CAPITOL HILL CORNER

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Garfield Park Upgrade Starts This Year Says Department of Parks and Recreation

by Larry Janezich and Hilary Russell

Posted January 21, 2022

According to Christopher Dyer, Community Engagement Manager for DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), “I know that Garfield Park is going to happen at some point this year.”  At a January 11 meeting of ANC6B, Dyer was pressed on the status of the upgrade by Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk.  He said a bid for improvement is being reviewed by the Office of Contracts and Procurement, adding, “Once we have a bid in place, I’m going to look forward to working with you and the Friends of Garfield Park to get feedback on the design.” 

The much-needed renovation of Garfield Park (south of F Street SE, between 3rd and New Jersey Avenue) had been expected to begin in 2021, but as Dyer later confirmed by email, “The project received additional funding after the original [2021] solicitation was released, so it needed to be re-bid.  We anticipate this process will end shortly and a contractor will be selected to start the project soon after.”  He added, “The general scope remains the same. The additional funding will allow for enhanced improvements to the playground and other areas already outlined in the scope.” Along with ADA-compliant access and egress, that will include improved lighting, drainage, and landscaping. 

The issues troubling the park include cracked and pitted sidewalks, deteriorating tennis courts and benches, poor lighting and drainage, and a steep ramp-less walking route to H Street, SE,  that’s difficult and hazardous to navigate for the more fragile members of the community and those with strollers or carriages. 

Delayed renovation and official neglect reflect a long history of encroachments on Garfield Park by railroads, freeways, and the congressional power plant.  The most recent, in 1969, lopped off a large chunk of Garfield Park – 95,470 square feet – to accommodate the construction of the Southeast-Southwest freeway.  As the Historic American Buildings Survey reported, “Basketball courts were installed beneath the freeway in an attempt to mitigate the loss of parkland.  …Second Street, which had always continued through the park, was closed to traffic and its roadbed broken up and sodding put down in its place.”

The District Department of Transport (DDOT) is now responsible for this lopped-off area under the freeway on the park’s southern edge.  The basketball courts and a skateboard park built by users in about 2010 have been demolished, yielding to graffiti-covered concrete blocks, rubble from CSX tunnel construction, a slew of parked cars, and a homeless encampment. The sole vestiges of recreational infrastructure are the lines painted by pickle-ball players for two courts on the now closed section of Virginia Avenue under the freeway.   In FY 2018, $1 million in funding for DDOT to improve the area was approved but the project appears to be stalled. 

Friends of Garfield Park, a crucial neighborhood supporter and funder of park improvements for more than 20 years, urged in 2021 (among other things) that the renovation include replacing the basketball courts and skateboard park and spiffing up the pickle ball courts. These elements would add to the park’s appeal to a wide range of people who now can play tennis, beach volleyball, bocce, horseshoes, softball and baseball.  Visitors can also enjoy climbing frames appropriate for adults, adolescents, children, and toddlers, and families can dine on the park’s picnic tables.

A few amenities do not appear to be in cards for the renovation: a dog park, more trash cans, an irrigation system, a splash feature, and a wading pool like one below.

Once a contractor is engaged and a project manager designated, DPR and or the Department of General Services will begin a series of community meetings to solicit stakeholders’ and resident input regarding the design elements of the park. 

 

Update on Homeless Encampments

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 18, 2022

Last Thursday night, ANC6D got an update on homeless encampments from Jamal Weldon, Program Manager, Encampment Response Program under the Office of Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.  During his presentation, he made the following points:

• An encampment is any site where residents who are homeless set up a tent or structure with the intention of establishing residence.
• Homeless residents of encampments are residents of the community.
• The Department of Health and Human Services can’t force encampment residents to move unless the encampment impedes public access or the encampment is a danger to the community or the residents themselves.
• Illegal actions on part of residents of encampments are not under the purview of DHHS.

DC has a strategic plan to end long term homelessness in DC by the end of 2025.  The plan – Homeward DC – has made substantial progress in housing homeless families, but housing for unaccompanied adults has been slower in coming.  Fully implementing Homeward DC will take time – meanwhile, the city has established a protocol for addressing encampments.

Protocols under The Encampment Pilot Program are triggered when a site presents a security, health, or safety risk, and/or interferes with community use of such places. 

The pilot program provides shelter, intensive case management, and pathways to housing as well as behavioral health services through DHS for residents at the targeted locations. Other city agencies are engaged to clean up the site. 

Three major encampments have been designated as falling within the criteria established for cleanup under the pilot program:

• NoMa Underpasses, M/L Streets, NE
• New Jersey & C Street Park, NW
• 20^th/21^st and E Streets, NW

The first two are in the process of housing former encampment residents and Weldon said that out of 111 individuals, 89 have been housed or are in a hotel waiting processing.

Weldon engaged in a spirited discussion with Commissioner Sondra Phillips-Gilbert who pressed for better communication between Weldon’s office and individual ANC commissioners and residents with concerns about encampments.  Weldon said communication failures were due to the pandemic and assured greater cooperation. 

Regarding an encampment within ANC6D at 18^th and D Streets, NE, near RFK – which he called a major concern – Weldon said there has been outreach and his office was working with residents to connect them with resources including housing navigation.   

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services has a website on encampments here:  https://dmhhs.dc.gov/page/encampments  There are several encampments in Ward 6 which are on the list of Upcoming Encampment Protocol Engagements.  Some of the on-or-near Capitol Hill sites scheduled for cleanup have not yet been addressed – likely because encampments are not dismantled during inclement weather. 

There are encampments at:

• 11th Street, SE/695 Underpass – Scheduled for Full Clean Up
• 3rd Street and Virginia Avenue, SE – Scheduled for Full Clean Up
• 695 and Virginia Avenue, SE Underpass, (across from Whole Foods) – Scheduled for Full Clean Up

The large encampment on Columbus Circle in front of Union Station is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. 

To report an encampment, call (202) 727-7973. 

ANCs elected their officers last week.  The only new faces in the four ANCs on or bordering Capitol Hill were at ANC6B – the others saw their officers re-up for another year.  Clockwise: 

ANC6A officers are Amber Gove, Chair; Keya Chatterjee, Vice-Chair; Laura Gentile, Secretary; Brian Alcorn, Treasurer.

ANC6B officers are Corey Holman, Chair; Alison Horn, Vice Chair; Jerry Sroufe, Secretary; Edward Ryder, Treasurer; Peter Wright, Parliamentarian.

ANC 6C officers are Karen Wirt, Chair; Mark Eckenwiler, Vice chair; Joel Kelty, Treasurer; Christine Healey, Secretary.

ANC6D officers are Edward Daniels, Chair; Riki Kramer, Vice Chair; Jared Weiss, Secretary; Ron Collins, Treasurer.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

It’s a quiet week ahead as the community finds its footing after a spate of brutal weather.  Except for:

Wednesday, January 19

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

 On the agenda: 

905 L Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application – request for special exception to construct a rear deck to an existing, attached, two story principal dwelling unit.

CM Charles Allen joined ANC6D, ANC6B, ANC6C, and ANC6A virtual meetings last week to brief on Redistricting, Part II.

CM Allen Briefs ANCs on Redistricting, Part II: ANC and SMD Boundaries

Posted January 16, 2022

by Larry Janezich

Last week, Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen briefed the four ANCs on or bordering Capitol Hill on the process for redrawing boundaries for ANCs and their Single Member Districts (SMDs).  The ward is currently divided into 5 ANCs made up of varying numbers of SMDs of 2000 plus residents, each represented by an elected commissioner. 

Because the ward boundaries have been redrawn and population density has changed, ANC and SMD boundaries must also change.  

The new ward boundaries are already in effect but changes to the ANC and SMD boundaries will not take place until next January.  Allen said this will be an awkward year, because some current commissioners and residents of Ward Six will actually be in another ward. 

Allen will appoint a task force this week to recommend ANC and SMD boundary changes and announce dates for task force meetings.  Sitting ANC Commissioners and potential candidates for ANC are not eligible to serve on the task force, but former commissioners are welcome.  Also, any resident can contact Allan and request to be considered for task force membership.  Email him here:  callen@dccouncil.us     

The task force will hold open virtual meetings and make recommendations to Allen by the end of March.  He said he welcomes input from the ANCs.  Allen will forward the task force recommendations to the city council and the Subcommittee on Redistricting.  The Subcommittee will hold a hearing and produce legislation proposing boundary changes which will go to the city council for two votes and then to the Mayor for her signature. The process will be complete by the end of April, giving the Board of Elections time to input the changes into their system which will allow ANC candidates to pull petitions in June to get on the ballot for the fall election. 

In discussions during his briefings, Allen made the following points:

• The optimum size for an ANC is 4 – 11 SMDs, preferably an odd number.
• “If it makes sense,” he is open to having cross ward ANCs. Both councilmembers would have to support.  He has discussed cross boundary ANCs with the Ward 7 councilmember and though “it was not my impression he embraced the idea, he did not close the door.”  Hill East and Navy Yard would be most affected. 
• A Ward 7 ANC west of the river made up of Kingman Park and the ANCs east of 15th Street formerly in Ward 6 “might make sense.”
• ANC6C06 has 6000 residents which will become 3 SMDs. Two of the SMDs could become part of ANC6E in NOMA while the third remains in ANC6C.

“The changes to Ward 6 constitute the largest single ward shift in the history of DC,” Allen said, adding, “I hate it.  I still feel like I have scar tissue from it.”  Allen reiterated the commitment he made during the ward redistricting process to residents and commissioners who would end up in other wards.  He said he doesn’t care where boundaries end up – that just because we have new boundaries doesn’t change the relationships developed over years of working together. 

Friends Group Forms to Spearhead Effort to Improve Lincoln Park

by Hilary Russell

Like so many others on the Hill, Jeni Schoemaker, Jason Maga, and Jonathan Jacobson love Lincoln Park. They aimed for and reached another level by tirelessly working to ensure their love for the park leads to ongoing, tangible results.  In 2021, they led effort to incorporate the DC nonprofit Friends of Lincoln Park DC and its attainment of 501(c)(3) status.  The federal tax-exempt status was a prerequisite for a Philanthropic Partnership Agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) and for authorizing Friends of Lincoln Park to solicit funds.  Such funds, along with other donations and volunteer services, will support and fast-track NPS-approved enhancements and improvements for this storied, well-used, sometimes tatty, and beloved park.

After what has been a ten month effort, the trio anticipates imminent finalization of an agreement with the NPS that aligns with its priorities and objectives for Lincoln Park. They have collaborated on the project with National Capital Parks East Superintendent Tara Morrison and Michael Chambers, Regional Chief of Partnerships, Volunteer, and Youth Programs, while organizing badly needed spring and fall cleanups of the park and supporting concerts, ranger talks, walk-to-school, and other sponsored Lincoln Park events.

Keep an eye out for the announcement of a finalized agreement and for invitations to join in activities that improve Lincoln Park and make it one of the best in the city.

ANC6D met last Monday night and heard an update from DDOT on the I Street SW/SE Safety Project

ANC6D Slams DDOT I Street SW/SE Safety Project

by Larry Janezich

DDOT Transportation Planner Jamee Ernst must have felt like a punching bag after updating ANC6D on the plan to reduce vehicle speeds, increase visibility at crosswalks, and upgrade bike lanes on I Street between 7th Street SW and 4th Street, SE.  The virtual meeting of the ANC was last Monday night and one commissioner after another lambasted the DDOT for not seeking community and ANC input before proceeding with the plan

Reservations were expressed by every commissioner, and the comments were harsh:

• You needed to come to us first….
• The plan is sexist and ageist….
• Do not assume you’re going to implement this because it isn’t going to happen….
• You’re trying to force plans on the community that are not acceptable….
• You want to move ahead in 8 months and you will have problems because you won’t listen to us….

Ernst told the Commission that a Notice of Intent on the plan will be released in the spring and that she would send commissioners a 30% plan – an initial step in the development of the project – after tonight’s meeting. 

The consensus of the commission was to demand a commitment from Ernst to have a roundtable discussion with stakeholders before the Notice of Intent is issued.  Ernst indicated she would take that back to DDOT.

Commissioner Andrew Litsky said that the topic was a passionate one in the densely populated area and cited ongoing and longstanding concerns with DDOT over the indifference the agency has shown to the residents and the ANC.  He said a lot of projects have been installed without resident feedback. 

The project was presented to the ANC in February, 2020.  Here’s a link to that presentation:  https://bit.ly/3rmyZd0

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ANC6B Elects Holman Chair – Police Funding Flash Point Turns Meeting Factious

by Larry Janezich

At their January meeting last night, ANC6B elected new officers last and Commissioner Corey Holman, ANC6B06, was elected Chair of the Commission for a one year term (officers are limited to serving two successive terms in ANC6B).  The vote was 8 – 2.  Also elected were Commissioner Alison Horn, Vice Chair; Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, Secretary; Commissioner Edward Ryder, Treasurer; and Commissioner Peter Wright, Parliamentarian. 

After his election, Colman said, “I know we disagree on a lot of things but as chair I promise this to all of my nine colleagues – to practice very radical fairness and equity in decisions in what little power the Chair has…I will never treat anyone inequitably or unfairly in terms of running meetings within our bylaws and standing rules.” 

The two votes against Holman came from Commissioners Samolyk and Krepp, who earlier in the meeting were incensed when Holman moved to delay for a month consideration of a letter to the Mayor and City Council the two commissioners had co-written in support of increasing police funding levels.  ANC6B rules forbid last minute additions to the agenda without a majority vote of the committee.    

A majority of the commission opposed Holman’s motion for the delay, but not before tempers flared and the debate became both personal and unseemly. The vote to add the letter to the agenda was 6 – 4, with commissioners Samolyk, Krepp, Ready, Holtzman, Sroufe and Wright voting aye.  Commissioners Oldenburg, Holman, Horn, and Ryder voted nay.

The letter was still being put in its final form after the meeting, but the gist of it was support for more community policing and more funding for hiring police.  The letter cited a litany of crimes on Capitol Hill over the last 3 and a half months, including three homicides in October; the unprovoked afternoon assault of a woman walking with her five year old daughter in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in December, resulting in broken teeth; the December 19 morning assault on a father and his baby on the 600 block of E Street, SE; the afternoon armed robbery on January 9 when a woman was robbed of her purse, cell phone, and wedding ring; and an alleged early evening shooting in the 500 block of 11^th Street, SE, on January 9.  (A victim of gunshots took himself to the hospital and later told police the shooting happened at this location.)

Two of the most disturbing assaults – those of the father with a baby and the mother with a five year old daughter, may have been victims of persons suffering from mental illness.  According to news reports, arrests have been made in both cases.  And according to the husband of the female victim with the five year old daughter during a television news interview, there were police officers across the street from where she was assaulted but “didn’t cross the street and said they thought he’d (the assailant) be back here later.”

The motion to send the letter was agreed to 6 – 4, with commissioners voting as they had on the motion to add consideration to the agenda, as above.  Oldenburg and Holman announced their opposition was based on procedural issues. 

The final language on the letter was being tweaked on Wednesday, after Commissioner Steve Holtzman suggested the letter stress asking what MPD and the city could do in the interim period of one or two years before any increased funding could put more police on the streets. 

A spate of crimes often results in alarmed residents demanding their local elected officials to put more police on the streets.  The Mayor supports increased funding, for police but the city council has pared back her budget requests to direct more money to community services such as violence interruption programs. 

During consideration of the letter on Tuesday night, no one questioned whether more police is the best answer to reducing crime and no one appeared prepared to discuss the merits or advocate other crime reducing measures. 

Harris Teeter Is Days from Closing – No Answer Yet as to Why

by Hilary Russell

Posted January 11, 2021

Many Hill residents were surprised and disappointed to learn that Harris Teeter is closing their store in Jenkins Row, 1350 Potomac Avenue, SE.  The 121 people employed here were not told the reason for this decision.  A December 6 corporate press release cited only “careful consideration and strategic market review.”  The media representative has not yet responded to questions on what factors were considered and whether the review centered on the new Safeway store at 14th Street, SE. Some Hill residents have opined that the competition between the two stores helped to assure higher-quality produce and service.

Harris Teeter’s original, projected closing date – on or before January 22 – is now January 15 for the grocery store and January 18 for the pharmacy.  Outside signs refer customers to the Harris Teeter at 401 M Street, SE, less than a mile away, and to another store at 1201 First Street, NE, but nearby residents who don’t own a vehicle aren’t likely to consider these to be “convenient locations.”

The store opened in May 2008. The owner of the building, except for its condos, is Edens, a major retail real estate owner, operator and developer.  Edens has regional offices in five states as well as in Union Market, where the company owns and has been developing numerous buildings. 

Its Director of Communications and Public Relations quickly and courteously responded to the question on any plans for the soon-to-be vacated Harris Teeter space:  “Nice to meet you. Unfortunately, I do not have any information to share at this time. Feel free to circle back in a few weeks.”  Capitol Hill Corner will follow up and continue to inform the community.    

Week Ahead …Some Photos from the Past Week & ANC Highlights

by Larry Janezich

ANC Highlights

• CM Charles Allen appears at all four ANC meetings to update on the ANC redistricting process.

Monday, January 10

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

To join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the agenda: (6D is coy about posting its proceedings and the expanded draft agenda was not available a press time.)

• Councilmember Charles Allen will update on ANC redistricting process.
• Pepco Capital Grid Program Update.
• DDOT Update on I Street Se/SW Safety Program

Alcohol Beverage Control Committee

• 100 M Street, SE. Pink Taco.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant liquor license
• & Pizza 1210 Half St SE. Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant liquor license.

Election of Officers

Tuesday, January 11

ANC6B holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3JVtrP5

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentations:

• Councilmember Charles Allen – Update on the ANC redistricting process.
• Department of Parks and Recreation – Briefing about upcoming activities, programs, and services.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee

• 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, ZOCA & Crush. Application for new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant liquor license. 
• 721 8th Street, SE. Rose’s at Home Catering.  Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant liquor license.
• POSTPONED UNTIL JANUARY 25 SPECIAL MEETING. 500 8th Street, SE.  As You Are.  Application for new Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern liquor license. 

Planning and Zoning Committee

• 1247 E Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Modification of Significance to include general retail, service, and office uses in addition to the restaurant use within an existing, semi-detached, two-story with cellar, apartment house. 
• 1950 M Street, SE. Historic Landmark Nomination for The Seafarers Yacht Club.  Nominated by the owner – Seafarers Yacht Club – and DC Historic Preservation Office. 
• 133 Kentucky Avenue, SE. Historic Preservation and Zoning Adjustment Applications.  Special Exception to construct a rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.
• 751 10th Street, SE. Historic Preservation and Zoning Adjustment Applications. Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition and a two-story accessory garage, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit.   
• 310 9^th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept review to build a rear addition to row house not visible from street, and no alley rear of property

ANC6B 2022 Bylaw Changes

Election of Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian

• Gottlieb Simon, Former Executive Director for the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commission to Facilitate.

ANC6B Community Service Award

Wednesday, January 12

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among the items on the draft agenda:

Election of Officers

• Gottlieb Simon, Former Executive Director for the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commission to Facilitate.

 Election of Committees and committee members

Presentation:

• Councilmember Charles Allen will update on ANC redistricting process.

Transportation and Public Space Committee

• 518 E Street, NE – Revised public space application.
• 1st Street and New York Avenue, NE – Capitol Point North project, new public space application.

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

• 327 Constitution Avenue, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept approval, 2nd story and attic addition to rear.
• 638 East Capitol Street NE, Zoning Application Adjustment. Three story rear addition to existing four-story dwelling. 
• Proposed rulemaking. ZC 21-10, parking and loading—Proposed amendments.

Thursday, January 13

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/ 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation: 

• Councilmember Charles Allen will update on ANC redistricting process.
• DC Water Lead Free DC Initiative – Emanuel D. Briggs, Manager, Community Outreach, Office of Marketing and Communications

Election of Officers.

Election of members and leaders of the permanent Committees for 2022.

• Economic Development and Zoning Committee – Brad Greenfield (Chair), Jake Joyce, Tim Drake, Michael Cushman, Sam DeLuca, Daniel McPhetters, Roberta Shapiro.
• Transportation and Public Safety Committee – Maura Dundon (Chair), Jeff Fletcher, Caitlin Rogger, Hassan Christian, Andrew Burnett, Shaun Lynch.
• Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee – Mona Hatoum (Co-Chair), Ian Stanford (CoChair), Erin Sullivan, Joe Krisch, Kara Hughley.
• Community Outreach Committee – Roni Hollmon (Chair), Gladys Mack, StephanyThangavelu, Marc Friend, Jason Gresh, Sarah Bell.

Consent Agenda

• Resolution to increase the funding of Cure the Streets, the DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and violence interrupters at large.
• 647 16th Street, NE. ANC6A a letter of opposition to BZA for special exception zoning relief to allow construction of a third story and rear addition, and convert to a flat, an existing, attached, two-story with cellar at principal dwelling unit.
• 909 Kent Place, NE. ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for special exception zoning relief to construct a one-story, rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit on condition that the applicant make best efforts to get letters of support from the neighbor to the west and a neighbor to the rear of the property.

Community Outreach Committee

• Resolution in support of the Restore Act.

Economic Development and Zoning

• 308 11^th Street, NE. Letter of support to HPRB for the construction of an existing one-story garage to be rebuilt and expanded into a two-story carriage house, and the third-floor addition and roof deck at the principle dwelling unit. 

Rose’s Luxury Home Catering Will Offer New Dining Space on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Last Thursday the ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Control Committee voted unanimously to support a restaurant liquor license for Rose’s at Home Catering operating at 721 8^th Street, SE, in back of the space occupied by She Loves Me Flower Shop.  The address is one door south of Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple & Pearls.  Owner Aaron Silverman leased 400sf at the front of the first floor to a professional friend who opened the She Loves You Flower Shop to help reactivate the street during the day.

Silverman plans on using the building’s second story for an event space seating 20 as well as collaborating with the lessee of the flower shop to host dinner parties for 8 – 10 within the flower shop as well as having six seats in the space under the arches in front.  That space qualifies as a summer garden (instead of a sidewalk café) since it’s enclosed by the building.  You can see the Rose’s at Home catering menu here:  https://www.exploretock.com/rosesathome/

The liquor application now goes to the full ANC6B at its February meeting next Tuesday where it likely to receive the unanimous support of the commission.