CAPITOL HILL CORNER

by Larry Janezich

Posted July 4, 2021

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Ms. District of Columbia brought grace and beauty to the proceedings.

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And the Capitol Hill BID brought barrels of candy and glass bead necklaces.

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DC Alcohol Board Lets Chef Mendelsohn Escape Liquor License Protest

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 1, 2021

ANC6B fired a warning shot across celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn’s bow in May when they voted unanimously to ask the Alcohol Beverage Regulatory Administration for a 30 day extension of the deadline to protest the proposed move of his Santa Rosa Taqueria to the corner of 3^rd and PA Ave, SE.  The letter to ABRA said the Commission would formally protest the move if Mendelsohn did not agree to the extension or if ABRA did not approve it.  Mendelsohn owns a string of side by side restaurants on PA Ave, SE, including We the Pizza, Good Stuff Eatery, and Santa Rosa.  He plans to add an ice cream parlor to the mix located in the former Lustre Cleaners location next to We the Pizza.   

ABRA – apparently failing to give the ANC decision the “great weight” it’s entitled by DC regulations – refused the requested extension and ignored the ANC’s stated intent to protest if ABRA didn’t grant it. 

Mendelsohn is close to Mayor Bowser who appointed him head of DC’s Food Policy Council in 2015 and last year appointed him (and his sometime representative hospitality industry attorney Andrew Kline) to the ReOpen DC Committee on restaurants and food. 

ANC6B and Mendelsohn have jousted before over rodents and trash, and neighbors continue to produce evidence of Mendelsohn’s on-going failures to address their concerns, as pictured above.

ANC6B Alcohol Committee resident member Chander Jayaraman was behind the push for the deadline extension to give neighbors an opportunity to meet with the restaurant’s owner to discuss their concerns.  As a former ANC commissioner and former Chair of the ABC Committee, Jayaraman had used the ANC’s power to vote to support or oppose liquor license applications to exact best operating practices from food and beverage outlets seeking to operate in Southeast Capitol Hill.  The ANC has been trying for years to require Mendelsohn to provide indoor trash storage as other restaurants have agreed to do.

After ABRA rejected the request to delay, the ANC had no opportunity to act before the expiration of the period for protest.  In an attempt to salvage something, the ANC agreed to support the relocation contingent upon receipt of a signed Settlement Agreement detailing best practice operational standards, including a requirement for indoor trash storage.  Mendelsohn signed the Settlement Agreement, after striking through the indoor trash storage requirement. 

At the June 8 meeting of the full ANC, a majority of the ANC yielded, figuring some of the loaf was better than none, and vowing to try again when the liquor license is up for renewal in two years.  The vote to support the move – technically a “substantial change” in the liquor license – was 6 – 1 – 3, with commissioner Sroufe opposed and abstentions coming from Holman, Oldenburg and Holtzman.  Some of those who abstainte objected to Mendelsohn’s refusal to appear before the ANC in support of his application.  

ANC6B Chair Brian Ready subsequently told colleagues that in a follow-up conversation with a representative of ABRA he was told that the appropriate procedure would have been to simultaneously file a protest and a request for an extension.  The agenda for the upcoming July 13 meeting of the ANC includes a request to ABRA to send that requirement in writing.   

Asked for comment, Ready said, “This Settlement Agreement did not have most of the items that the ANC and the community wanted but having some agreement is better than no agreement. When the liquor license comes up for renewal, the community will be able to get the items needed in the Settlement Agreement or the license will be protested.” 

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Remembering Capitol Hill Watercolor Artist Virginia Warren

by Ron Tomasso FAIA

Capitol Hill watercolor artist Virginia Warren – who died a few years ago at nearly 100 – lived for many years on the 600 block of D Street, SE. 

She was an exquisite watercolor artist, and I expect many of her drawings survive in households throughout Capitol Hill, including mine.  She preceded the internet age; sadly, I cannot find anything about her or her accomplishments there.  It’s an interesting lesson about the mark we leave in life.  I knew her in life but had not spoken to her for more than 10 years due to her illness and aging but I have fond memories of her from the time I first moved to the Hill in the early 1980’s.  In remembering her I have only those memories and the art she left behind. 

Her daughter, Cindy Warren, was the primary caregiver to her mother and I just learned that she recently died.  I have not found an obituary for her or for Virginia Warren.  Her mother would have been 107 years old this year.  Many residents of the Hill will recall Virginia’s watercolor paintings including many scenes of Eastern Market (above) and other Hill landmarks such as Friendship House.  I believe Virginia also did house portraits around the Hill (there are other artists doing that now) – she was one of the first. 

Virginia and Cindy are survived by Cindy’s son Leo.

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The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Week Past

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 27, 2021

Highlights:

Monday – Metro DC DSA and the MPD Coalition Metro DC appear before ANC6A Community Outreach Committee.

Sunday – The annual July 4^th Parade returns to Barracks Row.

The Week Ahead:

MONDAY, JUNE 27

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds 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:

• Presentation: Daniel Rico, Director of Development and External Relations, Development and Communications Department t, Sasha Bruce
• Presentation: Patricia Thomson, Representative, Capitol Hill Village
• Presentation: Naikẻ Savain, Policy Counsel, DC Justice Lab
• Benjamin Merrick and Abel Amene, Organizers, Metro DC DSA and Defund MPD Coalition Metro DC,

TUESDAY, JUNE 29

ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3jnr50m

Agenda: 

• To set the agenda for the July meeting of the ANC.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30

Final DGS briefing of Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Taskforce in a virtual meeting at 1:30pm.  (Postponed from last week.)

To access the meeting, go here:  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/237263053   

THURSDAY, JULY 1

CM Charles Allen meets with community stakeholders regarding concerns about issues affecting businesses and the quality of life at Eastern Market and nearby commercial corridors.  Time and place have not been announced. 

SUNDAY, JULY 4

The annual Fourth of July Parade returns to Barracks Row at 10:00am. 

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Repainting  the Sixth Street SE Underpass Murals

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 26, 2021

Restoration of Byron Peck’s 12 murals on the walls of the 6^th Street, SE, underpass began earlier this month and the actual painting started on Saturday morning.  The project is being led by ANC6B Chair Brian Ready who said he had been asking the city to re-do the project for two years before deciding to do it himself.  While Ready was collecting paint chips to reproduce the colors, the activity caught the attention of Jim Guckert of Guerilla Gardeners.  Guckert liked the restoration project and offered to help.  That resulted in a grant from the Awesome Foundation https://bit.ly/2ULpVBP  and volunteers from Guerilla Gardeners https://bit.ly/3xcJ51P .    

Ready says he hopes the city will help preserve the paintings so “we don’t have to come back and restore it again in ten years”.  Guckert says the project will take the rest of the summer and   Ready is looking for volunteers to help; work sessions on are on Saturday mornings (except for July 4^th weekend) from 9:00am until 11:00am.  Those interested in participating in the project can email Ready at www.anc6b.org

Piet Mondrian was the inspiration for the 13 murals on the walls of the underpass painted by Byron Peck in 1988 during the administration of Mayor Marion Barry.  Peck still lives and paints in DC.  He has created over 80 murals throughout the US and abroad.  The murals on 6th Street were supported by a grant from the DC Arts and Humanities Commission and provided jobs for the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program for youths who assisted with the project. 

Until a couple of weeks ago, the paintings have remained free from graffiti for 33 years.  Guckert says he hopes the restoration will serve to prevent similar acts of vandalism in the future. 

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The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Week Past

By Larry Janezicb

Posted June 20, 2021

Highlights:  CM Charles Allen at ANC6A Transportation Committee on Monday.

MONDAY, JUNE 21

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT C Street, NE, improvements update. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will be present to give an introduction.
• Public space permit application for an outdoor patio at the Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street.
• Update on pending DDOT requests (time permitting)

1. H Street NE: Joint ANC letter, curb extension, and speed cameras
2. 1200-1500 C Street Traffic Calming Assessment from 2017
3. All-way stop requests at 14th and A Streets NE, 15th and A Streets NE, 13th and I Streets, NE

• Petition to officially name alley “Mamie Peanut Johnson Court.” The alley is the primary access for residences being constructed in the alley lot between 17th Street, 18^th Street, E Street and D Street NE.
• Request to DPW for a change in trash collection location for K and 9th Streets and West Virginia Avenue, NE, from the front of West Virginia Avenue NE to the alley.
• Speed bump TSA for 1000 block 10th Street, NE, (intersection with Florida Avenue NE).
• Discussion of pending 311 sidewalk requests.
• 300 Block 8^th Street, NE – parking.

TUESDAY, JUNE 22

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Discussion of amendment to the Pie Shop Settlement Agreement – Request by licensee to modify current Settlement Agreement to allow entertainment in outdoor spaces.
• Discussion of amendment to the Gold Room Settlement Agreement – Request by licensee to modify current Settlement Agreement to allow entertainment in outdoor spaces on Sunday-Thursday 12:00 pm -10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturdays 12:00 pm -12:00 am.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23

ANC6A By Laws Review Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Agenda:

• Quick review of the proposed changes:
  • Page 1 – Article and Mission
  • Page 4 – Conflict of Interest
  • Page 7 – SOPs
  • Page 9 – Commission & Commission Meetings
  • Pages 13-14 – Grants
• 7:40 pm Discuss/vote on text on pp. 15-25 of the By Laws package

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

To join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84019425801?pwd=ekMvMHU4aE1vRTcyeWlxRmJMVDV4dz09

Meeting ID: 840 1942 5801

Passcode: 668544

Dial by your location

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Agenda: 

• Report of the Chair
• Report on the Budget hearing: Chuck Burger and Monte Edwards.
• Report of the Market Manager
• Status of Fresh Tuesdays
• Hours of Operation
• Budget and Spending Report
• North Hall use
• Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards
• Noise task force: Chuck Burger
• Tenant’s Council Report
• Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update
• Eastern Market Main Street Mural project update: Charles McCaffrey

Final DGS briefing of Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Taskforce in a virtual meeting at 1:30pm. 

To access the meeting, go here:  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/237263053  

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The Week Ahead … Highlights … and Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted:  January 13, 2021

Highlight:

• Monday – Mayor Bowser, DDOT Director Lott at ANC6D virtual meeting.

MONDAY, JUNE 14

ANC6D has scheduled a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Items on the draft agenda:  

Presentations & Resolutions:

• Mayor Muriel Bowser – ANC 6D Q&A and FY22 Budget
• DDOT Director Everett Lott – ANC 6D Q&A
• Deputy Mayor Turnage, DC Health and Human Services – ANC 6D Q&A and Local Encampments
• Linda Harllee Harper, Director, Building Blocks DC – Gun Violence Prevention
• Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge Construction Management Training Program

Regular order:

• RS Liquors (Cap Liquors) – 1301 South Cap Street
• Harry’s Reserve – 909 New Jersey Ave SE
• Malfam, LLC (Hill Spirits) – 1015 Half Street SE
• WL Holdings (Cordial Craft Wine, Beer, & Spirits) – 35 Sutton Square
• Greenleaf Buzzard, LLC (The Point) – 2100 2nd Street SW
• Bardo, LLC (Bardo River Brewery) – 25 Potomac Ave SE
• IHI-DC, LLC (ILILI DC) – 100 District Square
• BHG Waterfront, LLC – 715 Wharf St SW, #519 A-B
• Frager Enterprises, Inc (Nightengale) – 600 Water Street SW
• Intercontinental Hotel – 801 Wharf Street SW, SMD
• Update and prospective DDOT letter on Buzzard Point Bike Trail proposal
• Buzzard Point Stacks – Update & possible letter to DDOT on conditions on public space permit

Consent agenda

• Resolution to support SW BID extension of services south of M Street SW
• DDOT budget letter re: tree boxes
• DOEE retrofitting $5 million for environmental issues in public housing

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Discussion of the standard and approaches to be used for reviewing special exception requests to regulations governing the building of a rear wall that extends more than ten feet past an adjoining property.
• 1226 Duncan Place, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the lot occupancy restrictions, the minimum rear yard requirements, and the rear addition restrictions, to raze an existing rear addition and construct a new, two-story, rear addition.

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ANC6B Votes to Appeal DoorDash’s Building Permit for Capitol Hill DashMart

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 10, 2021

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B voted unanimously to appeal DoorDash’s building permit to renovate the old Frager’s building on E Street, based on their assertion that the site’s parking spaces and loading provisions are illegal. 

Prior to the vote, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Chair Brian Holman told his colleagues that there are currently no legal parking spaces for the site and no legal loading platform.  The practical effect is that DoorDash’s proposed business will interfere with the use of public space, specifically the sidewalk and E Street bike lane.  He said he had received 46 emails supporting an appeal.  If the appeal moves forward it goes to the Board of Zoning Adjudication for a hearing, possibly in January.  In the interim, the permit could be withdrawn and revised and resubmitted. 

(The Board of Adjudication could revoke the permit, or find that the use of non-conforming parking spaces and loading dock are ok owing to prior use.) 

Neighbors say that DoorDash (according to their building permit) would bring a “storage of goods and delivery by drivers” business to the middle of an otherwise residential block.  Such a business is not appropriate, they say; because some 100 vehicles will pick up orders every day, there are no legal parking spaces and no legal loading platform and that will interfere with the use of public space in front of the building. 

DoorDash says there are no grounds for appealing the permit.  DoorDash’s attorney, Kyrus Freeman, partner in the real estate section in the Washington office of Holland & Knight, says that DoorDash’s by-right project has non-conforming parking and loading space which is grandfathered in by Zoning Regulations.

Building owner John Weintraub’s attorney, James Loots, said that appealing a building permit to determine which tenant occupies the space is not an appropriate use of the law.

The open discussion revealed new details on the operation:

• Hours of loading and pickup initially will be from 8:00am until midnight.
• Deliveries will occur between the hours of 8:00am and midnight with 100 to 150 couriers (pedestrian, bike, and auto) over the course of a day.
• If demand justifies it DoorMart could operate from 6:00am to 3:00am.
• DoorDash has a five year lease on the space.
• DoorDash is talking to DC Murals to add value to the building.

Josh Neergaard, DoorDash’s project manager, said that there is no legal basis for the appeal and that DoorDash views it as an abuse of the process.  He said DoorDash could continue to operate while the building permit is under appeal.  Cars will use parking in front of the building.  Employees will use public transportation or park elsewhere.  Vendors will be limited to use of small box trucks for deliveries.  He said, “We are committed to operating responsibly and safely and will work with neighbors collaboratively on an operating plan. Whether the appeal goes through or not we will work in the building.”

During discussion of the motion to appeal, members of the Commission and nearby neighbors made the following points: 

• Commissioner Oldenburg: The bottom line is can loading be done legally?  She said she would vote in favor of the appeal as the only way we may get an answer to the question. 
• Former Commissioner and nearby resident Nick Burger: An appeal triggers a Zoning process with the potential for neighbors to work out issues.  Enforcing parking on public space and bike lanes is difficult.
• Former Commissioner Chander Jayaraman: DoorDash has no control over their contract drivers – they can fall back on saying “We told them to do this – they didn’t do it….We should err on the side of caution”. 
• Neighbor: DoorDash drivers are contract employees and DoorDash has less responsibility for their actions. 
• Neighbor: What DoorDash sees as an abuse of the process is viewed by neighbors as their only opportunity to resolve problems if DoorDash makes promises they don’t keep. 
• Neighbor: Parking is inadequate for delivery drivers and employees.
• Neighbor: The space is too small for the business DoorDash is trying to put there.  How will DoorDash coordinate 100 drivers a day using those four spots? 
• Neighbor: The impact of the proposed use is counter to ongoing residential use of the block.  Load is the real issue and we need to hold them legally accountable. 

Winding up the debate, Holman asserted that any reading of the regulations requires a loading platform.  He expressed disappointment that DoorDash did not reach out to the community prior to applying for building permit.  He said that DoorDash’s claim that their operation will not be a detriment to the community is “an insult to us in the community” and he expressed gratitude to Frager’s for relocating in the neighborhood during their period of recovery. 

Afterward, the motion to appeal the permit passed 9 – 0 (Commissioner Krepp was absent but had previously announced her support for the motion to appeal.)

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The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Week Past

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 6, 2021

Highlights:

Monday:

• ANC6B – Virtual Community meeting on Reservation 13.

Tuesday:

• ANC6B – 733 8th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to add two stories plus penthouse to existing two-story building (former location of Howl to the Chief).
• ANC6B – Potential Appeal of Building Permit for renovation of the former Frager’s Hardware store and 1323 E Street, SE.
• Santa Rosa Taqueria 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. Application to transfer a Class “C” Restaurant License to a new location. 

Wednesday:

• ANC6C – Presentation: Property crimes on Capitol Hill—MPD Captain Tatjana Savoy, Sector 2.
• ANC6C – Cru Hemp Lounge, 816 H Street, NE. New Class C Restaurant License.  Letters to ABRA and DOH opposing smoking exemption. 
• Encampments—Post-pandemic efforts to help homeless, clear parks.

Thursday:

• ANC6A – Presentation: Executive Office of Mayor Bowser FY 2022 Proposed DC Budget – Dr. Chris Rodriguez, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). 
• ANC6A – Cru Hemp Lounge at 816 H Street, NE. Application for a Class C Tavern license. 

 

THE WEEK AHEAD…

MONDAY, JUNE 7

ANC6C Alcohol Beverage Control Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

• The agenda was not available at press time.

Reservation 13 Virtual Community Meeting 7:00pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3clBXYv

• ANC6B Chair Brian Ready hosts a community meeting to hear feedback on current proposals to redevelop Reservation 13.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

ANC6B holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/34STxPl

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Calendar: 

• Hayden’s, Inc., 700 North Carolina Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Retail Liquor License.
• Chat’s Liquors, 503 8th Street, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Retail Liquor License. 
• 818 Potomac Avenue, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application – Modification of Significance to change the principal use of and add special exception relief for the approved project at 818 Potomac Avenue, SE.  Applicant wants to change the approved long term residency use to short term residency and remove the requirement for a loading dock
• 13 7th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application for Area Variance to construct a rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.
• 241 11th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application – infill dogleg; rebuild existing one-story garage as a two-story dwelling. 
• 515 5th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to construct two-story addition at rear. 
• 647 A Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Application for Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit

Regular Order: 

• Gandel’s Liquors, 211 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Tasting Endorsement for Class A  Retail – Liquor Store. 
• JJ Mutt Wine & Spirits, 643 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Liquor License.
• South East Market & Liquors, 1500 Independence Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Retail Liquor License.
• World Wine and Spirits, 1453 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Liquor License with Tasting Endorsement.
• Albert’s Liquors: 328 Kentucky Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class A Retail – Liquor License.  
• Harvest Tide Steak House: 212 7th Street, SE. Application for a Retailer’s Class C Restaurant License. 
• Santa Rosa Taqueria 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. Application to transfer a Class C Restaurant License to a new location. 
• 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept: remove awning and bays at front and add two new door openings; add two window wells at west elevation and larger basement areaway at rear; new window openings at rear second story; new openings and cladding at rear one-story addition; new openings at one-story garage.
• 733 8th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to add two stories plus penthouse to existing two-story building. 
• Potential Appeal of Building Permit for renovation of the former Frager’s Hardware store and 1323 E Street, SE.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

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:

• Presentation: Property crimes on Capitol Hill—MPD Captain Tatjana Savoy, Sector 2.
• Scissors and Scotch, 331 N Street, NE. New class C Tavern License.
• Uncorked, 1005 First Street, NE. New Class A Liquor License. 
• Cru Hemp Lounge, 816 H Street, NE. New Class C Restaurant License.  Letters to ABRA and DOH opposing smoking exemption (ANC 6A support).
• 308-310 A Street, NE. Request to close walking alley.
• Dave Thomas Circle 65 percent design plans.
• 622 Eye Street, NE, BZA. Further revised application of VBS Community Builders to convert an existing residential building into a five-unit apartment.
• 899-999 North Capitol Street, NE. Nonvoting—Informational presentation by US Union Square. 
• 200 K Street NE. Request for waiver of the requirement that the 200 feet notification service list specify each of the 500+ tenants by name.
• Letter of support for transfer from NPS to DC of Reservation 315 park on Eye Street between 5th and 6^th.
• Grant for The Story of Our Schools.
• Encampments—Post-pandemic efforts to help homeless, clear parks.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

ANC6A 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:

• Presentation: Executive Office of Mayor Bowser FY 2022 Proposed DC Budget – Dr. Chris Rodriguez, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). 
• $1,500 grant to Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid.
• Resolution in support of rank choice voting.
• Toki Underground at 1244 H Street, NE. Application for a Class C Tavern License.
• Dangerously Delicious Pie Shop, 1339 H Street, NE. Request to amend Settlement Agreement to permit outdoor entertainment. 
• Exotic Wine & Spirits, 801 Maryland Avenue, NE. Application for a Class A Retailer’s License. 
• Cru Hemp Lounge at 816 H Street, NE. Application for a Class C Tavern license. 
• Letter of support for DDOT’s proposed Option 3 on the 800 and 900 blocks of West Virginia Avenue, NE, (1-way with protected bike lanes) plus additional traffic calming measures, such as high visibility raised crosswalks and/or speed humps.
• Letter of support to DDOT for the permit application for Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street, provided that the application be amended by the applicant to provide 15 feet of passageway on all sides of the patio; the outdoor patio cease operations at 10:00 pm on Sunday – Thursday and 11:00 pm on Friday – Saturday; and the patio capacity be limited to 35 seats and 40 standing.
• Letter of support to DDOT for a permit application to be filed or already filed for a reinforced fence at 1369 C Street NE, including a new enclosure of the driveway, provided that the fence design conforms to the existing fence height and openness.
• Letter to DDOT requesting speed humps, raised crosswalks, and other traffic-calming measures on the 1500 block of Isherwood Street NE.
• Letter to Mayor Bowser and the DC Council in support of full funding for the Vision Zero Act in DC’s FY22 budget.
• Resolution providing comments regarding the DDOT’s draft MoveDC 2021 update.

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Helicopters and Emergency Vehicles to Converge on US Capitol Building Monday Morning

by Larry Janezich

On Monday morning, the US Capitol Police will hold a routine training exercise with federal, state and local agencies which will involve emergency vehicles and low flying helicopters.  Timing is uncertain, but the last one occurred – without notice – at 6:00am on a Sunday morning. 

The notice of the event may have had something to do with CM Charles Allen unhappiness over that previous training event in February. 

At the March meeting of ANC6C, Allen complained that several weeks earlier he was walking his dog near Stanton Park early one Sunday morning and saw military helicopters “30 feet off the ground” coming from the direction of RFK Stadium to the Capitol, without notice.  He said that was “incredibly disrespectful to the Capitol Hill neighborhood” and he was visibly annoyed at the idea that someone in the Pentagon thought that a training mission to evacuate the US Capitol at 6:15am was a good idea.