This property at 214 First Street, SE, next to Pete’s Diner, is a residence which is being used as meeting and event space by Prolegis, a nonpartisan information and policy analysis service.
Here’s a shot of their first floor.
Here’s their building permit stating the intent to continue use as a single family dwelling – R-3 Zoning. A DOB inspector who visited the site to check for illegal construction of a wet bar, stage and sound system in the back yard shortly after this photo was taken, apparently did not question the commercial use of the property.
Illegal Use of Residential Properties for Commercial Purposes Continues to Plague Capitol Hill
by Larry Janezich
Posted July 11, 2023
In late June, ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe convened a community meeting attended by some 25 community members on illegal use of Capitol Hill residences by commercial entities and non-profits. Sroufe acted on behalf of requests from residents – including a large number living on or near New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Most of the objections neighbors have regarding this illegal use of residences are quality of life issues, including:
Use of the properties for events, including breakfasts, dinners, parties and fund raisers.
Parking by those attending events, including double parking.
Trash issues including routinely putting out trash on Friday night.
Having a property on the block, vacant much of the time, often deserted at night, with no permanent occupant.
Cash offers for purchase, pricing homeowners out of desirable school districts.
Local restaurants being undercut because of events hosted in residential properties.
The issue is not a new one. A 1985 Washington Post article cited the illegal conversion of residential spaces in Georgetown and Dupont Circle as well as Capitol Hill. Back then, complaints came from owners of commercial office space who said they were being undercut by entities who buy residential properties for business purposes because it is so much cheaper than commercial space.
A DC law passed in 1985 allowed the city to prosecute businesses operating out of residences without living in them as civil offenses, theoretically making zoning violations easier to enforce. The city was allowed to issue citations and levy fines. The problem then, as now, is enforcement. The city appears not to have the desire or the capability to enforce the law.
417 A Street, SE.
Jeff Gene, a Capitol Hill resident attending the meeting, distributed a spreadsheet of some of the businesses and organizations which have purchased residential properties on Capitol Hill for commercial purposes. He cited 417 A Street, SE, as being used illegally as business offices by multiple individuals who do not own the property or live in the property. See others on the list below:
In an email shared with Capitol Hill Corner, Gene says, “The spreadsheet…shows numerous issues with other organizations in the immediate area. Most are zoned single family residences, but are being used for other purposes and most without the requisite business licenses….This is clearly a blatant violation of DC zoning laws and residents’ expectations.”
Some of the property owners are not subtle about what they are up to, as at this residence at 415 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
A representative from CM Charles Allen attended the community meeting, but left after residents expressed their unhappiness with what they perceived as Allen’s inattention to the problem of illegal conversion. Sroufe told those in attendance that he couldn’t agree with the complaints of unresponsiveness, both regarding the staffer and Allen’s office in general.
The power of a council member to require the Department of Building to enforce the law is limited. Earlier this year CHC reported on the ten month effort by a resident to force the business owners of a Capitol Hill townhouse to get a certificate of occupancy for a building used to house college students. The post is instructive. See here: https://bit.ly/3I6RA5R
In this case, it took the commitment and dedication of one resident dealing directly with the Department of Buildings and DLCP to resolve the issue. It’s clear from an extensive email chain shared with CHC that there is substantial internal resistance at the agencies to engage in taking action against violators.
Asked for comment after the meeting, Sroufe said he found the number of residences involved “alarming,” leading to a “Swiss cheese neighborhood that looks like one thing but is another.” He said after broaching the subject with CM Charles Allen that Allen thinks that Brian Hanlon, the new acting Director of the Department of Building, is supportive of neighborhoods on this issue but that Allen also believes that there will need to be a cultural change at the Department of Buildings to resolve it.
Sroufe would like to get the issue on the agenda of the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee for discussion, but the committee’s next meeting will not be until September. In the meantime, Sroufe is pursuing a meeting with city officials, including Allen, Hanlon, and the Architect of the Capitol. Sroufe had hoped to ally with ANC6C – which faces similar issues – but so far they have shown little interest in getting invoved.
Councilmember Charles Allen held community office hours at Hype Café, at 11th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Friday. Commissioner Jerry Sroufe pictured above talks to Allen about the problem of Capitol Hill residences which are illegally being used by corporations, non-profits, and political parties for office and fundraising event space. Sroufe hopes to get ANC6B to invite Acting Director of the DC Department of Buildings, Brian Hanlon to appear before the Commission to answer questions on the issue.
Last Wednesday, MPD made a presentation to Eastern Market vendors and others about what to do in case of an active shooter at the Market. The briefing comes in light of increased security concerns at the Market, following an assault of a Market employee by an individual involved in a traffic accident near the 7th and North Carolina Avenue. Funding has been approved for the installation of security bollards to better protect 7th Street in lieu of the random collection of vehicles that currently block access to the street during the weekend vendor and flea markets.
According to MPD, an active shooter is one targeting multiple individuals in a public space. The officers stressed the importance of having a plan in place in case of an active shooter inside the market; vendors should have an individual safety plan for themselves and get out as quickly as possible. They reminded vendors to be mindful of surroundings and to watch for out-of-the ordinary behavior.
Much of the responsibility for a response lies with the Market and the vendors in creating a plan for what should happen in case of an event inside and outside the Market. To that end, Market Manager Barry Margeson said that questions raised during the meeting expressed a desire for more specific, Eastern Market focused training and the management is currently working to update the Emergency Response Plan; a contractor and funds have been identified for this purpose.
On Wednesday, the ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously voted to support a plan for the creation of an “gathering space” on the grounds of Hill Center. Here’s a rendering of where it will be located. The Hill Center hopes to start the project in fall and complete it over the winter.
And here’s a rendering of what it will look like. The new structure will:
Provide seating for events which currently take place in the East Parking Lot.
Provide space which can function in multiple ways including accommodating tables and chairs, amphitheater seating, or lecture seating.
Provide a gathering space for community members before and after attending events or classes at Hill Center.
Provide a new revenue stream for rentals to support maintenance of the exterior of the building.
Barracks Row apparently needs a new retail liquor store. On Wednesday, ANC6B voted to support a retail liquor license for 725 8th Street, across from the Marine Barracks and cheek to jowl with Valor and the Ugly Mug. The space is currently occupied by the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.
Los Lomita II at 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, is changing hands. Last Wednesday, ANC6B voted to support a Class C Restaurant liquor license for the owners of the in-coming Los Caballeros. When one door closes, another one opens.
Sunday afternoon, the ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force met at the library. Chair David Sobelsohn (center left) said that library staff had cautioned that the closing of the library may not happen this summer. That would be in accordance to DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan’s statement to ANC6B a few weeks ago that he expected the library to close this summer but “I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.” In any event, it appears library staff members have been told that there will be six weeks’ notice before closing. The Task Force laid plans for members to testify for the upcoming Library Board of Trustees Meeting on July 26 to press their case for additional interim services for patrons of SE Library.
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 9, 2023
Monday, July 10
ANC6B Special Committee On Public Safety will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.
Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE; Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License, Application for an Entertainment Endorsement.
725 8th Street SE; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store.
Los Caballeros Restaurant; 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.
Update on I Egg You liquor license protest.
Public Space Permit for New Sidewalk Cafe Un-Enclosed at 106 13th Street, SE (Pacci’s Trattoria).
Letter of support to Hill Center to add a gathering terrace at the Hill Center for public use and events.
116 5th Street, SE, Project. Historic Preservation Application. Concept approval for addition of a third floor containing a bedroom and bathroom and enclosure of a second-floor rooftop deck to extend an existing bedroom.
405 4th Street, SE, Project. Historic Preservation Application. Concept approval for a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
405 4th Street, SE, Project. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
Update on Subcommittee on Alley Closing in Square 762, behind the former Capitol Lounge, 229 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
Draft testimony on Electric Vehicles for upcoming hearing by City Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment.
Resolution supporting a raised crosswalk 13th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, SE.
Letter Supporting Efforts to Create Virginia Avenue Connector and Provide Pickle Ball.
Resolution Supporting SYC/W6MA 4th Annual Back to School Bash at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
Presentations: Anthony Hall, Department of Behavioral Health
Consent Agenda:
Motion to oppose the application of Providencia at 1321 Linden Court, for a Class C Tavern License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter of support for Maury Elementary School’s application for a School Parking Zone, with four recommendations: that Maury prioritize on-site spaces for mobility-impaired staff and staff using carpools; that staff not utilize Resident Only Parking Zones (e.g. west side of 200 block of 12th Place NE); that the school comply with the intent and spirit of the Transportation Benefits Equity Act; and that school leadership would not solicit Visitor Parking Permits for staff use.
Letter of support to DDOT for extending the bicycle lanes on K Street, NE, to meet the pocket park to be installed at 8th and K Streets, NE, and connect to the bicycle lane on West Virginia Avenue, NE.
Letter of support to DDOT for Public Space Permit Application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.
Letter of support to DDOT to urge the installation of vertical traffic calming measures, including but not limited to a raised crosswalk and speedbumps near Miner Elementary School (15th Street and Tennessee Avenue/on 15th Street and at 15th and G Street, NE) prior to the beginning of the SY23-24 school year (August 28, 2023).
Letter to DDOT requesting attention to and prioritization of traffic safety input requests for the 1400 block of G Street, NE.
Letter of support to the Zoning Commission for a proposed map amendment to rezone the property at 721 H Street, NE, from NC-16 to NC-17.
Letter of support to Bureau of Zoning Adjustment for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse, 175-210 dwelling unit, mixed-use building at 1207 H Street, NE, with the stipulation that the apartment lease documents include a prohibition against amplified music on the roof deck after 11:00 pm, or comply with DC code, whichever is earlier.
Letter of support to BZA for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit at 1216 Constitution Avenue, NE, in the RF-1 zone.
Regular Business:
Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application by Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for Substantial Changes to its Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
Letter to the DC Council to commission a formal assessment and plan for systematically maintaining and replacing, if necessary, dangerous sidewalks in ANC 6A.
Letter of support for the following traffic calming and safety measures:
Installation of all-way-stop at 11th and F Streets, NE.
900 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
800 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
700 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
600 block 11th Street, NE – Two speed tables.
North leg of 11th Street, NE and E Street NE – Raised crosswalk.
400 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
South leg of 11th Street, NE and D Street NE – Raised crosswalk.
300 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
200 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
100 block 11th Street, NE – One speed table.
Comments Off on The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
“Doc” Payne, 83, passed away last Sunday. He was a fixture outside of Peregrine Espresso near Eastern Market for years – soliciting change from customers and passersby regardless of the weather. His full name was Earl Ronald “Doc” Payne.
According to his friend and Peregrine habitué Nicky Sundt, “Doc was born in 1940 in Washington, DC, and by the age of 14 was living on his own. He learned how to box and was promising in the ring….But before he could get close to realizing that dream, he killed a man. Enraged after his brother-in-law beat Doc’s sister, Doc tracked him down to the military commissary where he worked. He chased him through the commissary and thrashed him. His brother in law fractured his skull in the fight and died. Doc shows me the scar on the back of his head where the Military Police hit him with the butt of a gun to subdue him.
He spent more than twenty years in Federal penitentiaries for that. He subsequently returned to DC and entered a program that teaches “long timers” to live outside prison after their release.”
“Doc” and friend Tama Duffy Day prior to the motorized wheelchair. Photo: Tama Duffy Day
Sundt continued, “In recent years, after a minor stroke and a long hospital stay, Doc (had) a harder time getting around and relie(d) on a walker….when one of his many fans noticed that his old walker was in poor condition, she picked up a new one and dropped it off at his house.” Later, when the walker became too difficult to manage, he acquired a motorized wheelchair.
Doc lived in Kentucky Courts, raising his daughter’s two teenaged sons, one of whom died about a year ago. His daughter – who lived in West Virginia – died in an auto accident a several years earlier.
He’s remembered for his unfailing kindness and positivity. Sundt recalls Doc’s customary greeting to passersby: “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Yes it is, yes it is.”
During the pandemic, his friends feared he wouldn’t survive. But he did. He survived despite a host of medical problems and a life time of adversity. And he never gave up.
Last night, many Capitol Hill residents opted for the firework display at Lincoln Park rather than the one on the National Mall. The display was an uncoordinated effort by half a dozen or so civic minded residents who just like shooting off fireworks and want to share the experience with neighbors. One of those celebrants – who CHC talked to at Peregrine Espresso this morning and who travels to West Virginia for the pyrotechnics – noted how much more expensive they’ve become this year.
But it wasn’t just these major players – many residents chose the location to shoot off their own supply. The gathering was casual and many families watched from blankets spread on the grass. The sense of community was strong in a way that is generally absent from the Mall gathering and for many, it was clearly the place to be.
The crowd-pleasing Eastern High Blue & White Marching Machine stood in for the U.S. Marine Band, leading the July Fourth Parade on Barracks Row. According to sources, they were in Boston this year.
Ward 6 DC Councilmember Charles Allen marched…
… and got in some face time with future voters.
City Council Chair and Capitol Hill Resident Phil Mendelson showed up.
So did Council Member at Large Kevin McDuffie.
The increasingly influential Capitol Hill bike riders demonstrated a show of strength.
Capitol Hill BID President Patty Brosmer led the Men In Blue Contingent…
…which was far away the most popular among the younger crowd.
And the Bolivian Dancers brought their high energy and colorful costumes back to Barracks Row.
Here’s the grandstand for “A Capitol Fourth,” with the National Symphony Orchestra as it appeared Monday morning on the West Front of the US Capitol. Grounds open at 3:00pm, Tuesday – music starts at 8:00pm – fireworks at 9:06pm. Among the featured talent: Boys II Men, country duo Maddie and Tae, opera star Renee Fleming, R&R Hall of Famer Belinda Carlisle, and others.
The US Capitol – currently under renovation – faces the grandstand.
Off to the side is the mess tent to feed the dozens of crew members who make the event happen.
About 11:00am, Belinda Carlisle was rehearsing “We Got the Beat.” Carlisle was lead vocalist for the Go’ Go’s – the most successful all-female rock band of all time.
Over on the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill has papered over the windows of the former Roland’s. Not sure what’s going on behind the paper, but no permits are visible. (Re orginal caption, Barred in DC points out they will not be serving alcohol and will have no license issues with ABC6B.)
Bob Gellman from Friends of Southeast Library (FOSEL) has created a list of 160 Little Free Libraries – locations he collected while walking on Capitol Hill. One that’s not on his list is on Decater Street in Petworth that replicates the owners’ house and goes the extra mile…
I mean, with a wall-papered interior and all.
The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos
by Larry Janezich
Posted July 3, 2023
Tuesday, July 4
Barracks Row MainStreet July 4th Parade starts at 10:00am.
Wednesday, July 5
ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE. Application for an Entertainment Endorsement for Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License.
725 8th Street, SE. Application for a new Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor Store.
Los Caballeros Restaurant. 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.
Capital Square Bar and Grill. 1500 East Capitol Street, SE. (SMD 7D08) On-going noise complaints impacting SMD 6B06 residents.
Update on I Egg You Protest. ABC Chair attended the required Roll Call hearing. The Mediation is scheduled for July 19 but the Chair has a conflict on that date. Jayaraman for ANC 6B and the Counsel for the Establishment agreed to change the date to July 26 but this must be done as a formal joint request. Counsel for the Establishment is drafting a filing to do that.
Pacci’s Trattoria. 106 13th Street, SE. Public Space Permit application for New Sidewalk Cafe Un-Enclosed.
ANC6C Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
616 7th Street, NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements and a special exception to construct a rear deck on an attached, two-story (with cellar) principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Hill Center Gathering Terrace Project. Adding a gathering terrace at the Hill Center for public use and events.
116 5th Street SE Project. Historic Preservation Application. Design concept for addition of a third floor containing a bedroom and bathroom and enclosure of a second-floor rooftop deck to extend an existing bedroom.
405 4th Street SE Project. Historic Preservation Application. Design concept for a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
405 4th Street SE Project. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application. To construct a three story rear addition to an existing two story row house principal dwelling and to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the RF-3 zone.
Update on Subcommittee on Alley Closing in Square 762
Last Tuesday night, ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Committee met. Committee Chair Commissioner Jerry Sroufe announced Resident Member Eileen Dougherty’s appointment as Vice Chair. (Photo from the May meeting of the Committee – Sroufe is at left, Dougherty is center, front). Commissioner Frank Avery is at right.
The PP&S Committee is circulating among its members a draft letter to city officials in support of the proposed Virginia Avenue Corridor Vision Plan via a public space permit from DDOT, to include improvements in Virginia Avenue and the area under the SE/SW Freeway where 2nd Street intersects Virginia Avenue just south of Garfield Park. The letter could be on the agenda for the July ANC6B meeting. Here’s a link to Capitol Riverfronts vision plan: https://ctycms.com/dc-capitol-riverfront/docs/underpass-vision-plan.pdf
It looks like the owners of the former Tandoor Grill on Barracks Row at 419 8th Street have spruced up the façade of the For Lease building with an enlarged city scape photo. (An alert reader points out the signage indicates the photo was provided by the Capitol Hill BID – an earlier version credited Barracks Row MainStreet.) The conditions outside the front of the building had become pretty nasty what with the bird droppings and such, adding another layer of distress to the forlorn building.
The ANC6A Transportation and Public Space Committee met Tuesday night to consider Commissioner Roberta Shapiro’s Capitol Hill Sidewalk Survey. (Shapiro is top row, center.) Among the revelations:
473 households responded to sidewalk survey.
305 respondents reported that they or a member of their household fell in the community over the past two years – many experienced multiple falls.
263 injuries were reported and 114 required medical care.
105 were younger than 40.
The Committee unanimously voted to request the city council to commission a formal assessment and a plan for systematic maintenance and replacing if necessary, dangerous sidewalks in the ANC6A, 6B, and 6C area to achieve a safe pedestrian friendly environment.
Whither building Biker Barre? Word on the street is that a new lessee will open up a dance studio in the space at 738 7th Street, SE, which hosted Capitol Hill’s first barre studio. As of now, it’s only word – CHC has not been able to confirm.
The Interior Life at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art. The curators found the theme of the show in the words of James Baldwin in Nobody Knows My Name: “Though we do not wholly believe it yet, the interior life is a real life and the intangible dreams of people have a tangible effect on the world.” From the National Gallery’s website: “Baldwin highlighted the power of people’s interior lives, specifically those of artists, to move our world forward.” The painting above is Paradise for A Tourist Brochure, by Freddy Rodriquez. The exhibit runs through September 10.
The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 25, 2023
Tuesday, June 27
ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Items on the draft agenda:
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
150th Update
Up Date Strategic Plan
Emergency Response Update
TENANTS COUNCIL COMMITTEE
CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
MARKET OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE MARKET MANAGER
CHAIR REPORT – PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW, UPDATE & COMMENT
DGS Response
Market Public Safety Update (Bollards, Strategic Plan, Emergency Response)
Report, Ongoing/Past Actions
Proposals for Market
Concierge Staff Program
DMPED Officer Funding Inquiry
Police & Self Training
Camera/Speaker (Interior / Exterior)
Expand Scope and Membership in Establishing an Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee
Establish Incident Report System and Protocol
COMMUNITY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
EMCAC STATEMENTS AND MOTIONS
Thursday, June 29
ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe is hosting an in-person neighborhood meeting to discuss illegal use of residences as business offices on Thursday, June 29, at 7:00 at the 700 Pennsylvania Building
An earlier version stated this would be a meeting of the 6B Parks and Public Spaces Committee. CHC regrets the error.
Comments Off on The Week Ahead…& Some Recent Photos
Saturday, the community celebrated the annual and the designation of the Peterbug Shoe Academy as a Historical Landmark. The Academy and Buchanan Park were so honored for its architecture and history in November, 2022.
The Ladies of Distinction, wearing their distinctive pink blazers, hosted a tree planting ceremony to spotlight Lady Bird Johnson’s commitment to the Beautification Program under which Buchanan Plaza was created in 1968. After the purpose of the Plaza faltered in the 1970’s Peterbug Matthews picked up the mantle and established his Shoe Academy to continue the work of improving inner-city neighborhoods. The Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was established in 1964 as a non-profit educational and humanitarian organization.
Ladies of Distinction leaders pose with Peterbug Matthews. From left to right: Lady J. Allison Riley, Lady Karen Cherry, Lady Hope V. Ruffin, Lady India Gray, Lady Dolores Brazil, Lady Michelle Smalls, and Lady Pauline Hunter.
The Ngoma Marasiki African Drummers opened the tree planting ceremony with a blessing, “Calling the Ancestors.
Ladies of Distinction and Peterbug participate in the ground breaking for the tree planting.
A high five from an appreciative parent expresses gratitude for entertainment skills.
Peterbug Matthews, community leader, activist, mentor and inspiration.
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Peterbug Matthews Day
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 19, 2023
The Week Ahead…
Tuesday, June 20
ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. Mr. Mohammed Dahir, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Project Manager, and Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT Program Manager will provide and update on the Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project and address community safety concerns with related contractor work. A representative of Washington Gas will also attend to address community concerns.
Maury Elementary School Parking Zone application. Jason Meggs, DDOT School Parking Zone Program Manager and Maury Elementary School representatives will provide an update on the application for daytime permits for Maury staff to park in Residential Parking locations in 6A.
Vision Zero streetscape hardening. Mr. Othman Chebli of the DDOT Vision Zero Team will provide an update on streetscape hardening at 13th Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE, and at 11th Street, NE, and East Capitol Street.
Ward 6 Sidewalk Survey and Traffic Safety Investigation data. Commissioner Shapiro will report on the results of the survey and the results of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests pertaining to Traffic Safety Initiatives.
Public Space Permit Application Commissioner Dooling will present the permit application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.
ANC6B Parks And Public Spaces Taskforce will hold a public meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
Agenda: TBA
Wednesday, June 21
ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
721 H Street, NE. Zoning Application: Proposed map amendment to rezone the property from NC-16 to NC-17.
1207 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse
1216 Constitution Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
1244/1246 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to construct a side and rear addition, and permit a fast food establishment use, to an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the NC-14 zone.
Mezeh’s construction team members assess buildout requirements for the new fast casual restaurant.
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill Coming to 333 PA Ave SE (Formerly Roland’s)
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 15, 2023
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill hopes to open in September in the space formerly occupied by Roland’s convenience store at 333 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, according to the firm’s construction manager. 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. The restaurant targets young health conscious professionals, 21 – 45.
The most popular menu item is “create your own bowl” with some 65 toppings that fits any diet – vegetarian, vegan, Keto, gluten free, etc.
“Mezeh” is the company’s twist of a host of similar Eastern Mediterranean words all of which mean some variation of taste, flavor, nibble or small plate.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 