at SE Library Wednesday Night

by Larry Janezich

More than 50 residents attended the standing room only briefing on the advantages of going solar and how to join the (currently) 30 member Lincoln Park Co-op formed to participate in a bulk purchase installation of solar energy systems.

Solar advocates Anya Schoolman, founder of the non-profit solar installation coordinating group, DC Sun, and Sam Polino, Program Director of Solar Co-ops, walked those at Wednesday night’s meeting through the technology, the Co-op participation process, and the costs of going solar.

The bottom line, they say, is that installing solar is a very good deal for District residents right now and there are financing options, including some suitable for low income households.

Schoolman and DC Sun are soliciting additional participants District-wide to join the Lincoln Park Co-op.  The time frame is such that interested parties can sign up within the next 30 days to receive updates and information on the progress of the Co-op as it moves toward the beginning of the installation process.

Signing up now involves no commitment to participate in the Co-op.  The Lincoln Park group will send out a notice to solar system installers soon, asking for bids to install systems on Co-op members’ homes for a set price.  Members of the Co-op will select a developer to engage for the group installation, and Co-op members will have 30 days to commit to having solar installed.  Installations progress in the order in which people sign up, with the first members having their systems installed within a few days.  Those who join later may have to wait six to eight months.

The installation price will depend on how large your system is, measured by the number of solar panels your roof can accommodate.  Most Capitol Hill homes will install 2 Kilowatt to 5 Kilowatt systems.

According to the DC Sun website, the cost for the typical 3 Kilowatt system before incentives is $10,500.  At the end of the first year, after deducting 1. the Co-op discount ($1500), 2. the $30% one-time federal tax CREDIT ($2700), 3. the estimated one year savings on electricity ($465), and 4. the proceeds from the sale of SRECs* – Solar Renewable Energy Certificates – ($3900),  the cost of installation drops to $1935.  The life time of the panels is 20 years or so, meaning the annual savings in electricity will last about that long, or longer.

For more information, go here:  http://www.dcsun.org/ and click on “Join a Solar Group” to get the the Lincoln Park Co-op page.

*SREC – Solar Renewable Energy Certificate.

Regulations require Exelon (formerly Pepco) to produce a percentage of their electricity from solar.  Since Exelon doesn’t have any solar production capacity, regulations provide that they can satisfy the requirement by purchasing SREC’s from people who do have solar panels.  The value is determined by the market subject to supply and demand.  In the District, local government requires Exelon to have a higher percentage of their electricity from solar – than, say Maryland – so SREC’s are more valuable here than in Maryland.  Demand for SRECs is expected to remain high in the District for at least the next five years as supply catches up with demand.  Solar producers can sell their SREC’s and receive a one time lump sum, as in the calculation above.  It’s likely, however, that most buyers of solar systems will  anticipate that the demand will be high for the next few years, and will arrange for a broker to sell their SRECs on the open market and receive quarterly payments which will amount to a much larger total than the one time lump sum payment.  The latter process involves registering with a broker who handles all aspects of the sale and sends you four checks a year.  Your installer will estimate how many SRECs your system will produce annually.  One SREC is currently worth about $480 in DC.

[Full Disclosure:  CHC participated in a previous Ward 6 bulk purchase in 2014 coordinated by DC-Sun, joining very late in the process after the installer had been chosen.  Observations from that experience:  1) going solar is an excellent investment, providing sound financial returns and the satisfaction of improving the environment and contributing to the public good – CHC would do it again;  2) selection of the installer is of prime importance and a through vetting of a company’s experience in handling a large number of installations is essential, as well as the quality of the components of the systems which the company proposes to install; 3)  in 2014, the process of shepherding the paperwork through Pepco was burdensome for the system owner –  some thought that Pepco was not devoting enough resources to processing paperwork.  DC Sun, through the Public Utilities Commission, says it has taken action to alleviate the difficulties encountered by previous participants in group purchases.  4)  the DC Public Utility Commission is extremely responsive in interceding with Pepco on behalf of solar system purchasers who encounter difficulties with (Pepco/Exelon)].

ANC6B Signs Off on Revised Plan for Preserving the Shotgun House – First Look at New Design

by Larry Janezich

At its July 1 meeting, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee had reservations about SAG Architect’s historic preservation design for the legendary Shotgun House at 1229 E Street, SE, reporting that “most committee members {agree] that the proposed design doesn’t work well.”  Committee members proposed some tinkering with the plan and sent the project to the full ANC for consideration by a 3-2 vote with one abstention.  See Capitol Hill Corner post here:  http://bit.ly/29buF8j

SGA Architects went back to the drawing board and produced a substantially new design for the project that more clearly delineates the two residential structures planned for the site, and which, in the words of Sassan Gharai of SGA Architects “is more in keeping with the character of the block.”

At the full ANC6B meeting on Tuesday, July 12, the revised plans were well received and the Commission approved the design unanimously.

Gharai also informed the ANC that he had incorporated suggestions of members of the Planning and Zoning Committee regarding the design of the 119 residential unit project (with first floor retail) in the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The historic preservation designs for that plan were approved without objection earlier in Tuesday night’s session.

Work could begin on the Shotgun House before the end of the year, if HPRB signs off on it and permits can be obtained.

The Week Ahead…Thinking of Going Solar?  See Wednesday.

by Larry Janezich

Monday, July 11

1. ANC 6D meets at 7:00pm, 1100 4th St. SW,  DCRA 2nd floor meeting room

Among items on the agenda:

Buzzard Point health & stadium update

DC United infrastructure & utilities traffic control plan

Friends of Randall update

Proposed Bike Lanes: New Jersey Ave. SE

2. Community meeting to review revised plans for the apartment renovation at 626 E Street, SE. The full ANC6B will be considering the matter at its July 12 meeting. Developers will present their revised plans for community review and comment at an informal meeting Monday July 11, 2016 at 7:00 pm, at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 Seventh Street SE

Tuesday, July 12

1. ANC6B meets at 7:00pm in Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Among items on the agenda:

(Consent Calendar) Capitol Courts (Part 1), 1230 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE: Sassan Ghari, architect/developer.  [Note: the 1229 E Street, SE, (Shotgun House) portion of this historic preservation application will be discussed and voted on during tonight’s regular business meeting.

Alcohol beverage license renewals for:   Ted’s Bulletin, 505 8th Street SE and Matchbox, 517 8th Street, SE.

Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, substantial change for new sidewalk café with seating for six.

S.E. Market, 1500 Independence Avenue SE, substantial change in hours of operation, sales and consumption.

Report on the Status of ANC 6B License Renewal Protests: Good Stuff Eatery, Bearnaise, and We the Pizza; Hank’s on the Hill; and Ambar.

507 8th Street, SE, concept/visible 2-story addition on 2-story contributing warehouse building: Michael Oxman, architect

Capitol Courts (Part 2), 1229 E Street, SE, (Shotgun House): Sassan Ghari, architect/developer

Status Report on ANC6B’s Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Appeal on Andromena Substance Abuse and Mental Health Recovery Clinic at 15^th and Massachusetts, SE.

2. PSA 104 meets at 7:00pm, at J.O. Wilson Elementary School, 660 K Street, NE.

Agenda:

Open forum neighbor to police discussion on what’s important to residents in safety and security.

Wednesday, July 13

1. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C meets at 7 pm, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Toscana Cafe, 601 2nd Street N.E., change from class D to class C restaurant (adds spirits).

Park at 5th and I Streets N.E.—design, construction, maintenance.

Stuart Hobson field activity.

XO, 15 K Street N.E., application for sidewalk café.

1005 North Capitol Street NE, application for new residential construction including bike racks, landscaping, and canopy.

300 8th Street NE, revised historic preservation application to demolish structure and build four-story residential building with penthouse.

301-333 N Street, NE, revised application, consolidated PUD and PUD-related map amendment.

Proposed legislation: DCRA fine increase amendment; vacant property; homeowner protection from construction damage.

Wunder Garten, update.

Omnibus Amendment of 2016 governing ANCs.

2. Solar Energy Bulk Purchase Informational Meeting at SE Library. Neighbors in Lincoln Park and across D.C. are forming a co-op with the help of DC SUN to make it easier to save money on the purchase of solar panels and build a community interested in solar.  An informational meeting about solar energy and how the co-op simplifies the process of going solar while providing a discount through its bulk purchasing power. You DON’T have to live inthe Lincoln Park community to be a part of the co-op.

6:30pm-8:30pm, SE Library, 403 7^th Street, SE.RSVP Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/july-lincoln-park-solar-co-op-info-session-tickets-26101504302

Thursday, July 14

1. ANC6A will meet at 7:00pm. NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION:  The meeting will be held Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th Street, NE.

Among items on the agenda:

Recommendation: The ANC take no action with regard to H Street Country Club’s request to change its hours of live entertainment to allow entertainment through 1:00 am Sunday through Thursday.

Recommendation: ANC 6A write a letter to DDOT requesting that they evaluate the 400 block of 17th Street NE to see if it would be safe to have parking on the street.

Recommendation: ANC 6A write a letter to DDOT requesting that conduct a traffic-calming assessment for the 200 block of 10th Street, NE.

Recommendation: ANC 6A write a letter to the BZA in support of 1111 H Street, NE, on condition of the removal of the rear yard relief request, provided that it is acceptable to the neighbors at 1115 H Street, the developer contribute $20,000 to the to pay for a mural designed by the condo association, and a security camera is provided by the owners of 1111 H Street to the condo association at 1115 H Street.

Recommendation: ANC 6A write a letter of support for a special exception to allow Halal Guys to operate at 814 H Street, NE, provided the applicant makes best efforts to reach out and provide letters of support to be submitted before the ANC meeting and subject to the following conditions: 1. the backyard will not be usable by customers, 2. the applicant will not use any public space, 3. the applicant will provide a trash receptacle in front of the building, 4. the applicant will make all deliveries via numbered side streets, 5. trash and grease will be kept in a covered, enclosed container in the backyard, 6. the applicant will provide re-usable utensils, and 7. the applicant will vent exhaust through the front of the establishment.

2. CHRS Zoning Committee meets at 7:30pm, Kirby House, 420 10th Street, SE.

Friday, July 15

1. Fundraiser Benefitting Eastern High School Students – “All White with a Touch of Sky Blue!” Featured Entertainment:  Comedian Billy the Kid w/ Music From Lissen Band and DJ Rough

8pm –12am Location: The Ukrainian, 4250 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC.  Tickets”  $60 – Includes Membership Dues & Catered Buffet, w/no corkage fee BYOB

For tickets contact EHSAA President James Thomas ‘82: (202) 258-7020.  All Ticket Proceeds Fund EHS Student Scholarships.

Work Starts on 49 Unit Condo Project at 11^th and I Streets, SE – Latest Rendering

by Larry Janezich

Work started July 1 on Madison Investment’s new built-as-matter-of-right residential building planned for 900 11^th  Street, SE, across the street from Ginko Gardens.  Madison plans units which will average 870 square feet – with 40% to 50% of them aimed at a two-bedroom family lifestyle market.  Ten percent of the square footage of the project (4 – 6 units) will fall in the affordable category, under inclusionary zoning requirements.   The project will provide 7 street-level parking spaces, an additional 23 spaces in a partly underground garage, and 26 bike spaces.  The most recent elevation of the project is featured above.

For more on this project and to see how the design has changed, see the CHC post here: http://bit.ly/29lFOr6

Urban Turf has published an overview of 14 residential projects on Capitol Hill and Hill East planned or currently under construction which will deliver a total of 1267 additional residential units.  See here:  http://bit.ly/29o3s0r

At Last – Non-Food Retail Coming to Barracks Row

Woman’s Exercise Apparel Outlet Will Focus on Green Brands

by Larry Janezich

Summit to Soul, a women’s fitness and lifestyle boutique will open by the end of July according to founder Kimberly Wattrick.  The retail space at 727 8^th Street on Barracks Row was formerly the home of Capitol Hill Sporting Goods which closed recently after 13 years.

Summit To Soul is a Washington, DC, based boutique that provides high-quality women’s fitness and yoga apparel and gear.  The store is committed to carrying only eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced, or Made in USA products.  Those brands include:  Beyond Yoga, Onzie, Wear It To Heart/WITH, Rese, Coeur, United By Blue, Manchuka, and Oiselle.

Wattrick said she chose to open on Barracks Row because she “lives on Capitol Hill and loves the community and saw a need for a women’s apparel outlet.”  After the store launches she has plans for Summit To Soul sponsored community events such as free run clubs and fitness groups.

Wattrick is a long time DC resident, a former collegiate tennis player and avid exercise enthusiast.  After a career in socially responsible investing, she founded Summit To Soul in 2015.   She received her BA from Georgetown University and an MA in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins SAIS, where she won a national business plan competition for sustainable business practices.  For more information on product lines, see the store’s website here: https://www.summittosoul.com/

Capitol Hill residents who have been pining for non-restaurant retail to return to 8^th Street will undoubtedly welcome the news.  In addition to Capitol Hill Sporting Goods, two other “real” retail stores on the block closed recently:  Homebody lost its lease to make way for Pineapple and Pearls – Aaron Silverstein’s high end, $250 fixed price companion restaurant for Rose’s Luxury – and City Bikes closed earlier this year because of an increase in rent.   Barracks Row has struggled to attract retail on a commercial corridor where some landlords hold out for higher rents only food and drink establishments can afford.  As word spreads of the clout of the well-organized nearby neighbors who have been successful in requiring new restaurants to meet best operating practices, these landlords may be waiting for a while.