Under Circulator’s proposal, this stop at 7th and PA Ave and the one at Eastern Market Metro Plaza across the street, would be moved to 8th and L Streets, SE.
Ball Park Circulator Wants To Move Eastern Market Bus Stop to the Blue Castle
by Larry Janezich
Posted July 8, 2021
Last night, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee considered a proposal in the Circulator’s 2020 Transit Development Plan that would eliminate the Barracks Row portion of the Eastern Market to L’Enfant Plaza and move the bus stop to 8th and L Streets SE – the NE corner of the Blue Castle. The Plan also suggests extending the Circulator route from L’Enfant Plaza to Mt. Vernon Square. Here’s a link to the study: http://www.dccirculator.com/tdp2020/ (See pages 114 – 116)
As might be expected, Capitol Hill riders depending on transportation to and from the Wharf/Ball Park and businesses depending on traffic to and from Southwest are unhappy with the proposal to truncate the route. According Ken Ken Jarboe – former ANC6B commissioner and current Capitol Hill BID representative – the extension of the route to Mt. Vernon Square has been contemplated for some time, but cutting the route short on the Eastern Market end “came out of left field”.
Circulator planners say the move would boost ridership on the underperforming route and that riders from Eastern Market to SW would be accommodated by the Circulator which transverses Barracks Row on the way to Anacostia and a transfer to the L Street – Mt. Vernon Circulator.
Jarboe says that idea undercuts the marketing of the “one seat ride” from Eastern Market to the Wharf and the Ball Park. “How that increases ridership is beyond me”, he said, adding that the proposal was “not thought through very well.’ He noted there had been no study of shortening the route and that Circulator does not have the data to justify the move. Jarboe noted, that if this is locked in now, it will move forward.
Originally, Circulator was open to comment through June 25. At the request of ANC6B and others, CM Charles Allen prevailed on them to extend the comment period until the end of July, affording ANC6B time to weigh in. Jarboe said the Capitol Hill BID has already commented with a letter, the gist of which is “Please don’t do it”.
Chair Kirsten Oldenburg moved that the Committee recommend to the full ANC that they write a letter to Circulator officials in opposition to eliminating the Barracks Row leg of the route. That motion was agreed to 9 – 0. A second motion urging a study be undertaken of ways to make the Circulator turnaround at Eastern Market more efficient was agreed to 8 – 0 – 1.
The recommendation will be considered by the full ANC6B at its virtual meeting on July 13.
Yesterday, following her march down Barracks Row in the July 4th Parade, Mayor Bowser spoke again (following an event in June) to commemorate the opening of the renovated Eastern Market Metro Plaza. She credited Councilmember Charles Allen and pledged to continue working hand in hand with him.
After the Mayor departed for another parade in Palisades, Allen said that the community had been presented with a rare opportunity to change the nature of the space. He said “We can do the big stuff, but we can’t forget the small stuff”. He cited the preservation of one of the benches (from the parcel which now accommodates the playground) which had been restored by neighbor Peter Riehle as a Eagle Scout project a few years before his death in 2015. “That’s who we are”, Allen said, “remembering the small things that hold us together in addition to the big stuff”. Above, Allen along with Martin Smith of Barracks Row Main Street and Nicky Cymrot (partly obscured) cut a ribbon – the City Council’s recognition of the official opening of the Plaza.
On Monday of last week, representatives of the Defund the Police Coalition and a representative of the Justice Lab DC both appeared before ANC6A’s Community Outreach Committee chaired by Roni Holloman. The organizations made presentations in support of their respective positions on police reform. The committee voted to recommend the full ANC support he more moderate position of Justice Lab DC, endorsing the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission. See here: https://dccouncil.us/police-reform-commission-full-report/ The recommendation comes up before the full ANC at its meeting on Thursday.
Update on Door Dash. Last Tuesday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Corey Holman told his ANC colleagues that DCRA has asked Door Dash to revise their building permit as it regards parking. Holman said that if DCRA doesn’t ask for a revision of the permit as it regards loading he would forward the ANC’s appeal of the building permit on the grounds that the proposed loading space violates zoning regulations. More information on developments may be available at Tuesday night’s committee meeting.
Door Dash has been doing some lobbying of ANC commissioners and residents by holding an in person or virtual open house to introduce skeptics to their operation. CHC wasn’t invited, but here’s a look inside of the old Frager’s space as Door Dash looks forward to opening at a time TBD.
On Thursday, Councilmember picked a particularly hot afternoon to hold his first community office hours since the city shut down for the pandemic. This was in Eastern Market Metro Park, near the playground.
And last Friday, AP and The Hill newspaper reported that the US Capitol Police have a plan to remove the remaining fencing around the Capitol Building as soon at July 9. A more encompassing outer fence was removed in March. The decision seems to be a political one, since the Capitol Police Board (comprised of the Senate and House Sergeants at Arms and the Architect of the Capitol) recommended Congressional leaders keep the fence up until September.
The Week Ahead…Highlights…Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted July 5, 2021
Highlights
Wednesday – ANC6B Transportation Committee – Circulator Plan to Change Eastern Market/L’Enfant Plaza Route.
Wednesday – DDOT Proposal to add Advisory Bike Lanes to 12th Street SE & 100 Block of North Carolina Avenue, SE.
Wednesday – ANC6C Planning and Zoning Committee – Construction of up to 11-story, 130’ mixed-use building at 899-999 North Capitol Street, NE.
Thursday – ANC6B Alcohol Beverage Committee – Sip Wine & Spirits, 1100 K Street, S.E. Application for a Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor License.
Review of Concept Public Space Plans to add garden, public art, new signage, fence replacement, and outdoor classroom. Friendship Chamberlain Campus. 1345 Potomac Avenue, SE.
607 E Street, SE. New second-story read addition and adding new windows on side yard. Historic Preservation Application – concept review.
232 10th Street, SE. Historic Preservation and Zoning Adjustment Applications for concept/three-story rear and roof addition, roof deck, remove garage.
ANC6C Environment, Parks, and Events Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
220 H Street, NE aka Senate Square. Zoning Application – Supplemented application for a modification of consequence to an approved 2005 PUD to allow the required affordable housing units to be rented rather than sold.
55/75 New York Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception permit an animal boarding use on the ground floor and for a special exception from the penthouse use to permit a nightclub, bar, cocktail lounge, and/or restaurant use within a penthouse in a new mixed-use building at New York Avenue NE/1300 First Street, NE.
7/9 New York Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the minimum loading berth requirements and for a special exception from the penthouse height restrictions to raze the existing three-story building and to construct a 14-story, 116-unit apartment building with penthouse at 7 New York Avenue, NE.
899-999 North Capitol Street, NE. Zoning Application for design review to allow development of a mixed-use building with lodging and/or residential use and ground-floor retail uses and renovations and ground-level retail expansion of existing office buildings at 899-999 North Capitol Street, NE. The Property is located on the east side of North Capitol Street, NE between H and K Street, NE, in the NoMa neighborhood of Ward 6. The Property consists of approximately 134,579 square feet of land area located in the High Density Commercial land-use category on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan. The project will redevelop Lot 854 with an up to 11-story, 130’ mixed-use building with up to approximately 163,788 square feet of gross floor area of lodging and/or residential use and upbto approximately 8,000 square feet of retail/commercial use, along with introducing significant hardscaping and landscaping improvements. The project will also renovate the existing office buildings and construct ground-level additions at the front of these buildings containing approximately 6,980 square feet of retail/commercial uses (and these buildings will also be reduced by approximately 5,306 square feet of office use). In total, the project will add up to approximately 165,462 square feet of gross floor area to the Property.
622 Eye Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Further-revised application for a special exception to convert an existing residential building into a four-unit apartment house and for a special exception from the 10’ limit on extensions past the rear wall of any adjacent principal residential building.
Presentation: DC Police Reform Commission – Naïké Savain, Policy Counsel, DC Justice
Letter to DPMED requesting that the decision regarding Hill East Redevelopment Phase II/Reservation 13 prioritize housing for seniors and that at least 50% of the units be designated as deeply affordable housing as defined by 30% AMI.
Resolution in support of the recommendations put forth in the DC Police Reform Commission Report (issued on April 1, 2021: https://dcpolicereform.com/
Request to amend the Settlement Agreement for Pie Shop at 1339 H Street, NE, to allow live and prerecorded music on the summer garden, change the hour of operation for the summer garden, place restrictions on the use of speakers in the summer garden, and prohibit entertainment in the form of live bands and of DJs in the summer garden after 8:00pm.
Request to amend the Settlement Agreement for the Gold Room Bar and Lounge at 1370 H Street, NE to allow prerecorded music in the summer garden and restrict the use of speakers in the summer garden.
Resolution to be sent to Councilmember CharlesbAllen supporting naming the alley fronting Sq4546 bLot018 in Rosedale in honor of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. The proposed name is “Mamie Peanut Johnson Court.”
Letter to DDOT requesting that they install radar feedback signs and other traffic calming measures on D Street and East Capitol Streets during the C St improvement project, expedite traffic calming on C Street, NE, from the 1500 block to 800 block, and work to clarify connectivity for cyclists at the western end of the C Street project scope.
Application of Capitol Square Bar and Grill for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe with conditions, including certain requirements regarding the use of public space for a sidewalk café, that occupancy of the café be limited to 35 seated patrons and no more than 40 total standing and seated guests, certain limitations on the hours of operation for the sidewalk café, that individual table umbrellas be used instead of a single tent covering, and that outstanding trash issues be resolved.
Letter to DDOT requesting an urgent response to several outstanding requests, including to take traffic calming measures on H Street NE, including curb extensions and speed cameras, and to address pending all-way stop sign requests previously made by the ANC6A to DDOT for 14th and A Streets NE; 15th and A Streets NE, 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NE; and 13th and I Streets, NE.
Letter to DPW requesting that, due to health and safety concerns, they move the trash collection for the 800 block of West Virginia Avenue NE, the 1000 block of 9th Street NE, and 800 block of K Street, NE to the rear alley of those blocks from its current location on West Virginia Avenue NE.
Letter of support to DDOT for TSA Service Request for traffic calming measures for the 1000 block of 10th Street, NE, (intersection with Florida Avenue), including consideration of speed bumps and raised crosswalks.
Letter to DDOT requesting an urgent response to sidewalk repair issues which are either beyond their expected service resolution date or represent an immediate accessibility issue or safety hazard.
Letter to DDOT requesting that they provide consistent parking signage on the 200 and 300 blocks of 8th Street, NE.
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Sip Wine & Spirits, 1100 K Street, S.E. Application for a Retailer’s Class “A” Liquor License.
Kaiju Ramen Bar, 525 8th Street, S.E. Applcation for a Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License.
La Casina DC, 327 7th Street, S.E. Application for a Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.
The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon, 723 8th Street, SE. Retailer’s Class CR License, Request to change/update the existing settlement agreement.
Letter to ABRA regarding the proper procedure to request a deferral of an applicant’s protest petition deadline and maintain the right to protest the establishment if the applicant does not agree to the deferral or the ABRA Board denies the request.
ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
1133 North Capitol Street, NE. Public Space Application for public space streetscape work at a new residential building at the site of the DC Housing Authority. The plan includes new street trees, street lights, curbside bio retention, curb cuts for loading dock and for garage entrance, and Pepco vaults.
Georgetown’s McCourt School, Public Space Application – conceptual review of a proposed bridge over the alley between Georgetown’s existing Law Center campus and the McCourt School of Public Policy building. The alley is located near 2nd and E Streets, NW.
713 Maryland Avenue, NE. Parking in public space at – the Committee will revisit the discussion from May 2021 on parking concerns at 713Maryland Ave NE where vehicles have been parking in the public space.
Temporary bike lanes around the Capitol. The Committee will discuss sending a potential letter with neighboring ANCs on requesting DDOT to install temporary bike lanes around the Capitol on Constitution and Independence Avenues to create a viable bicycling route from Capitol Hill to downtown and L’Enfant Plaza while the Capitol grounds remain closed. Constitution and Independence Avenues around the Capitol are both marked in DDOT’s master plan, MoveDC, for future planned improvements for the Bicycle Priority Network.
Updates on past Committee items including 5th Street NE traffic safety assessment; resident-only parking blocks letter from March 2020 (ANC letter); notice of intents issued for stop signs at 7th & A Street, NE, and 7th & C Street NE; and notice of intent issued for no right turn on red and daylighting at North Capitol Street & Massachusetts Avenue.
Library of Congress will open to visitors on July 8.
As usual, the Marine Corps Band lead the parade, stepping off precisely at 10:00am.
Council Member at Large Elissa Silverman, a Barracks Row July 4th regular showed up.
As did Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen, who was especially well received by the crowd.
Ms. District of Columbia brought grace and beauty to the proceedings.
And the Capitol Hill BID brought barrels of candy and glass bead necklaces.
Capitol Hill schools sent contingents…here’s Brent’s…
and Tyler’s…
and Payne’s.
The Capitol Hill Fife and Drum Corps mustered.
The parade was smaller this year, having come together in three weeks after a last minute decision to hold it. But the crowds turned out, anxious to put the confinement of the pandemic behind them. The popular South American dance troupes which have closed the parade in past years were not present this year, but organizers still saved the best for last.
Here comes the Mayor.
Mayor Bowser was all smiles as she received the applause and cheers of onlookers grateful for the parade, for the holiday, and grateful for the words of the Mayor, “DC Is Open”.
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 3rd 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.
New Eastern Market Retail. A new family-owned Kashmir Boutiques is coming to 700 Penn starting July 1, 2021. Previously at Union Station, Kashmir Boutiques has a nearly 30-year history of bringing fine, hand-embroidered garments from the Kashmir Valley and designer pieces to the Capitol Hill community. The store is at 760 C Street, SE, between the two buildings which comprise 700 Pennsylvania Avenue. Kashmir Boutiques will feature styles from a variety of designers including Luna Luz, Petit Pois, and Beau Jours among others. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday 1am to 7pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.
Application for Liquor License at 11th & K Street SE likely headed for a protest hearing. ANC6B Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg hosted an on-line community meeting last Monday to provide an opportunity for residents near 1100 K Street, SE, to hear from the applicant for a liquor license for a retail liquor store for the corner of 11th and K Streets, across from Gingko Gardens. Applicant Dinesh Madaan says his intent is to operate an upscale shop selling wine and high end liquor. More than two dozen neighbors joined the meeting; all opposed the license, pointing to issues on the block including violence, drugs, and loitering. A petition against the license is being circulated. The application is due to come up before the ANC6B ABC Committee meeting on July 8 and before the full ANC on July 12. It’s hard to imagine the ANC not protesting this license.
C Street NE Implementation Project. Council Member Charles Allen joined ANC6A’s Transportation and Public Space Committee meeting last Monday night to give an update on the long-awaited C Street NE Implementation Project. Allen cited massive problems with traffic on the corridor, including lost lives. He said residents are at risk and it has to change and pledged to work with DDOT to make sure the project stays on track . Construction is scheduled to begin shortly and will extend through September of 2022. For more information on what to expect, go here: https://www.cstne.com
Library of Congress will re-open to visitors and Movies on the Lawn resumes. The Library of Congress will reopen for visitors on Thursday, July 8. Visitors must reserve timed-entry passes. Visitors with passes will be able to to view the Great Hall, the Gutenberg Bible, the Abel Buell 1784 U.S. map and the overlook into the Main Reading Room. The Library Shop will be open to timed-entry visitors beginning July 8. Also, every Thursday, beginning July 8, the Library will resume its Movies on the Lawn Series, starting with “The Princess Bride.” Here’s a link to the Library’s public events where you can track coming attractions: https://www.loc.gov/events
Eastern Market Stakeholders to Meet with CM Allen on Concerns. The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee met on Wednesday night and heard Treasurer Chuck Burger announce that CM Charles Allen will join a group of stakeholders for a breakfast meeting on July 1 to hear concerns being voiced by EMCAC and Eastern Market/Barracks Row businesses. The stakeholders include Eastern Market management, representatives from EMCAC, Eastern Market vendors, Eastern Market Mainstreet, Barracks Row Mainstreet, and abutting ANC single member districts. Issues on the agenda include traffic, noise abatement, Metro Plaza, use of public space, Eastern Market area definition, law and regulation enforcement by MPD, public use of drugs, shoplifting,, and public services and assistance for our street population. Burger said the goal is to understand the issues and establish a procedure for moving forward to address them’
On Sunday, July Fourth, the annual Fourth of July parade returns to Barracks Row, having taken a year off owing to the pandemic.
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 4th Parade returns to Barracks Row.
The Week Ahead:
MONDAY, JUNE 27
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
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.
Brian Ready spearheads the restoration of the 1988 6th Street Underpass murals by Byron Peck. Here he is assisted by Guerilla Gardener volunteers, Claire Kaliban (at left) and Lisa Smith.
Jim Guckert (at left) who heads up Guerilla Gardeners brought funding and volunteers – including Joseph Kondrot – to the project. Guckert says it will take all summer to restore the 13 paintings. Ready is looking for more community volunteers. He can be reached at www.anc6b.org for info on how to participate in the Saturday morning two hour work sessions.
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 6th 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 4th 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.
Mayor Bowser joined ANC6D’s virtual meeting last Monday night to talk about her budget priorities and to take questions about the ANC’s concerns. On the $17 billion budget presented to the city council a couple of weeks ago, Bowser said she prioritized Covid relief, recovering from Covid, and growth. Regarding growth, she said her focus was on investing in more affordable housing including public housing. The ANC had a handful of issues to discuss with the Mayor and Chair Edward Daniels asked them on behalf of the commission. These included why is the city not doing a better job re parking enforcement and signage near the SE Waterfront and what measures are being taken to address gun violence? The Mayor pledged greater agency cooperation on parking and endorsed the city’s new Director of Gun Violence Prevention, Linda Harper. The Mayor’s scheduled time was up and she left before addressing ANC6D’s concerns about the homeless encampment at the Virginia Avenue underpass.
On Wednesday, the Mayor was at Eastern Market Metro Plaza to officially cut the ribbon marking the completion of the renovation of the Plaza. In remarks, the Mayor took the opportunity to support her budget now pending before the City Council. In the Q&A, she welcomed the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday, saying she was surprised at how quickly the legislation moved through Congress. But, she said, it did not address the remedy for the outstanding civil rights issue – statehood for the District.
ANC6B04 Commissioner Jerry Sroufe stood in for Councilmember Chariles Allen who was chairing a committee hearing downtown. Sroufe touted Allen’s efforts and his vision regarding the Plaza renovation and noted that the project is not finished yet and awaits three pieces of public art due to be installed later this year.
The East Wing of the National Gallery of Art opened last Friday. Fully vaccinated visitors are free from the requirement to wear a mask. The Atrium bears little resemblance to the one visitors remember before the pandemic and the current renovation which involves replacing of the skylights. The iconic Calder mobile has been temporarily removed. A 45 foot site-responsive painted canvas by Sarah Cain entitled My favorite season is the fall of the patriarchy dominates the space.
Karen Rosen’s work Sorry, covers the main entrance to the East Wing, which is a little confusing until you find the new temporary entrance to the right.
And Hahn/Cock – German artist Katharina Fritch’s monumental electric powder-blue 14-foot rooster on the Roof Terrace of the East Wing – overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue. The sculpture was illuminated in mid-March as a symbol of hope and renewal, anticipating the re-opening of the museum.
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.
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)
H Street NE: Joint ANC letter, curb extension, and speed cameras
1200-1500 C Street Traffic Calming Assessment from 2017
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, 18th 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 8th Street, NE – parking.
TUESDAY, JUNE 22
ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
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.
Sadly, after five years, Summit to Soul at 727 8th Street on Barracks Row has permanently closed. The store had a strong on-line presence but the website currently shows no products available. And the signature logo on the side of the building “The Future is Females Running” has been painted over.
If all goes according to plan, the two story building at the former location of Howl to the Chief at 733 8th Street on Barracks Row will get two new stories. The owner plans three floors of residential units while keeping the first floor for retail. Howl to the Chief moved a few doors down to 719 8th Street. Aboe is the before (image from architect’s Powerpoint presentation to ANC6B)…
…and here’s the after. (image from architect’s Powerpoint presentation to ANC6B)
Crazy Aunt Helen’s has it’s sign up at the former Finn McCool’s at 713 8th Street, SE. The comfort food breakfast, lunch and dinner hopes to open this month.
The Pennsylvania Avenue SE Corridor program providing dedicated bus and bike lanes between 2nd Street and Barney Circle will proceed in two phases: Phase 1: 2nd Street to 13th Street with installation from the fall of 2022 to 2024 and Phase 2: 13th Street SE to Barney Circle with installation from 2022 and 2024. Here’s a rendering of the raised Zicla bus loading platform at at the corner of 7th and PA Ave which pedestrians will reach by crossing the dedicated bike lane. The platforms are modular and flexible and made from recycled and recyclable plastic.
The Mayor’s budget provides $215 million to replace the 44 year-old H Street (Hopscotch Bridge) behind Union Station. So-called for the 1997 public art installation “Hopscotch” by Deirdre Saunder – with installation assisted by inner city youth as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program. Replacing the bridge will enable a major expansion of Union Station and development of air rights north of the station
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.
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 says the parking spaces and loading zone in front of the old Frager’s building are feet short of what is required by DC Zoning Reglations and this will interfere with use of public space in front of the building.
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.)
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 