February 17, 2011 · 3:35 pm

Capitol Hill Restoration Board Goes to Court Over City Decision To Allow New Third Floor On 1887 Victorian Building

Capitol Hill Restoration Board Goes to Court Over City Decision To Allow New Third Floor On 1887 Victorian Building

by Larry Janezich

In a case which could have broad implications for development in the city, the DC Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on Thursday over whether the city erred in approving a third story addition to a 1887 Victorian building in the Capitol Hill Historic District.

On June 17, 2008, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) Board voted unanimously to oppose the Heritage Foundation’s planned third floor addition to the former Trover’s Books building at 227 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The concerns were that the addition would detract from the appearance of the historic building, draw attention away from the historic details, greatly alter the basic character and appearance of the historic building and set a precedent for the entire Historic District.  The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) agreed, approving the third story only with a 25 foot setback from the building’s façade.  The Heritage Foundation appealed the HPRB decision to the Mayor’s Agent, who overturned the HPRB recommendation, allowing construction to proceed.  The structure was subsequently completed.

At issue is whether the Mayor’s Agent – in this case, DC’s Office of Planning Director Harriet Tregonning – acted in accordance with proper procedure in ignoring the recommendation of the HPRB against the proposed third story addition without a 25 foot setback.

Tregonning authorized the construction with a “slight” set back of a few inches at the bottom of the addition which slopes back to a several-foot setback at the roofline, saying that since Pennsylvania Avenue is so wide at this point that even a 25 foot set back would not make the addition invisible.

The Restoration Board’s attorney, Andrea Ferster, who has represented non-profit organizations in land use and historic preservation cases, argued the question was whether the Mayor’s Agent can disregard an HPRB recommendation as unpersuasive and not explain why.  “The Mayor’s Agent just can’t say, ‘my judgment prevails.’”

The Mayor’s Agent was represented by Stacy L. Anderson, who under questioning by the court, admitted that the record did not show Tregonning rejected the HPRB recommendation on a rational basis, other than referencing the width of Pennsylvania Avenue.  .

The discussion embraced the larger question of what the role of the HPRB and its guidelines are for prospective alterations to historic buildings.  The position of the Mayor’s Agent is that each should be considered on its merits and that the recommendation of HPRB should be given no greater weight than experts testifying on behalf of the developer.  “The statute gives it no special status, so the Mayor’s Agent owes it no special consideration.”

The Heritage Foundation was represented by Deborah B. Baum, of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pitman, one of the city’s largest land-use firms.  She pointed out that the then-sitting ANC had approved the proposed addition and that the project’s approval by the Commission on Fine Arts addressed the question of compatibility.

Under questioning, she admitted that there had been no testimony whether the setback was a strong financial disincentive, though she claimed that the disincentive was implied because the third floor space would have been reduced by 50%.  This claim was disputed by Ferster, who said the space would have been reduced by less than 25%.

A favorable ruling by the Court of Appeals could result in dismantling the addition.  As the court noted near the end of the arguments today, that since the third floor has been built, “we’re in don’t tear it down territory.”

The question of jurisdiction and whether the CHRS petition was filed in a timely manner accounted for considerable discussion, but the ambiguity of the statute on this point seemed to weigh in favor of the CHRS.

The CHRS raised $6,000 in contributions for a legal defense fund to fight Tregonning’s decision.  The non-profit preservation organization has spent nearly $20,000 so far on this case.

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February 16, 2011 · 1:56 pm

Restoration Society Hears Recommendations for Major Expansion of Capitol Hill Historic District

Restoration Society Hears Recommendations for Major Expansion of Capitol Hill Historic District

by Larry Janezich

EHT Traceries, a local architectural history firm hired by the Board of Directors of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, has endorsed incorporation of two areas into the Capitol Hill Historic District and on March 8, and is likely to endorse a third.

On January 19, the firm made a public presentation on their survey of the near-Northeast area lying just outside the historic district.  This was the second of three presentations, all part of the Society’s Beyond the Boundaries program, which “seeks to promote the appreciation of neighborhood history and support historic preservation efforts outside the boundaries of the Capitol Hill Historic District.”  The project is funded by a settlement reached several years ago with the Louis Dreyfuss Property Group (some $83,000), as mitigation for the demolition of twelve historic buildings in the way of the new Dreyfuss development between H and G and 2nd and 3rd Streets, NE,.

The near-Northeast survey included the area adjacent to the H Street commercial corridor, roughly between 2nd and 15th Streets, and from H to F Streets, NE.

In the presentation, Traceries presented a strong case for inclusion of an almost four block area adjacent to the north boundary of the Historic District – bounded by 2nd and 4th and F and H Streets, NE – though only parts of the blocks fronting H Street commercial corridor would be included.

“…the expanded area most closely parallels the late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century development of Capitol Hill and especially the progression of the squares that form the northern boundary of the current Capitol Hill Historic District.

The original justification for terminating the Capitol Hill Historic District along F Street, N.E. was purely for topographical reasons because F Street is representative as the bottom of Capitol Hill. However, it is clearly illustrated that the Historic District and Boundary Increase share a common architectural thread, demonstrated by two- and three-story rowhouses, with varying rectangular and canted projecting bays and designed in the popular Victorian-era architectural styles of the day. Because the residential architecture of Capitol Hill is its most visible identifier and strong characteristic, it can be determined that the Boundary Increase clearly belongs as part of the current Capitol Hill Historic District.” (emphasis mine)

Traceries notes that their survey is limited to the architecture, allowing for understanding neighborhood development.  The firm recommends completion of all survey phases and that a historic context study be prepared before any final recommendation is made for extending the Capitol Hill Historic District.

Similarly, on November 10, 2010, in a public presentation on a survey of the area outside the Historic District to the Southeast, bounded by East Capitol and L Streets and 13th and 19th Streets, SE, Traceries noted their study allowed for an understanding of neighborhood development but not the historic context. “Thus it is recommended that a historic context study be prepared before any recommendations for an historic district can be made.

Yet, based on the architectural development and its current physical integrity, the preliminary determination is that an historic district can and should be created that represents the Capitol Hill Southeast neighborhood.” (emphasis mine)

The aforementioned historic context study incorporation for both the Northeast and Southeast survey areas will be done in March 2011.

The third and final Traceries presentation will focus on the Northeast area between 15th and 19th Streets and Benning Road and East Capitol Street.  Rosedale lies within these boundaries and the upcoming March 8th presentation will be co-sponsored by the Rosedale Citizens’ Alliance and CHRS.  If past is precedent, it’s likely the presentation will include an endorsement for extending the Historic Distract to encompass part or all of this area.

The meeting will be on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, from 6:15pm – 8:00pm at the Rosedale Recreation Center, 500 19th Street, NE.

PDF versions of both the previous presentations are on the CHRS website at http://www.chrs.org.

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February 10, 2011 · 5:05 pm

Barracks Row Streetscape to Feature Early 20th Century-Style Street Clock – Gift from Barracks Row Neighbor

 

Barracks Row Streetscape to Feature Early 20th Century-Style Street Clock

Gift from Barracks Row Neighbor

by Larry Janezich

The image above depicts where a street clock, typical of those which were popular on main streets across the United States in the early Twentieth Century, will soon become a prominent feature of the Barracks Row streetscape.  Manufactured by the Verdin Co of Cincinnati, Ohio, founded in 1842, the clock is made of aluminum, finished in black with touches of gold detailing.  Roman numerals represent the hours and the hands of the clock have traditional spade-shaped tips.

The clock is being given to Barracks Row Main Street by Karl and Carrol Kindel, 726 9th Street, SE, and Barracks Row restaurateur Xavier Cerevera.  The idea originated with Karl Kindel, according to Sharon Bosworth, Marketing Manager, Barracks Row Main Street:  “Karl loves clocks and simply wanted to have one in his neighborhood.”

At its February meeting, ANC6b unanimously agreed to a Public Space Permit to allow the installation in front of the Senart’s Oyster House restaurant at 520 8th Street, SE.  The owner of Senart’s, Xavier Cervera, will provide electrical service and maintenance.  Cervera is also financing the prep work and the base for the clock.  Barrack Row Main Street will be the owner of the clock.  ANC approval was contingent upon a letter of agreement between the parties as to service, upkeep, and paying for electrical service.

Bosworth said, “As a non profit, BRMS could not afford to have it installed and to pay for maintenance and insurance.  Xavier Cervera, owner of The Chesapeake Room, Molly Malone’s, Lola’s and soon-to-open Senert’s Oyster House, volunteered to do the installation and to cover the maintenance and liability.”

Cervera also plans a new Barracks Row restaurant, Pacifico, to occupy the site currently occupied by Capital Video.  And yesterday, The Hill Is Home  http://www.thehillishome.com/ reported that he plans to open a new bar across from Eastern Market in the building occupied by Le Petite Gourmet.

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February 9, 2011 · 10:35 am

ANC6b Approves Conceptual Drawing for Lower 8th Street Beer Garden – Modern/Industrial Design Revealed

Preliminary Plan for the Bavarian Beer Garden on Lower 8th Street

ANC6b Approves Conceptual Drawing for Lower 8th Street Beer Garden

Modern/Industrial Design Revealed

by Larry Janezich

ANC6b overrode concerns of some commissioners regarding the proposed building design for the Bavarian Beer Garden at 8th and L Streets, SE, and approved the concept on a 7-3 vote.  Last month, the ANC approved the establishment’s liquor license.  Owner Mark Broody and architect Matt Battin are shepherding the plan through the Historical Review Process, required because the building site is in the Capitol Hill Historic District.

The vote came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Pate to approve the plan but include a letter to the Historic Preservation Review Board listing concerns identified by commissioners, including safety, inconsistency of the design with the Historic District, and issues of window/door proportionality.

Those voting to approve:  Chair Glick, Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, and Pate.

Those opposed:  Commissioners Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg.

The proposal envisions a one story building holding up to 100 people inside and 200 outside with the roof deck and summer garden.  There will be a four and a half foot retaining wall on top of the building, wood privacy fencing, and rain screening on the sides overlooking 8th and L Streets.

On February 1, Brody and Battin brought the design before the ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee.  The Committee heard their presentation, but voted to take no position and to refer the matter to the full ANC.  Concerns had been raised at the hearing regarding the design aspects relating to the proposed materials, the open deck, lack of letters of support, the building’s “unfinished appearance,” and lack of views showing how the building related to existing structures in the affected area.

At Tuesday night’s meeting Brody and Battin presented revised plans and drawings, letters of support, and aerial views of the neighborhood.

An early motion by Commissiuoner Oldenburg to object to the proposal to allow the owner time to refine the design in accordance with the issues raised tonight was defeated on 3 – 7 vote.

The delay was strongly opposed by Planning and Zoning Chair Francis Campbell, who said it was “unconscionable” to have had the owner come back with design modifications and letters of approval and then raise objections to the design.  Commissioners Green and Frishberg joined in opposing the motion, the first on grounds that the objections to the design issue were subjective, and the second because the reasons for sending the owner down a path requiring further revisions were not clear.

Those voting to approve the motion to object: Commissioners Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg.

Those opposed:  Chair Glick, Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, and Pate.

The Oldenburg motion was followed by a subsequent motion by Commissioner Norm Metzger, providing that the ANC take no position on the proposal.

That motion was strongly opposed by Commissioner Brian Pate who said he felt it was time to move forward on the issues and that he wanted to see something built south of the freeway which extends our community.

The Metzger motion was defeated on a 4 – 5 – 1 vote.

Those voting to take no position: Commissioners Campbell, Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg.

Those opposed:  Commissioners Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, and Pate.

Abstaining:  Chair Glick

The discussion was divided between those favoring a more cautious approach – which opponents implied was delay for the sake of delay – vs. a “let’s get something done and fix it as we go along.”

Those favoring a cautious approach warned that the ANC was voting on what might be a permanent structure in the Historic District – one whose design “isn’t ready for prime time.”  That view was offset by those who pointed out that the owner would be back before the ANC for an amendment to the liquor license to permit serving alcohol on the roof deck, providing an incentive to address the concerns raised at tonight’s meeting.

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February 8, 2011 · 11:44 pm

Nooshi and Moby Dick Get Go Ahead on Barracks Row from ANC6b

Nooshi and Moby Dick Get Go Ahead on Barracks Row from ANC6b

Moratorium Proponents Withdraw Protest

by Larry Janezich

ANC6b Meets on Nooshi/Moby Dick

At Tuesday night’s ANC6b meeting new ABC Committee Chair Carol Green announced that voluntary operating agreements had been reached between Barracks Row neighbors, ANC6b ABC representatives, and the restaurant owners.  Barracks Row neighbors announced this afternoon that are withdrawing their protest against liquor licenses for the two restaurants and will settle for the voluntary agreements, citing the likelihood that the ANC would withdraw their protest against the licenses.  This should clear the way for approval of the license applications by the Alcohol Beverage Regulatory Administration.

Last fall, ANC6b voted to protest the liquor licenses for reasons of peace, order, and quiet; adverse effect on residents’ property values; and over concentration.

Negotiations among the stakeholders resulted in concessions from the restaurateurs:  earlier closing hours (midnight Friday and Saturday and 11:00pm Sunday through Thursday – the outdoor cafe will close nightly at 11:00 pm), a privacy screen will be installed at rear of the roof deck, mechanical elements on the roof will be screened, valet parking will be used, and patrons and employees will be encouraged to use the freeway parking lot.  In addition, the owners also agreed to reduce Nooshi’s capacity by 40 (from 160 to 120) and Moby Dick’s outdoor patio capacity by six.(105 inside and outside to 99 inside and out).

Commissioner Dave Garrison commended Green for reaching an agreement allowing the process to move forward, but stated that he will continue to oppose the license because the total number of patrons, though reduced, is still a problem.  In addition, he said, the over concentration issue has not changed.

Cmmissioner Oldenburg, in contrast, after having earlier opposed the licenses, said she would vote for the voluntary agreements

The voluntary agreements were subsequently approved, 9 – 1.

Those voting for:  Chair Neil Glick, Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, Metzger, Oldenburg and Pate.

Those opposed:  Commissioner Garrison.

The protesting neighbors, organized as The Hill United by Yoonmee Chang, Helene Quick and others, stated that they would continue to protest a liquor license for Pacifico, the new restaurant proposed by Xavier Cervera for the location now occupied by Capitol Videos.

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February 3, 2011 · 1:23 am

Developers Appear to Reorient Hine Toward Higher-end Residential Market – Project Details Emerge

Stanton Development Briefing on Hine

Developers Appear to Reorient Hine Toward Higher-end Residential Market – Project Details Emerge

by Larry Janezich

Ken Golding and other representatives of Stanton Development briefed more than 100 community residents – including Councilmember Tommy Wells and ANC6b Commissioners – on the status of the Hine Redevelopment project at Wednesday night’s Special ANC6b meeting.

The limp economy has required several changes to the project which will reduce its overall size and appears to reorient it toward the high-end residential market in what has become one of DC’s hottest housing destination markets.

If a possible boutique hotel does not materialize, there will be a total of 162 residential units, with a few studio efficiencies of 800 square feet and apartments or condos of 1400-1600 square feet.  A variety of options will be provided, including one bedroom, one bedroom with den, two bedrooms, two bedrooms with den, and three bedrooms.  The developer promises lots of storage.

Since the redesign of the project provides only 12 additional residences over the original plan, yet the increase in residential square footage is 100,000 square feet, it appears that the developer has significantly increased the percentage of apartments with higher square footage.

The project will consist of four distinct buildings which step up in height as one moves toward 7th Street from the east, and again steps up as one moves toward Pennsylvania Avenue from the north.

A long residential building along the reopened C Street connecting 7th and 8th Streets will anchor the project’s north end, separated from the other three by C Street and a community plaza splayed out, opening toward 7th Street.  The structure will contain 33 rental units and below-grade retail.  It appeared from developer’s remarks that this building will be reserved for affordable housing for seniors, teachers, and city employees – except for the Shakespeare housing, which Stanton also considers mixed income housing.  Stanton “is still working on determining an appropriate mix” of mixed income units for the project.

The existing alley between 7th and 8th lies behind this building which will be three full stories tall, with a partial fourth floor set back.

The second building, on the NW corner of 7th and C Streets, will be a residential building with 36 units unless it becomes a hotel.  Golding said the hotel question will be determined in the next 30 to 60 days.  If it remains residential, it will be five stories, with retail on the first floor with four floors of apartments above, rising to a height of 57 feet above the plaza.  If it does become a hotel, the total number of residences will drop to 126.

A driveway opening onto 7th Street for trucks moving into the completely enclosed truck bay in the center will separate the residential/hotel building from the retail and office building.  This building will run along 7th Street and wrap around the corner along Pennsylvania Avenue to a wide entrance to the interior courtyard in the middle of the block between 7th and 8th Streets.  There will be retail on the first floor, four floors of offices, and a sixth and seventh floor of offices, the last two with a significant set back.

The fourth building will contain 93 residential units and will start on the east side of the entrance to the courtyard on Pennsylvania Avenue, wrap around the Southeast corner of the building and run the length of 8th Street to the intersection of C and 8th Streets.  The four ground floor units between the entrance to the center courtyard and 8th Street may have to be marketed as professional office space or “quiet retail,” if they cannot be marketed as residences, but no retail will front onto 8th Street.  The Shakespeare studio apartments for temporary residents will be allocated to the north end of this building.  There will be four floors of residential and a partial fifth floor which will include mechanical space and seven penthouse units.  The building will rise 40 feet to top of the ceiling of the top floor, plus the additional height of any towers or turrets – then the fifth story will rise to a height of 52 feet after a 30 foot set back.

Nicole White, traffic consultant from Symmetra Design, discussed site access, traffic, and parking issues.

She asserted that improved site accessibility and circulation will be effected by reopening C Street, having cars enter the garage from C Street, and having trucks approach the enclosed loading docks from 7th Street.

With respect to traffic, White backed away slightly from a previous statement that there will be minimal impact on traffic.  She said instead that the project will not generate a lot of traffic, relatively speaking.

Computer models and analysis predict the following number of vehicle trips will be generated by the Hine project.

269 additional trips per peak morning hour

193 additional trips per peak afternoon hour

176 additional trips per peak weekend hour

But, White said, this additional traffic will be dispersed in a predictable fashion onto all of the surrounding streets, which in terms of a percentage increase per street appears less significant.  She promised to have the percentage increases available at the next Hine status briefing.

With respect to parking, she said the project will provide enough parking for itself.  One question still outstanding is to what degree the project parking will compensate for the temporary parking the community has become accustomed to on the Hine playground which will be lost once construction starts.  White said she would provide this analysis at a later date.

Finally, architect Amy Weinstein noted that the buildings are being designed to encourage bike use, with bike storage for the residences and lockers and showers for ride to work bikers.

A question and answer period wrapped up the meeting eliciting the following additional bits of information.  Detailed drawings for historic preservation purposes will be available by the end of February.

The time line anticipates that Stanton will apply to the Zoning Commission next year for a Planned Unit Development.  If approved, they will finish the design, get a building permit, close on the property, and begin the two year construction program.  A completion date is still anticipated for 2015.  In addition, Golding pledged they will come back to the community to talk about plans for demolition.

Stanton expects to post the presentation by the end of the week at:  http://hineschool.com/

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February 2, 2011 · 12:35 am

Hine Redevelopment Downsized – Shakespeare Administration Offices and IRD Non-Profit Partner Out

Neighbors Gather to Hear Status Report on Hine Redevelopment

Hine Redevelopment Downsized – Shakespeare Administration Offices and IRD Non-Profit Partner Out

by Larry Janezich

Some 30 neighbors of the Hine Development met with representatives of Stanton Development Tuesday night to receive a status report on the project.  Stanton partner Ken Golding announced the project has been scaled back in size and scope owing to the economy.

The bottom line is this.  Overall cuts in space will result in the project being reduced by about 85,000 square feed – down to 557,374 from 642,336.

The project has been modified as follows:

Space for residents – up 100,000 square feet

Space for offices (IRD) – down 62,000 square feet

Space for retail – down 13,000 square feet

Tiger Woods Foundation is out – down 19,000 square feet

Shakespeare Theater is out (and “other”) – down 70,000 square feet

Parking – down 20,500

The Shakespeare Theater has decided to keep its administrative offices in place on 8th Street but will house its visiting performers in the development.  The International Relief and Development non-profit will stay in Virginia, though Golding held open the possibility they could become a tenant at some point.

There will be a total of 162 residential units in the new plan.  A total of 270 parking spaces will be allocated as follows:

Residential –138 on weekdays and weekends

Office – 83 on weekdays and 30 on weekends

Retail/Eastern Market – 49 on weekdays and 102 on weekends

The modification of the project will result in some community benefits, including an enlarged community plaza splayed open toward 7th Street, a wider east-west alley between 7th and 8th Streets, and a fully enclosed trash room to ameliorate trash related problems which vex neighbors abutting commercial corridors.

Stanton has engaged Symmetra Design as traffic, transportation, and parking consultants.  Their analysis is still underway and more information will be available at the next meeting.  Information on some related issues emerged during the meeting, including plans for entrance/egress to the garage for cars from C Street and entrance/egress for trucks from 7th Street.

Many of the changes seemed to meet with the approval of the neighbors.  The most skeptical questions had to do with the impact of traffic and the design features for the 8th Street residential building.

With respect to scheduling, Stanton will submit a plan to the Historic Preservation Review Board in time for a March 24 hearing, and meet with ANC6b before that.  Later this year, they will file the Public Unit Development (PUD) and begin the PUD process in 2012.  That will be the most important opportunity for residents and community groups to have input on the project.  Golding said that the overall time line for the project would be unaffected, anticipating a completion date sometime in 2015.

Stanton representatives will update the broader community on Hine at a meeting sponsored by ANC 6B on Wednesday, February 2.  The meeting will be from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at Brent School, 301 North Carolina Avenue, SE.

Stanton’s plans for the site can be seen at http://hineschool.com/.

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January 31, 2011 · 9:36 pm

Committee of 100 Opposes 8th Street Streetcar Route

Committee of 100 Opposes 8th Street Streetcar Route

by Larry Janezich

The District’s chief historic preservation group – The Committee of 100 – has recommended against a streetcar line along the 8th Street corridor connecting M Street, SE, and H Street, NE.  “This area is already commercially successful, has an established residential character and is served amply by N/S buses,” a report issued by the group this morning noted.  “We urge the city to explore another N/S connection…perhaps connecting Reservation 13 with Benning Road.”  The Committee urges giving priority to routes in areas underserved by mass transit and where large scale development has been approved.

This recommendation was only one part of a long-awaited 91 page report.  The Committee will present hard copies to DC Councilmembers and ANCs this week.

In the report, the Committee expresses general support of the streetcar plan, but notes that it is being implemented without a financing and maintenance plan.  The group also urges that the city do no rezoning to increase density; it opposes trading zoning incentives for private investment in the system, opposes overturning a federal law that bans overhead streetcar wires (with only a temporary exemption for H Street), and opposes purchase of any more streetcars that can’t be adapted to run on a wireless system.

The complete report can be viewed here:  http://www.committeeof100.net/

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January 30, 2011 · 8:45 am

“Binding Threads Opens at The Corner Store”

 

Sandra Warren Gobar: “My work expresses the unseen, not what is seen, it is beneath the layered painted surface that untold blueprint of pain.

Binding Threads

7 African American artists find common ground  

through painting, metal, and light.

On View January 29th through February 21st

The Corner Store

900 South Carolina Avenue, SE

Washington DC 20003

Thomas Allen – Photographer

Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks – Mixed Media Folk Artist

Helen Elliott – Enamel Artist

Sandy Gobar – Painter

Nicole Glaudé – Painter

Lewis Green – Painter

Charles Sessoms – Photographer

The Corner Store

900 South Carolina Avenue, SE

Washington DC 20003

 202.544.5807   /    cornerstorearts.org

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January 28, 2011 · 11:29 am

Eastern Market Citizens Advisory Committee Moves to Transition Mode – Idea for Economic Development Master Plan Broached in Several Venues

Eastern Market Citizens Advisory Committee Moves to Transition Mode –

Idea for Economic Development Master Plan Broached in Several Venues

by Larry Janezich

The members of EMCAC who struggled through thunder snow to attend the monthly meeting of the Committee on Wednesday night failed to produce a quorum for the conduct of business, so the committee confined its activities to announcements and informal discussion.

Hanging over the meeting was the knowledge that EMCAC will not be in existence much longer.  The Taskforce appointed by Councilmember Tommy Wells to recommend a new governing structure for Eastern Market was scheduled to meet Thursday night to finalize a report to be submitted to Wells by February 1.

The consensus of EMCAC was that it should regard this as the beginning of a transition period to the “new market authority.”  There was discussion of the appointment of a transition team to facilitate handing over oversight responsibilities to the new structure.

EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder discussed lessons learned from the Eastern Market Christmas Market, noting that this past year was the first year of heavy competition with the downtown Christmas Market, which was based on a European style town square model.  She suggested Eastern Market reach out to CHAMPS and Barracks Row and come up with a Hill-wide plan for holiday sales – a master plan to help make Capitol Hill a destination.  The Committee will discuss this further next month.  She suggested that a Christmas market plan could be the catalyst to get people to work together initially, and then continue forward to a more comprehensive plan.  This, she suggested, would be an item for the “new governing authority.”

EMCAC member Chuck Berger noted the CHAMPS initiative regarding the Capitol Hill Retail Mix Taskforce, citing the inventory of businesses about to get underway, and the work with Steve Moore from the Economic Development Center.  He hoped that this initiative would be a way to begin a coordinated effort for the Hill’s economic development.  He noted that he had floated an idea to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society Board regarding an effort to bring patrons to Capitol Hill businesses during the Society’s Mothers’ Day House Tour – possibly involving a discount network.  Berger expects to approach interested parties next week to garner support for the undertaking.

In a related but separate development, ANC Commissioner Dave Garrison had broached the subject of the need for a master plan encompassing all aspects of economic development for Capitol Hill at Tuesday night’s ANC6b Executive Committee meeting.

Such an effort – if it involved overlays, tax incentives, etc. – would likely need to take particular account of neighborhood sensitivities, given the recent effort to tinker with the free market in what proved to be an ill-advised attempt to impose a liquor license moratorium on the 500 block of Barracks Row.

In other news, speaking as a representative of the ad hoc “Sign Tigers” group, Berger reported on the status of the Info Hub for Eastern Market Metro Plaza.  He said that a design selection would be made by the end of the month and forwarded to DDOT.  DDOT will pay for 75% of the costs of the new structure.  A fund raising program will be launched to provide the additional 25%.

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