Last Sunday, Capitol Hill Corner reported that sources say that the controversial oculus project is dead. The project had envisioned removing the central circulation desk in the Main Reading Room to make way for a 24 foot oculus affording visitors a view of the interior dome from a new Orientation Gallery on the floor below.
Capitol Hill Corner has confirmed that the oculus project has been cancelled. According to Brett Zongker, Chief of Media Relations, LOC, some changes to the plan to make the LOC a friendlier visitors’ destination were necessary due to “budget overruns and a suboptimal design that has emerged from the design process.”
In a November 14, 2022 letter to Senator Roy Blunt, Ranking Member of the Committee on Rules & Administration which oversees the Library, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said:
“Preparations are underway to create a new 8,600 square foot orientation gallery… The Library recently received the final design plans with associated budget and schedule requirements for the oculus feature proposed as a centerpiece of the Orientation Gallery. Several changes required during the construction design process resulted in a significantly less impactful and engaging outcome, including the addition of fire safety equipment that reduced the size of oculus from a diameter of 24 feet to 16 feet. At the same time, the cost for the feature escalated considerably, and the Architect of the Capitol estimated that they would require additional time to complete construction for the Orientation Gallery, based on the final oculus design plans.
The suboptimal design, significant increase in cost, and unacceptable extension of the entire project’s timeline led the Library to make the difficult decision to eliminate the oculus from the Orientation Gallery plans. The Library’s leadership will move quickly to develop a new approach that will enhance the Orientation Gallery’s design, while minimizing the budget and timeline impacts on the overall project.
While we are disappointed that the new Orientation Gallery will no longer provide visitors with the new and exciting perspective into the Main Reading Room that we initially envisioned, plans for a glass vestibule extending from the Great Hall entrance into the Main Reading Room for visitors will also move forward…..”
The plan, which would have eliminated all – and then part under a revised oculus concept – of the historic central circulating desk in the Main Reading Room drew wide opposition from preservationists. Recently, The Society of Architectural Historians released a September 8, 2022, letter from the SAH Heritage Conservation Committee to Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla D. Hayden opposing the proposed alterations to the Main Reading Room. See here: https://bit.ly/3HtWrhY
Zongker told Capitol Hill Corner: “We will provide updates on the project as the designs are further refined and finalized.”
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Another CBD (read weed gifting) outlet on Barracks Row. Strawana opened at 427 8th Street, S.E., in the space formerly occupied by the sneaker laundry Sole Wash next to the 7-11. When it opens across the street, Mother Blossom – where the buildout is underway – will be the second CBD/weed gifting outlet on the 400 block of Barracks Row. There are several CBD/weed gifting outlets on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on the 500 block and the 1100 block. Last April, the City Council voted down a proposal to close down weed gifting shops. Some councilmembers said gifting would move to a harder-to-monitor delivery service while others decried stifling entrepreneurship. Those who voted against the bill (which fell one short of the 9 votes needed for emergency legislation) were Silverman, George, Henderson, Robert C. White, and Trayon White. Sole Wash has relocated to The Yards at Eastern Market –700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Suite 2066.
Here’s a shot from last Friday of the Christmas tree in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. You’ll need a timed entry pass to get in to see it. Go here: https://www.loc.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/
And speaking of which, here’s a shot of the Library’s Main Reading Room and the central desk which is the subject of a controversial plan which would entail removal of the center tower to permit construction of an oculus window giving visitors on the floor below a view of the interior dome of the Library. One of the LOC volunteers who are present to answer questions said that the oculus project was dead. (Later, a second source told CHC it had been scrubbed a few weeks ago.) In November, The Society of Architectural Historians released a September 8, 2022, letter from the SAH Heritage Conservation Committee to Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla D. Hayden in opposition to the proposed alterations to the Main Reading Room. See here: https://bit.ly/3HtWrhY
Across the way, here’s a shot of the Capitol Christmas Tree. This year’s tree is a 78 foot red spruce from North Carolina. Nicknamed “Ruby” the tree is decorated – according to tradition – with handmade ornaments from residents of North Carolina.
Thursday, December 8, saw the 100th anniversary of South East Library. The hope was to have the renovation done in time to re-open the Library on the date of its anniversary – but, bureaucratic delays, you know….
Last Thursday was the last meeting of the current members of ANC6A. The business of the commission was routine and was followed by commissioner comments on the accomplishments of the commission and expressions of thanks from Chair Amber Gove. When the Commission convenes in January 2023, it will be a 7 members commission (down one seat from the current 8, owing to redistricting) and will be comprised of ANC6A01 Keya Chatterjee, 6A02 Mike Velasquez, 6A03 Roberta Shapiro, 6A04 Amber Gove, 643, 6A05 Laura Gentile, 6A06 Robb Dooling, and 6A07 Stephen Moilanen.
Rose’s at Home, 721 8th Street, SE. Class “C” Restaurant License: Request for Stipulated License for Internet Sales, Hours: 7am-12am.
531 12th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application – Concept Review. Third story-addition and roof deck garden, new front window well and expanded areaway.
647 G Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application – Concept Review. New three-story rear addition.
Taqueria Rosticeria Fresca, 701 H Street, NE. Liquor License Application. Class C restaurant license – entertainment endorsement.
Elevate, 15 K Street, NW. Liquor License Application. Class C tavern license – renewal.
Hillsdale College, 219-299 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Public Space Application. Plaza alterations.
Discussion: Metro for D.C – Free bus fare beginning July 1.
301 Florida Avenue, NE. Public Space Application. 115 unit all-affordable housing community development and building projections for proposed affordable housing.
FedEx, 300 Maryland Avenue, NE. Public Space Application. Knee wall to 30”.
Discussion: K Street NE, safety issues. K Street underpass and corridor generally.
Discussion: 3rd and 4th Streets NE – Truck traffic concerns.
775 H Street, NE. Informational presentation, zoning map amendment, change from zone NC-16 to NC-17.
507 Florida Avenue, NE. Discussion of potential BZA appeal of permit to remove cornice and mansard.
Mott’s Neighborhood Market LLC President Mike Skinner receives the Civic Pride Award.
Jerome Jefferies – The “Mayor of 10th Street, NE.”
Brickies Awarded to Save Mott’s Market and to the “Mayor” of 10th Street SE
by Hilary Russell
At the 16th Annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards at the Hill Center, Councilmember Charles Allen presented inscribed commemorative plaques attached to bricks to the five winners of a very competitive nomination process, along with short videos that highlighted their invaluable contributions to our ward.
Capitol Hill residents turned out in force Wednesday night to celebrate Jerome Jeffries, winner of the Neighbor Award. Jeffries grew up on 10th Street, NE, and tirelessly looks out for the interests of residents and provides innumerable volunteer services, including raking leaves and shoveling snow.
It came as no surprise to followers of this blog that Save Mott’s Market won the Civic Pride Award. The complex and ingenious grassroots campaign to save the historic corner store on 12th Street, SE, “…represents the best of what we’re all capable of,” said Allen, noting the importance of small businesses that bring the community together. One such enterprise, The Queen Vic on H Street, NE, won the Business Award.
Friends of Southwest DC received the Community Organization Award. Southwest was also represented by Nathaniel “Coach Skip” Green of DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation, winner of the Public Service Award for his outstanding success in engaging youth in sports.
A scene from Wednesday night’s Brickie Award Ceremony at Hill Center.
The event attracted a wide range of local sponsors, including providers of delicious food and drink for attendees. The Annual Brickie Awards in December recognize the people and organizations that strengthen Capitol Hill and help to make it a special community.
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Eastern Market Advisory Committee Plans Restructure to Focus on Future Health of Market
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 5, 2022
Last Wednesday night, the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), began consideration of a series of restructuring moves prompted by long standing concerns over the future of the Market. The concerns have been heightened by a growing recognition of Eastern Market’s vulnerability in terms of support from the city owing to erosion of the tax base because of continuing stress in the commercial real estate market.
EMCAC is a community-based advisory body and has no real power re governance of the Market. The Market is managed by the Department of General Services (DGS), which is not really in the business of running a business, and though DGS’s management has been adequate for the day to day management of operations, the agency itself appears to have little interest in utilizing city resources to invest in the long term financial well-being of the Market. EMCAC appears ready to step in to fill the vacuum and seems to have the support of Ward 6 CM Charles Allen.
The restructuring proposals came out of a brain-storming retreat on November 9, where EMCAC members and Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson came up with a list of politically and financially feasible actions meant to further the goal of promoting financial stability of the market.
Several of the proposals were brought up for consideration at last Wednesday’s meeting. These proposals are part of a larger plan which will be pursued depending on early success of the initial actions.
The first action EMCAC agreed to was to consider the expansion of EMCAC membership and to reorganize EMCAC’s committee structure. Currently the Eastern Market statute limits EMCAC voting membership to 11 members. There is one seat vacant. The statute allows bringing on new members by a 75% vote of EMCAC but once the 11 seats are filled, new non-voting member organizations can also be added by 75% vote. According to EMCAC Chair Chuck Burger, this action item will include taking a look at tweaking the law to allow more voting members. Under the statute, potentially eligible new organizations must be broad-based and long standing in the community. The committee authorized Burger to seek out potential organizations and submit a list of possible candidates for discussion.
In conjunction with expanding EMCAC, the committee considered a proposal to re-organize and expand EMCAC’s committee structure. The need for at least one new committee in particular was cited – an Outreach Standing Committee to manage digital and social media outreach as well as oversee outreach to solicit new EMCAC volunteers. Burger said he would make recommendations regarding a new committee structure including the establishment of a new committee and detail the responsibilities of each committee by January.
EMCAC also agreed to a third action, to explore establishing EMCAC as a 501C3. According to Burger, nothing currently bars EMCAC from going out and raising money, but funds raised go into a city-controlled Enterprise Fund. Burger said, “If we raise money [for operational costs], we want to control it.” He said this would require a minor tweak of the legislation, and the committee authorized EMCAC Treasurer Tom Kuchenburg to investigate the possibility of setting up EMCAC as a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Further initiatives are expected to be forthcoming, building on the success of the initial proposals. In addition to the major initiatives above, the Committee also agreed to several other proposals which were generated in the retreat. Among these:
Obtaining a “seat at the table” to discuss the update of the Natatorium. The city is expected to begin discussions next spring with the issuance of a Request for Proposals for concepts regarding what can be done on the renovation of the city-owned building. EMCAC wants to insure they have a voice for input, influence and information in the planning process.
Creating an Emergency Response Subcommittee to discuss security and safety and examining both the need and the cost benefits ratio.
Creating a plaque to honor long time EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder.
Investigating the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing leases for the inside South Hall Vendors vs keeping the status quo of no leases.
EMCAC will not meet in December, and will next meet on Wednesday, January 25th.
Enrollment up at Eastern High. Last Monday night, ANC6B’s Community Outreach Committee held its virtual annual education forum and heard from several principals and officials from Capitol Hill Schools. Among them was the new principal of Eastern High, Steve Miller. Miller reported that enrollment at Eastern High continues to increase and is projected to increase next school year: (2021 – 728) (2022-2023 – 835) (2023-2024 – projected 895). Miller attributed the growth to “the strength of a lot of the schools feeding into us and as the result of more families choosing to stay on the Hill.”
Among wide range of education and extra curricular opportunities offered by Eastern High: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (early college credit in HS), Honors Cohorts, NAF Academy of Health Services (grads are EMT certified), 18+ Athletic teams, E-Sports Team, The Blue and White Marching Machine Band and Lady Gems Dance Squad, and JROTC cadet training.
Since the committee will not meet in December, the night’s meeting was the last for resident Chair Roni Hamilton’s since redistricting placed her residence in Ward 7 as of January 1.
Here’s a photo of Eastern Marker’s North Hall on Saturday afternoon – many street vendors had opted to set up inside owing to the heavy rain earlier in the day.
Some vendors displayed offerings outside the market after the weather cleared in the afternoon.
Kashmir Boutiques at 760 C Street is closing its doors. The shop opened on July 1, 2021.
Last week, the Capitol Hill Christmas tree (in the background) nicknamed “Big George” after George Didden, was lit to great fanfare and large crowds. Meanwhile, a companion tree – ” Little George” – maintains a stately presence near the playground on the NE quadrant of the Metro Plaza.
Safety improvements at West Virginia Avenue NE and 8th Street NE & West Virginia Avenue, NE and 9th Street, NE – District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
Consent Agenda
Community Outreach Committee
Motion that ANC6A honor Edna Jane “EJ” Truax with the ANC 6A Good Neighbor Award at the December 2022 ANC 6A meeting.
Alcohol Beverage Licensing
Motion that ANC6A recognize a change in the membership of the ABL Committee, reflecting the departures from the Committee of Ian Stanford (as of 11/1/2022) and Mona Hatoum (as of 12/1/2022), and the upcoming departure of Mike Velazquez (as of 1/1/2023), resulting in an ABL Committee membership consisting of incumbent members Erin Sullivan, Kara Hughley, Joe Krisch, and Mike Velasquez as of 12/1/2022, and Sullivan, Hughley, and Krisch as of 1/1/2023.
Motion that ANC6A write a letter of support in favor of Daru at 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of Hill Prince at 1337 H Street NE,for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of Nomad Hookah Bar at 1200 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of Ocean Lounge at 1220 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC 6A take no action with regard to the application of The Pug/Toki Underground at 1234 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC6A take no action with regard to the application of The Haymaker Bar at 1015 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC6A write a letter of support in favor of The Elroy at 1423 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC6A oppose the license renewal application of On the Rocks, at 1242 H Street, NE, unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
Motion that ANC6A write a letter of support in favor of Bronze DC at 1245 H Street, NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application of Sol Mexican Grill at 1251 H Street NE, for renewal of its Class C Tavern License.
Motion that ANC 6A oppose the application by Cru Lounge at 1360 H Street, NE, for a Class C Restaurant License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date. Further, that if a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date, ANC 6A write a letter of support in favor of the applicant’s request for a stipulated license.
Motion that ANC6A oppose the application by Noble Convenience and Tobacco at 1305 H Street, NE, for a Class A Liquor Store License unless a settlement agreement is entered into prior to the protest date.
Transportation and Public Space
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT opposing Chick-Fil-A’s application for a taller fence because the DC code does not allow fences greater than the current 42 inches in public space, and exceptions are only for high-security sites such as embassies.
Motion that ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting that ANCs receive 30 days notice to review public space applications because ANCs meet only once a month.
Motion that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT recommending the installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of 16th and East Capitol Streets, NE and SE, and in that letter it should state that safety reasons necessitating the action are to mitigate crashes, and improve pedestrian, bicycle and student safety in the immediate area.
Motion that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting traffic calming or speed for the 300 to 700 blocks of 19th , NE, and in making that recommendation we would also reference various open TSIs for that stretch.
Motion that ANC6A send a letter to DDOT recommending the creation of a reasonably-sized loading zone on a portion of the 1500 block of East Capitol Street, NE (north side), recommend loading zone restrictions apply 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and allow the prevailing residential parking permit (RPP) designation with exceptions at all other times, recommend the ANC include in its letter a recommendation to install Zone 6 RPP signs with a 2-hour exception for any remaining curbside parking that is presently ambiguously signed and that is not used for a loading zone.
Economic Development and Zoning Committee
Motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the request for special exception zoning and other relief to construct two new, semi-detached, four-story, 4-unit, apartment houses at 1717 E Street, NE, in the RF-1 zone with the caveat that the owner make best efforts to get a letter of support from the neighbor at 1709 E Street, NE.
***
Plenary Session:
Economic Development and Zoning
Motion that ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for the request for specialbexception zoning and other relief to permit a health care facility for up to 15 persons in an existing, three-story, detached building at 1022 Maryland Avenue.
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Holiday Pop Up Art Sale at CHAW this Saturday 12pm-4pm
Posters – Cards – Prints – Paintings – Photography
Posters – Cards – Prints – Paintings – Photography
Location: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 7th Street, S.E.
Visit the Artists’ tables in the CHAW gallery for a wide range of artistic creations for your holiday shopping. Items include: cards, posters, original art and holiday-themed art.
Artists:
Carolyn Rondthaler
Anne Barnes
Karen Cohen
Grace Reynolds
Julie Byrne
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ICYMI, the Washington Business Journal reported that the city is considering bringing in a new developer for the Eastern Branch Boys and Girls Club at 261, 17th Street, SE. Many proposals have been put forth over the years, but none have borne fruit. Now Morningstar Community Development has a plan for 35 condos – 5 offered at 50% AMI, six at 80% AMI, and the remaining 24 at 120% AMI. The proposal envisions the city transferring the property to Morningstar for $1 which would permit development. DC regulations require that 30% of the units in developments on city-owned land be affordable. If the DC Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development approves the deal it would go to the full City Council for consideration. https://www.bizjournals.com/ (Thanks, Jeff Tara)
Also, ICYMI WAPO had an article on Chicago artist Jim Bachor who contracts with individuals and organization to fill potholes with concrete topped with a mosaic. This one, on H Street, NE in front of Solid State Books, was commissioned by #Relist/Wolves Campaign to relist the Rocky Mountain Norther Wolf as an endangered species. Bachlor has installed 108 pieces around the country, including Nashville, Philadelphia, NYC and Los Angeles. For more, go here: http://bit.ly/3ANDGBO
And speaking of installations, here’s Triple Candie’s latest – Spiderwoman’s Theater – on view at the former Li’l Pub, 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
The paint is barely dry on this mural on the north side of Goding Elementary School at 920 F Street, NE. The title is “Wings 2022” by Miss Chelove. Cita Sadeli, also known as Miss Chelove, is an independent Washington DC-based art director, muralist, designer and illustrator. She is the former Co-Founder of art + interactive agency Protein Media (based in Washington DC and Brooklyn, NYC). For more, see here: https://chelove.com/
Finally, here are three shots of the crowd at last night’s Capitol Hill Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The Week Ahead … & Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted, November 27, 2022
Monday, November 28
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Kathy Didden throws the switch and lights the Capitol Hill Christmas Tree on Saturday evening.
This year, the special programmed light show with music will play throughout December at the top of the hour from 5:00pm to 10pm. The display is being presented in partnership with Barracks Row Main Street and DC DPR.
Hundreds of Capitol Hill residents turned out for the lighting ceremony.
The local quartet Joyous Voices welcomed reverlers with holiday carols as the community gathered.
Patty Brosmer, President, Capitol HilllLBID, welcomed the crowd. The Capitol Hill Bid, along with Barrack Row Main Street and the DC Department of Public Works sponsored the event.
The Capitol Hill BID engaged Kojo Nnamdi, host of WAMU’s Political Hour, and Tom Sherwood, former WAPO reporter and current political analyst and City Paper congtributor, to be the Masters of Ceremony.
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s Suzuki Strings performed.
As did the Washington Youth Choir.
Ward 6 Councilmember Charls Allen called the event the marquee for the Eastern Market Plaza space and shows “what an amazing community we live in … the amazing place we call home…I’m excited to be kicking this off … we love this tradition and love sharing it with you.”
Vocalist Adalia Jimenez returned this year and just prior to the tree lighting, sang what has become part of the tradition, the song Sunny, written and made famous by singer/songwriter Bobby Hebb as a tribute to and in memory of his older brother.
Kathy Didden with grandchildren.
Photo Essay: The 16th Annual Capitol Hill Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 27, 2022
Hundreds of Capitol Hill residents gathered at Eastern Market Metro Plaza on Saturday evening to welcome the winter holidays with the 16th Annual Lighting of the Capitol Hill Christmas Tree. Here’s how the tradition began.
In 2007, the Capitol Hill BID planted a 20-foot evergreen tree in the large circle garden near what is now the playground on the NE quadrant of Metro Plaza to honor their founding President George Didden, III. That same year, Didden was stricken with a devastating illness. In light of his precarious condition, the Capitol Hill BID had a larger monumental tree installed on the SW quadrant near the entrance to the Metro.
On December 7, 2007, the community came together to celebrate the lighting of the original smaller tree for the first time. A few weeks later, Didden passed away – but with the knowledge that both trees – the newer “Big George” and the original (now known as “Little George”) were in place.
Little George succumbed to disease in 2019 and was no longer decorated for the holidays. Big George – also known as “Sonny” – Didden’s nickname – still flourishes and now stands at 40’ in Didden’s honor. This is the tree that was lit Saturday night by Kathy Didden, wife of the late George Didden. She has flipped the switch to in the tree lighting ceremony since 2007.
The tree is decorated by the Capitol Hill BID’s “Men in Blue” every December, and illuminated in front of the Capitol Hill community to kick off the holiday season.
The special programmed light show with music, presented in partnership with Barracks Row Main Street and DC DPR will play throughout December from at the top of the hour from 5:00pm to 10pm.
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Here’s a selection of some of the prints. Orders must be placed by mid-night November 30. Place orders and see the whole collection at http://bit.ly/3u0OAk1
PRINT SALE TO SUPPORT Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Community Programs
By Elizabeth Eby
Posted November 25, 2022
CHAW (Capitol Hill Arts Workshop) Announces a flash sale of prints by over 20 affiliated local artists. Bright and colorful, decorative or thoughtful, there are over 20 to choose from. They are printed on 8×10 archival paper, unsigned editions. This is a standard size so inexpensive frames are available from art supply or craft stores. Any one of them would make a perfect gift for someone on your list– Or maybe yourself. All proceeds will benefit CHAW outreach workshops and tuition assistance for children. Prints are $50 each and will be delivered by December 30.
Orders must be placed by mid-night November 30. Place orders and see the whole collection at http://bit.ly/3u0OAk1
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El Sol Mexican Grill at 1251 H Street, NE, is the target of a liquor license protest by ANC6A’s Alcohol Licensing Committee.
Neighbors cited a long litany of complaints about multiple quality of life and safety issues about the alley behind El Sol, Pow-Pow, and the expected arrival of a new restaurant, Bronze, in the space formerly occupied by Milk & Honey.
H Street El Sol’s Liquor License Threatened as ANC Committee Votes to Recommend Protesting Renewal
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 23, 2022
Last night, ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee rose up and voted unanimously to protest the renewal of the liquor license for El Sol Mexican Grill at 1251 H Street, NE. Neighbors whose homes back up the restaurant cited on-going issues regarding rodents, trash, noise, delivery trucks, and sanitation, as well and gatherings which sometimes result in criminal activity in the alley behind the restaurant. Residents say that restaurant owner Fernando Postigo pays them lip service affirming his concern about the issues but never takes action to address them.
Postigo presented his application for El Sol’s liquor license renewal. He addressed complaints which he said neighbors had raised about trash, noise from the 2nd floor bar District Daiquiri, and security in the alley. He asserted that a long-idle trash compactor would begin operating within a month, that he had committed to installing lights and security cameras in the alley, and that he hadn’t had any recent complaints about noise from the 2nd floor bar’s rear balcony. He admitted to several DOH citations on trash and to an upcoming ABRA hearing whether District Daiquiri was a second business operating on El Sol’s liquor license. He also admitted that the security camera in the alley had not been operational for 45 days.
Mike Velasquez, current resident member of the Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee and Commissioner-elect for the Single Member District where El Sol resides, said that neighbors’ concerns are widely shared in the nearby community. Velasquez: “When I scheduled a listening session on this I had to schedule a second meeting to accommodate the number of people who wanted o register their concerns. Frankly the public outcry is overwhelming….Neighbors have engaged directly with the establishment and its management. For years they have been proactive and attempted to be constructive and for years their concerns have gone unheeded by the management. My duty… is to stand up for them and say we are done with the poor practices of this establishment. If this establishment can’t be a good neighbor they can close down their operation on H Street and focus their efforts on operating their other establishments.”
Velasquez pointed out that the restaurant had never been in compliance with the 2016 Settlement Agreement governing operations for El Sol regarding sanitation after garbage pickup, prohibiting dumpsters on public space, and physically identifying trash containers used by El Sol. He submitted recent photos which substantiated the claim.
Given the opportunity to respond, Postigo apologized and said there are a lot of things going on in alley but that he has no control of the alley – “people can go there.”
Committee Chair Erin Sullivan pointed out that things which Postigo can control are apparently not being done – such as the provisions of the 2016 Settlement Agreement. She said, “It is very unusual to have this level of years and years and years of complains being raised without a resolution.”
A Wednesday afternoon visit to the alley behind El Sol brought out Marie, El Sol’s manager. She said she had had a call from management this morning stressing that greater effort needed to be made on the alley. She said she had ordered the installation of a light and camera on the cement block pillar overlooking the alley behind El Sol and went to some lengths to demonstrate the cleanliness of the trash containers, the closed grease barrel, and the absence of rodents. As Postigo did last night, she reiterated that she couldn’t control the alley, but pledged to keep the gate to the area holding the trash compactor (pictured above) locked. She said she had instructed trucks delivering to El Sol twice a week to not use the alley. Finally, she pointed to trash cans of neighbors down the alley as being part of the problem which she can’t control.
She said that starting immediately access to the balcony used by patrons of District Daiquiri would be locked. She has ordered removal of the red cooler and accumulated old furniture from the landing below the balcony and ordered power washing of the alley. She said the area below the below the landing holding the old furniture and the alley fence does not belong to El Sol.
This image shows El Sol’s trash cans – which are supposed to be labeled – and the broken lights an cameras on the rear wall of the former Milk & Honey/Smith Commons, suggesting other near by business will need to be engaged in the effort. Marie says the blue trash containers will be removed once the compactor is operational.
Some committee members sought a middle ground, suggesting a conditional protest based on resolutions of issues raised during the meeting. Discussion suggested that was impractical and Commissioner-elect Velasquez made a motion to recommend the full ANC protest the license renewal at it’s meeting in December 8. The motion passed unanimously.
A protest to a liquor license triggers a set of ABRA protest procedures. A protest letter filed before the petition deadline results in a Roll Call Hearing where an ABRA agent determines if the protesting parties have standing (ANC’s automatically have status). Dates are set for 1) Mediation to seek dispute resolution, 2) a Status Hearing where parties come before the board to discuss the status of the protest, and 3) a Protest Hearing – a formal hearing conducted by ABRA where both parties present arguments and witnesses. The Board issues a written order within 90 days. Many protest cases are resolved by mediation overseen by ABRA.
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