CAPITOL HILL CORNER

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The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

Monday, October 5

ANC6B ABC Committee hosts virtual WebEx Community Meeting at 6:00pm to discuss Handle 19 Sport Betting

Access details for the meeting can be found here: https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual WebEx meeting at 7:00pm.

Access details for the meeting can be found here: https://anc6c.org/october-2020-virtual-meeting-details/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Craft Beer Cellar DC at 333 H Street, NE, Retailer’s Class A License, request for renewal of single sales moratorium exception. 
• Games of Skill Discussion

Tuesday, October 6

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Access details for the meeting can be found here: https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

• Contract modification to Eastern Branch Boys and Girls Club project to 100% affordable senior rental housing.
• 1309 Potomac Avenue, SE – Zoning adjustment application, special exception to construct a two-story accessory garage structure in the rear yard of an existing attached principal dwelling unit.
• 400 Seward Square, SE – Zoning Adjustment Application, area variance to permit an addition of 3 units to the existing 14-unit apartment building.
• 514 Archibald Walk, SE – Historic Preservation Application. One story rooftop addition to existing garage.
• 515 10th Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application to add 2nd story to existing one-story garage. (Likely to be delayed until a future date.)
• ANC 6B map amendment of Boathouse Row to re-zone the Boathouse Row area which is reportedly under consideration for a heliport.  The rezoning would prevent that.
• Comments on B23-0736, the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2020.

ANC 6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual WebEx meeting at 7:00pm. 

Access details for the meeting can be found here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

• Discussion of application by China House at 1601 Benning Road, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail License.
• Discussion of application by DC Supermarket at 539 8th Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail License.

ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee has scheduled a WebEx virtual meeting at its usual time and date for today, but a press time no details were available. (The EPE Committee usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.)

Wednesday, October 7

ANC6B Transportation Committee holds a virtual WebEx meeting at 7:00pm. 

Access details for the meeting can be found here. https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion on Kentucky Bike Lanes Proposal.
• DDOT Request for ANC Support on 6B06 Traffic Safety Assessments.
• ANC 6B September Letter to DDOT on Traffic Safety Assessment Requests.
• Resolution on Separating Residential Permit Parking from Ward Boundaries.
• Review of DDOT’s Proposed Rulemaking on Revisions to Annual Visitor Parking Pass & Temporary Parking Pass Programs (tentative).

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee holds a virtual WebEx meeting at 6:30pm. 

Access details for the meeting can be found here. https://anc6c.org/october-2020-virtual-meeting-details/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 301 Florida Avenue, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application for a two-year extension of the consolidated PUD approval granted for the property.  The approved PUD was for a mixed-use building consisting of approximately 66,010 square feet of gross floor area and a maximum building height of 101 feet.  Approximately 61,173 square feet of GFA was approved for residential use (approximately 56 units, plus or minus 10%) and approximately 4,837 square feet of GFA was approved for retail use. The approved PUD included Inclusionary Zoning units at 50% and 80% of the area median income.
• 622 Eye Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application –  Revised application of VBS Community Builders LLC, for a special exception to convert an existing residential building into a five-unit apartment house and for variance relief from the 900-square-foot/unit lot area requirements to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing attached row dwelling.
• 646 E Street, NE – Historical Preservation Application for concept approval to construct a two story rear addition.

Thursday, October 8

ANC6A holds a virtual WebEx meeting at 7:00pm. 

Access details for the meeting can be found here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Presentation – MPD Services for the Deaf and LGBTQ Communities – Officer Anthony Walsh
• Presentation – Streateries and Arts in the Right-of-Way Program – Emma Blondin, DDOT Transportation Planner, Neighborhood Planning Branch
• Letters to Commander Morgan C. Kane, MPD First District, and Commander William Fitzgerald, MPD Fifth District, to raise concerns about reports from constituents that MPD is not in compliance with current health and safety guidelines and other regulations pertaining to ensuring reasonable accommodations for all community members, including sign language interpretation.
• Letter to DPR inquiring how they plan to ensure access to recreation centers and facilities for the community going forward.
• Approval of a grant in the amount of $3,000 to the Eliot-Hine Parent Teacher Organization for the establishment and operation of a community emergency relief pantry.
• Possible consideration of application by De Zhang and Yang You Feng, t/a China House at 1601 Benning Road NE for renewal of its Class B Retail License.
• Possible consideration of application by Mochi, Inc., t/a DC Supermarket at 539 8th Street NE (ABRA #074927) for renewal of its Class B Retail License.
• Letter to DDOT in support of the proposed Advisory Bike Lane Project on Tennessee Avenue, NE, with certain comments and recommendations.
• Letter to DDOT in support of public space application for a fence on public space at 1660 Gales Street NE, conditional on the Commissioners receiving additional detail.
• Letter to DDOT requesting a postponement in an application to install a garden shed on public space in a corner lot at 205 15^th Street, NE, owing to insufficient information. 
• Letter of support to BZA for a special exception to allow construction of a one-story rear addition to an existing attached flat at 128 12th Street, NE.
• Letter of conditional support to DCRA for the raze permit request to demolish a single-bay accessory garage at 1511 A Street, NE, a four-bay accessory garage at 1513 A Street, NE, and a six-bay accessory garage at 1515 A Street, NE.

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Access details for each meeting can be found on the Calendar page of the ANC6B website. https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/   

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Handle 19 Inc, 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Class B License – sport betting. 
• Discussion of ABRA Expanded Hours for Inauguration 2021which would allow bars and restaurants to stay open until 4:00am, for a 16 day (formerly day) period.

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual WebEx meeting at 7:00pm. 

Access details for the meeting can be found here. https://anc6c.org/october-2020-virtual-meeting-details/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Yotel Public Space Application.  The Liaison Capitol Hill is becoming Yotel Washington DC. This public space application includes exterior cladding chain at main entry facade, columns and restaurant entry, replacement of existing illuminated sign on existing canopy, addition of lighted aluminum arch at the main hotel entrance, addition of a 3D Illuminated floor mounted sign, addition of 3 retractable canopy structures on existing roof deck, replacement of furniture faux green wall at the roof penthouse exterior wall and new existing lighting changes, replacements of existing furniture, existing planters and umbrella at the outdoorsidewalk seating for the existing hotel.
• DDOT proposed rulemaking on visitor parking passes. The committee will review a notice of proposed rulemaking on annual visitor parking passes, which include the following changes: 1) Eliminate the requirement that DDOT provide annual visitor parking passes in a physical format, allowing DDOT to either continue the distribution of physical annual visitor parking passes, distribute annual visitor parking passes through an online system that requires the recipient to print the pass, distribute electronic passes through an online system, or a combination of these options.  2) Effectuate the transfer of responsibility for the issuance of temporary visitor parking passes from the Metropolitan Police Department to DDOT.

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Tara Hamilton and Karen Zens are members of the Capitol Hill Art League and long-time residents of Capitol Hill. The Hill art framing shop, Frame of Mine, is the venue for a show displaying their art created during the current Coronavirus pandemic.

The artists present 2D and 3D art which depict both abstract and realistic subjects using a variety of materials. The exhibit displays work with brilliant color palettes and unique interpretations using watercolor, collage, printmaking and paper constructions.

Tara has paired her watercolor paintings with re-imagined collage creations made by using cuttings from material used to sew facemasks for neighbors.

Karen’s works include mixed media prints that evoke her last pre-pandemic trip – to Southern Spain- and paper sculptures constructed from earlier paintings.

All work is for sale. The artists will donate 50% of the proceeds to Martha’s Table. In its 40th year, the organization is working to support our neighbors in the face of COVID-19 and the many other challenges affecting D.C. families.

The art can be viewed at Frame of Mine during store hours in accordance with the store’s visiting policy. www.frameofminedc.com

In addition, the works may be viewed at these social media links:

Karen Zens Instagram: @shamusspringer

Tara Hamilton Instagram: @tara.hamilton.148

The Colors of the Quarantine will be on display at Frame of Mine from October 4- November 7, 2020.

Frame of Mine Gallery, 545 Eight St SE, DC. (two blocks from Eastern Market Metro.) Gallery hours are: 10:00am–6:00pm (M-F) and 11:00am–5:00pm (Sat). Closed on Sundays.

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Construction to Close Most of Eastern Market Metro Plaza Starting this Month

by Larry Janezich

Thursday night, DGS Project Manager for the Eastern Market Metro Plaza renovation conducted a virtual briefing for the community on the construction plan for Phase 2 of the Eastern Market Plaza Renovation Project, which includes the parcel where the entrance to Metro is located.

Council Member Charles Allen participated, saying he was excited at this new step, and reiterated his goal of making the plaza “a place to walk to, rather than a place to walk through.”  He pointed to how the community comes together at the nearly-complete playground and said that the renovation of Parcel 2 and the Southeast Library, (which will begin in late 2021) will be the final pieces in making the plaza a phenomenal space. 

Here’s the construction time line for Phase 2.

• Most of the space on Parcel 4 where lies the entrance to the Metro will be closed by a construction fence starting later this month. Construction begins in October and ends in April 2021. 
• Also fenced, Parcels 3&6 (north and south triangles at 8^th and PA Ave) – construction begins in October and ends in February of 2021. 
• All landscaping will be installed beginning in March of 2021. 
• ADA ramps, sidewalks, and “bump outs” (narrows crosswalks and slows traffic) will be constructed as they are reviewed and approved.  The community will be given two weeks’ notice of construction.
• Artists for the 3-D interactive artwork which will be a feature of Parcel 4 will submit concepts by October 15. 
• There will be a “table top” (an extended speed bump) to connect the Southeast Library to the Plaza.

In addition, the weeks ahead will see the close out of Phase 1, Parcel 1, containing the playground.  Remaining work:

• Install shade structure over the playground starting October 5 requiring the closure of the playground for five days.
• Completion of the 9^th Street water connection will take at least two more weeks.
• Installation of the monumental wayfinding panel in mid-October.
• Replacement of dead trees and plants will take place in mid-October.
• Installation of handrails at the step east of the board walk. 

Go here for the October 1 PowerPoint presentation https://bit.ly/3nb7XCm

 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

Monday, September 28

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a Virtual Meeting via WebEx at 7:00 pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Ludlow Taylor Grant Requests:

• • A grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School. (LTES) Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) for the purchase of school supplies for the students of Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School.
  • A grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School (LTES) Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) to purchase IXL supplemental learning software for use at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School.
  • A grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School (LTES) Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) to support the LTES City Year Program.

Eliot Hine Grant Request

• • A grant in the amount of $3,000 to the Eliot-Hine (EHS) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for the establishment and operation of a community emergency relief pantry.

Join the meeting:

Call-in Number: 202-860-2110 – Meeting number (access code): 172 067 2126

For those attending via WebEx: use this link:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e34d411d55fd05c74c7423bf73c3a24ae

For alternate ways to join the meeting, see here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Tuesday, September 29

ANC6B Executive Committee Meeting & Special Call Meeting to discuss 1333 M Street PUD 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Agenda:

The Executive Committee will set the October meeting agenda, followed by ANC6B’s consideration of the 1333 M Street PUD.

Join the meeting:

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=m272ef78ccedec6a0a272724a914b7d46

Meeting number: 172 082 7218

Password: 3AtXmJanN43

Host key: 284766Join by video system

For alternate ways to join the meeting, see here: https://www.anc6b.org/calendar/

Wednesday, September 30

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the agenda:

Report of the Nominations and Credentials Committee: Chuck Burger

Report of the Market Manager

Covid restrictions at the Market

Possible return to normal operating hours

Revenue and expenses

Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards

Status of Eastern Market Strategic Plan study and next steps

Tenant’s Council Report

Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update

Join the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84335288261?pwd=S2FXS2xkVXRJSEZkWlVKS3YybkZvZz09

Meeting ID: 843 3528 8261

Passcode: 878552

Thursday, October 1

DGS Community Meeting on Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  There will be a virtual community meeting from 6:30 – 8:00pm, to discuss the work plan for Phase 2.

Join the meeting:

LINK: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=m3422c6a510e0acf88e2315c73ce677f6

Meeting password: 43809845

Join by phone

+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

For additional information about joining the meeting and on the project, go here:

https://dgs.dc.gov/page/eastern-market-metro-park-project

Update on Eastern Market Metro Plaza Renovation

by Larry Janezich

Last Wednesday, Diego Martinez, the Department of General Services project manager for the renovation of the plaza briefed the Eastern Market Plaza Advisory Taskforce on the status of work.

• Work on Parcel 1 (playground parcel) is nearing completion. The playground will be closed for 3 days after one week’s notice which will be posted on the playground on October 5, while a shade structure is installed.
• A monumental wayfinding panel will be installed on Parcel 1 during October.
• Dead trees and plants will be removed and replaced in mid-October.
• The permitting process for Phase 2 (everything but Parcel 1) is underway and will continue into early October. Work on those Parcels – 2,3,4,5, and 6 will start later in the fall of 2020.
• The deadline for artists’ submission of concepts for a 3 dimensional art installation with an electrical component (lighting) for Parcel 4 near the Metro entrance, is October 15. The final selection will be based on the concept which best aligns with community survey results.  The Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Taskforce will have an opportunity to provide input on the concepts prior to the final selection.
• There will be a virtual community meeting next Thursday, October 1, from 6:30 – 8:00pm, to discuss the work plan for Phase 2.

Join the meeting:

LINK: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=m3422c6a510e0acf88e2315c73ce677f6

Meeting password: 43809845

Join by phone

+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

1-650-479-3208 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)

For additional information about joining the meeting and on the project, go here:

https://dgs.dc.gov/page/eastern-market-metro-park-project

Update:  The Week Ahead… Meetings on Adult Day Center, Metro Plaza Development

by Larry Janezich

Two additional virtual meetings for this week were announced today, as follows:

Tuesday, September 22

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 2:00pm with Felice Development to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding re proffer language related to the Adult Day Center.  At issue is constructing the MOU to make sure funding for initiating the Day Center ends up with Capitol Hill Village and to loosen the restrictions to allow consideration for locating the center on Reservation 13. 

Meeting Information

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=mb0dd4190d102449e557cad6f648231b5

Meeting number: 172 829 8938

Password: wHbZ2t4Ji3b

Host key: 938597

Join by video system

Dial 1728298938@dcnet.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone

+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

1-650-479-3208 Call-in number (US/Canada)

Access code: 172 829 8938

Wednesday, September 23

The Department of General Services will hold a virtual meeting with the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Group at 1:30pm, to give an update on plans for completing the playground on Parcel 1 of the Metro Plaza and the plan for beginning construction on Parcel 4 where the Metro entrance is located. 

Below is the login information.

EMMPAT Meeting

Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/237263053

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 237-263-053

 

The Week Ahead…& Photos from the Tribute to Justice Ginsburg at the Supreme Court

by Larry Janezich

The Week Ahead…

It’s a pretty quiet week (except for two additional meetings announced on Monday – see update below) – ANC6A’s Alcohol Beverage Control which usually meets on this coming Tuesday, will not meet, for lack of business.  There’s a heads up below from 6A’s Transportation Committee for residents of Tennessee Avenue, NE, who may be seeing some bike lanes soon.  The Eisenhower Memorial across the street from the Air & Space Museum opened to the public on Friday.  Here’s a shot of the general layout.

A worrisome development for some is that Maryland is going to allow restaurants to expand indoor dining to 75% of capacity starting Monday.  Mayor Bowser will probably get some questions on that at her next situational update – maybe tomorrow.  Otherwise, it looks pretty quiet through the end of the month.

Monday, September 21

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Information on joining the meeting can be found here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/ – scroll down to the appropriate meeting.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Response from Andrew DeFrank as to whether raised crosswalks are available as a possible traffic calming solution.

Progress report on outstanding issues – list will be provided to Mr. DeFrank, in advance.

Consideration of additional pedestrian/traffic safety issues, as suggested by commissioners and community members (see list at end of document) – this may be taken out of order or postponed to allow time for adequate discussion of new business items.

Notice of Intent – Tennessee Avenue, NE, Advisory Bike Lanes. The general concept is for two-way vehicular traffic to share a single central lane with parking and bike lanes on either side.

Public space application at 1660 Gales Street, NE, for exception from fence requirement.  Applicant is requesting a 6ft tall fence non-transparent wooden fence on the 17th Street side of the property. Permit is required because regulations are not to exceed 42” and must be at least 50% open.

Update:

Two aditional virtual meetings for this week were announced today, as follows:

Tuesday, September 22

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 2:00pm with Felice Development to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding re proffer language related to the Adult Day Center.  At issue is constructing the MOU to make sure funding for initiating the Day Center ends up with Capitol Hill Village and to loosen the restrictions to allow consideration for locating the center on Reservation 13. 

Meeting Information

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=mb0dd4190d102449e557cad6f648231b5

Meeting number: 172 829 8938

Password: wHbZ2t4Ji3b

Host key: 938597

Join by video system

Dial 1728298938@dcnet.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone

+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

1-650-479-3208 Call-in number (US/Canada)

Access code: 172 829 8938

Wednesday, September 23

The Department of General Services will hold a virtual meeting with the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Group at 1:30pm, to give an update on plans for completing the playground on Parcel 1 of the Metro Plaza and the plan for beginning construction on Parcel 4 where the Metro entrance is located. 

Below is the login information.

EMMPAT Meeting

Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/237263053

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 237-263-053

Guerrilla Gardeners Rally Community to Take on Potomac Avenue Triangle Parks

by Larry Janezich

Guerrilla Gardeners, who turns neglected city greenspace into community supported gardens, has partnered with the residents of Potomac Gardens and Hopkins Apartments, nearby neighbors, and Brothas Huddle https://brothashuddle.org/ – a civic organization that works with community residents and youths –  to reclaim the two Potomac Avenue triangle parks between 12^th and 13^th Streets, SE.

The effort grew out of Guerrilla Gardener Jim Guckert’s scouting the neighborhood for the organization’s next project.  A plot at 13^th and I Streets, though neglected, turned out not to be public property.  After consulting with ANC6B Commissioner Kelly Waud, attention turned to the two triangle parks.  Waud explained how the city installed playground equipment and a splash pad but ran out of funding for landscaping and maintenance.  Waud consulted with Naomi Mitchell who handles community relations for CM Charles Allen for guidance on Guerrilla Gardener’s involvement in improving the public space. Mitchell also helped bring the Potomac Gardens and Hopkins communities on board and provided invaluable assistance in facilitating collaboration with city agencies.

Guerrilla Gardeners committed to leading the effort to make the parks clean, safe, and beautiful, and launched a fund raising drive and issued a call for volunteers.  As of yesterday, the group had raised $4,500 – all from individuals – and the call for volunteers brought out 18 people last weekend and 26 on Saturday.  Last weekend, the park at 13^th and I was cleaned up and prepared for planting; the park at 12^th and K Streets was cleared to improve appearance and mitigate mosquitos.  Yesterday, volunteers continued to clean up the 13^th and I park and planted the beds.  Additional perennial plants and bulbs will be added this fall.  Work on the parks will continue during the weeks ahead, and a dedication celebration will take place at 10:00am on Saturday, September 26.

Guerrilla Gardeners has committed to support the parks for the next five years with funds and training – fundraising specifically dedicated to the parks will continue over that period.  Guckert hopes that during that time, the community-building care and maintenance effort for the parks will become self-sustaining.

Guckert says “I can’t resist the opportunity to improve neglected greenspace – the worse shape a piece is in, the more I’m interested.  Unfortunately, these triangles have been left on their own.  We’ll do the work, and try to get the neighbors involved to maintain them, maybe by setting up a friends of the park group.”

Fifteen years ago, Guckert – who lives near 8th and I Street, SE and four of his neighbors constituted the informal group that took upon themselves the beautification of the – then neglected – plot of land on 8^th Street, SE, between I Street and the 395 overpass.  He incorporated the organization as a 501C3 nonprofit in September of 2019, after an article in the Hill Rag sparked community interest and requests for assistance on misused, unused and neglected plots.

The group has no boundaries and pursues gardening where no gardening is being done as people make known plots that are candidates for improvement.  To learn more about the project, donate, or volunteer, go here:  https://guerrillagardenersdc.org – contributions are 100% tax deductible.

 

The Week Ahead… & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, September 13, 2020

Monday, September 14

ANC6D holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

For log in information, go here:  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

Consent Agenda

Letter to AG Depicting Deplorable Conditions at Greenleaf

Resolution on Getting DPW Back on the Job

Letter of Support for PN Hoffman RFP Awardee – Washington Improv

Presentations

Legal Aid Society of DC – Ellen Peterson & Caroline Fehr

DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement – Alfred Duncan

SW DC Action – Coy McKinney

SW BID Parklet/Scooter Corral Update – Jesse Himmelrich

5 M Street SW – Zoning Application from JBG Smith/Gensler –  Design Review

Parcel F Development (1st & N St SE) – Brookfield Properties

Closing of Potomac and 1St Ave SE “Paper Street”- Vincent Morris, DC Water

DDOT Notice of Intent – Crosswalks at O and Canal Streets SW

Wednesday, September 16

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For log in information, go here:  https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/EDZA0920.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

128 12th Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application – Special exception to construct a one-story rear addition to an existing attached flat.

1511, 1513, and 1515 A Street, NE, Raze Application – to request demolish of a single-bay accessory garage at 1511 A Street, NE, a four-bay accessory garage at 1513 A Street, NE, and a six-bay accessory garage at 1515 A Street, NE.

SW 1st District Police Service Area (PSA ) Virtual Community Meeting, 6:00pm.

For log in information, see here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Community Crime Update

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Virtual Preservation Café, 6:30pm. 

For log in information, see here:  https://chrs.org/public-squares-parks-preservation-cafe/

“Whose land is it anyway?  The squares and parks of Capitol Hill.”

Developer Accedes to ANC6B Demand for Funds for Capitol Hill Adult Care Center

by Larry Janezich

September 11, 2020

In a surprise announcement which reflected a last minute decision by Felice Development, the developer agreed to an ANC6B demand to increase tenfold a cash contribution for the benefit of Capitol Hill seniors as part of their benefits to the community for allowing increased height, mass and density of a huge mixed use building on the Anacostia waterfront.  ANC6B  had withheld its support for the developer’s zoning application because they judged the benefits Felice had offered insufficient.

In doing so, Felice avoided the potential of the Zoning Commission finding the proffered benefits insufficient as well, as Zoning Commission Chair Anthony Hood signaled at the beginning of the hearing.  Hood indicated the Commission was aware of the issue as he announced that the statute governing the Zoning Commission provides that the Commission can’t compel an addition to proffered benefits, but shall deny an application if the board finds the proffered benefits are insufficient, and may at any time suggest how the proffered benefits can be improved.

The concession came at the beginning of last night’s virtual DC Zoning Commission hearing on the application of the developer for a zoning change to allow building the 900 unit project at 1333 M Street, SE.

Leila Batties, the Holland and Knight attorney representing Felice,  told the Zoning Commission that Felice believes the application merits approval as is, but to clear the way for ANC support for the project, Felice agrees to increase the proffer for Capitol Hill seniors from $25,000 to the $250,000 requested by the ANC, including a $25,000 contribution to the Department of Parks and Recreation for senior programing at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center and $225,000 for the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) with the request that the funds be earmarked to assist a non-profit with the cost of professional services related to securing the site for an Adult Day Center in the Capitol Hill area of Ward 6.  Details on how to effect the contribution and measures to insure the funding will be used as intended will have to be worked out between the developer and the agency.

Batties said that the decision to increase the proffer was last minute, and had not been conveyed to the ANC.

In response, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Chair Corey Holman, who had managed the process to exact a benefits package from the developer, told the Commission that the additional funding satisfies the criteria established by the ANC to garner its support.  Throughout that process, Holman’s focus had been on increasing the affordable housing component of the community benefits, and those efforts had been successful.  But there was strong support for an adult care center from his fellow ANC6B commissioners, who believed that the benefits package was insufficient, resulting in the decision to withhold support for the project.  That came as the result of an intense and persistant effort by Capitol Hill Village to get funding to launch an adult care center for the benefit a diverse community of senior citizens in Ward 6.

Capitol Hill Village representative Lawrence Johnston expressed gratitude for the increased funding, but expressed concern that there is currently no partnership between Capitol Hill Village and DACL that acknowledged Capitol Hill Village’s well thought out 21 month plan to accomplish the goal of raising funds and siting an ADC in Ward 6.

ANC6B Commissioner and candidate for At Large City Council seat Chander Jayaraman, testifying only for himself, also expressed concern about how the funds to be contributed to DC DACL would be used and pledged to hold Felice to its word.

Commissioner Kelly Waud, in whose single member district is adjacent to the project, expressed concerns on behalf of herself and nearby residents regarding noise pollution and about the lack of an area plan.

The Commission adjourned after a hearing that lasted more than four hours without voting on Felice’s application.  Applications normally take more than one hearing, and the Commission will resume consideration on October 15.

Afterward, CHC reached out to Commissioner and Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Corey Holman for his reaction.  Holman said, speaking only for himself and not the ANC, “I’m glad the applicant has proffered extra community benefits and look forward to ANC 6B continuing to play a role in helping to bring an adult day center to Capitol Hill. But the most important outcome of tonight’s hearing is that the process to add 900 new housing units, including 108 affordable inclusionary zoning units, continues to move forward. If approved by the Zoning Commission, I hope this is built quickly and spurs further development of the large adjacent parking lots. And further, when built, this project will provide complimentary retail and recreation opportunities to the 11th Street Bridge Park.”