CAPITOL HILL CORNER

The Week Ahead…Community Meeting on SE Library & Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

July 19, 2020

The Week Ahead…

Monday, July 20

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting  CANCELLED

Tuesday, July 21

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee is cancelled.

Thursday, July 23

Southeast Library Renovation Virtual Community Meeting, 6:30pm.

The third community meeting about the Southeast Library renovation will cover the recent due diligence work on the site and review the library building program.  Attendees will provide feedback on adding to the building footprint.

This meeting will be a virtual event on WebEx. Please use this link at the time of the event. If you are prompted to enter a password, it is: dclibrary.

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e60afcd0ad07ae4580e2be06219eb002d

For more on plans to renovate the Southeast Library here: https://bit.ly/2ZJGDS4

 

Policing in DC:  Saturday’s Virtual Town Hall Meeting Starts the Conversation

by Larry Janezich

July 19, 2020

A Saturday morning virtual town hall style meeting “Reimagining Policing in the District of Columbia” began a conversation on policing in DC.  It was hosted by some 50 ANC Commissioners representing districts in Wards across the city.

Moderators Sharita Thompson, professor of African and African American Studies at Gettysburg College, and Dr. Bernard Demczuk, of George Washington University, introduced panelists MPD Assistant Chief Robert Contee; Douglas Sloan, VP NAACP; Council Members Charles Allen and Robert White; Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Kevin Donahue, and Marcus Strider Dent, Commander of the Baltimore Chapter of the Guardian Angels.

Moderators posed the following questions to the panel.

How do you see this moment in relation to history?

All panelists agreed that the moment created by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police has provided us with a rare opportunity to have a sustained conversation about public safety and law enforcement, focusing on social and economic justice.

What do you want to see MPD do in terms of transparency and accountability?

CM Allen cited the need  create a civilian led office to consider policing complaints and to restructure MPD as necessary to ensure public confidence that MPD will take disciplinary recommendations and act on them.

Most panelists provided less direct answers.

Some chose to tie accountability to better communication and engagement between MPD and the communities they police, not so much, apparently, as a way to hold police accountable as to avoid the necessity for accountability.

Another approach offered as an answer was redefining what police are expected to do.  Allen noted that in recent years, it had been the practice in community meetings on crime to push everything to 911.  Donahue characterized the calls for service to 911 as “fire, medical and everything else.” Now panelests say, the conversation needs to include consideration of what should be the response be to a 911 call, i.e., what is the best response not involving police.

Assistant Chief Contee’s response to this direction in the conversation was to ask panelists and ANC Commissioners to consider what happens if the response of police is curtailed.

What changes need to be made to police culture?

There were a lot of responses to this question, but few directed to issues that might be raised by the most outspoken critics of police culture.

Contee said there needs to be more women on the force.

Donahue indicated a remedy was needed for the lack of a policy which permits bad cop to stay on the force.

Allen cited the ability to have discipline work and work well, as well as increasing assistance to police to help them purchase homes in DC.  (Currently, only 22% live in the District.)

Sloan advocated expanded training.

White urged reducing the size of MPD by directing calls for serve to other agencies.

Dent advocated training officers for de-escalation and mediation; “Take away the fear of officers that exists in the Black community by developing communications and engagement. People need the police but are afraid – especially in the Black community.”

What alternate methods are at our disposal?

Allen said it is hard to separate crime from the chronically divestment from housing, education and jobs and that we have to reassess how and where we invest and reallocate funding where necessary.  We also need to do a better job with gun violence.  Starting a conversation about policing will lead to bigger issues.

Conte said that violent crime affects investment – he have to tackle violent crime and get it right.

White responded that unless you address the underlying problems of violent crime, you’ll be chasing violent crime the rest of your life – there’s no way to police your way out of that.  We have to rethink how we address crime.

Contee ageed that it’s necessary to find a way to address crime and the underlying problems simultaneously.

ANC6B Commissioner Chander Jayaraman, closed the discussion by noting that this was the beginning of the effort to reimagine policing in the city, adding, “This is not the end of this discussion. Later, he told CHC that he thought there was a consensus to look at the functions of the police, to enhance the Cadet Program, and to bring more local officers onto the force as a bridge to the community.  He lauded the panel as being the right people – the right group – to move the conversation forward.  He said the success of the meeting was a tribute to the nonpartisan role of the ANCs.  Some 120 commissioners and members of the public participated.

Earlier this year, Jayaraman – a candidate for an at-large seat on the city council – began hosting a series of virtual weekly meetings of ANC commissioners across the city to discuss community response to COV-19.  In early June, the conversation shifted to how policing differs in the city’s wards, leading to Saturday’s town hall.

Group of 50-Plus ANC Commissioners Host Forum on Policing Saturday

by Larry Janezich

July 16, 2020

A group ANC Commissioners representing districts in Wards across the city will host a virtual Town Hall conversation on “Reimagining Policing in the District of Columbia” this Saturday, July 18, 10:30 am-Noon. The public is invited to attend. (Log in info below.)

The forum will be a moderated panel discussion with representatives of the Metropolitan Police Department, NAACP-DC Chapter, councilmembers Charles Allen and Robert White, and The Guardian Angels. The Mayor’s Office and Black Lives Matter-DC have also been invited.  Sharita Thompson, professor of African and African American Studies at Gettysburg College, and Dr. Bernard Demczuk, of George Washington University, will moderate the discussion.

Panelists will respond to questions on policing issues generated in a virtual ANC Commissioners-only conversation with nearly 50 of the city’s 300 Commissioners last Friday.  Commissioners across the District have gathered on-the-ground information and ideas from their Single Member Districts to share with each other and with city officials.  Audience members may also submit questions during the event.

The forum is an outgrowth of weekly online meetings to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on DC communities.  Those meetings – the first attempt to organize the city’s ANC’s to work on a city-wide problem – were convened in March by Chander Jayaraman, Vice-Chair of ANC 6B on Capitol Hill, and a candidate for a DC At-Large Council seat.

Jayaraman told CHC:  “In March, I thought it was important for ANC Commissioners from across the city to come together weekly to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on our neighborhoods. A few weeks ago we agreed it was time to turn to our country’s and our city’s long-standing issues of racism and policing. When it comes to taking action and getting things done, I can always turn to fellow ANC Commissioners – the people with their ears to the ground, ready to help their neighbors.”

Virtual Town Hall on “Reimagining Policing in the District of Columbia”

Saturday, July 18, at 10:30am

Virtual: https://bit.ly/July18TownHall

or dial: +13126266799,,83685358250#

or 312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 836 8535 8250

Mayor Bowser Delays School Announcement for Two Weeks – Outlines Possibilities

By Larry Janezich

July 16, 2020

At a COV  19 Situational Update today, Mayor Bowsers – who was expected to announce how schools would reopen on August 31 – said that the decision would be put off until July 31.

There are three metrics which drove the decision.  Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt of the DOH said they included the relatively high rate of transmission of infection over the past several days, the increase in the number of new cases, and uncertainty regarding how cases are connected to each other by case or location.  Overall, however, Nesbitt said the District was “in a good place.”

Chancellor Lewis Ferebee outlined the options which the city hopes to present to parents on July 31.

Under the tentative plan, students and teachers will be organized into cohorts to promote social distancing and to make contact tracing easier.  Families who opt for in person instruction can choose a hybrid model combining limited in person with virtual classes.  The city will also offer a virtual instruction only option.  In response to a reporter’s question, Bowser said that the metrics could dictate that only the virtual instruction model will be offered.

For PK 3 and PK4, the models anticipate two days of in person teaching and three days of virtual teaching.  On Wednesdays, schools will undergo a deep cleaning. (click to enlarge)

For  grade K – 5, two days of in person teaching and three days of virtual teaching, or five days of virtual teaching.

For grades 6 – 12, one day of in personal teaching and four days of virtual teaching, or 5five days of virtual teaching.

Asked if federal pressure had anything to do with the decision, Bowser said that the only driver was the knowledge that students do better with in person instruction.

 

 

July 16, 2020

This week:

Free COVID-19 Walk Up Testing – No appointment necessary.

FEMS Engine 8 1520 C Street, SE – Thursday, Friday, 4-8 pm; Saturday 12 pm–4 pm

Free Antibody (Serology) Testing – Appointment Required Call 1-855-363-0333.

Navy Yard            Canal Park, 200 L Street, SE          Monday through Friday, 9 am – 3 pm

Go here for more info:  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

SE Safeway  Opens August 12 & ANC6B Urges Renaming Brent and Tyler Schools

By Larry Janezich

July 15, 2020

ANC6B Commissioner Chander Jayaraman told the Commission at its July meeting last night that the Southeast Safeway would reopen on Wednesday, August 12.  Jayaraman, who chairs the ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Committee, said he had talked to Safeway management toddy.  He reported that the new Safeway liquor outlet will be open from 7:00am until midnight, but will not serve alcohol on site.    In an email to CHC, he said, “I know that many of my neighbors have been waiting for nearly two years to have it back.”   Jayaraman is a candidate for a member at large seat on the DC City Council.

In other news, ANC6B took up a measure supporting the renaming of Brent and Tyler elementary schools.  The resolution was offered by Commissioner Corey Holman, and after agreeing to strip out some of the blunt language characterizing Robert Brent and John Tyler, the Commission voted 8 – 0 – 0 to support city council legislation requiring a citywide review of school names.

The commission then passed – by a vote on 5 – 2 – 1 – a second resolution, asserting that Brent and Tyler should be named after “inspiring figures” as soon as possible in support of efforts of students, parents, leadership, or parent-teacher associations to change the name of their schools.

In other action the Commission:

• Voted 8 – 0 to request DDOT to temporarily convert selected parking lanes to pedestrian walkways on Barracks Row.
• Voted 7 – 1 – 0 to provide $15,000 grant to the non-profit Serve Our City for humanitarian aid and safety support, including education equipment, protective equipment, and other products related to humanitarian assistance and its distribution.
• Voted 8 – 0 – 0 to provide a $5,000 grant for the non-profit Shirley’s Place Day Hospitality Center, located at 1338 G Street, SE, to buy winter clothing for the homeless.  (Last month, the Commission has allocated $45,000 of its administrative reserve for grants to organizations providing humanitarian relief in Ward 6.)

The Commission’s ad hoc grants committee said several other requests for grants are pending and may be considered in a special call meeting in coming days.

The Week Ahead…Renaming Tyler and Brent? & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

July 12, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Week Ahead…Renaming Tyler and Brent?

Monday, July 13

ANC6D meets at 7:00pm.  This meeting will be a Webex virtual meeting. Go here for the link & Call-In number to join this public meeting: https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report- First District MPD (PSA 103, PSA 105 & PSA 106) Capt. Dorrough, Lt. Donigian.

Request for investigation into environmental injustice for Buzzard Point community.

Letter of Support for application to install a mural adjacent to Syphax Gardens.

Letter of inquiry to EOM RE: inspection failure at Ward 6 Short Term Family Housing site.

Letter to DC AG concerning Monopoles.

Presentations:

DC Black Agenda – Latisha Chisholm.

Spin Equity Program – Alexander Davis.

Wharf Quarterly Update – Matt Steenhoek, Tony Albanese.

Discussion of DC United’s Plan to reopen with spectators.

Notice of Intent:  Installation of protected bikeways 900-1400 block of 1st Street, SE.

Van Ness Elementary School Redevelopment Project.

Illegally parked Verizon vehicles – Mario Acosta-Velez.

Letter concerning After Hours utility work.

WhyHotel Final Report.

Letter to DC Public Library to open Interim SW Library.

Tuesday, July 14

ANC6B meets at 7:00pm.  This meeting will be a Webex virtual meeting. Go here for the link & Call-In number to join this public meeting https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the agenda:

Address to the Capitol Hill Community: Chair Brian Ready.

419 8^th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept approval for adding a second story to existing building.

741 12^th  Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept approval for two-story rear addition plus roof deck; One story garage at alley.

715 10^th  Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept approval for two-story rear addition.

Rear 203 3^rd Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application – Special exceptions and variance to allow a second story addition to existing alley building.

Report from 1333 M Street SE PUD Subcommittee.

Letter to DDOT in support of temporarily conversion of selected parking lanes on Barracks Tow to pedestrian walkways.

ANC 6B’s Grant Applicants Review.

Resolution in support of Bill B23-0234, Advisory Commission on Monuments, Markers, and Symbols Establishment Act of 2019, as well as support for any potential student- or parent-led efforts to rename Brent and Tyler Elementary Schools in 6B.

ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will meet at 7:00pm. This meeting will be a Webex virtual meeting. Here is the link and/or the call-In number to join this public meeting:

For those attending via WebEx: use this link:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee62928fcb3ce888920052fdc91f6ef00

Call-in Number: 202-860-2110 – Meeting number (access code): 160 264 6217

Among items on the draft agenda: 

308 11^th Street, NE – Historic Preservation Application – concept approval for a new third floor addition and roof deck over an existing house in the Capitol Hill Historic District.

722 19th Street, NE  – Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions to construct a second-story rear deck addition to an existing semi-detached principal dwelling unit.

1637 D Street, NE:  Informational discussion on a project to remove an existing concreat rear deck and replace it with a rear addition.

Here Are the Farmers Line and Arts & Crafts Vendors Who Will Be at Eastern Market this Weekend

by Larry Janezich

July 11, 2020

Here Are the Farmers Line/Arts & Crafts/Prepared Food Vendors Who Will Be at Eastern Market this Weekend, 9:00am – 3:00pm.  Tuesday Farmers Market hours are 12pm-4pm.

And remember that the indoor market is 9:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Sunday.

Mask and social distancing requirements are in effect.

https://easternmarket-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Saturday-7-11-20-Map.pdf

https://easternmarket-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sunday-7-12-20-Map.pdf

The weekend flea markets are also back in business, Saturday on C Street, and Sunday on the 300 block of 7^th Street.  Maps of the vendor layout for these privately run entities are not available.

Here’s a list of Farmer’s bios and contact info – http://easternmarket-dc.org/our-farmers/

For more information, see here:  http://easternmarket-dc.org/

Bowser’s Press Briefing Today: Capitol Hill Homicide, Police Reform, Football

by Larry Janezich

July 6, 2020

Mayor Bowser’s 11:30 briefing today, where she appeared with members of her administration, was largely concerned with public safety – particularly the three homicides which occurred last Friday and Saturday.  One was on Capitol Hill, and that 11pm July 4^th event occurred the McDonalds on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Chief of Police Peter Newsham said it stemmed from a disturbance when fireworks were set off inside, and the restaurant and when a patron –36 year old Antonio Gardiner – “went outside to see what was going on, he  ended up getting shot”.  He was pronounced dead at the hospital.  Newsham said he anticipated a quick closure of this case.

The two other deaths were on July 4^th when 11 year old Dayvon McNeal at 1400 Cedar, was an unintended victim of gunfire in front of his home following a “peace cook out” hosted by his mother who works as a violence interrupter, and that of 20 year old Jordan Simmons on July 3^rd who was another unintended victim of gunfire resulting from a parking dispute at 1900 18th Street, SE,

Other points from the briefing:

• Bowser said that she will act tomorrow on city council passed Emergency Police Reform legislation. She said she has delayed action because the bill “involves serious issues and we want to make sure we understated the implications for public safety.”
• Regarding the decision to reduce the budget for violence interrupters by $800,000, she said there is no magic answer to solve gun violence reflected in the budget or the city council’s approach.  There are lots of reasons to fight back against cuts to the police budget; when there’s an attack on the community or on a child people want the police to do something about it.  Bowser said, “Budget cuts won’t affect their desire to do something; there will just be fewer to do it”.
• Bowser said she was pleased that Northern Virginia is still in the posture of not having bars open in their Phase III opening, and hoped they would remain in that posture.
• On COV-19, DC has not seen cases increase related to transmission by mass gatherings but the DOH continues to monitor. Mass gatherings continue, so they can’t excluded them as source.  Currently DOH is seeing increased cases resulting from household transmission, essential activities, and other activities coming on line related to slow phase reopening.
• On football, Bowser said she is happy to see the team and the league moving to change the name and hopes they make clear what the process is to do that. She said that minority owners of the team looking to get out of the franchise provide a great opportunity for more diversity in ownership.  “A team called Washington-anything”, she said, “should be playing in Washington,” adding that “the name is not the only issue” …“there are lots of issues.”

On Capitol Hill, free walk up COVID Testing continues this week at FEMS Engine 8, 1520 C Street, SE – Thursday, Friday, 4-8 pm; Saturday 12 pm–4 pm.  Appointment not necessary.

The Week Ahead…& a Photo from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

July 5, 2020

Tuesday, July 7

The ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee meets at 7:00pm. 

This meeting will be a Webex virtual meeting. Go here for the link & Call-In number to join this public meeting. https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

419 8th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application – concept for adding a second story to existing building.

741 12TH Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application  – concept for two-Story rear addition plus roof deck, one story garage at alley.

715 10th Street, SE, Historic Preservation Application for two-story rear addition.

Testimony for Roundtable on proposed text amendments to expand the scope of Inclusionary Zoning.

Rear 203 3rd Street,  SE, Zoning Adjustment Application – second story addition to existing alley building. Special exceptions for height and setback requirements. Variance for minimum alley width requirement.

Report from 1333 M Street, SE, PUD Subcommittee.

Wednesday, July 8

ANC6B Transportation Committee meets at 7:00pm. 

This meeting will be a Webex virtual meeting. Go here for the link & Call-In number to join this public meeting. https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

DDOT Presentation on Pennsylvania Avenue SE Corridor Study.

Request to DDOT to Temporarily Convert Selected Parking Lanes to Pedestrian Walkways.

Discussion on GoBus Proposed Stop at Stadium-Armory Metro Station. (tentative)

Thursday, July 9

The ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will not meet this month.