CAPITOL HILL CORNER

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 4, 2024

The Folger Shakespeare Library’s grand reopening of its historic building—after a 4-year renovation—is scheduled for June 21, 2024. The renovation was designed to open up the Library and make it a welcoming space for visitors.  To that end, the designers use landscaping to bring people down the garden path and into the Shakespeare world of story-telling.  The renovation has resulted 12,000 square feet of public space much of which will be used to show people what the Library has: rare books and manuscripts covering the beginning of the age of print all the way through the creation of the Atlantic world.  There will also be a café, new galleries and garden spaces, a learning lab, and an expanded gift shop.

“Serene Willow Reflections” 2023 by Marilyn Saks-McMillion

“Reflections” is the theme the Capitol Hill Art League latest show featuring the work of league members.  The art is on display through March 1st in an exhibition at the Frame of Mine Gallery located at 545 8th Street, S.E. on Barracks Row.  The artists are offering unique views in painting, photography and mixed media art.  The following artists are featured in the show: Lindsay Ahart, Ken Bachman, Lisa Bernstein, Kimberly DeJesus Alfonso, Matthew Gonzales, Tara Hamilton, Steve Kunin, Steve Mabley, Charles Martin, Jenny Nordstrom, Marilyn Saks-McMillion, Ting Wang, and Karen Zens.

The Art League invites you to visit the gallery when shopping at Frame of Mine as well as viewing it online at the Capitol Hill Art League website at: https://www.caphillartleague.org/reflections2024/ The Capitol Hill Art League is a visual arts program of The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). For more information about the Art League, visit the website at www.caphillartleague.org

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill hoped to open last September in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s convenience store at 333 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  That didn’t happen, but there’s hope. 

The buildout is underway and here’s a look behind the papered over windows.  The store will be the latest in the Mezeh’s chain of more than 40 fast casual restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region.  Mezeh specializes in fresh food and natural flavors, made from scratch in-house daily with 100% olive oil halal protein, no hormones, no preservatives, and/or additives.

Chef Spike Mendelsohn is being sued for not paying rent on the former location of Santa Rosa Tacqueria at 315 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  According to Daniel J. Sernovitz of the Washington Business Journal, Mendelsohn’s former landlord, Zusin Development, says there is a total $308,458 in unpaid rent. 

The For Lease sign in the window of Santa Rosa Taqueria signaled its move to 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, the space formerly occupied by Pret A Manger. Mendelsohn has other two restaurants in the same block – We, The Pizza and Good Stuff Eatery.

Here are a couple of paintings by Washington, DC artist Alma Thomas, currently on exhibit at the Smithsonian American art Museum.  Thomas, 1891 – 1978, used acrylic on canvas to create “Untitled” (Music Series) in 1978.

This work, “The Eclipse,” by Thomas was inspired by the total eclipse which occurred on March 7, 1970, visible across the US, including Washington, DC. 

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 4, 2024

Monday, February 5

The interim Southeast Library interim facility at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center, 1000 5th Street, SE will open for the first time at 10:00am today. 

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

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

Among items on the agenda:

• 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.
• H Street NE Bus Priority Project. Mr. Zack Gambetti-Mendez will present the design of the H Street NE Bus Priority Project. (https://ddotwiki.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/NI/pages/2350907486/NOI-24-07-TDD) and address comments and questions from the community.
• West Virginia Avenue NE Traffic Safety. ANC6A TPS Committee Chair Shaun Lynch will lead a discussion regarding persistent traffic safety issues on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE.
• Prospective Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT with recommendations for traffic safety improvements on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE, including preferred direction for a potential one-way conversion.
• TSIs for Future Consideration. Commissioner Gove requested a discussion of languishing all-way stop requests at the following intersections: 14th NE and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE, E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE.
• Prospective Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting prioritization of longstanding TSIs at the intersections of 14th NE and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE and E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE at the next quarterly prioritization assessment.

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  TBA

ANC6D Administrative virtual Meeting at 7:00pm

Please contact the office at 6d@anc.dc.gov  if you wish to have a link to monitor the Admin meeting.

Tuesday, February 6

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Review Settlement Agreement for No Kids Allowed; 637B Pennsylvania Ave SE; new medical cannabis retailer. 
• Review Settlement Agreement for DC Dash; 727 8th Street SE; new medical cannabis retailer. 
• Review Settlement Agreement for UpnSmoke: 427 8th street, SE; new medical cannabis retailer license.

Wednesday, February 7

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DMV Director Robinson Presentation on Department Priorities.
• Request to Endorse Report on Sidewalk Safety.
• Request for ANC Support: Capitol Hill Classic 2024.
• Testimony for Council Oversight Hearing on DDOT.
• Letter Regarding TSI at 14th & C Street SE.
• Committee Discussion on Suggestion to Close 7th Street SE during SE Library Reconstruction.

ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

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

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, February 8

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentations

• Social Housing.
• John Qua and Fatoumata Keita, DC for Democracy and Metro DC DSA.
• Will Merrifield, Center for Social Housing.

New Business:

• Recommendation: ANC6A approve a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to Maury Elementary School PTO for the establishment of an outdoor garden.
• Suggested Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT with recommendations for traffic safety improvements on the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE, including preferred direction for a potential one-way conversion.
• Suggested Motion: That ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting prioritization of longstanding TSIs at the intersections of 14th NE and A Streets NE, 15th NE and A Streets NE, 15th Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE, 14th Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE and E Street NE and Tennessee Avenue NE at the next quarterly prioritization assessment.
• Suggested Motion: ANC6A approve Ziad Demian (6A04) as a member of the Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee.

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a hybrid virtual meeting at 7:00pm. Physical location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 1362 K Street, SE Project: Zoning Adjustment application.  To construct a two-story addition to an existing accessory building, of an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 633 E Street, SE Rear Project: Historic Preservation application. To construct a two-story addition to an existing accessory building, of an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• Discussion Regarding Construction at Ebeneezer Flats (400 Block of D Street SE.
• Discussion Regarding Construction Issues and Sale Process Tied to DC Developer.
• Update from Subcommittee

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

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

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would like you to know about:

February 9

Barracks Row Main Street’s – National Pizza Day – Feb 9th  https://www.barracksrow.org/

On Friday, February 9th, we will invite guests to come take a stroll down historic 8th Street Barracks Row and taste delicious pizza from some of the best restaurants in the city. Guests will be able to enjoy pizza/food specials from Barracks Row Main streets at each participating establishment

February 9

Barracks Row Main Street’s – Mardi Gras Weekend on Barracks Row 8th Street – Feb 9th to 13^th. https://www.barracksrow.org/

Starting on Friday, February 9th, we will invite guests to take a stroll down historic 8th Street Barracks Row and celebrate New Orleans-style Mardi Gras. Guests will be able to enjoy Mardi Gras Sidewalk Parades with beads on Friday, Feb 9th, and Saturday, Feb 10th.

February 9

Introduction: Rothko Paintings

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.  East Building Auditorium

https://www.nga.gov/calendar/lectures/exhibitions/rothko-paintings.html/2024/02/09/1300

This talk introduces the range of Mark Rothko’s paintings, from early figurative subjects and surrealist works to his soft-edged rectangular fields. We will consider Rothko’s interest in color theory, music, and spirituality and the historical context for his work. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper, this talk focuses on works in the exhibition as well as those on view in the East Building Tower. Led by staff from the Department of Interpretation.  No registration required. Seating is on a first-come basis.

DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan at Tuesday night’s community meeting on the future of Rosedale Library.

Update on Rosedale Library’s Future

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 31, 2024

Tuesday night, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan gave the first public presentation on the plan for a new Rosedale Library.  The project is in its preliminary stages; the aspirational timeline was presented to the community at a meeting hosted by ANC7D06 Commissioner Marc Friend and the Rosedale Library Friends.

The ideal timeline anticipates funding becoming available in 2025 and 2026, the design phase occurring in 2028, construction in 2029 and 2030, and opening in 2031.  Currently, $24 million has been budgeted but Reyes-Gavilan warns that inflation and other costs will require another five to ten million dollars.  He expressed confidence that the Mayor and City Council’s will provide additional funding.  Council Chair Phil Mendelson was present at the meeting.    

Jaspreet Pahwa, DCPL Director of Capital Planning and Construction, told community members that a preliminary site survey was underway looking at nearby options – including the current library’s location – which could support the construction of a new library.  Some of the sites being considered would bring library services to additional communities including part of Ward 5.  Other options being considered include a mixed use vs. stand-alone buildings will be considered.  She said that this site selection process will unfold as follows:  Site analysis – development of a short list – community meetings to solicit input – release of a final recommendation – and seeking of acquisition funds.  Pahwa said that currently, the only funding available is for site analysis and additional funds will not be available until 2025 and most of it will come in 2026. 

The site of the new library could be contentious.  At Tuesday night’s meeting, several community members spoke in favor of using the current site for a new library.  Former ANC6A Commissioner Sondra Phillips spoke passionately on her own behalf as well as others in the Rosedale community,  recalling the efforts of Rosedale residents in acquiring a community library, suffering a delay because funds slated for a library were re-directed to rebuild Eastern Market after a devastating fire, and ended by stating flatly, “Rosedale Library should remain in Rosedale.” 

The Week Ahead + Photos & Why Do Kids Carjack? Forum on Tuesday

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 28, 2024

A visit to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.  It’s open to the public Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday) from 8:30am until 4:30pm.  You enter here and pass through magnetometers. 

Here’s the view from the balcony overlooking Emancipation Hall’s lower level.  At top center is the full-size white plaster model for the Statue of Freedom which tops the Capitol Dome.  The Hall also contains 24 of the statues from the National Statuary Hall collection.

The Hall is where you line up for passes for tours of the Capitol. On-line reservations are advised, but some same-day tour tickets are available.  There were few visitors last week.  CHC asked why, and was told, “It’s January.”

Here are views to the right and left as one enters the Exhibition Hall, which lies behind the model of the Statue of Freedom. 

An image from the Café, open from 8:30am until 4:00pm, and featuring soups, salads, specialty entrees, pizza, sandwiches, desserts and beverages.

Here’s a view of one of the Center’s two gift shops for gifts, jewelry, books and items bearing images related to the U.S. Capitol. 

A view of the Capitol Dome through one of the two skylights on the East Front Plaza of the Capitol.

The Week Ahead – Photos & Why Do Kids Carjack? Forum on Tuesday

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 28, 2024

Monday, January 29

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 7:00pm at 700  Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

  Agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, January 30

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

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

  Agenda:  To set the agenda for the full meeting of the ANC on February 13

Juvenile Carjacking Panel Discussion: Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will moderate a panel discussion on the motivations that lead youth to carjack and the options DC’s justice system has to hold them accountable for their actions. The event will take place at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE) on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. The discussion will be based on two articles on carjacking published in the Hill Rag and East of the River Newspapers, see here:  https://www.hillrag.com/2024/01/27/why-do-kids-carjack-2/

Tickets to attend are sold out, but it will be live-streamed from Hill Center on Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/hillcenter

Thursday, February 1

ANC6C Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

  Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would like you to know about:

Sunday, January 28

The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra offers a debut St. Mark’s performance on Sunday, January 28th at 7:30 pm. The program will include works by Bartok, Beethoven arranged by Mahler, Florence Price, and Arnold Schönberg’s lush, late romantic work Verklärte Nacht. Tickets: $30-35.  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/scms-masterworks-1P0823

Saturday, February 3

In-Person Event: Saturday Morning at 11:30am.  Storytime: Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote.  Saturday Morning Storytimes return as Dinah Johnson reads her picture book Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote, a picture book biography about the early life of Ida B. Wells, her incredible work as a suffragist, and her critical role in the Women’s March of 1913. For children 6 and under. In-person at East City Bookshop.

Sunday, February 4

Hill Center Concert:  Cherry Blossom Special – In Concert – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Free – $15.  For more info, go here:  https://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/cherry-blossom-special-in-concert/

Yearning to Showcase Your Home on Capitol Hill?

Maybe you’ve finished a renovation, found just the right furniture, collected art from abroad?  The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s 2024 House & Garden Tour is calling.

Each year since 1958, CHRS has organized a tour of homes, gardens and other structures on Capitol Hill. The event, held every Mother’s Day weekend, showcases approximately ten buildings in the 200-year-old community.  This year, Mother’s Day Weekend is Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12.

The CHRS House Tour Committee at CapHillHouseTour@gmail.com  is soliciting expressions of interest in becoming part of the tour. 

For more information including the brochures for all previous House Tours dating back to 1958, go here:  https://chrs.org/house-and-garden-tour/

The Capitol Hill Library Book Sale Lives!

The Friends of the Southeast Library and the Friends of the Northeast Library are joining together to restart a book sale now that the SE Library is closed for renovations for two years.

The book sale will be held at the NE Library, 330 7th Street, NE, (southwest corner of 7th and Maryland Avenues NE).

In order to have a book sale, we need BOOKS! We need books in good condition that would be of interest to your friends and neighbors.  Novels, history, popular science, biographies, mysteries, science fiction, other non-fiction, kids, hardcovers, paperbacks are all welcome.  We don’t want books in poor condition, reference books, outdated computer manuals, textbooks, or magazines.  We accept CDs and DVDs, but not older technologies like tapes.

How to donate books?  The donation bin in on the lower level of the NE Library.  That means that you can only donate books when the library is open. There is currently no outdoor collection method.

You can check the library’s schedule on its website at https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit/northeast-library   

Current hours are:

• Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
• Monday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
• Tuesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
• Wednesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
• Thursday: 12:00 pm-8:00 pm
• Friday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm

We also could always use additional volunteers, either to help sort donations or to help when we organize and run the sale.  If interested, please contact Bob or Vince (at below).

Finally, we hope to have the first sale on the second Saturday in March (March 9). We will hold the sale if we have enough donations. There will be a further announcement.

Questions?

Bob Gellman, bob@bobgellman.com Vince Morris, vsmorris@gmail.com (FoSEL SE/NE Library, respectively)

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 23, 2024

It can’t get more official than this. Bodegon, at 515 8th Street, SE, formerly the home of Medium Rare. 

The restaurant was one of the 50 in DC that closed in 2023. Bodegon opened in the summer of 2021, as did Crazy Aunt Helen’s – another Barracks Row restaurant that closed last year. 

Bodegon’s parent restaurant – Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge in at 3116 M Street, NW, continues providing Spanish tapas in Georgetown. 

Today, Joey’s Family Style Restaurant a block farther down Barracks Row has it’s grand opening. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens.

Rasmus Auctions is selling the contents of Bodegon – if you’re looking for a matador costume, Rasmus can help.  Go here:  https://bit.ly/3S71iJH

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 21, 2024

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 21, 2024

All signs* point to a new cannabis shop coming to 511 11th Street, SE, in the space next to Newman Frames and residents of 11th Street a few doors away are unhappy.  The space was formerly occupied by Studio One Dance, which has relocated to the space on 7^th Street, formerly occupied by Biker Barre.  Currently, the city is cracking down on the illegal weed gift shops and will begin issuing fines at the end of the month, but the city is licensing new medical marijuana outlets. This hasn’t come before ANC6B yet but any application for a medical marijuana license wouls have to be referred to them.  After their consideration and recommendation, an application would go back to the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration for a hearing.

*Here’s a sign in the workspace inside 511 11^th that the cannabis shop is coming.

The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery never fails to dazzle.  Robert Kogod, real estate developer and philanthropist and his brother-in-law Robert H. Smith, led the Charles E. Smith Companies that developed much of Crystal City.  A gift from Robert and Arlene Kogod to the Smithsonian Institution funded the glass canopy of the 28,000 square foot courtyard connecting the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. 

Here’s a preview of an upcoming exhibit being installed in the Kogod Courtyard.

The exhibit is entitled “The Future of Orchids, Conservation and Collaboration,” and is scheduled to open January 27th. 

In the American Art Museum, an oil painting in the American Experience exhibit reminds of the cruelty of winter.  “Coyotes Come Out of the Desert,” Matsusaburo George Hibi, 1945.

Another oil on canvas provides a more benign portrait of the season.  “Skating in Central Park,” Agnes Tait, 1934. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 21, 2024

The Week Ahead….

Monday, January 22

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Grant Application: Maury PTA Garden funding – Mr. Eric Hanson.
• Transfer COC leadership from Adina Wadsworth to Paul Spires.

Tuesday, January 23

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of application of Tiki Garden at 802 13th Street NE for a Class C Restaurant license, with a summer garden, take-out and delivery endorsement.
• Discussion regarding draft new standard settlement agreement.

Saturday, January 27

St. Mark’s is once again producing two “Sandbox Concerts,” short performances designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Sailor songs, dances, and tangos will be performed on voice, piano, accordion, and cello. More info here: https://singoncapitolhill.com/  Saturday, January 27th at 10:00 and 11:30 am. Sign-up required. limited slots available. Free.

Sunday, January 28

The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra offers a debut St. Mark’s performance on Sunday, January 28th at 7:30 pm. The program will include works by Bartok, Beethoven arranged by Mahler, Florence Price, and Arnold Schönberg’s lush, late romantic work Verklärte Nacht. Tickets: $30-35.  See here:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/scms-masterworks-1P0823

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 21, 2023

Joey’s of Barracks Row Grand Opening Tuesday

Joey’s of Barracks Row will hold its grand opening on Tuesday, January 23.  The new family-style restaurant held an on-going soft opening last Wednesday night but then, owner John Boyle said it would take until the following week to train the staff and get the kitchen up and running to handle a peak-time crowd.  Joey’s is located at 527 Barracks Row, in the space formerly occupied by CAVA. 

The moderately priced menu is strictly American cooking, including salads, soups, chili, wings, burgers, sandwiches, beef brisket, ribs, chicken breast, salmon filet, spaghetti & meatballs, grilled vegetarian shishkabob.  There’s a menu for kids with kid sized portions of hamburgers, hot dogs, and spaghetti and meatballs.  Daily seasonal specials could include rib eye, roast chicken, London broil, meatloaf, and fish and chips.

Boyle says he will start with dinner and maybe do lunch later and says he “wants the place to be known to be consistent, fast, and good.” 

Hours:

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  noon until midnight, kitchen closes at 11pm.
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4pm until midnight, kitchen closes at 11pm.
• Closed Monday

For more, and to check out the menu, go here:  https://barracksrowjoeys.com/

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