CAPITOL HILL CORNER

CM Charles Allen at his community office hours this morning at The Roost.

CM Charles Allen Reacts to Commanders Sale and What It Means for RFK

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 21, 2023

With the sale of the Washington Commanders to the Josh Harris group, a top priority for the new owners will be a new stadium.  It appears that the selection of a new stadium site is wide open with executives going back to the drawing board to on the site selection process. 

RFK is one of some six options, but the site is owned by the federal government and the lease to DC includes restriction on how the land can be used.   

The RFK site is in Ward 7 since redistricting in 2012 (an earlier version of this post said January of this year).   Since January, Ward 7 encompasses Hill East east of 15th Street, thus theneighborhoods lying closest to RFK border on Ward 6 and will feel the effects of any new development on the RFK site.  CM Charles Allen was a strong opponent of a new stadium at RFK when the site was part of Ward 6 and has not changed his opposition. 

At his regularly scheduled community office hours this morning at The Roost, CHC asked Allen for his reaction to the sale and how it might affect the chances for a new Commanders Stadium at the RFK site in Hill East. 

Allen said, “Everybody is pretty excited to see Dan Snyder go, but outside of that I think it provides an opportunity for the whole franchise to kind of reboot for a team that DC has a lot of excitement and nostalgia about.  That still doesn’t mean to me that a NFL stadium at RFK is a good idea.  It is proven and shown that an NFL stadium is not a good development tool; it doesn’t matter how many pretty pictures they are going to show you of buildings and parks and development – it is not an effective tool.  So I still don’t support an NFL stadium at RFK just because you have a better billionaire.  It would require a massive, massive subsidy of your taxpayer dollars that we frankly don’t have.”

Asked for his preference for developing the RFK site, Allen said, “Housing, parks, businesses, retail – it’s right on top of Metro.  I would rather use that kind of Metro where you can get transit oriented development to be an everyday type of use and build more city – build more housing – than something that’s going to be used eight days a year.” 

Asked if he foresaw action within the DC government either to promote or oppose using the RFK site for a new stadium, Allen said:  “Not right now.  I think what you’re going to see is an absolute epic bidding war between Virginia – who has surplus revenue and a Republican governor who would love to yield whatever the NFL wants and I think you’ve got Maryland which already has a stadium and a really compelling story about how to redevelop that entire site in a different vision – and some people in DC who want to throw the bank at it as well.  So I think you’re going to see really big bidding war and that usually isn’t good for the taxpayer.   

Asked what he thought would happen next within the DC government, Allen said:  The first step think you’re go to see and – what I hear will be introduced later today – is that James Comer (Rep. James Comer, Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability) will introduce legislation providing that DC will have a 99 year lease on the site and that is a good thing – in that DC should have control of that land – we want that.  It is my understanding that he is including language which would allow for an NFL stadium.  And that’s not what I want to see there and not what a lot of other people want to see at that site.  I just don’t think that’s the best decision for the city.  But of course, we do and should want control of that land so we can build the type of expanded services and housing that the city really needs.“  (Comer’s bill would reportedly extend DC’s lease for the RFK site for 99 years and allow for construction of a stadium or mixed use development, but would not include a land sale.)

Most residents in Hill East, including those in Ward 7 ANC single member districts west of the Anacostia River, oppose developing a new stadium at the RFK site.  The rest of Ward 7 lying east of the river appear to be more supportive of a new stadium at the site, in part for nostalgic reasons, in part for what is seen as the potential economic benefits for Ward 7.

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe (at left) reported last week – following a conversation with CM Charles Allen at the councilmember’s Hype Café community office hours – that Allen said it will take a cultural change at DOB to affect commercialization of residences.  Now Allen says, Brian Hanlon, the new Acting Director of DOB will make it a priority. 

The new Acting Director of DOB Brian Hanlon is a registered architect with more than 35 years of private and public sector experience.  He worked in District government as the Executive Program Manager at the Department of Real Estate and was the first permanent Director of the Department of General Services (DGS).  He was responsible for $2.3 billion in new construction, renovation, and other capital projects including schools, parks, recreation facilities, office buildings, laboratories, senior centers, police stations, fire stations, and residential shelter facilities during his tenure.   He lives on Capitol Hill not far from Eastern Market. (In an earlier post, CHC mis-identified Hanlon. CHC regrets the error.)

CM Charles Allen Stakes Out His Position on Commercial Use of Residential Properties https://bit.ly/3ryBxIA

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 18, 2023

On Tuesday afternoon, CM Charles Allen said new Department of Buildings Director Brian Hanlon had committed to him that he would make the issue of commercial use of residential properties a priority. 

The statement came in response to an email from Valerie Jablow, community activist and education blogger, who earlier in the day had sent Allen an email signed by ten neighbors who are concerned about the effects on the community when corporations and non-profits buy residential properties and use them for commercial purposes. 

The text of Allen’s email is as follows: 

“I share the frustration of neighbors with the inaction from several of the agencies.  We’ve brought properties up repeatedly to DOB and others with little or no action taken.  Recently, with the appointment of Brian Hanlon as the new DOB Director, I sat down with him to talk about his priorities. I’ve known Mr. Hanlon for a number of years and think very highly of him.  He lives on Capitol Hill and I pressed him on this issue of residential buildings being used illegally.  As a neighbor close to this issue, I urged him to see this as a more serious problem that needs action from DOB.  He committed to me that as the DOB Director, he would make this a priority and I’m going to work with him to ensure that …. I want to hold him to this commitment and I trust that I’ll be able to work in partnership with the ANC on this well.”

In her email earlier Tuesday to Allen, Jablow asked him to “demand DLCP, DOB, and OTR enforce zoning, building, and business regulations and proper taxation for properties reported to them as being used solely for corporate events.”

Adding, “Without your urgent action, we fear businesses will continue to be incentivized to use our neighborhood’s residential properties for corporate activities because it is cheaper than using commercial space in our Capitol-adjacent neighborhood and, as we have seen, there is no effective oversight.” 

That email followed a statement Jablow delivered last week to ANC6C in which she appealed to the ANC to join with ANC6B to “ensure our neighborhood houses are not used illegally as offices or corporate event spaces.” 

Part of her statement follows: 

“Earlier this year, I told you about several houses in our ANC apparently used solely for corporate functions—despite their tax coding as primarily residences.

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) only cared whether the properties were rented out for corporate functions – but they aren’t, because the businesses that use them thusly own them.  The Department of Buildings (DOB) only cared whether the houses were vacant – which is not exactly true, because they are used for corporate events regularly.  And the office of tax and revenue appeared uninterested in possible tax fraud, despite the clear violation of tax coding.

But those properties are hardly the only ones in our ANC that are … inappropriately used by way of exploiting ineffective DLCP and DOB oversight.  So I am here to ask, again, for you to work with ANC6B in demanding that those same agencies define how a corporation “resides” in a house and in ensuring our neighborhood houses are not used illegally as offices or corporate event spaces.

One path forward may be pressing both DLCP and DOB to work with the office of tax and revenue to ensure that tax coding for a property matches its main use – i.e., changing the coding to a more expensive commercial rate….

In response, ANC6C Chair Mark Eckenwiler noted that he had had a number of exchanges with Ms. Jablow about this and said that if there’s unlicensed activity going on that should be addressed. 

Commissioner Joel Kelty said that he thought the issue should be discussed at the committee level, adding that he was “somewhat sympathetic to (Jablow’s) concerns…I feel that many of these uses are potentially running afoul of the zoning regulations and I do actually … understand and agree with her comments on properties being used for commercial use but being taxed as residential property.…” He said he would encourage putting this on the agenda for the next Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development committee at the next meeting.   Eckenweiler, who chairs the Committee, supported Kelty’s suggestion. 

Honey Made Boutique at 727 8th Street, SE, has pulled up stakes for unknown reasons.  A June 25 Tweet announced their last day on Barracks Row, but added, “we will be back.”  In January of 2022, the shop made national news when President Biden stopped in to demonstrate his support of small businesses.  Biden bought a necklace, a sweatshirt and a mug featuring VP Kamala Harris. https://twitter.com/honeymadedc?lang=en

I Egg You has hired well-known liquor license lawyer Andrew Klein to shepherd their application for a restaurant liquor license through the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration.  Last April, the application ran into opposition from the restaurant’s across-the alley-neighbors who are pressuring ANC6B to require the I Egg You to adopt best practices regarding trash, odor and noise management.  The attorney and the ANC went into mediation last Wednesday and ANC6B ABCA Committee Chander  Jayaraman is brokering a meeting between neighbors and the restaurant representatives.  Klein has a take-no-prisoners style of litigating. 

Here’s what I like to think of as the Sherlock Holmes reading nook at Capitol Hill Books, across from Eastern Market.

Eastern Market Lunch, circa 11:00am, draws a mid-July Sunday morning crowd.

ANC6A05 Commissioner Laura Gentile announces resignation.  Thursday night, Gentile announced she was resigning, effective at the end of July.  She said, “It was a difficult decision, but based on a new job and promotion (at EPA) I…just don’t have the time I did before and I’m not able to give the time necessary for this role.”

The Board of Elections will announce the vacancy sometime in August and there will be a special election in September.  Gentile said several folks have reached out to her indicating they might want to run “so there are people who are definitely interested.”

She said, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with all of you – it’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together….It’s been an honor and I’ll be supporting you from the sidelines.”

Here’s a piece by Julie Byrne “Peony Portrait” currently on exhibit in the juried art show at Hill Center.  The artist used colored pencil – a medium not often seen in local shows. 

Here’s some more information on the exhibit which runs through September 10. 

Ward 6 Week – Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22

Here’s a list of this year’s annual Ward 6 Week events:

Tuesday, July 18

• Ward 6 Day Trivia Night at Union Pub, 301 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  7:00pm-9:00pm.

Wednesday, July 19

• Ward 6 Day at Artechouse – Timeless Butterflies Exhibit.  1238 Maryland Avenue, SW.
• Tunes in the Triangle – Concert by Michael Bard’s Duo Caliente.  Milian Park, 499 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. 

Thursday, July 20

• Ward 6 Day at National building Museum – Summer Block Party Exhibit. 
• Ward 6 National Youth Academy Summer Plan.  Free developmental baseball/softball clinic for kids 5 – 12. 

Friday, July 21

• CM Charles Allen holds community office hours at The Roost, 9:00am – 10:30am.  1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
• Friday Night Jazz at Eastern Market Metro Plaza 5:00pm – 6:30pm.

Saturday, July 22

• Lemonade Stand Contest
• Ward 6 Day at Nats Park.  Limited number of free tickets, RSVP by 5:00pm on Monday, July 17. 

Go here for more info and/or to RSVP  https://www.charlesallenward6.com/calendar?utm_campaign=2023_7_11_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=charlesallendc

The Rest of The Week Ahead:

The Week Ahead…Ward 6 Week Schedule & Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 16, 2023

Monday, July 17

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

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

Among items on the agenda:  TBA

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Update from the Florida Avenue, NE, project team since the June 2023 ANC6A TPS Committee meeting and subsequent walk through with Commissioner Chatterjee and Team.  (TBC: Mr. Mohamed Dahir, Nandlal Gevaria), Washington Gas.
• 10th and F Street, NE: Request to add raised crosswalks and consider other sidewalk and traffic safety modifications.
• Public Space Construction Permit Application at 1101 H Street, NE.
• Maury Elementary School Parking Zone update and request for comment, (Jason Meggs, DDOT).

DDOT plans to install School Parking Zone Permit Only signage to replace the existing “DCPS Authorized Vehicles” signage on the east side of Maury Elementary, located at 1250 Constitution Ave NE.

• 14th Street and Tennessee, NE, safety walk.

Tuesday, July 18

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

• Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, July 19

ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Resolution of previously heard BZA/HPRB cases.
• 1244/1246 H Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for a Special Exception to permit a fast food establishment use, to an existing, attached, two-story commercial building. 
• 1371/1375 H Street, NE.  Request for a Special Exception to construct a new, attached, six-story with roof deck, 30-unit, mixed use building.

Friday, July 21

• CM Charles Allen holds community office hours at The Roost, 9:00am – 10:30am. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
• Friday Night Live Jazz at 5:00pm on Eastern Market Metro Plaza. 

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. 

Here’s a link to the Washington Post’s 1985 article:  https://bit.ly/44k1ry7

Councilmember Charles Allen held community office hours at Hype Café, at 11^th 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 7^th and North Carolina Avenue.  Funding has been approved for the installation of security bollards to better protect 7^th 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 8^th 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.

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

Among items on the agenda: 

• Follow-Up Discussion: City 911 System
• Status of Recommendations from 06/12/2023 Meeting
• Councilmember Brook Pinto – Pending
• Councilmember Pinto Fare Evasion Legislation
• Identify Agenda Items and Potential Expert/Guest Speakers for Next Meeting

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

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

Agenda:

• Committee business and agenda for the July meeting of the full commission.

Tuesday, July 11

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: 

• Presentations:  Sukrit Mishra – Solar 101
• 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 13^th 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 13^th 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.

Wednesday, July 12

ANC6C holds 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:

Consent Calendar

• Notice of intent for K Street Protected Bike Lane
• NY Avenue Trail
• Chop Shop DC/Nice N Easy.  Protest Class C Tavern License.
• Zoning regulations amendments. 

Plenary Agenda

• 601 Massachusetts Avenue – Capitol Bikeshare Docking Staation
• Two Rivers Public Charter School – School Parking Zone (SPZ)
• ANC 6A Sidewalk Survey Results
• National Park Services properties discussion.
• 616 7th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for rear deck.
• Grant for Capitol Hill Cluster/Peabody
• Proposed letter on 1165 3rd Street, NE.   

Thursday, July 13

ANC6A 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 agenda: 

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 12^th 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 8^th 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 15^th Street and at 15^th 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.

Earl Ronald “Doc” Payne. Photo: Nicky Sundt

R.I.P. “Doc” Payne

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 6, 2023

“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.  

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 5, 2023

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.

Tommy Wells,fFormer Ward 6 Council Member and current Director of the DC Mayor’s Office of
Policy and Legislative Affairs stood in for Mayor Bowser.

And DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb did as well.

Community activist Peterbug Matthews was there.

… and local businesses marched – Leah Daniels of Hill’s Kitchen and behind to her left, KathleenDonahue of Labyrinth.

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.

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.

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 4^th Parade starts at 10:00am. 

Wednesday, July 5

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 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 13^th 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.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 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.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on 17th Street, SE, (Barney to Potomac).  Notice of Intent (tentative).
• DDOT Presentation on Crosswalk at 6th and E Streets, SE. (tentative).
• DDOT Presentation on 295 and 11th Street, SE, (tentative).
• ANC 6B Electric Vehicle Testimony
• Raised Crosswalk Request at the Intersection of 13th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, SE.
• Report for the Transportation Committee

Thursday, July 6

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 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

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

Friends of Southeast Library will hold an in-person meeting at 5:30pm in Southeast Library, lower level.