Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director of DC Public Libraries, gave an update on the closure of Sourtheast Library to ANC6B on Tuesday night. The image depicts a cross section through the rendering of the renovated library.
SE Library Closure/Interim Services Update
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 15, 2023
Executive Director DCPL Reyes-Gavilan appeared before ANC6B Tuesday night to provide an update on the closure of SE Library as well as what interim services will be available during the estimated tw0 year library renovation project.
Here are the take-aways:
Closure
Gavilan: SE Library Closure targeted for this summer, but “I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023.
There will be one final community meeting prior to the building’s closure to discuss all issues related to the project.
DCPL will give approximately 6 weeks’ notice prior to the closing.
The construction team will start after 6 – 8 weeks of building closure. This provides time for move out, mobilizing the construction team, putting up required site protections, interior abatement and selective interior demolition.
DCPL and the Design Build teams continue doing pre-construction work, responding to comments and reconciling sub-contractor bids
Interim Services.
The main go-to for library collections and services will be NE Library: (20 minute walk, 10 minute bus ride via the 90/92 bus from Pennsylvania and 8th Street. Additional NE Library services include:
Two weekly morning story times, one weekly Todler Explorations program, and one weekly “Not a Box” play party.
SE school engagement – outreach, class visits, etc.
Laptop computer and printer/scanning services will be provided at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center several days a week starting in the new calendar year. At present, no books, videos, audio books or book pick-up/drop-off services are planned for the Arthur Capper Center. Estimates are that up to a dozen laptops will be available at the Center, as well as the services to two staffers – “digital navigators.” (Afterward, the ANC unanimously voted to urge DCPL to provide drop-off/pick-up services at Arthur Capper.)
Other interim services at non-library locations:
Weekly Story Time at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue
Outdoor programming in Turtle (Marion) Park and EM Metro Plaza
The former Frager’s Hardware finds a new life in day care. The blue building at 1323 E Street, SE, is morphing into a day care center. The owner, John Weintraub, found a tenant who in the view of neighbors is a welcome addition to the community. A current ANC6B application to rezone the building into residential has been put on hold, even though it appears that a day care center would qualify a legitimate use of the site after rezoning. The ANC doesn’t want to muddy the water until the new enterprise has its Certificate of Occupancy.
Work is already underway inside the building and the build out for the former occupant – Door Dash – has been pretty much demolished.
Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 15th and East Capitol, NE, is in trouble with the neighbors who say blatant noise violations are upending their quality of life. Councilmember Charles Allen has requested the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration to investigate the alleged violations. And three ANCs – 6A, 6B, and 7D – are piling on, considering a letter requesting action against the management because they allegedly violated their Settlement Agreement. The issue comes up in the ANC6B meeting on Tuesday night.
PA Avenue’s new Bike Lanes will be open by month’s end. Last Wednesday, DDOT Project Manager Greg Matlesky told ANC6B’s Transportation Committee, that Phase I of the PA Avenue Southeast Project will be complete by the end of June. He listed the remaining work:
Add bike lane barriers to remaining blocks in East Bound direction
Add correct handrail opening at bus platforms
Install trench drain at 7th Street and PA Avenue, SE
Install pavement markings on boarding platforms.
Now traffic signal configuration
Bike Lane Close signs removed
Phase II from 13th to Barney Circle schedule will begin in 2025.
The Capitol Lounge served its last drink in September of 2020. The current owners – The Conservative Partnership – want to close the alley behind the legendary bar to create what will likely become event space for the organization’s new headquarters comprised of several buildings in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Frank D’Andrea told the Committee at its June meeting last Tuesday that the Conservative Partnership’s legal reps have agreed in principle to community benefits to compensate the community for privatizing public property. The committee unanimously agreed to a motion to set up a subcommittee to consider the application to close the alley and consider all issues related to the application. The ANCs are advisory bodies and can only make recommendations, but city regulations require city agencies to give those recommendations “great weight.” In this case, the DC City Council will ultimately decide the fate of the alley closure. The Conservative Partnership is led by former South Carolina Senator Jim Demint, Chairman; and former White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, Senior Partner.
Friday evening The Too Much Talent Band took over the Eastern Market Metro Plaza with their high-energy explosion of jazz, funk, and rhythm & blues. If you missed it, they’ll be back in two weeks according to Brian Ready, Barracks Row MainStreet Executive Director. If you want to know more about them, go here: https://toomuchtalentband.com/
Presentations: DDOT Presentation on 8th Street SE Bus Priority Project; Andrew Grinberg, DDOT Transportation Planner.
New business:
Extreme Pizza, 520 8th Street. Consideration of application for an Entertainment Endorsement for Tavern License.
National Democratic Club (NDC), request to amend the existing SA to increase the hours of operation and sales, service, and consumption of alcohol. Current: Mon-Fri: 11:30am – 1:00am. The requested hours are: Sun-Thur. 7:00 am – 2:00 am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00 am.
202 10th Street, SE: Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached two-story with basement.
202 10th Street, SE: Historic Preservation Application to construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached two-story with basement.
Consideration of application of LLC affiliated with the Conservative Parnership proposing closing the NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762 behind the former Capitol Lounge.
Discussion on Progress of Rezoning of 1323 E Street, SE, the former Frager’s Hardware.
Resolution on Better Bus Visionary Network (including 96 bus route).
Report for the Southeast Library Task Force.
Report for the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force
Resolution Supporting SYC/W6MA 4th Annual Back to School Bash at Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
Report for the Special Committee on Public Safety.
Report for Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.
Wednesday, June 14
ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
To join the meeting, go here:
Among items on the draft agenda:
TBA
Thursday, June 15
Friends of Kingman Park will hold an in person and a virtual meeting at 7:00pm at St. Benedict’s the Moor.
The ANC6B Task Force met Monday night at Southeast Library
Council Approves Funding for SE Library Interim Services
By Larry Janezich
Posted June 5, 2023
Monday night, ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn told the ANC’s SE Library Task Force, that CM Charles Allen reports that the city council had approved $191,000 for interim library services at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center. SE Library is scheduled to close sometime this summer for a two-year renovation. The funding is intended to pay for two support staff, computers, and a printer and it appears there is some flexibility in how the funds will be used, depending on what the community wants. Sobelsohn chairs the Task Force.
Locating interim services in the Arthur Capper Center will also work to benefit Ward 8 Navy Yard residents who have been pushing for their own library, according to Sobelsohn. CM Trayon White chairs the council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs.
The Task Force has been pushing for a near-by interim services library location rather than acceding to the DC Public Library’s suggestion: “Use Northeast Library.” Various locations were considered and proposed to Allen, but the only one which caught his attention was the Arthur Capper Rec Center, given that it is already owned by DC; it has space, utilities, auxiliary staff and security. Allen was dead set against renting commercial space for the interim site.
Task Force members Raiford Gaffney and Susan Sedgewick visited the site and identified suitable space on the second floor which is currently unused. The center is a 15 minute walk from the Marine Barracks and it is near a Circulator stop.
The Task Force agreed unanimously to a motion by Commissioner Frank D’Andrea to recommend to the full ANC that it pursue the Arthur Capper Center for interim library services. The full ANC meets on June 13, when Sobelsohn will ask for support for a letter of support to city and library officials.
In other news from the meeting:
Commissioner Frank D’Andrea reported on his analysis of the DCPL construction design/construction contract with Whiting-Turner. The contract specifies a two-year construction process but start and completion dates will have to be negotiated after the design element is complete. The contract does not get into specifics regarding construction management decisions. The treatment and management of the site plan is yet to be formulated and will be an internal approval process by the Department of Buildings. Decisions on staging and parking are potentially problematic and the ANC will have a voice in representing the community as issues arise. The project manager will come from the ranks of DCPL.
DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan is tentatively scheduled to appear before ANC6B’s virtual monthly meeting on June 14, to discuss the library renovation and the impact on the community. Residents hope for answers to two top concerns: when will SE Library close, and will patrons be able to check out and drop off books at the location?
Susan Sedgewick, representing Capitol Hill Village, stressed the importance of receiving assurances on access to interim services for seniors and others with mobility issues and on making sure there is a commitment by the contractor to a rodent abatement plan during construction.
Thursday afternoon, Eastern Market, circa 3:30pm. Senator Bernie Sanders waits for his sandwich to come up at Canales Delicatessen.
Here’s how to get your sidewalks fixed: Scott Price, representing the Capitol Hill Village, appeared before ANC6C’s Transportation Committee last week as part of CHV’s effort to improve safety of Capitol Hill sidewalks.
CHV is launching an effort to help residents get their sidewalk s fixed. Send pictures and addresses of sidewalk hazards to chvpedestriansafety@gmail.com CHV will report to 311 and follow-up
Separately, ANC6A Commissioner Roberta Shapiro is conducting a survey sponsored by ANCs 6A, 6B, 6C and Capitol Hill Village to collect resident experiences with hazardous sidewalk conditions resulting in falls or injuries. The data will be used to inform a request to DDOT to improve sidewalk safety conditions. The survey takes only a few minutes: https://forms.gle/31FceiB4kGHDdUhA8
The Barracks Row Pride Weekend Kick Off led DC into Pride Month and CM Charles Allen held his community office hours in “as you are” on Friday afternoon. The bar bills itself as “A safe space for LGBTQIA+ in Washington, DC, a café/bar/dance boutique.” The space was formerly occupied by District Soul Food and before that, Banana Cafe at 500 8th Street, SE.
Next Thursday, representatives of the Conservative Partnership will come before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee to press their case for closing an alley behind the former Capitol Lounge, which is now part of a complex of buildings on the 200 block on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, which comprise the new HQ for the organization. Closing the alley would permit construction of an outdoor event space behind a re-opened restaurant formerly the Capitol Lounge. ANC commissioners are talking about what community benefits to tie to the proposed closure.
Also on Thursday, 6B ‘s Planning and Zoning Committee will discuss John Weintraub’s application to change the zoning of the former Frager’s Hardware at 1323 E Street, SE, reportedly from commercial to residential/mixed use. Door Dash was operating its delivery service there, but ran into opposition from irate neighbors and city restrictions on the parking lot and sidewalk obstruction. Any other retail operation would likely face the same issues, leading to the proposed zoning change.
And from Friday night’s Live Jazz at Eastern Market Metro, here’s saxophonist extraordinaire, Herb Scott.
The Week Ahead…And Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 4, 2023
Monday, June 5
ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet. Details TBA.
The ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold an in person meeting in Southeast Library, lower level, at 7:00pm.
Agenda:
Report on the DC budget .
Capitol Hill Village’s Susan Sedgewick’s report on a leading site for interim services while the library’s closed.
Commissioner D’Andrea’s analysis on the SE Library renovation contract.
Vote on picking the Task Force preferred choice for an interim services site.
Preparation for the upcoming appearance at the June ANC6B meeting of Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director, DC Library.
Tuesday, June 6
ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Extreme Pizza; 520 8th Street, SE; Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License, Application for an Entertainment Endorsement.
National Democratic Club (NDC), request to amend the existing Settlement Agreement to increase the hours of operation and sales, service, and consumption of alcohol. Current: Mon-Fri: 11:30 am – 1:00 am. The requested hours are: Sun-Thur. 7:00 am – 2:00 am; Fri-Sat. 7:00 am – 3:00 am
Discussion on new Cannabis regulations and licensing. Update on city-wide ANC Commissioner Caucus discussions. Major points in Chair Jayaraman’s testimony at the June 7 public hearing.
ANC6C Environment, Parks and Events Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet. Details TBA.
MPD First District Citizens’ Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting from 6:00pm – 7:15 pm .
Paul H. Smith, DC Taxpayer Advocate, DC Office of Tax and Revenue, Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Consent Agenda
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT that references all previous Traffic Safety Inputs (TSIs), as well as pending TSIs, on the 11th Street NE Corridor (Florida Avenue NE to East Capitol Street), stating that changing the signs from 25 to 20 mph would not be sufficient to ensure safety, and that ANC 6A would welcome more engagement from DDOT and a comprehensive safety analysis of 11th Street based on the safety walk that ANC 6A had conducted with DDOT, addressing a more extensive length of 11th Street NE rather than only the 11th Street and Constitution Avenue NE intersection.
Recommendation: ANC 6A write a letter of support of the DDOT streetscape permit application for 1101 H Street NE.
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
202 10TH Street SE Project. Zoning Adjustment Application. To construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
202 10th Street SE Project. Historic Preservation Application. To construct a two-story rear addition and roof deck, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
Alley Closing in Square 762 Project: Closing NE portion of existing alley system in Square 762. Between 2nd & 3rd Street SE, Pennsylvania & C Street SE. (Square 762)
Discussion on Progress of Rezoning of 1323 E Street SE
ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting but hasn’t announced an agenda yet. Details TBA.
Saturday, June 10
Friends of Southeast Library will hold a Book Sale from 10:00am until 3:00pm. SE Library, lower level.
Sunday, June 11
Annual Capitol Hill NE Neighborhood Concert
Capitol Hill NE Neighborhood will partner with Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW.org) to host the annual Jazz concert. This year’s concert will be on Sunday June 11th at 11:30am. It’s free. Please register via the following evite link to and learn general details about the event. This event is open to all. http://evite.me/DKxdyqetjs
This year’s concert will feature a local saxophonist, Jonathan Yanik. Yanik is part of the US Navy band and he will be performing with his quartet. https://www.yamaha.com/artists/jonathanyanik.html
This is a free event but will also be a fundraiser for the musicians and CHAW. All contributions will go directly to both parties. https://chaw.org/
Similar to years past this will be a potluck style event, please consider bringing a dish and beverages to share with the neighborhood, come enjoy, and let’s ring in this beautiful summer together.
This is a dog and kids-friendly event and is open to all. Please feel free to invite your friends even outside the neighborhood.
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All that is left of 639 A Street, SE – the front facade – exterior and interior view.
“Embarrassed” Historic Preservation Board OK’s Rebuild of Illegal Demolition
By Larry Janezich
Posted June 2, 2023
Last March, Capitol Hill Corner reported the illegal demolition of the Historic District townhouse at 639 A Street, SE. On Thursday, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) considered the historic compatibility of the developer’s proposed reconstruction of the townhouse. At the end of the hearing, HPRB Chair Monique Heath called for the vote: “All right then – holding our nose – all those in favor? All those opposed? The motion passes 4 – 0.”
The project is being developed by an LLC owned by real estate agent Jessica Bachay and her husband. Last year, they hired architect Jennifer Fowler and contractor Manuel Acosta to carry out the city-approved plans to partially demolish the 19th century townhome and add a cellar and a two story addition. In the process, the scope of the work was exceeded, the house was demolished (except the front façade), tarps were erected, a stop work order was issued, and apologies were made. Thursday, the Preservation Board sanctioned the new plans, moving forward the rebuild. But, as comments and actions during the hearing show, it was embarrassing.
HPRB, the ANC Commissioner in whose single member district the project resides, a representative of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society and nearby neighbors are all skeptical of the contractor’s claim that he undertook the additional demolition on his own without consulting the architect, Jennifer Fowler or Jessica Barchay, the owner.
The contractor, Manuel Acosta of MAAC Construction, explained how the additional demolition occurred: He testified that when doing the approved demolition they tried to keep the portion of house supposed to be preserved but “found the wood not useable – rotted.” And for the safety of the crew he made the call “to remove those.” He said it was easier to “build and do it new instead of preserving and then rebuild.” He added, “I didn’t make the call to the architect or the engineer and we proceeded to the demolition and complete the work.” Later in his testimony, Acosta said, “It was my call here…the issue is…protocols. If you find something not right, you have to go to the owner and architect. I didn’t think about that – that was the issue. We try to preserve as much as we can.”
Board member Gretchen Pfaehler, Architectural Historian, said that when she looks at the photos and how the pictured joist “is all jagged, that does not look like a rotted joist to me – that looks like something that got hacked or cut or overcut, but it does not look like it’s rotten, and so it’s a shame because once it’s gone it’s gone forever. This should not fall on the shoulders of the inspectors; it falls on your shoulders as a contractor and the architect working with you.”
Acosta said, “I know pictures show (the wood) was basically not completely rotten but it was in bad shape. I always take pictures and … when I showed up on site and saw the demolition – from my perspective this was creating a big impact on this house – it looked bad – the cost of material may be more but I always want the best for my client. “
Pfaehler interrupted Acosta, telling him he was not really helping himself by continuing to talk, “You’re just making matters worse.” She added that, in the end, the owner is responsible, “regardless of their ability to understand…it’s just a shame that were here at this juncture and talking about this now.”
ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, in whose single member district the project lies, was highly critical of both the developer and the process. Stressing that his comments were his own and not an official statement of ANC6B, Sroufe said: “I am discouraged by the loss of yet another historic building on A Street,* and angry because of the apparent willingness of those given the responsibility for historic preservation to consider the loss of historic homes as acceptable. To state, as a top official unfortunately has said, that the tear-down was “unfortunate” is to equate a planned action by individuals with a natural disaster, perhaps a fire caused by lightning. The loss of this building was the result of intentional actions made by individuals working within the framework of historic preservation; it is not unfortunate – it is wrong and disturbing….I am dissatisfied that there is apparently no investigation of instances of this type beyond assurance by the contractor that the action needed to be done.”
Sroufe went on to say, “Also, many find it difficult to believe the explanation that a building contractor working in the Capitol Hill Historic District – in existence since 1973 – and working with an established architect, simply was unaware of preservation procedures and went ahead with a demolition on his own.”
Sroufe offered three suggestions:
Increase substantially the penalty for demolition without a permit. Four thousand dollars is a totally inadequate disincentive for demolition.**
Investigate the circumstances leading to demolitions without a permit. This should precede consideration of any application necessary to carry forward a project. It is not sufficient to assess a penalty and move forward.
Inspectors from HPRB should pay more attention to projects involving contributing structures in the Historic District while they are underway. Perhaps more inspectors are needed to move away from the present passive system of inspection that relies on neighbors calling problems to their attention.
Beth Purcell, Chair of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society told the Board, “We deeply regret the demolition and loss of fabric on this 19th century building which…cannot be replaced.” She said that the revised proposal is consistent with the Historic District, then added: “Mr. Acosta’s testimony left me wondering whether there was a plan or possibility of removing the façade or front exterior which is the only fabric remaining from the 19th century house.”
Several neighbors who live near 639 A Street spoke up in opposition to the scale of the project and the process which they felt had failed them. Among them was Enise Han, who neighbors credited with alerting them and city officials to the developer’s transgressions.
Bachay, one of the property’s owners, told the board she was embarrassed and upset and had “worked with Jennifer and Manuel” with the best intention of following the plans. Despite the fact that it is her and her husband’s LLC that is developing the property, she said it was their intention to live there with their three kids.
HPRB Chair Monique Heath said, “I understand why people are frustrated – I am frustrated by this and other cases like that … but that’s not what’s before us today….Taking it upon yourself to demolish existing fabric and not salvaging is not a process that is acceptable. We’re in this unfortunate situation of having to approve the rebuild and – given the circumstances – I think that is the acceptable recourse.”
Pfaehler reiterated her opinion: “This action is inexcusable. It puts us in this embarrassing position where we have to approve this solution which is compatible, but it’s embarrassing to the process, to the staff at OP (Office of Planning) and the inspectors who put in so many long hours and so much professional integrity…. So it’s a shame. It’s a real shame.”
Board member Carisa Beatty said, “I wish I could vote against this but I realize that doesn’t get us anything.”
Chair Heath concluded, saying she agreed with Commissioner Sroufe that penalties should be greater: “I don’t know what they are…but they should be significant enough so they should be a real deterrent.”
Asked to comment, Councilmember Charles Allen told Capitol Hill Corner: “If the penalty is intended to act as a disincentive and it’s not working, it clearly needs to be higher.”
*In February, 2021, at 326 A Street, SE, there was a similar tear-down of an entire historic building that went well beyond what was authorized in the permit.
**Violations of the preservation law and building code are subject to a $4,068 civil infraction fine for failure to obtain or stay within the scope and conditions of a building permit and that fine may be yet be levied as part of the ongoing enforcement action which is separate from HPRB consideration.
The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met in Eastern Market’s North Hall last night.
Eastern Market on track to receive $200,000 Events DC grant
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 1, 2023
Last night, Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson, reported to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) that market management has received an award letter from Events DC for a $200,000 grant – half of the amount applied for by Eastern Market Main Street to fund the nearly-year-long ongoing celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Market. Margeson said he is “waiting for clarity” on what the funding can be used for, but part of it – some $12,000 – will be used for banners for the Market’s exterior. Funding for programming Market events will likely be shifted to start on November 12, the anniversary of the Market, and continue through the holiday season and into the new year.
In other news coming out of last night’s meeting:
EMCAC Board Member Jackie Krieger – the Mayor’s appointee – was elected Vice Chair.
Chair Chuck Burger opened a discussion regarding the areas of responsibility of the six new EMCAC Subcommittees (Events, Outreach, Web and Technology, Capital Improvements, Operations, and Budget). Burger said he intends to put out a call for volunteers through the city’s media outlets to cast a wide net and bring as many interested residents into the process as possible rather than just relying on near-by neighbors. (One of those outlets will be Capitol Hill Corner.)
Ann Blackwell, Executive Director of Eastern Market MainStreet has resigned to become Executive Director of Dupont Circle Main Street. EMMS will begin a search for a successor.
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Saturday afternoon, Memorial Day weekend. Beautiful weather brought crowds to Eastern Market. At noon, 7th and C Streets, SE, seemed to be the center of everything.
Monday afternoon, Memorial Day weekend. An American Flag and a Marching Band is all you need for a parade. The Memorial Day Parade kicked off at 7th and Constitution, NW, with crowds undaunted by the prospect of rain.
Here’s the Deland High School Marching Band.
Here’s the reviewing stand where announcers introduced parade participants to the crowds.
The view from the steps of the National Archive attracted some.
And many of them came prepared when the rain came around 2:30pm.
Over at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol, crews continued their set up of the canopy and stage for the evening’s National Memorial Day Concert – for the first time since 2019. The event featured the National Symphony Orchestra and military ensembles, and marked the 50th anniversay of U.S. troops returning from the Vietnam War.
The Week Ahead…& Some Memorial Day Weekend Photos
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 29, 2023
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 30
ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm to set the agenda for the June meeting of the full ANC.
Part of the large gathering at the Hill East Citizens’ Association’s meeting on May 23 at St. Coletta’s. Near neighbor Carolyn Coppege is far left. ANC 7F Commissioner Shirley Thompson Wright has the mike. Nkosi Bradley stands beside her. Photo: Hilary Russell
Reservation 13 is in ANC 7F, most of which lies east of the Anacostia River. Neighbors in Hill East are in ANC 7D. The blue dot on the map marks the location of new buildings.
Big turnout, lots of questions for Reservation 13 developers
by Hilary Russell
Posted May 29, 2023
On Tuesday, May 23, many Hill East residents and Ward 7 ANC commissioners turned out for a meeting at St. Coletta’s with two developers of Reservation 13, the 67-acre site where the DC General Hospital was located. The host was the Hill East Citizen’s Association, formed during last year’s Wards 6/7 redistricting debate to “cut through the political upheaval and come together as a neighborhood and community,” as co-founder Nkosi Bradley stated. He and neighbor Shane Seger promoted the meeting with emailed flyers and door-to-door visits. An almost full house heard presentations on the large projects awarded to two R-13 developers – Community Partners (a team of eight developers) and Donatelli/Blue Skye Development.
Former Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander and Evens Charles of Frontier Development & Hospitality Group (a component of Community Partners) outlined their $564-milion Phase II project, which encompasses 1,120 rental and co-living apartments, a 150-room hotel, 60,000 square feet of retail, 126 condos and townhomes, and “multigenerational” park spaces. The team is finalizing land disposition agreements and infrastructure design and hopes to break ground late next year.
Blue Skye’s “Scottie” Irving referenced two recently completed Phase I buildings – the Ethel and Park Kennedy – and acknowledged that filling the Ethel’s 10 thousand square feet of retail space has been “tough.” Two restaurants – Sala Thai and an Irish pub – in the Park Kennedy building should open by the end of August. Irving said his team is providing 1063 residential units and 700 parking spots in total and that construction of a third building – the Coretta – will begin in about 13 months. His team is also extending 20th, 21st, and 22nd Streets, thereby reducing the traffic flow on 19th.
Alexander and Irving fielded numerous questions, including several on the following topics:
Parking. Plans anticipate 330 underground parking spaces under the retail space – none under the hotel – and 400+ bike spaces. A lively discussion ensued, led by long-time, Burke Street resident Carolyn Coppedge. She is convinced that residential streets will attract more vehicles than costly underground parking and averred that an unprecedented number of vehicles lacking DC tags already park on her street and complicate egress to 19th Street, SE. Others expressed parallel concerns about the impact on residential streets of the hotel’s projected valet-parking services.
Community benefits agreement. In response to a statement that ANC 7D would like to be brought into this process, Alexander said that “legally speaking” the negotiation would only be with ANC 7F but “we will keep you updated.” Nkosi interjected that creating a conversation between those legally responsible and the community was “a driver behind this effort.”
The Anacostia River Park and Trail. Access to the river and trail from the RFK “fairground” area is “dicey,” said Will Middleton. He and other neighbors wanted to know what is being done to improve access to the Anacostia River and Trail and whether these key amenities, owned by the federal government, appear in a R-13 master plan. Charles responded that his team is hoping to obtain a small parcel of federal land needed by the design team to connect to the river and extend one of its parks. Alexander referenced a letter to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on this issue and offered to provide a copy to attendees so “we can lobby together.”
Co-living units. Alexander explained that co-living units are 3-to-4 bedroom units whose occupants will share the cost of rent. Common Property Management will manage these units, projected to attract unrelated people: students, the military, and people working temporary jobs.
The 150-room hotel. Projected to be a Marriott, it is positioned for “whatever comes” to the RFK site, which is a designated events space. Its location does not presuppose an NFL stadium.
As time ran out for more questions, Bradley stated that the Hill East Civic Association aims to be an ongoing forum where neighbors can continue to express their concerns, find answers to questions, and make suggestions. Additional issues brought up at the meeting included the addition of a free municipal parking lot, an ombudsman who receives and forwards complaints related to construction (such as cracks in nearby homes and invading rodents), and a web page that posts up-to-date news on Reservation 13 and neighbor feedback.
The Hill East Civic Association has not yet incorporated or stood up a board but has already filled a clear need: informing and giving voice to the diverse community living in the area bounded by 15th Street, SE, East Capitol, SE, and the Anacostia River. Its stated mission goals and objectives include:
a clear and unified voice on the impact and/or contribution of local and federal economic development decisions to the general welfare of the Hill East community.
active community engagement in arts and entertainment.
public education resources that serve the community’s resident children and families.
strategies and resources that serve the needs of resident seniors.
For CHC’s post on the timeline for R-13 Phase II Development, go here: https://bit.ly/3HRNIX3
The Rumsey renovation will include space for small businesses and vendors as well as seniors. The DC budget which the City Council approved last Tuesday contained full funding for the renovation of Rumsey Aquatic Center to add a second floor for seniors and additional space on the ground floor to support Eastern Market vendors, DC makers, and small businesses. The project will also include renovation of the pool. According to CM Charles Allen, who pushed for the funding the Rumsey project, the Mayor has nixed the idea of pursuing senior housing at Rumsey but, he says, initial plans provide for significant space for an upstairs programming for senior services space that would also be able to utilize the pool for expanded services and activities. The second and final vote on the budget will be on May 30.
There’s talk about reopening the Rumsey Center’s entrance on C Street. Not many residents know that the entrance to the Rumsey Aquatic Court was once on C Street, SE. Here’s a street view of the south side of the building.
The former Kenny’s BBQ takes on new life. According to @BarredinDC, the Popal restaurateur clan who opened Lutece (Georgetown), Lapis (Adams Morgan), and the now –closed Berliner (Georgetown Waterfront) plans to reopen the former Kenny’s BBQ at 723 Maryland Avenue, NE, as a Mexican restaurant named Pascual. Kenny’s BBQ closed suddenly without explanation in July of 2022.
Here’s a view of the on-going buildout.
ICYMI Redevelopment of Union Station. May 12, the Federal Railroad Administration released a revised concept for the $8.8 billion renovation. Comments are welcome until July 6, after which a final review will occur and planning for construction will begin. The FRA will hold two public hearings next month. This will be the first renovation of the 115 year old station in thirty years. The rendering of the new train hall is from U.S. Fine Arts Commission.
There’s some new paint on The Fridge. But sadly, the gallery currently seems to be dormant.
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 21, 2023
Monday, May 22
ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
CRYSP—a discussion of ideas for improving Lot 6 of RFK Campus with Anne Corbett CRYSP is an organization which advocates for recreational facilities for local residents and manages The Fields at RFK Campus forEvents, DC. For more info, go here: https://cryspdc.org/
ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold an in-person meeting on Monday, May 22, 7:00pm, in Southeast Library, lower level.
Agenda:
Discussion of prospects for interim library space and an update about the effect of renovation on nearby residents.
Tuesday, May 23
ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of application by Kitchencray H LLC t/a Kitchen Cray at 1301 H Street, NE, for Substantial Changes to its existing license.
ANC6B Parks and Public Space Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at 7pm at 700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
Agenda:
This initial meeting of the task force will involve identifying issues, problems and opportunities, establishing boundaries, and evaluating promising procedural strategies. Our meeting will necessarily consider also a brand new issue within our committee’s purview: a recent report that is highly critical of the actual service that the National Park Service provides for DC parks. See here: https://go.gwu.edu/npsreport
Julie Rupert, Assistant Chief of the Juvenile System, Office of the Attorney General, (OAG)
ANC6B Special Committee on Public Safety (file photo)
OAG Juvenile Justice Official Talks about Balancing Accountability and Rehabilitation
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 17, 2023
Monday night, Julie Rupert, Assistant Chief of the Juvenile System, Office of the Attorney General, (OAG) gave an overview of the Office of the Attorney General’s Juvenile Justice System to ANC6B’s Special Committee on Public Safety.
Some of the main takeaways:
There has been an increase in certain types of offenses by juveniles – car thefts, carjackings, gun possession and shootings., more now than pre-pandemic. (“The media would have you believe there are much much more,” Rupert said.)
Generally, OAG policy is they don’t charge youths under 13 but there are exceptions and some 12 year olds are charged if their behavior presents a significant danger or has occurred repeatedly and OAG believes the criminal justice system has to get involved – that there needs to be accountability and services put in place.
It is hard to say what the causes are, but the pandemic left many youths unsupervised and in unstructured environments with neighborhood mentors instead of school-based mentors.
The OAG is processing fewer cases today than pre-pandemic because they are filtering out cases that don’t need to be in the juvenile justice system and are connecting youths with more pre-charging services.
Addressing the revolving door between the justice system and poor neighborhood environments will be an difficult expensive process.
The following is a summary of Ruperts remarks on the OAG and prosecution of delinquent juveniles which she made to ANC6B’s Committee.
The OAG Juvenile Justice System is similar to the adult criminal justice system but the activities, mechanics and procedures vary. The juvenile system deals with those under the age of 18 who have committed crimes in DC. Charges can only brought against youths under 18 – but supervision extends to an individual’s 21st birthday. The Juvenile Division is focused on rehabilitation – driven by the belief that rehabilitation is the best way to reduce recidivism.
Youths can either be arrested based on probable cause or by submission of a request to OAG which generally comes after an MPD investigation. OAG reviews the facts and if it finds merit submits it to the court which decides if an arrest should be made.
Once an arrest is made the individual is presented to the court within 24 hours. The youth is on a lock up list and the OAG has to make a decision whether to charge the case in juvenile court.
If the AG is considering charging the case, OAG has to decide if there is probable cause and whether the evidence supports proving a case beyond reasonable doubt. If the evidence is deficient and OG can’t prove the charge, they would not prosecute and case ends there – unless it’s diverted.
If not charged, and the alleged offense is lower level, non-violent, and the alleged offender’s first time, OAG has the option of diversion: referring the youth to a program of pretrial supervision with case workers similar to probation officers who connect youths to mental health assessment or other community-based services. Participation is voluntary and the family agrees to take part in the diversionary program.
At the Initial arraignment if the AG seeks pretrial detention OAG has to show probable cause at a hearing and needs to have a witness appear before an arraignment judge in Superior Court – a mini-trial. The court hears what the individual is accused of and if the judge finds probable cause, the court can order detention or pre-trial placement. In that case the government has to show significant risk to persons or property and no life restrictive needs. Currently, there is a “least restricting or no detention presumption” for most offenses but a judge may order security detention. Several years ago, the city council passed a law setting presumption in favor of detention for violent offenders.
If OAG charges a case, it begins the life cycle of the Juvenile Justice System.
The case can be resolved by a plea, a trial, or by different court programs. The Juvenile Justice Diversion program addresses special needs and focuses on mental health services involving frequent appearances in court. For example, the HOPE Court (Here Opportunities Prepare you for Excellence) is for victims of sex trafficking. These options involve different tracking levels – youths can be sentenced with a plea, without a plea, or as a condition of post-sentencing.
In Juvenile Court, sentencing is called disposition. There are only two options for disposition:
Probation – community based supervision by the court’s social services division which handles both pre-trial and post-trial supervision. Probation can only be for a maximum of one year and a judge decides the conditions, and
Commitment to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and that can be for any period of time up to the person’s 21st It’s a common misperception that commitment means being sent to the juvenile detention center, but that is one of three options.
Commitment can be to a DC government agency independent of the court which has legal custody and supervision, and the agency decides where the youth lives and goes to school and other conditions.
Commitment can mean the youth remains at home or in a mid-level staff-secure group home with different kinds of treatment and services, and with ability to leave the building.
The highest level of commitment involving someone who the court feels is a danger to the community or presents the danger of committing a violent offense or for a multiple offender or where other ways have already been, is commitment to a secure facility in Laurel, MD. Commitment is not for a length of time, but to a program which typically lasts nine months to a year.
Community criminal justice advocate Anthony Petty with Neighbors for Justice, offered his insight regarding the need to relocate youths once they leave the structured environment of the rehabilitation system. Petty says there are currently no relocation programs and youths don’t have lot options to place kids once they leave institutions. He said, “They leave and just run wild and go back to the same environment and there’s a good chance kids go back doing same things they have always done. Once youths in the system go home, the structure is not here and in the households they’ve been living in it’s very hard to change. They speak about their safety – it’s their number one issue – and the only way they feel safe is to arm themselves.”
Rupert said that it takes a multi-prong approach involving education, housing, and jobs – a multi-system approach is needed to be successful in breaking the barriers to a successful transition.
The Special Committee on Public Safety will meet next in mid-June and will discuss the Office of Unified Communications and the recent failure of the 911 System.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 