CAPITOL HILL CORNER

RFK Campus: 190 acres in Anacostia Park, partly in a flood plain. Current uses: RFK Stadium (being demolished), Fields at RFK Campus: (27 acres- 3 playing fields), RFK Festival Grounds.  Image from EventsDC live camera:  https://eventsdc.com/venue/rfk-stadium/live-demolition-camera

The meeting of Friends of Kingman Park Thursday night was both in person and virtual. Mendelson in is at podium in second row. 

Mendelson’s Candid Talk on Stadium

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 19, 2024

Thursday night, City Council chair Phil Mendelson spoke candidly about the prospects and process for a new football stadium on the RFK campus.  The venue was a meeting sponsored by the Friends of Kingman Park, the neighborhood which lies just east of RFK.  Prior to Mendelson taking the podium, Hill East resident Beth Purcell presented the key points of a Whitepaper on the RFK Stadium Campus commissioned by the Committee of 100 on the Federal City.  See here:  https://committeeof100.net/what-we-do/planning/rfk-stadium-site/

During the meeting, Mendelson stated his position on a new stadium:  “On the record, I do not support public financing for a stadium.  I think a majority of city council agrees….My position is I could accept a stadium but I don’t want any public financing.  The reality is, if there isn’t any public financing, Maryland and Virginia – who also want a stadium – may prevail.” 

Purcell noted earlier in her presentation that the average cost of a new NFL stadium is $ 1.2 billion and that all NFL stadiums built between the 1970s and 2010s had some public financing.   

Public Financing.  Meldelson said both the Mayor and the team’s owners want the Commanders to be in the city, but “if it involves city financing there is going to be a fight in the council.  If the mayor … starts negotiating with the Commanders, I can tell you the political dynamic will shift … There will be tremendous pressure on the council to approve some financing for the stadium.” 

“I don’t see a stadium as an economic benefit to the city.  If the Commanders fund 100% of the cost, there might be a plan with economic benefits to the city.  If the Commanders…get development rights around it and put up stuff to make money to help pay for building the stadium, I see that as a possibility.”  Mendelson later alluded to housing with a substantial portion affordable as being a potential component of such a development of the site. 

Related to this issue, one of the key points raised by Purcell in her presentation was directly related to potential development.  She noted that all 29 NFL stadiums provide surface parking and allow tailgating on some lots. Tailgating, she said, is part of the NFL experience, and its popularity at games requires a large area of surface parking which would likely crowd out other uses such as community recreation and housing. 

Mendelson talked about the lack of the city’s funding and ability to finance a stadium.  He said, “Financing comes from borrowing.  We have a $250 million hole in budget. We don’t have funds sitting around idly for a stadium.  We pay debt service of $1billion a year – ten years ago it was $.5 billion.”  By law, the city’s interest on debt payment is limited to 12% of revenues.  Mendelson said that last year we were at 12% and “couldn’t borrow another penny.”  Refinancing provided $.5 billion for the offer to Monumental Sports to upgrade the Penn Quarter Arena if the Virginia deal falls through.  He put the likelihood of that happening at less than 10%.

Purcell noted during her presentation that public financing for Nationals Park was $535 million in bonds, to be paid by rent from the Nationals, sales taxes on items sold at stadium, gross receipts tax on large businesses, and a share of utility taxes paid by all businesses. Audi Field’s public financing was $32 million in District capital funds and $106 million in new debt.  Rent payable to the District is $1 per year for 30 years.

Economic Benefits.  Mendelson said that economic benefits from a stadium “in my view are nonexistent or made up.” He cited:   

• Nats Park – 80 games plus concerts.
• Arena – 250 games plus concerts.
• A stadium – 9 games a year plus other events.

The Process.  “In order for a football stadium to come here” … Mendelson said, “a number of things have to happen.”

• Congressional legislation providing leasing the land to the city for 99 years. 
• Negotiations between the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and, in case of a football team, the owners of the Commanders.
• Reaching an agreement which will go to the council for approval.
• The likelihood of the agreement going through the zoning process. 

Congressional Legislation.  Mendelson said, “Here’s what I know about what’s going on.”

• “One reason legislation has gone as far as it has, I think, is that the NFL wants a football stadium in the city.  This is important because the NFL is like the big kahuna and I think that’s why Congress is being supportive.  That means they can find ways to pressure the council and negotiate a deal the Mayor will agree to.”
• The legislation gives huge latitude to city regarding what happens to the land.
• It is currently hung up in the House.  The bill was referred to the House Oversight Committee where the chairman supports it.  It was also referred to the Transportation Subcommittee where the chair opposes it. 
• The bill is being rewritten so the land will be transferred from the National Park Service instead of the General Services Administration and will be referred to the Committee on the Environment which appears to be favorable to the bill.
• The bill will probably get through the House and the Senate and the city will have the land with some constraints.

Community Input.   “During the process there will be opportunities for the community to weigh in,” Mendelson said, “but that often means simple sessions as opposed to something meaningful.” 

His advice to the community was, “Never trust completely the speaker, because the speaker can say things – and if you’re concerned with the football stadium and what will be done to protect the community, unless you have something in writing don’t trust it.  And that’s not trying to throw shade on anybody, but folks trying to sell something are going to put the best spin on it; ‘Of course we’re going to mitigate traffic’ – what does that actually mean unless it’s in writing? 

To a question from a community member, he said, “The opposition of the community is more important to the council than anybody else.  The Mayor wants a stadium. She will stand before you and say ‘I appreciate what the community sentiment is’ – but she wants a stadium…. A stadium is seen as much more of a city wide issue.” 

Timeline.  To another question regarding the best time for opponents to engage, Mendelson said it’s timely to share concerns with members of the council and “At the point of land transfer step it up.  A lot will be going on inside DMPED none of us will see.  Begin organizing even though there still won’t be a plan.”

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 15, 2024

SE Library Renovation.  Work on the renovation of SE Library started immediately after the closure of the Library on January 4.  Here’s a photo of the Library on January 10^th and another on January 15^th which shows what the Library looks like without the signature Magnolia trees which graced the building’s front.

John Tyler Elementary School Awaits Bowser’s sign off on name change:  On Tuesday, January 9, the City Council passed emergency legislation to change Tyler’s name to Shirley Chisholm School.  The bill now goes to the Mayor for her signature. 

Capitol Hill Child Care Relocates to PA Ave SE.  If you’ve been wondering about the build out of the space at 603 PA Ave, SE, formerly the home of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, it’s for the new home of Capitol Hill Child Care, which is relocating from its current quarters at 501 E Street, SE.  Owner Ann Shorter-Perry tells CHC she hopes to open the new location in February.  For more, go here:  https://www.capitolhillchildcare.com/

ANC6B honors Barracks Row’s Brian Ready:   Last Tuesday, ANC6B awarded Brian Ready, Executive Director of Barracks Row MainStreet, its 2023 Outstanding Public Service Award for his community contributions and his work in reinvigorating Barracks Row.  Ready was a former ANC 6B Commissioner and Chair of ANC6B. Photo credit:  Barracks Row MainStreet

Chi-Ko is getting a “little face lift.”  Chi-Ko, the popular Chinese Korean fusion restaurant on Barracks Row has been closed for renovation – “a little face lift” –  according to staff.  The restaurant will open for carryout at the end of the week, and resume dining service in February. 

The latest installation from Triple Candie.  The “curatorial riddles” have been a regular monthly feature in the 22 square foot exhibit space since December, 2021, at the former Li’l Pub, 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

The Week Ahead….

Tuesday, January 16

ANC6D Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For more info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/anc6d-transportation-committee/

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, January 17

CANCELLED ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting.

Thursday, January 18

ANC6D ABC Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For more info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/anc6d-transportation-committee/  

Agenda:  TBA

City Council Chair Phil Mendelson, Councilmember Charles Allen, and ANC6D Commissioner Adreea Pawley at Monday night’s virtual ANC6D meeting.

Amidon-Bowen Parents Decry Nurse Shortage in Schools

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 9, 2023

Last Monday night, a group of parents with children at Amidon-Bowen ES delivered an at-times emotional plea to ANC6D, to CM Charles Allen, and to Council Chair Mendelson for a full time nurse at the school.  The presentation before the virtual meeting of the Commission – which was attended by the two councilmembers – was facilitated by Commissioner Andrea Pawley (6D04), in whose single member district Amidon-Bowen resides.

The shortage of nurse crisis is such that half of the city’s schools do not have a full time nurse.  Under the current “cluster model,” two nurses are shared among a cluster of four schools in near proximity.  Reflecting earlier testimony before a city council committee, the parents said that the cluster model is failing and requested action resulting in full time medical staff at Amidon-Bowen and stressed the absolute necessity for nurses at all schools. 

CM Charles Allen agreed that the cluster model is not working and criticized the lack of accountability.  He said that a discrepancy in pay issues which has been offered as a reason for the nurse shortage had been fixed by the council and that he would push harder for a solution in upcoming performance and budget hearings. 

Council Chair Phil Mendelson agreed and said that the city’s contract with Children’s Hospital for school services was not going well.  He added that given the difficulties of hiring nurses, finding a solution will not be easy, but he said he would redouble his efforts, reach out to the administration, and continue to press to get a nurse in every school.  He also said there will be an opportunity to address this in the next few months in the regular cycle of performance and budget hearings. 

On another matter, the Amidon-Bowen parents strongly opposed moving the Amidon-Bowen swing space to Meyer elementary school in Columbia Heights during the modernization of Amidon-Bowen scheduled to start in 2027.  Both Allen and Mendelsohn expressed some confidence that space could be found closer to Amidon-Bowen, given the lead time before construction begins. 

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 11, 2024

The Capitol Hill and near Capitol Hill ANCs wrapped up the election of officers to serve for the 2024 term of office. 

On Wednesday, by unanimous votes, ANC 6C returned the current line-up of officers as follows, moving clockwise.

Mark Eckenwiler (6C 04) as Chair, Tony Goodman (6C 07) as Vice Chair, Leslie Merkle (6C 02) as Secretary, and Joel Kelty (6C 05) as Treasurer. 

Thursday night, ANC 6A returned their current line up of officers by unanimous votes, as well. 

Moving clockwise, Amber Gove (6A04) as Chair, Keya Chatterjee (6A01) as Vice Chair, Robb Dooling (6A06) as Secretary, and Steve Moilanen (6A07) as Treasurer.

ANCs Need Community Volunteers.  Chair Amber Gove encouraged ANC 6A community members to participate in the work of the ANC by volunteering to become a resident member of any of the ANC’s committees: Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Committee, Economic Development & Zoning Committee, Transportation & Public Space Committee, and the Community Outreach Committee.  Currently, many ANCs – including 6A, 6C, and 6B – are wrestling with licensing of cannabis “gift shops” as medical marijuana dispensaries as the city attempts to bring these illegal weed shops under control of Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration.  The city will begin enforcing the licensing requirement at the end of the month.   

Interested individuals can contact their ANC Commissioners.  Don’t know who that is?  Go here:  https://anc.dc.gov/

Return to in-person ANC monthly meetings?  Over in neighboring ANC 6B, the commission is taking tentative steps to resume in-person monthly meetings of the full ANC.  The commission hopes to hold a hybrid meeting of the full commission in February, which would be both in-person and virtual.  6B committees and taskforces have held a number of hybrid meetings in recent months and many commissioners prefer them to virtual meetings.  6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe opined to CHC that while virtual meetings are convenient for commissioners and community members, they seem to make it harder to recruit community members to volunteer to serve as resident members of committees.  ANC 6B committees and taskforces include:  Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee, Planning and Zoning Committee, Transportation Committee, Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force, South East Library Task Force, and the Committee on Public Safety.

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 10, 2024

Tuesday night, ANC 7D met for its January meeting and unanimously elected the following officers for the 2024 term of office. 

Clockwise, Commissioner Wendell Felder as Chair, Commissioner Brian Alcorn as Vice Chair, Commissioner Ashley Shapitl as Secretary, and Commissioner Brett Astmann as Treasurer.

Also on Tuesday night, ANC 6B met for its January meeting and unanimously elected the following officers for the 2024 term of office. 

L-R, Commissioner Edward Ryder as Chair, Commissioner Vince Marino as Vice Chair, Commissioner David Sobelsohn as Secretary, Commissioner Frank Avery as Treasurer, and Commissioner Kasie Durkit as Parliamentarian. 

(L-R) Chair, Rikki Kramer; Vice Chair, Bob Link; Secretary, Bruce Levine; Treasurer Ron Collins. 

A Divided ANC6D Elects Kramer Chair for a Second Term

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 8, 2023

Monday night, ANC6D re-elected Commissioner Rikki Kramer for a second term as Chair of the Commission.  The eight member board split 4-4 between Kramer and ANC6B01 Commissioner Bob Link.  Former head of the DC Office of ANC’s – Gottlieb Simon – who presided over the vote, had announced prior to the vote that in event of a tie, the commission would continue to vote until one candidate attained a majority of commissioners present and voting.  After the first vote, however, Link withdrew his nomination, apparently convinced that the votes would not change in subsequent ballots and the commission would enter a prolonged and divisive period.

Link was subsequently elected Vice Chair by acclamation after Commissioner Bruce Levine (nominated for the post by Kramer) refused the nomination.  Commissioners Levine and Commissioner Ron Collins were then elected Secretary and Treasurer without opposition. 

In remarks delivered prior to the vote, Kramer praised the members of the commission who she called talented and dedicated.  She also acknowledged that despite the fractiousness, competition and frustration which had sometimes characterized the commission’s meetings, the members had always remained committed to the commission’s goals, including adherence to the Small Area Plan, diversity, mixed development, green space, common areas, affordable housing, a clean environment, SW renewal, and traffic safety.  She thanked constituents for pushing the commission to do better. 

But many observers would agree with her characterization of the commission’s meetings, which have lately become noteworthy for their level of acrimony.  Some of that is attributable to personalities and ambition.  Some of it is the old guard vs. the new guard. But there are numerous structural and procedural problems which affect the commission’s functionality.  The commission appears to be unfamiliar with Roberts Rules of Order, the concept of “regular order,” and how the work of the commission could be expedited by the use of a parliamentary procedure called “unanimous consent.”  All of that is procedural but there are other problems.  ANC6D is among the least transparent of the four ANCs on Capitol Hill or touching its borders.  Unlike most other ANCs, it routinely withholds making public the agendas of commission meetings until hours before the meeting.  Agenda items are often inadequately described.  For years, ANC6D was the only ANC of the four covered by CHC which operated with no committees.  Several years ago an Alcohol Beverage Committee was appointed and recently a fledging Transportation Committee has been authorized.  Prior to that, commissioners discussed alcohol licensing, zoning, and transportation issues privately and informally with petitioners before discussing them in public before the full ANC at their once-a month-meeting.  The commission still lacks a Planning and Zoning Committee.  And until recently, the public and press were not allowed to witness the “Administrative Meetings,” where issues are discussed prior to formulating an agenda for the next ANC meeting. 

There’s work to be done here and SW residents have much to hope for that some of that will be done not only by ANC6D but within ANC6D. 

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 7, 2023

Monday, January 8

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtual-meetings/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Transportation Committee Presentation. 
• Transportation Committee Presentation.
• Amidon-Bowen Parents’ concerns.
• CM Allen on Amidon-Bowen Issues.
• Safeway Survey – update.
• Letter to Zoning Commission on Kinfolk Modification of Consequence.
• Letter to DDOT Public Space Committee on 45 Q Street, SW.
• ABCA Hearings on Safeway License Renewal – Designate CM Pawley.
• Hen Quarter – 2121 1st  Street SW – Cooperative Agreement.
• Election of ANC 6D Officers – 2024 Term.

Tuesday, January 9

ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

• TBA

Presentations:

• TBA

2023 ANC6B Outstanding Public Service Award

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

• No Kids Allowed; 637B Pennsylvania Ave SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.
• DC Dash; 727 8th Street SE; New Medical Cannabis Retailer license.

Transportation Committee

• Safety Concerns at North Carolina Ave and 7th Street SE.
• 6B01 Request for ANC Support for TSI Request and Repaving of 1st Street SE.

Planning and Zoning Committee

• Letter to DOB Regarding Illegal Construction at 319 9th Street SE.
• Letter recommending the ANC take no position at this time on Pennsylvania Avenue and 203 3rd Street SE Project: Concept/subdivision, alterations and additions to existing buildings.

Southeast Library Task Force

• February 5th Event Related to Arthur Capper Interim Library Location Opening.
• Report for the Southeast Library Task Force from December Meetings.

Election of Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian.

Selection of 2024 Dates for the New Standing Committee – Public Safety Committee.

Bylaws Amendment Relating to Reestablishment/Reauthorization of Special Committees & Taskforces.

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Nomination and Election of 2024 ANC 7D Officers.

Adoption of 2024 and January 2025 Meeting Dates.

Community Speaker

• TBD

DC Government Updates/Presentations

• Lawrence Davlin, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS).
• Ward 7 Representative Francis Campbell, Constituent Services Coordinator, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.

Public Safety Committee (Chair Brynn Barnett)

• Information about the upcoming 2024 meeting schedule.

Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Committee (Chair Zach Abramovitz)

• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter of support to the Zoning Commission for ZC 23-23, a Zoning Map Amendment.
• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for BZA 21052.

Transportation & Public Space Committee (Chair Brian Alcorn)

• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DC Department of Public Works (DPW) requesting prioritization of parking enforcement around Rosedale Recreation Center.
• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) requesting augmented “no parking” signage on the 600 Block of 18^th Place, NE and 1800 Block of Rosedale Street, NE.
• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to DDOT requesting a study and/or Agency   recommendations for improving motor vehicle circulation, parking and emergency vehicle access around Rosedale Recreation Center.
• Recommended Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to relevant DC Agencies/Council regarding need for reciprocity with states on moving violation/parking infractions.

Community Relations and Grants Committee and Environment Committees

• Information about the 2024 meeting schedule.

Other Commission Business

• Appointment of ANC 7D Chair/7D03 Commissioner Wendell Felder to DPW Benning Road Zero Waste Campus Community Advisory Team (CAT).

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Old Business.

• Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. The Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project (https://floridaavene-streetscape.ddot.dc.gov/) outreach team will provide project updates and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
• Safety concerns with the existing design and approved Florida Ave NE Streetscape Project design at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE, 12th Street NE, K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.
• Prospective recommendation: That ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting immediate consideration of design changes ahead of existing construction plans to address persistent safety issues at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE, 12^th Street NE, K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.

New Business.

• 43rd Annual Capitol Hill Classic 10K, 3K, and Fun Run. Jayme Johnson, OutreachChair for the Capitol Hill Classic, requests a letter of support for the 43rd Annual Run, and will present race course and logistical details, and answer any questions.  Prospective recommendation: That ANC 6A send a letter of support to HSEMA for the 2024 Capitol Hill Classic Race
• DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing. Commissioners Gove and Shapiro would like to gather Commission and community input for ANC 6A testimony ahead of the DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing, tentatively scheduled in February 2024.Prospective recommendation: That ANC 6A draft testimony with Commission and community input for the DDOT Performance Oversight Hearing.

Wednesday, January 10

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Election of ANC Officers.

Appointment and Election of Committee Members and Chairs.

Commissioner announcements.

Community announcements.

Thursday, January 11

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Motion to edit the ANC 6A Standard Operating Procedures (page 8) language to change the name of the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Committee.

Motion to elect officers: Chair – Amber Gove; Vice Chair – Keya Chatterjee; Secretary– Robb Dooling; Treasurer – Steve Moilanen.

Motion to elect members and leaders of the permanent Committees for 2024.

Transportation and Public Space Committee.

• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting immediate consideration of design changes ahead of existing construction plans to address persistent safety issues at the intersections of Florida Avenue NE, 12th Street NE, K Street NE and Montello Avenue NE.
• Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support to HSEMA for the 2024 Capitol Hill Classic Race.

Single Member District reports.

Community Comments.

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 7, 2024

CHC went to South East Library on Thursday, January 4^th, to record its last day before closing for a two years of renovation. 

The day seemed unremarkable when the library opened at noon – library patrons trickled in to use the computers. 

The most striking feature of the reading room is the fireplace on the rear wall.  Fireplaces were unusual in the Carnegie Libraries; they took up wall space which could be used for bookshelves.  The dark wood of the surround on this fireplace reflects the federal style of government buildings. Ten brown glazed tiles on the header over the firebox depict five of the storytellers in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The five characters on the SE Library’s fireplace are:  The Knight, The Wife of Bath, The Doctor, The Merchant, and The Prioress.

Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14^th Century masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales is comprised of 24 stories – moral lessons told by members of a cohort of London travelers on a pilgrimage to Saint Thomas Becket’s Shrine at Canterbury Cathedral. 

• The Knight.  Holding the most prestigious position of all the characters he has a common touch in demeanor and dress. Though a veteran of 15 crusades his motives are betrayed as suspect when the reader learns he has fought for one non-Christian leader against another.  His tale is one of courtly love played out as two knights pursue the same woman. 
• The Wife of Bath.  A seamstress from the town of Bath who has survived five marriages and many affairs as she travelled broadly in Europe and thrice to the Holy Land.  Her tale presents an early progressive view of feminism and answers the question, “What do women really want?”
• The Doctor.  Highly accomplished and professional, an expert diagnostician who assiduously minds his own health and well- being although apparently not so much his spiritual dimension.  His character is blemished with a fondness for acquisition.  His tale concerns the downfall of a corrupt and lecherous judge. 

• The Merchant.   A wealthy trader in furs and textiles.  A member of the upper class.  His tale is a satire about the pitfalls of marriage. 
• The Prioress.  Head of her convent, she is modest, quiet, well-mannered and dressed, kind, thoughtful, charitable and considerate – perhaps a little too concerned about the impression she is making.  Her tale relates the martyrdom of a child at the hands of the perceived enemies of Christianity.   

The fireplace and all of the interior woodwork will be preserved and incorporated into the new library.  This includes the two grand wooden pillars with ornately carved Corinthian capitals encountered after passing the librarian’s stations just inside the entrance.  

CHC went to the lower lever and photographed the “We’ll Miss You” sign on the wall created by children (with the help of library staff) from the Thursday afternoon “Out of the Box Playtime.”

Southeast Library, circa 5:00pm, Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Library officials expect the SE Library’s limited interim services “TechExpress” at the Arthur Capper Community Center, 1000 5th Street, SE, to open on Monday, February 5. Services at this location will include access to computers, a copier, and tech assistance, as well as return of borrowed books and pick-up of books ordered through the library. Patrons will have to use NE Library for most library staff services as well as physical access to shelved books and magazines. 

Library patrons may borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, and digital magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app, by OverDrive. Borrowed eBooks can be sent to your Kindle eReader.  For more info, go here:  https://www.dclibrary.org/research-and-learn/overdrive-libby

Ward 7 City Council candidate Ebony Payne at the playground at The Fields on the RFK campus – part of 27 acres on converted parking lots.  Photo: Ebony Payne

There’s One Anti-Stadium Ward 7 Candidate for City Council

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 3, 2024

Ask Kingman Park’s ANC7D Commissioner Ebony Payne why she’s running for City Council from Ward 7 and she cites carjackings, violent crime, Ward 7 truancy rates, the need for activities for young people, better schools, fully-funded programs to protect school children such as the safe passage program, and the need to address Ward 7’s food desert. But what distinguishes her from the other ward 7 candidates is her opposition to the Mayor’s plan to build a stadium on the RFK campus.

“RFK Stadium is in my single member district and that is the biggest galvanizing issue; it overshadows the needs of my most vulnerable constituents.” She recalls how Kingman Park – located just to the north of the RFK campus – was initially proposed to be part of Ward 6 while leaving RFK in Ward 7 in last year’s first draft of the redistricting map. She said, “I knew that planners had a vested interest in separating the community from that site and I fought to keep Kingman Park in Ward 7 so we could have our voices heard. I’m the strongest voice of the community most affected by RFK and I know what the community wants and what it doesn’t want is a sea of parking lots.”

Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray announced December 20 that he would not seek re-election. That opened the door for the six Ward 7 candidates who have filed to run for the seat: besides Payne, they include ANC7D Chair and Ware 7 Democrats Chair Wendell Felder, Veda Rasheed, Ebbon Allen, Eboni-Rose Thompson and Kevin Brown.

Payne says, “Councilman Vincent Gray leaves behind very large shoes to fill and a long legacy of public service. I am inspired most by his dedication to bringing healthcare access to residents East of the River and I look forward to having the opportunity to carry on his legacy.”

Payne says she went back and forth on whether to run for City Council. Asked what it was that made up her mind, she says, “You know, I guess I got fed up with feeling my voice was not being heard and as an ANC commissioner we’re supposed to have great weight. And when it comes to special interests that have deep pockets your voice matters even less. So I became dissatisfied with waiting for other candidates to adequately represent the community. When I talk to people about RFK, they feel resigned to its fate whereas I’m much more engaged … and now I feel like we’ve really got the attention of the mayor and the Commanders and the city council, and that’s what we needed.”

Getting that attention came about as a result of a community meeting last October sponsored by the Friends of Kingman Park Civic Association where Mayor Bowser engaged the community on the RFK issue. Payne said that 300 people attended the meeting, plus another 50 on-line and said it “showed that the community wants to be engaged. Getting RFK is one of the Mayor’s top priorities – so I just feel the community’s voice needs to be at the forefront.”

 And that issue of priorities is the other part of the reason she decided to run, because she says, she “reached out to community leaders – some of whom are candidates – for things the community needs and was greeted with indifference because it wasn’t their priority. I feel like my community needed me to step up in this moment. And that’s what I’m doing.”

Asked for her reply to someone who says she is too young and inexperienced, she says, “I would say I’m not bought and paid for. I’m a real person. I’m part of the community and they can trust that and that I have the community’s best interests at heart.”

Payne says that last August, the Friends of Kingman Park sponsored a poll of 2,000 residents of the communities affected by RFK: Rosedale, Hill East, River Terrace, Parkside, Mayfair and Eastland Gardens. She says that 1500 residents responded to the poll and “70% of them were opposed to a stadium and that’s what we presented to the Mayor at the meeting in October.”

What her community wants to see on the RFK campus, she says, is “community-led mixed use development including sports amenities, open green space, new intergenerational housing, a hospital, and retail shops.”

But before anything happens on the RFK campus, DC needs to gain control of the property which is owned by the federal government. Congress is considering legislation which would extend the city’s lease of the property for 99 years and permit development of the site. The US House of Representatives Oversight Committee has reported the bill to the House which could take it up in 2024. The bill has bipartisan support and if passed by the House would go to the Senate for passage there.

In her personal life, Payne is partnered with Democratic political consultant Chuck Rocha, who has been using social media to support Payne’s candidacy and help raise funds in the Capitol Hill East neighborhoods. 

The Rubell Museum of Contemporary Art at 65 I Street, SW, opened in October of 2022.  Admission is free to DC residents, thanks to a community benefit negotiated by ANC6D.  The museum boasts one of largest collections of Contemporary Art in the country.  That means art produced by artists living today.  The collection tends to reflect global culture using diverse methods and addresses broad concepts and subjects.  Unlike other movements in art, contemporary art lacks an underlying organizing principle which provides a fluid boundary.  As the current exhibit illustrates some of the themes of contemporary art critique or comment of identity, relationships, and national/international culture and politics.  An on-going Capitol Hill exhibit of contemporary art can be found in the 700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in the gallery curated by Triple Candies in the front window of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which is featured regularly on Capitol Hill Corner.  For more on the Rubell, go here: https://rubellmuseum.org/dc/about-rubell-museum-dc

Above is the Rubell’s first gallery after you enter.  The space is impressive and features the work of 2022 Artist in Residence, Alexandre Diop Jooba Jubba – The Art of Challenge. 

His assemblages reflect the local and global history of civilization. 

Jesse Mockrin.  Winter Magic, 2014 oil on linen.

Matthew Day Jackson.  Chariot (The Day After The End of Days), 2005-2006.

Matthew Day Jackson.  Chariot – Interior (The Day After The End of Days), 2005-2006.   

Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe is one of the Rubell’s 2021 Artists-in-Residence. His portraits of family and friends in this triptych made during the residency present a new perspective of the myth of the American cowboy.

John Miller.  A Refusal to Accept Limits.  2002.  Nearby, on a wall outside the gallery where this installation is located is a plaque by artist Jenny Holzer which reads:  “Protect me from what I want.”

Nearby, on the wall outside another gallery where a sign warned that the installation inside may be unsuitable for some patrons, another Holzer plaque reads: “Laugh hard at the absurdly evil.” 

The Week Ahead… & Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 1, 2023

Tuesday, January 2

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the agenda:

• No Kids Allowed, 637B Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  New license application for a Medical Cannabis Retailer.
• DC Dash; 727 8th Street, SE.  New license application for Medical Cannabis Retailer. 
• Other Items for Discussion:
• Implementation of the ABC Committee process for ABRA and ABCA applications in the New Year.
• ABRA law review and revision upcoming in 2024.

ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative meeting at 7:00pm.

MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council will NOT meet in January.

Wednesday, January 3

ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on 11th Street SE Bus Priority Project.
• Committee Discussion of the 11th Street SE Corridor North of M Street, SE.
• Safety Concerns at North Carolina Ave and 7th Street, SE.
• 6B01 Request for ANC Support for TSI Request and Repaving of 1st Street, SE.

Wednesday, January 3

ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will NOT meet in January.

Thursday, January 4

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Letter to DOB Regarding Illegal Construction at 319 9th Street, SE.
• 229-233 Pennsylvania Avenue and 203 3rd Street SE.  Historic Preservation Application. Project: Concept/subdivision, alterations and additions to existing buildings.

ANC6A will hold a virtual Special Meeting at 8:00pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• ANC 6A protest the application of UpnSmoke III LLC at 712 15th Street, NE, for a Medical Cannabis Retailer License unless a settlement agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline.
• ANC 6A protest the application of Granny Za’s at 1383-1385 H Street, NE, for a Medical Cannabis  Retailer License unless a settlement agreement is reached prior to the protest deadline.
• ANC 6A draft a new standard settlement agreement(s) for alcohol license holders and medical cannabis license holders located within the ANC, and that the ANC seek the assistance of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners in drafting the new settlement agreement(s).

ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will NOT meet in January.