CAPITOL HILL CORNER

The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) opened it final show of the year at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) last week.  Here is a selection of images from the show.

Allegra by Jennifer Wilkeson.  Multi Media

Bacchus in Profile by Marilyn Saks-McMillion. Photography

Betelgeuse Erupts by Alan Hirsch. Digital Art.

Andean Trio by Kenneth Bachman. Oil

Azaleas by Tara Hamilton.  Watercolor

Venice 3 by Jane Mann. Photo Montage

Tourist Attraction by Meera Rao. Watercolor.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 5, 2023

The Week Ahead….

Highlights:

• Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:15pm.  MPD First District Citizens Advisory Council.  MPD lists the more serious recent crimes committed in the First District in the agenda for the public safety discussion.  See Tuesday below for link to the complete list.
• Wednesday, ANC6C.  Discussion of commercial use of residential properties.
• Thursday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee.  Pacci’s, 106 13th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.  (City regulations stand in the way of this application, which the restaurant owner says is critical to the success of the restaurant.)
• Thursday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee.  Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties. 
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  Schedule for EASTERN MARKET 150TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND.  See below. 
• Saturday, Kenneth H. Nash DC Post No. 8 will host its annual Veterans Day Program in Folger Park at 11:00am, 224 D Street, SE. 

The Week Ahead….

Monday, November 6

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

For info on how to join the meeting, go here (and request a link from the ANC):  6d@anc.dc.gov

Agenda:

• To discuss the agenda for the full commission meeting on November 16. 

The Washington Bach Consort offers a Noontime Cantata performance on Monday, November 6, at 12:10 pm. Free. Visit https://bachconsort.org/ for more info.

Tuesday, November 7

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.  In person at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd Floor Conference Room.

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

Among items on the agenda:

• Dos Toros Taqueria, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License. 
• Omakase, 522 8th Street, SE, 2nd Floor; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License.
• Class A Renewals
• Radici, 310-303 7th Street, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• Rose’s at Home (catering), 721 8th Street, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” Internet Liquor license.
• Trader Joe’s, 750 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• DCanter, 545 8th Street, SE; Application for renewal of Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• Other Business
• Café 8, 424 8th Street, SE; Class “C” Restaurant License; Request to modify their existing liquor license to expand hours of sales on the interior to full hours and add an Entertainment endorsement for a DJ to play amplified music until 2am.
• Discussion Items:
• Cannabis Rulemaking and Retailer Licensing.
• New Cannabis Retailer Introductory Presentation.
• I Egg You Protest and Lessons Learned.
• Notice to Cure for Establishments on the 500 block of Barracks Row.
• ABRA law review and revision upcoming this fall.

MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) meeting 6:00 – 7:15pm

To join (and to see the full list of serious crimes committed in First District), go here: https://1dcac.com

Among items on the Agenda:

• Public Safety Discussion including:
• Shooting and homicide at Tennesee Avenue and C Street, NE.
• 14 year old juvenile arrested and charged with Armed Robbery at 1400 A Street, SE.
• Robbery (force and violence) 1502 A Street, SE.
• Cannabis shops on H Street, NE and license requiremennts .
• Man terrorizing neighborhood near Potomac Avenue and 13^th/14^th Streets, SE.
• Commuity Safety Walks.

Wednesday, November 8

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on D Street Alternatives for 8th Street Bus Priority Project.
• DDOT Presentation on Pedestrian Crossings at 14th/D/Kentucky, SE Intersection Near Safeway.
• Traffic Concerns Near Watkins Elementary School.
• Resolution on Parked Dockless Scooters and Bikes Impeding Sidewalk Access.

ANC6C 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:

• 301 Massachusetts Avenue, NE; Build-out of enclosed Pupatella café along 3rd Street, NE.
• 300 M Street, NE; Outdoor dining space, Chopsmith.
• Capitol Hill Village – sidewalk safety.
• 648 Acker Place, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
• 107 6th Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
• 425 4th Street, NE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
• 622 Eye Street,NE; (appeal of permit B2303493).
• Commercial use of residential properties.
• Final report on grant application for Peabody habitat garden.
• Discussion of Stuart-Hobson auditorium grant.

Thursday, November 9

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/calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Pacci’s, 106 13th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street, SE;  Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – Project: To construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
• Former Capitol Lounge at 231 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Commission on Fine Arts Review – Project: Renovation and expansion of existing buildings.
• Update on Alley Closing in Square 762 (behind the former Capitol Lounge). 
• Letter Regarding Enforcement of Historic Preservation Regulations and Vacnacies on Zoning Commission, Bureau of Zoning Adjustment, and Hthe Historic Preservation Review Board.
• Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties. 

150^th Anniversary of Eastern Market Celebration, Friday, November 10; Saturday, November 11; Sunday, November 12.

Friday, November 11

NOVEMBERFEST:  Buy your tickets now for this kick-off fundraiser to celebrate Eastern Market’s 150th Anniversary. This 21+ event features a limited edition beer from Atlas Brew Works and live music by local legends, the Rock Creek Kings. Learn more and buy tickets at https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org/150

• November 10, 2023 | 6PM-9pm
• Eastern Market North Hall, 227 7th Street, SE
• $25 per person, each ticket includes a $10 food/beverage token

Saturday, November 11^th and Sunday, November 12^th will be the days full of music, activities, and festivities, including:

• Stage at the top of the street with music and performances all day long
• Classes, demos, and other activities in the North Hall
• Tours of the market
• Giant chess
• Evening ghost tour
• A world-renowned silhouette artist demonstration
• The Wheelmen give a demonstration of their giant penny-farthing bicycles, Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm

For a complete schedule and event times, go here:  https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org/150

Saturday, November 11

Kenneth H. Nash DC Post No. 8 will host its annual Veteran’s Day Program in Folger Park at 11:00am, 224 D Street, SE. 

Sunday, November 12

ANC6D Southeast Library Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 3:00pm, downstairs at the SE Library, 403 7th Street, SE.  A virtual option is Available: Meeting Link TBD. 

By Larry Janezich

Posted November 2, 2023

“Nathan’s Coney Island” – photo by Rindy O’Brien

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Hosts Capitol Hill Art League’s – “Color Explosion” opening reception tomorrow.

The Capitol Hill Art League members have been asked to challenge their usual palette choices and dive into color.  See the results at this juried art show’s opening reception in the CHAW Gallery on Saturday, November 4th from 5:30-7:00pm. Juror, Jason Bruns will present awards and talk about the art. The show runs through December 2.

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Art Gallery is at 545 7th Street, SE.

Barracks Row – Comings and Gone

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 2, 2023

I Egg You – whose restaurant liquor license finally came through – is set to open on November 18, according to staff.  It will feature 60 seats and a bar for breakfast sandwich brunch and an afterhours event space at 517 Eighth St., SE.

Here’s a peek inside the restaurant

Barracks Row is still anticipating the arrival of a new family style restaurant (like the original Marty’s before the days of CAVA) at  527 8th Street, SE.  Timeline for opening is still uncertain.

ICYMI

Yesterday, Crazy Aunt Helen’s at 713 8^th Street on Barracks Row announced it had closed.

And that follows the closure last week of Mason & Greene at 8^th and D Street, SE, on Barracks Row.

CM Charles Allen led a public safety walk on Barracks Row last Wednesday night.

CM Charles Allen’s Barracks Row Safety Walk

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 29, 2023

Last Wednesday night, CM Charles Allen hosted a Barracks Row Public Safety Walk.  MPD 1st District officers accompanied Commander Colin Hall, Dr. Jasmine Brann, principal of Tyler Elementary School; representatives from the federal  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA); and others including Brian Ready, Executive Director of Barracks Row Main Street ANC6B Commissioners Frank D’Andrea and David Sobelsohn.  The community turnout was substantial, numbering in the dozens.

The state of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza – specifically the SW quadrant – monopolized discussion.  One attendee pressed for removal of the furniture, a suggestion which Allen rejected.  Commander Hall laid out a plan for a reinvigorated police commitment to the plaza, including increased foot and bike patrols and some things he declined to specify, possibly an allusion to undercover work.

An attendee asked about the recent mini-spike in robberies and carjackings.  The Commander responded that this was his number one priority and the First District had some additional resources patrolling that very evening.  CM Allen said he was working on coordinating a community crime meeting on carjackings.

Commander Hall responded to a question about the possible return of orange hat patrols by saying he welcomed them.

Another attendee raised the issue of dangerous driving.  Hall and Allen referenced a new traffic enforcement plan including additional enforcement against drivers operating vehicles with false or expired temporary tags.  In addition, he intends to step up traffic enforcement at the 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue intersection.

Another question regarding the cannabis gift shops on Barracks Row drew Allen’s response that the shops are illegal but there is no enforcement.  New licensing regulations going into effect will provide greater oversight and regulation and provide that no gift shop can operate within 400 feet of another.  Allen urged people to use medical marijuana establishments for any needs, as those are regulated by the city.

Asked for comment after the meeting, ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn said, “The huge crowd … showed the deep concern Capitol Hill residents have about the increased threat to public safety in our community.  First District Commander Colin Hall, who led the walk, takes the threat seriously and personally.  As Councilmember Allen pointed out, the threat is both critical and complex.  It requires a multifaceted approach.  But law enforcement is key.  Actions must have consequences.  I hope soon to arrange regular updates by First District MPD officers at our ANC meetings, either at our monthly full ANC meetings or at meetings of our newly revived Public Safety Committee….”

ANC6B Commissioner Frank D’Andrea said, “Attendance was very high…a lot of the discussion turned to general concerns around crime. Carjacking, muggings and shootings … were of course mentioned….papering cases remains an issue and without the accountability of a possible trial and sentencing arrests won’t have a great impact….the US Attorney’s office is going to start liaising with MPD to identify issues and hopefully get the cases that should be papered, get papered.

Another big topic of discussion was the Eastern Market Metro Park, specifically the group of people experiencing homelessness that will sometimes camp out under the bandstand….MPD will be conducting more patrols and has assigned an officer to be in charge of the park….a lot of the issues experienced at the EMMP and the blocks surrounding the metro….are not MPD issues and are rather quality of life issues that need to be dealt with by other agencies…. If there is one overall take away it’s that crime is complicated and there is no silver bullet. Crime that occurs must be prosecuted, but also measures to stop crime before it happens or alleviate qualify of life issues need to be robust.”

The Week Ahead… & Day of the Dead at the National Museum of the American Indian

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 29, 2023

This past weekend, the National Museum of the American Indian was given over to the Day of the Dead. 

Día de los Muertos originated in ancient Mexico and northern Central America where the Aztec, Maya and Toltec had specific times when they honored the dead.  The commemorations were later incorporated into Spanish holidays, All Saints Day on November 1 and All Soul’s Day, November 2.  Despite its name, the holiday is a joyful remembering and celebration of life of those who have departed.   Día de los Muertos is celebrated on Nov. 2.

The exhibits included dances traditionally associated with Día de los Muertos, including Danza de los Viejitos—the dance of the little old men and La Danza de los Tecuanes—the dance of the jaguars.

The ofrenda is the altar which is at the center of the holiday.  This ofrenda is topped by a calvera (skull in Spanish) which has come to mean the whole skeleton. 

The ofrenda features skulls, skeletons, mementos and photographs of those who have died.  In addition, loaves of bread and sugar skulls, jugs of water, candles, and lacey paper cutouts called Papel picado, represent the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind.  The marigolds guide the spirits home and Monarch butterflies – which arrive in Mexico for the winter on November 1 – are believed to hold the spirits of the departed. 

This calvera is Catrina – a female skeleton – the most recognizable female figure for the Day of the Dead.  This one made from paper flowers.

The humorous and joyful Dance of the Old Men has its origins in pre-Hispanic times and some sources say it honors the Aztec Sun God to ensure good harvests.  The four old men represent the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.  The dancers wear wooden soled shoes which provide a staccato percussion to the dance steps. 

The Dance of the Jaguars features characters, including impersonators of villagers, the devil, death and the jaguar who move the narrative forward.  

The jaguar – “one who eats” – represents the greatest danger to the village and the dance begins with villagers seeking strength and guidance to hunt and kill the jaguar before the ofrenda.  The jaguar impersonator instills fear with a whip which he cracks – sounding like a firecracker – while striding between and among the villagers, pausing occasionally to maul one.  The jaugar’s demise eventually comes at the hands of the characters who then celebrate.  The dance, both primitive and elemental, is presented by the local Grupo las Tecuanes, and accompanied by a single musician who simultaneously plays a drum and a flute.

(See below for Día de los Muertos celebration at the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday, November 2)

The Week Ahead….

Monday, October 30

ANC6B will hold a virtual Executive Committee meeting at 7:00pm, to set the agenda for the November meeting of the full ANC. 

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

Wednesday, November 1

ANC6B Special Committee On Public Safety will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.  (Physical Location: Meeting will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

To join the virtual meeting, see here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, November 2

National Portrait Gallery Día de los Muertos celebration includes music and dance performances and a projection of “La Común Unidad: Caminando con los Ancestros,” a video work by artists MasPaz and Guache.  5 to 8:30pm – Free.

CM Charles Allen and Acting Director of Department of Buildings Brian Hanlon at last Wednesday’s nomination hearing.

“Obnoxious” – DOB Acting Director Calls Out Commercial Use of Residential Property

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 25,2023

At last week’s hearing on Brian Hanlon’s nomination to be Director of the Department of Housing (DOH), CM Charles Allen grilled Hanlon on where DOB stands in terms of investigating residential properties being used for commercial purposes.  As it turns out, it’s complicated.

Hanlon:  “I find encroachment into residential areas of properties being used in a manner not consistent with residential use obnoxious.  I want to stem and stop that if we can.  When we start discussing enforcement it becomes more thorny.”  He says he is looking at a two pronged approach – what to do about the enforcement regarding the existing problem, and then what to do to stop the conversions from continuing.

Regarding what to do about the existing problem, “We are trying to figure out what tools and resources we have to deal with this….We’re talking about … a series of incredibly well funded enterprises that will stall/push back – so we’re trying to get our arms around what it will take to enforce against these ongoing issues.”  He added, “This is a bipartisan problem,” and cited the Freedom Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Navajo Nation.

As for the how to stop the conversions from continuing, Hanlon cited an on-going conversation with Tiffany Crowe, Acting Director of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) regarding finding ways to prevent commercialization of these properties.  Hanlon said, “This will take some doing – there are all sorts of ways for people to find loopholes in the system.”

Allen responded, “I can appreciate it will take time to come up with different strategies,” but added that he needs to be able to share with ANC Commissioners and with community members what that looks like.  “It seems right now we don’t have any enforcement taking place when concerns are raised about residential properties used as commercial properties.  Is there any enforcement on that?”

Hanlon admitted there is not, saying, the last enforcement or inspection was in 2020, related to the Navajo Nation.

Allen probed, asking what enforcement barriers are there and how to identify them. 

Hanlon’s response went straight to the difficulty of enforcing existing regulations against illegal use of residential properties.  It’s not the barriers regarding the initial issuing of a Notice of Intent for violating DOB regulations, it’s the follow-up.  Then the barriers start becoming apparent.  In addition to the aforementioned stalling and pushback, Hanlon said, “We have a team of line attorneys working every day every week 10 to 12 hours a day just on the work that we have.  For the adjudication process this type of enforcement is likely to introduce we would need additional resources – which I can’t quantify – to meet that demand.”  He added that in DOB’s “triage of enforcement” the primary focus is on life, safety and health.  Resources are largely deployed looking at these issues first.  The illegal use of residential properties is related – as a quality of life issue – but it’s not a priority.

Allen proposed creating two task forces (similar to the one that addresses vacant and blighted buildings) comprised of the several agencies that have responsibilities for these issues – one for enforcing regulations against existing illegal uses and another for stopping the ongoing illegal conversion of properties to commercial use.  Both problems, he said, need a multi-agency strategic approach.

Hanlon said that communication and gathering of ideas is always a good thing; the emphasis is on a moving forward strategy – how to stem the conversions going forward.  That’s a conversation that is underway.

Allen replied, that he is looking to hold accountable those illegal commercial operations we have already.  In addition, “Every day that goes by we’re seeing houses being sold and bought and converted to these uses.  We’re losing homes.  When they come off the market were seeing housing pressures that force home buyers to look farther out and that affects affordability.” 

He thinks twin parallel tracks to create tailored solutions are needed.  He said, “I think that’s the right approach to start momentum.  I need to see momentum – the ANCs need to see it – and I know,” he told Hanlon, “you would like to see it as well.” 

Hanlon, former head of the Department of General Services, did not encounter any opposition during the hearing which would stand in the way of his confirmation as Director of DOB before the end of the current City Council session in December. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 22, 2023

The I Street Galleries at 200 I Street, SE, is likely little known.  It occupies the south side of the first floor of the DC Government Building that houses both the Office of the Chief Technology Office and the Child and Family Services. 

Currently, the space features the DC Art Now 2023 exhibit – the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities annual exhibition of selected work by finalists for the FY 24 Art Bank Program Grant.  Here is a selection of the pieces. 

Michelle Herman – Untitled (Making the Invisible Visible) #3, 2000.  Mixed Media.

Regina Miele – Hazy Hot and Hooptie, NEDC, 2023-2022 – Oil on Canvas.

Seyeh Behnam – Fantasy Dream of Feista and Hermes, 2022 – Mixed Media on Canvas

Gail Shaw-Clemons – Glow, 2023 – Monoprint

Steve Wanna – Myths of Creation – CE22111.1247, 2022.  Mixed Media. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, October 23

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee meeting CANCELLED

Tuesday, October 24

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of application of Adams Market at 700 F Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail-Grocery License.
• Discussion of application of DC Supermarket at 539 8th Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail-Grocery License.
• Discussion of application of Jerk at Night at 1100 H Street, NE, for a Class Restaurant License.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Preservation Café:  Reuse, Repurpose, Redistribute with Community Forklift at 6:30pm.

• Scott Buga, Director of Communications at Community Forklift will be the presenter at a virtual Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) Preservation Café, Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 pm.
• Community Forklift is the Washington, DC-area’s reuse center for building materials and home goods. The nonprofit collects donations of surplus and salvaged building materials, appliances, tools, furniture, home goods, and more. They then make these items available to the general public at low cost and distribute them for free to local nonprofits and neighbors in need — creating good green jobs and making repairs more affordable for homeowners, small businesses, and community groups in the process.
• Free reservations through Eventbrite at https://chrs.org/community-forklift-pc1023/  ​

Wednesday, October 25

CM Charles Allen – Barracks Row Community Walk and Talk at 6:00pm.

• Councilmember Charles Allen, ANC 6B Commissioners D’Andrea and Sobelsohn and MPD’s First District Officers will participate in a Public Safety Walk.  Meet at the SW corner of 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE at 6:00pm.   

ANC7D Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda not available at press time.

Saturday, October 28

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society will hold a free House Expo in the Eastern Market North Hall, 9:30am – 2:30pm.  The event will feature a wide variety of home service exhibitors and representatives of city agencies. There will be 30 minute guided tours of Eastern Market, approximately every half hour, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.  For more, go here:  https://chrs.org/house-expo-2023/

The Week Ahead … and Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted October 15, 2023

The grounds of the U.S. Capitol were closed this weekend.  Security was tightened owing to international tensions.  MPD First District Colin Hall said as much as when he mentioned the redeployment of 1^st District Officers to address heightened security measures across the city.  Hall appeared before ANC6A to discuss crime concerns.  (See below.)

CM Robert White discusses crime issues with ANC7D.  CM White appeared before the October meeting of ANC7D – chaired by ANC Commissioner Wendell Felder – to talk about a crime bill he introduced last week – the Whole Government Response to Crime Act of 2023.  The bill would:

• Establish a new retention program for forensic scientists for the Department of Forensic Science and create a 911 System Improvement Task Force.
• Require collection of data on the effectiveness of DC’s crime reduction programs (Building Blocks, Credible Messengers, and the Violence Interrupters).
• Require MPD to track where illegal firearms are coming from. 
• Boost assistance to victims of crime including financial aid.

White responded to a question from Commissioner Marc Friend, agreeing with the commissioner that “we can’t arrest our way out of a crisis.”  He said arresting everybody doesn’t make us safer and incarceration has a limited deterrent effect.  He said the root problems are education, housing stability, employment and mental health.  He is a strong believer in the violence interruption programs, but they need to be tracked to determine their effectiveness.  Commissioner Ebony Payne said she supports the violence interrupters, and asked White to recommend that violence interrupters communicate with ANCs.

October Virtual Meet Up with DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson.  Also last Wednesday, Council Chair Phil Mendelson addressed crime issues among other topics at his virtual monthly meet up.  Here are Mendolson’s responses to some questions on crime:

“When are things going to get better re violent crime?”

• “Instead of focusing on longer sentences, we should focus on increasing the case closure rate.  50% of violent crime cases are closed in the same year they are committed, and only 25% of robbery cases…When crime is committed, solve it quickly, arrest quickly, and prosecute quickly and aggressively.  And aggressive means not plea bargaining a felony to a misdemeanor or a violent felony to a non-violent felony.  That has ramifications in the case of a repeat actor when the court decides whether to hold someone pretrial and looks at the prior record and if no record of conviction for a violent crime, then the court is not likely to hold a person….The Mayor – through the chief – can increase the closure rate…  The other factor we need to emphasize is devoting more attention to police building community trust.  Then the community acts as the eyes and ears and makes it easier to close cases.”

When is earliest the Council can take up Mayor’s crime prevention bill?

• “I find it a little annoying that the Mayor suggested we could pass legislation before the recess which is 6-7 weeks from now.  The Crime Bill has not been submitted to the Council…we don’t have it.  It needs a public hearing…requires 3 weeks’ notice – we need to sort out complicated issues like pre-trial release.  To do that in 8 weeks is impossible.” 

What can you do to make more people want to be police officers?

“DC is struggling the same way other cities are – NYC is down thousands of officers…  .The Mayor proposed incentives in her budget – we made no changes.  We looked at cutting some incentive funding because the funds are just not going out the door – such as subsidized housing and signing bonus – but chose not to cut.  We did not fund take-home vehicles since new officers don’t get them.”

On Thursday, ANC6A – chaired by Commissioner Amber Gove – heard from Commander Colin Hall, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First District (1D) and Anwar Saleem, Executive Director, H Street Main Street.  

Commander Hall, fresh from a safety walk on H Street earlier in the day and six arrests the night before, allowed that MPD is still struggling with robberies (crime suppression teams have been deployed north of Lincoln Park) and carjackings.  Asked what explains the upward trend in carjackings, he said his theory was the Tik Tok Challenge (how-to videos showing people how to steal Kia’s and Hyundai’s with just a USB cable that went viral on Tik Tok).  Youths use that to get a name on the street – and that leads to taking a car with a gun for the sake of doing it.  He raised the question of accountability and whether it is it was effective to send  a youth into the juvenile system.  He said that all these crimes are tied together and jumped from Tik Tok.  (Another Tik Tok challenge is aimed at young people who take video of themselves shoplifting and then uploading it to the social media app.)

Hall emphasized the importance of building community.  He is also working with the US Attorney’s Office to develop criteria to enable successful prosecutions.  For more info, go here:  https://mpdc.dc.gov/

Anwar Saleem, Executive Director, H Street Main Street, questioned how effective some of the agency-created programs to address crime are and if they are actually translating to the street…”Are we seeing results?”

He explained measures H Street businesses are taking to improve safety on the corridor.  H Street Main Street is developing security models for the hardening of buildings, such as adding security systems.  HSMS also stresses to businesses that they have to take responsibility for their customer base and who they attract.  For some entertainment venues, he suggests wanding and ID scanners should be mandatory for every person entering a building – no exceptions.  He said that HSMS will continue monthly safety meetings and pointed to an in-person community meeting next Tuesday at 3:00pm regarding business and resident concerns on the H Street corridor at 3:00pm at the Atlas Theater, 1333 H Street, NE. 

ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn, held an in person meeting at the library on October 2.  The meeting featured Kyle Yeldell, Policy Analyst for the DC Council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries & Youth Affairs, and ANC Commissioner Nic Wilson (8F01), whose district includes the Arthur Capper Recreation Center, where the interim library services will be provided during the years Southeast Library will be closed. 

Topics discussed during the meeting included remaining unresolved details not yet confirmed for Arthur Capper:

1. The TF is pushing for two weeks advance notice of the town meeting DCPL has promised prior to the six weeks’ notice of the closing date for SE Library.
2. Details on how the community will be notified of the availability of interim services at the Arthur Capper. 
3. When interim library services will be available at Arthur Capper. The TF is pushing for having some services available the day after the SE Library closes. 
4. The days and hours Arthur Capper will provide library services.
5. Whether, in addition to a printer, Arthur Capper will have a copier& scanner.
6. Whether, in addition to technical support – “digital navigators,” Arthur Capper will have regular library staff, deemed by the TF as essential now that the library has agreed to permit patrons to pick up and return library materials there.
7. Whether Arthur Capper will include any reference materials.
8. How the TF can secure funding for continued services at Arthur Capper after Fiscal Year 2024 ends in September, 2024.

The Taskforce will meet next in person at 3 p.m. Sunday, October22, on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Ave., SE.

It looks like the oldest graffiti crew in the city – KGB aka Krazy Graffiti Brothers – has paid tribute to the passing of The Fridge.  KGB – started up by graffiti artist Asad Walker in the 1980s – has since gone legit – having made the transition to street artists.  Now everyone wants murals. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, October 16

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

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

Agenda not available at press time.

Tuesday, October 17

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting 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: 

• Florida Avenue, NE, Streetscape Project Update. The Florida Avenue, NE, Streetscape.  Project outreach team will provide project updates, review the October 6, 2023 walkthrough with Commissioners and Committee Members, and address community safety concerns with related contractor work.
• DDOT updates on the Low-Impact Development pocket parks at the intersections of 8th Street, NE/K Street, NE/West Virginia Avenue, NE and of 9th Street NE,/L Street NE/West Virginia Avenue, NE.  (Jo-Elle Burgard, DDOT Landscape Architect).
• Notice of Intent re K Street Bike Lane Extension. DDOT will present plans for the extension of bike lanes on K Street, NE, from 6th Street, NE, to 8th Street, NE. (Mike Goodno, DDOT Bicycle Program Specialist).
• See here for more on K Street NE Bike Lane Extension NOI –  https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/TSPA1023.pdf

H Street In-person Meeting on Crime Concerns – Businesses and Resident Crime Concerns on the H Street NE Corridor, 3:00pm – 4:00pm at Atlas Theater, 1333 H Street, NE.

• ​ CAC Robert Pittman and H Street Main Street’s Anwar Saleem will host a community meeting to discuss safety concerns on the H Street, NE, Corridor.
• Questions:  Contact Captain Sherrelle Williams (Sherrelle.williams@dc.gov) or Lt Araz Alali (Araz.alali@dc.gov)

Wednesday, October 18

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting 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:

• Annual Report of Activities: Discuss requirement to submit a summary of our economic development and zoning activities for the year. Designate a writer to draft the Committee contributions.

DC Council will hold a virtual hearing at 12:00noon on the nomination of Brian Hanlon to head the Department of Buildings (DOB).

• To view the meeting, go here:  https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/

Sunday, October 22

ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold and in-person meeting at 3:00pm on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

• Agenda not available at press time.

Cloud of Imagination. Photo by Lloyd Wolf

Artist Anke Neumann. Photo by Lloyd Wolf

First Look at Folger Library’s New Sculpture Cloud of Imagination.  Last week, Folger Library unveiled a newly commissioned artwork for its renovated spaces.  Cloud of Imagination, by German artist Anke Neumann is an ethereal and symbolic 15-foot-tall light and paper sculpture which hangs in the stairwell that will take visitors from the building’s new east lobby to the historic theater above.

Visitors will first be able to see Cloud of Imagination when performances of Folger Theatre’s The Winter’s Tale begin in November. The work is one of three commissions by contemporary artists being integrated into the Folger’s expanded and renovated spaces, and the first to be fully activated for the public.

While the renovation work will not be completed until 2024, Folger Theatre will return to its home stage after three years on the road with a production of The Winter’s Tale beginning on November 4.  The Folger will announce its grand reopening date before the end of 2023.  For more info, including tickets for upcoming performances go here:  https://www.folger.edu/

ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee met last Thursday night.

DC’s Weak Penalties and Lax Enforcement Abet Tearing Down Historic Houses in Capitol Hill Historic District.  Last Thursday night, at ANC67B Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, chaired by Commissioner Frank D’Andrea, Commissioner Jerry Sroufe raised two issues which affect the preservation of historic homes in the Capitol Hill Historic District.

First, the issue of builders tearing down historic houses in violation of their permits and the city’s lack of enforcement or oversite of building permits once granted.  Sroufe said that a letter received from the city showed many violations of building permits that receive no punishment and most fines for violations are adjusted downward.  Sroufe said the Office of Historic Preservation’s maximum fine for an illegal tear down is $4200.  Councilmember Charles Allen is contemplating legislation to address. 

Second, the Historic Preservation Review Board is supposed to have nine members but has been operating with five members for some time.  Sroufe asked, “Why have the vacancies not been filled?”

Former ANC6B Chair and current resident committee member Cory Holman said the Mayor’s office has been lax in filling empty positions.  City Council Chair Mendelson rejected one of the Mayor’s nominations and then refused to hold a hearing on the nomination when resubmitted.  There has been no action by Mayor to appoint other members.  There are also empty seats on both the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

Holman suggested either a formal or informal letter to Mendolson letting him know this is an issue the ANC is running into and separately sending a resolution to the Mayor urging her to fill the slots – noting the empty seats leaves federally-appointed members of the board often effectively in control – is not in keeping with our push for statehood. 

Regarding the enforcement issue, Holman pointed out that Chair Mendolson chairs oversight hearings and suggested this discussion go through him rather than Council Member Allen.

Commissioners Sroufe, Holman and Sobelson will bring proposed language for the letter to Mendelson and resolution for the Mayor to the next meeting of the committee.

I Egg You gets liquor license.  Last week, the DC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration granted a restaurant liquor license for I Egg You, a new breakfast/lunch restaurant and event space on Barracks Row being brought to you by the owners of Chiko a few doors away.  ANC6B had protested the issuing of the license because the license applicants were not willing to make concessions regarding trash storage.  So I Egg You owners Danny Lee and Scott Drewno hired restaurant liquor license expert attorney Andrew Kline who knows that the city tends to give applicants the benefit of the doubt absent a compelling case, and ANC6B didn’t appear to have one.  The news was first reported by Barred in DC@BarredinDC. 

I Egg You is the creation of Lee and Drewno – the Fried Rice Collective – that founded the widely acclaimed three Chinese/Korean Chiko restaurants at 428 8th, SE, and on P Street, NW, as well as on Bethesda Row.  They are also behind Anju, the Korean restaurant on 18th Street, NW.

The Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation performed at Eastern Market Metro Plaza Saturday afternoon, winding up HillFest, 2023.  HillFest is an annual week-long music conference concluding with a day-long music festival held outdoors in the Capitol Hill neighborhood the first week in October.

The conference consists of day long events for five days and ranges in topics from Arts Policy, Jazz Education, the composing and recording industry, and music and technology.

Featured panelists may include local and Federal politicians, professional musicians, Jazz educators, festival organizers, Arts administrators, members from the GRAMMY’s, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), and many others.

Triple Candie.  Here’s the latest installation by Triple Candie in the space in the front of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Triple Candie is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett.  Their purpose is to create alternative exhibition methods making that the object of critical focus rather than what is displayed (which for the most part does not include original artworks).  Go deeper here:  http://www.triplecandie.org/

The Week Ahead…& First Look at the Folger’s New Sculpture + Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 8, 2023

Monday, October 9

Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day – DC Government Holiday. 

• Trash and recycling will slip to the next day. 

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will hold and in-person meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion: Unleashed Dogs in Parks.
• Eastern Market Metro Park Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Tuesday, October 10

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

• September 2023 Meeting Minutes.
• Resignation and Re-Appointment of 6B03 Resident Members for the Special Committee on Public Safety.
• Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee – Consent Items (If Any).
• Transportation Committee – Consent Items (If Any).
• Planning & Zoning Committee – Consent Items (If Any).

Presentations

• Charlene Roach Glymph – Facilities Grant Recipient Establishing Child Development Center at Park Kennedy.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

• Dos Toros Taqueria, 215 Pennsylvania Ace SE.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.  (postponed until November)
• Capitol Supreme Market, 501 4th Street SE.  Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
• Yes! Organic Eastern Market, 410 8th Street, SE. Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” Retail Grocery Liquor license. 
• World Wine and Spirits, 1453 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Request to amend existing SA to allow for the sale of individual containers of beer and ale of less than 70 ounces.
• Omakase of Barracks Row, 522 8th Street. S.E., 2nd Floor. Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License.
• Ugly Mug Dining Saloon/Valor Brew Pub; 723 8th Street, SE.  Application for a substantial change to add sports wagering endorsement to their operations.
• Café 8, 424 8^th Street, Barracks Row.  Renewal of Class “C” Restaurant License

Transportation Committee

• Letter of Support for Notice of Violations of DDOT and Other Related District Agency Regulations.
• Eastern High School Homecoming Letter.

Planning and Zoning Committee

• 630 G Street SE, Project.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, semi-detached, three-story principal dwelling unit and to add a roof deck in the RF-1 zone.
• 630 G Street SE, Project.  Historic Preservation Application. To construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, semi-detached, three-story principal dwelling unit and to add a roof deck in the RF-1 zone.

Reports:

• Southeast Library Task Force.
• Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
• Special Committee on Public Safety.
• Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.

New business:

• Resolution in support of renaming Tyler Elementary to Shirley Chisholm Elementary.
• Letter to Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice Regarding Safe Passage at Eastern Market Metro Plaza and Potomac Avenue Metro Station.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Featured Speakers;

• The Honorable Robert C. White, Jr, At-Large Councilmember.
• The Honorable Dr. Christina Grant, State Superintendent of Education, OSSE.

DC Government Updates/Presentations

• Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS).
• Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.

Community Presentations

• Lisa White, RFK Future Task Force.
• Marcus Martle/Ann Chisholm, WMATA Metro Lift Program.
• Andrew Lightman, Managing Editor, Capital Community News, Inc.

ANC 7D Committees

• Appoint Additional Committee Members.
• September Report of the Public Safety Committee.
• September Report of the Economic Development, Housing Justice (and Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage) Committee.
• September Report of the Transportation & Public Space Committee.

New Business;

• Application for Zoning Adjustmant. Case #20975, Jill Gerber, SQ 4545 Lot 125.
• ANC 7D Joint Resolution for DDOT Traffic Calming Input.
• ANC 7D Resolution Concerning the Cain Family of the 1500 Block of A Street, SE.
• ANC 7D Letter to Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (HSEMA) Concerning Eastern High School Homecoming Parade.
• ANC 7D Letter to DC DMV Director Concerning an Org Tag for ANC Commissioners and ANC Alumni.  

Wednesday, October 11

ANC6C 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:

• Not available at press time.

Thursday, October 12

ANC 6A 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: 

Presentations:

• Lindsey Appiah, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (invited).
• Assistant Chief Tasha Bryant, Patrol Sector Services South, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) (invited).
• Anwar Saleem, Executive Director, H Street Main Street.

Consent Agenda

• ANC 6A send a letter of support of ANC 7D’s resolution for the honorary renaming of the 1300-1600-blocks of A Street, NE, to recognize the Eastern High School Blue & White Marching Machine.
• Renew service agreements for package prep/web services and notetaker for FY2024.

Standing Committee Reports:

• Community Outreach (COC).
• Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL).
• Transportation and Public Space (TPS).
• ANC 6A send a letter of support for NOI-23-198 and requesting a comprehensive study of pedestrian safety and vehicle circulation around Lincoln Park.
• Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ).

New Business

• Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter of support to DC Councilmembers for the Open Movie Captioning Requirement Act of 2023.

ANC6C Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday night. One of the items on the agenda was a discussion of the commercialization of residential properties in ANC6C.

ANC6C Prepares to Engage on Commercialization of Residential Buildings

by Larry Janezich

October 5, 2023

Wednesday night, the ANC6C Planning and Zoning Committee laid the ground work for the full commission to join ANC6B in pressing the Department of Buildings (DOB) to enforce zoning laws which prohibit residential properties from being primarily used for non-residential purposes.  Residences in both ANCs have been bought up by corporations, non-profits, and political organizations and are being used for office and/or event space.  Residents of ANC6B have identified 22 residential buildings on or near New Jersey Avenue, SE, owned by corporations who use them for commercial purposes.  Last week, CM Charles Allen joined residents for a walking tour of some of these properties, led by ANC6C Commissioner Jay Avery.  Allen has been pressuring Brian Hanlon, the new Acting Director of DOB, to enforce the zoning regulations.  Hanlon’s confirmation hearing is coming up on October 18. 

The issue has been simmering since last July in ANC6C.  At least two constituents have pushed the Commission to respond to a complaint on commercialization sent to them months before and pointed to actions being taken by ANC6B. 

As the result, the issue was placed on ANC6C’s agenda for discussion at Wednesday night’s monthly meeting.  Commissioner Joel Kelty led the discussion, saying he had researched the issue and believes that concerns residents had brought to the ANC are valid and that it is worth the ANC taking a position.  His feeling, he said, is the ANC should send a letter to the Department of Buildings and the Office of Tax and Revenue highlighting the use of residentially zoned …. Properties for commercial use and request they take enforcement action.

Kelty told the Commission, “I believe our fundamental role in government is to be a conduit between people and their government and I am trying to fulfill that role.  I think there is a valid zoning regulation complaint here and … my only interest is in ensuring the zoning regulations are upheld.  And if we’re not going to uphold them, we should get rid of them.”

Commission Chair Mark Eckenweiler asked,”What specific complaint can be made?  … We know things are going on but it’s murky – and you’ll never get action on things that are murky.”

Kelty said he would be willing to identify properties in 6C if the ANC is interested in filing a complaint regarding non-residential use.  Eckenwiler said he would support that. 

Kelty was joined by Commissioner Jay Adelstein who said he wholeheartedly agreed with Kelty and pointed to a recent ANC6B resident walk-through of residences owned by lobbyists and non-profits on New Jersey Avenue, SE, led by Councilmember Charles Allen and ANC6B Commissioner Frank Avery.  Adelstein said, “I see no reason why we can’t object to it generally and allow constituents to point out if there’s any objectionable issue.”

Resident committee member Drury Tallant agreed, saying, “If we … come up with a couple of good ones,  then yes.  We absolutely should … leverage the city to enforce the laws so people don’t have to live next door to a business.”

Eckenweiler said, “If we can identify objectionable property use for specific properties let’s work that. Maybe it’s a walk through with a councilmember – maybe Jake Stolzenberg (Ward 6 Mayor’s representative) …We need targets.  Something specific,”

Kelty said he work and come back to the committee with something specific and welcomed help from other commissioners.  The normal procedure will entail further discussion by the committee followed by a vote to forward any agreed-upon letter or resolution to the full commission.  The full ANC would then consider and vote on sending the language to city officials.