CAPITOL HILL CORNER

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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.

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ANC6B Appears Ready to Take on DoorDash Over Parking/Loading Dock Issues

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 4, 2021

Last Tuesday, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full ANC appeal DCRA’s issuance of DoorDash’s building permit for renovation of the old Frager’s Hardware store at 1323 E Street, SE.  DoorDash plans on using the location for a warehouse distribution center for last mile delivery of convenience items.  The recommendation comes up before the full ANC at its meeting next Tuesday where passage is virtually certain. 

DCRA’s appeal process is backed up owing to the pandemic and a hearing is not likely to occur until January.  In the meantime, it’s unclear what happens to work on the project while an appeal is pending. 

The Committee says the building permit is flawed – that it claims four private parking spaces and a loading dock when in reality the existence of those claims is based in part on the use of public space.  In addition, the building permit does not address required screening, lighting, zoning use and trash issues. 

Actually, Frager’s Hardware had operated at the location for years without its incursion into public space being challenged, but things are different now.  When it opened the temporary Frager’s on E Street in 2015, the site was surrounded by commercial and non-residential property.  Now the site is a commercial island in a sea of new high rise residential property.  In 2015, neighbors and the city looked the other way in the aftermath of the devastating 2013 fire which destroyed the beloved store on Pennsylvania Avenue.  Holman says, “It would be a shame if the neighbor’s leniency grandfathers in a greater nuisance.” 

DoorDash Manager Josh Neergaard told the committee at last Tuesday night’s virtual meeting that he is committed to operating the parking and loading dock legally.  He called the planned DoorMart a small convenience store with 10% pickup by purchaser and 90% delivered by foot, bike, or car within a 3 – 5 radius.  He suggested there were ways to work around the problems perhaps by converting street parking into a commercial loading zone which would be used two or three times a day.

Holman said that the city could resolve the major issues by granting a special exception to accommodate the company’s needs, but DoorDash has not filed for a special exception.  Holman stressed that any agreement with the ANC can’t be legally enforced – but a special exception granted by the city can.  As is, he said, the site doesn’t comply with zoning restrictions and can’t be used without mitigation from the Zoning Commission. 

Holman says the solution is going through the special exception process which would include mitigating the impact of the business on the neighborhood, and he hopes DCRA reexamines and revokes the permit on its face when it reviews it.  The applicant can then revise the building permit application to address ANC concerns and resubmit.   Holman allowed that no one good compromise will make everyone happy. 

Former ANC6B Commissioner Nick Burger lives on the block  and worries about DoorDash overburdening the site and then finding out it can’t handle it.  He says that even with a valid permit there will be a use issue – what was formerly a retail outlet is now a warehouse.  He and other nearby residents are concerned about the amount of traffic the business will attract to the street. 

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DoorDash To Open DC’s First DashMart in Frager’s former Location at 1323 E Street, SE.

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 31, 2021

Last week, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Chair Corey Holman told other ANC commissioners that DoorDash is opening a last-mile DashMart warehouse in the old Frager’s building at 1323 E Street, SE.  The outlet will be the first in DC – another DashMart will open at 826 South Pickett Street in Alexandria.

DashMart is an online ordering service which opened in a number of major market centers last year.  According to the company:

“DashMart is a new type of convenience store, offering both household essentials and local restaurant favorites to our customers’ doorsteps. On DashMart, you’ll find thousands of convenience, grocery, and restaurant items, from ice cream and chips, to cough medicine and dog food, to spice rubs and packaged desserts from the local restaurants you love on DoorDash.”

The service delivers convenience items and groceries in 30 minutes or less.  In other areas, delivery fees are based on the size of the order but the company’s subscription service – DashPass at $10 a month – provides unlimited orders of $15 or more.  Typically, deliveries occur between 8:00am and 11:00pm. 

There’s a public space issue with the parking spaces in front of the building which may require a special exception from DDOT to resolve, but operations could begin next month.  ANC6B may consider supporting a special exception for the parking at its virtual meeting Tuesday night.    (ed. note.  See Holman’s clarification in the comment below. )  

The growth of the last-mile-logistics-for-everything is hot at the moment.  Foxtrot Market has opened stores with on line shopping platforms and home delivery in Georgetown and Mt. Vernon Triangle.  Last month, ANC6B’s ABC Committee voted to support a retail liquor license for an online alcohol (high-end spirits) delivery service which plans to operate from one of the upper floor spaces of the Hine Project at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue.  At the ANC’s ABC Committee meeting some questions came up about how the business might result in an increase in pick- up traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue. 

DoorDash, the nation’s largest food delivery provider, went public last year.

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The splash pad at Eastern Market Metro Plaza opened for a trial run on Wednesday, two days in advance of the official opening of DC’s splash pads on Saturday. Not many taker’s Saturday or Sunday, but business is expected to improve during the coming week.

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

Highlights:

• Tuesday – Expansion of services at Southeast Library
• Wednesday – ANC6B Transportation Committee. DDOT explains plans for prioritizing bikes and buses and asking for feedback from all users of the PA Ave Corridor. 
• Saturday – Volunteers needed for Neighborhood Clean-up Starting across from Eastern Market Metro.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1

Expansion of services at Southeast Library. 

• Patrons will be allowed to browse the collections and sit inside.

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

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3fzR4PX

Draft agenda: 

• 818 Potomac Avenue, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Modification of Significance to change the principal use to a hotel and for a special exception to eliminate the previously required and approved loading area. 
• 13 7th Street, SE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition to an existing, attached, two-story principal dwelling unit. 
• 241 11th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept review to infill dogleg and rebuild existing one-story garage as a two-story dwelling. 
• 515 5th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept review for a two-story addition at rear. 
• 647 A Street, SE. Historic Preservation and Zoning Adjustment Application for Concept review and Special Exceptions for lot occupancy for two story rear addition and dogleg infill.
• 733 8^th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept review for addition of two stories plus penthouse to an existing non-contributing two story building for residential use with potential for ground floor retail.
• 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept review of proposal to 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.
• Potential Appeal of Building Permit – proposed DoorDash DashMart re resolution of parking spaces in public space.  
• 232 10th Street, SE. Historic Preservation and Zoning Adjustment Applications for Concept review and a Special Exception to construct a three-story and roof deck rear addition to an existing attached, two-story principal dwelling unit.   

WEDNESDAY JUNE 2

ANC 6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  Chair:  Kirsten Oldenburg

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3fzApw0

Draft agenda: 

• Discussion with DDOT Team on Pennsylvania Avenue SE Corridor Study. DDOT explains plans for prioritizing bikes and buses and asking for feedback from all users of the PA Ave Corridor. 
• MoveDC Comments (tentative)

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  Chair:  Mark Eckenweiler

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/2TtBBZb

Draft agenda: 

• 622 Eye Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application – further-revised application for a special exception to convert an existing residential building into a five-unit apartment house and for variance relief from the 900-square-foot/unit   
• 899-999 North Capitol Street, NE.  (informational/non-voting) – Developers intend to file an 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, and 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 up  to 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 on Lots 853 and 855 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).

THURSDAY, MAY 30

ANC6B ABC Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  Chair:  Brian Ready.

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3pbQona

Draft agenda: 

 (*this case has been placed on Consent for June 8th Full ANC Monthly Meeting)

• Gandel’s Liquors, 211 Pennsylvania Ave SE. Class A / Retail – Liquor Store, Tasting Endorsement.
• *Hayden’s, 700 North Carolina Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Liquor License
• JJ Mutt Wine & Spirits, 643 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Liquor License. 
• Chat’s Liquors, 503 8th Street, SE. Renewal of Class “A” Liquor License. 
• South East Market & Liquors, 1500 Independence Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class “A” 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. Class “A” / Retail – Liquor Store.
• Harvest Tide Steak House, 212 7th Street, SE. New Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant. 
• Santa Rosa Taqueria 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Transfer of Class “C” Restaurant License. 

ANC 6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. Chair:  Christy Kwan

For info on joining the meeting, go here:  https://bit.ly/3yNBMhX

Draft agenda: 

• Walking alley behind 308 and 310 A Street, NE. Owners of 308 and 310 A Street NE have submitted an application to close the walking alley behind 310 A Street, NE. The walking alley is between 7 and 8 feet wide and the closure does not change the main public alley in Square 785. The proposed closed walking alley property will be divided into two taxable lots and eventually reverted to the owners of 308 and 310 A Street, NE.
• Dave Thomas Circle 65% Design Plans. DDOT hosted a virtual public meeting on May 17, 2021 to present the 65% design for the Florida Avenue-New York Avenue NE Intersection Project (“Dave Thomas Circle”). The meeting provided an opportunity for the public to learn about the latest key design elements, ask questions, and provide feedback to inform the designs. Comments are due by the end of the day on Friday, June 18, 2021. All project details are available at FloridaAveProject.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Seeking Volunteers for Neighborhood Clean-up Starting at Eastern Market Metro

ANC6B Commissioner Edward Ryder sends: 

On Saturday, June 5th at 10am, there will be another neighborhood cleanup starting near 900 D Street, SE, (across the street from the Eastern Market Metro Plaza). The plan is to spread out from there in different directions to ensure we clean as much of the neighborhood as possible.

I will have extra gloves and trash bags on hand, but please bring sunscreen, water, and your own trash picker. This event does also count for community service hours for DC public school students. Just be sure to see me after you’ve wrapped up so I can sign the service form. I’ll have a few extra forms on hand with me as well.

We will also have some special guests from the University of Tennessee – DC alumni chapter who are joining us for their annual Volunteering with the Vols event. You don’t need to be an alumnus to participate in the cleanup, but feel free to represent your own alma mater and partake in some friendly exchanges about sports or academics. 

This cleanup is for the larger neighborhood, not just our corner of it, so please forward and invite anyone you know who might be interested in cleaning up the neighborhood!

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New on Barracks Row – DC’s First Sneaker Cleaning/Restoration Outlet

by Larry Janezich

Sole Wash – a new sneaker cleaning and restoration service – is receiving a warm welcome from nearby residents of the 400 block of Barracks Row.  The service is the first real non-food service retail outlet to open on the block in years.

Sole Wash – which opened last Saturday at 427 8^th Street, SE – is female/Black/Latino owned, all three of those qualities personified in owner Nichole Verdejo.  As an Afro-Latina female in a historically male dominated industry, Verdejo is the first female to own a sneaker laundry – and one that happens to be DC’s first.

The outlet was cultivated under Footage Society, a premier sneaker boutique in Laurel, MD, founded by Verdejo and two partners.  Since 2015, with the support of her Footage Society co-owners, she has grown Sole Wash into a leading service provider, specializing in sneaker cleaning and restoration.  In 2019, Sole Wash was officially established as a sister company to Footage Society and plans were laid to expand to the District.  Verdejo said the choice of location was between H Street, NE, and Barracks Row and she ended up on Barracks Row, citing its friendliness to new retail. 

Sole Wash also sells new sneakers and exhibits sneaker art – including a prototype for a high heeled sneaker and porcelain commemorative sneakers. 

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Highlights:

Tuesday – ANC6A’s discussion of H Street’s Cru Hemp Lounge request for a Tavern License.

Wednesday – EMCAC’s May meeting.  

The Week Ahead…Highlights…Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted May 23, 2021

Monday, May 24

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Draft Agenda:

• Presentation:  Todd Cymrot, Board Member, Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
• Presentation:  Dorie Turner Nott, Communications Director, Serve Your City.
• Presentation:  Casey Watts, Rank The Vote DC.

Tuesday, May 25

ANCA Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Draft agenda: 

• Discussion of application by Toki Underground at 1244 H Street, NE, for a Class C Tavern License.
• Discussion of request by Dangerously Delicious Pie Shop at 1339 H Street, NE, or modification of its settlement agreement to permit outdoor patio entertainment.
• Discussion of application by Exotic Wine and Spirit, Inc. t/a Exotic Wine & Spirits at 801 Maryland Avenue, NE (ABRA #118158) for a Class A Retailer’s License.
• Discussion of application by Cru Hemp Lounge at 816 H Street NE, for a Class C Tavern License.
• Continued discussion of application by Master Liquors at 1806 D Street, NE, for renewal of its Class A Retail License.

ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Go here for info on how to join the meeting:  https://bit.ly/3wuhnMW

Agenda: 

To set the agenda for the June 8 meeting of the full ANC. 

Wednesday, May 26

ANC6A’s Ad Hoc Committee on By Laws will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Agenda:

• To consider proposed changes to ANC6A’s By Laws. 

Wednesday, May 23

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

Info on how to join the meeting will be announced. 

Among items on the agenda:

• Budget Review Status. Mayor will not release budget until May 27.
• Report of the Market Manager
  • Strategic Plan Update
  • Budget update
  • Return of Market Operations to pre-covid status
  • Status of drafting procedures conflict resolution process
  • Signage and banner update
• Capital Improvements Report:   Monte Edwards
• Noise task force: Chuck Burger
• Tenant’s Council Report
• Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update

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Crazy Aunt Helen’s Comfort Food is Coming to Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Eater DC’s Tierney Plumb reports the arrival of a new comfort food restaurant on Barracks Row.  Shane Mayson and executive chef Mykie Moll will open Crazy Aunt Helen’s where Finn McCool’s used to be at 713 8^th Street, SE.  The new eatery hopes to open in mid-June.

According to Tierney, the menu will include brisket, Reuben sandwiches, roast chicken, and crab cakes and will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7:00am until 9:00pm. 

Finn McCool’s closed in February.  Operator Tom Johnson, managing partner of the Hill Restaurant Group announced in August of 2020 that he was giving up the lease last August as the pandemic and lease issues required a consolidation.  He also relinquised the lease on Orchid, which has since been re-born at Extreme Pizza.  

The Hill Restaurant Group’s remaining restaurants on or near Capitol Hill include Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Lola’s, Tortuga, Boxcar, Ophelia’s Fish House and the former Willie’s, now Stadium Sports in Southwest near Nats Park.

Here’s a link to Tierney’s report.  https://bit.ly/3f1dMQD

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

By Larry Janezich

Posted May 16, 2021

Highlights:

• Thursday – DMPED Disposition Hearing on Reservation 13 Phase II

Monday, May 17

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee meets at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Update on proposal to site a public bathroom on 17th Street and Benning Road NE, under the Public Restroom Facilities and Promotion Act.
• Discussion of DDOT Notice of Intent to install on-way protected bikeways on the 800 and 900 blocks of West Virginia Avenue, NE.
• Discussion of public space permit application for an outdoor patio at the Capitol Square Bar and Grill at 1500 East Capitol Street. Drawings:  https://bit.ly/3frceyB
• Update on Tennessee Avenue. NE, traffic calming. Will Handsfield from DDOT will present.
• Discussion of public space permit application for an outdoor patio at Bullfrog Bagels on H Street, NE.
• Discussion of fence permit at 1369 C Street, NE.
• Discussion of installing a speed hump in the 1500 block of Isherwood Street, NE.
• Discussion of converting stoplights to 4-way stops (time permitting).

Tuesday, May 18

The Capitol Hill Business Interest Working Group will hold a virtual meeting from 2:00pm until 3:00pm. 

Draft agenda TBA

To join the meeting:

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=md3f632178764866fae3cc7e724e4bc29

Meeting number: 172 195 4619

Password: AqJSHusr726

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone

+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

Access code: 172 195 4619

Wednesday, May 19

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Discussion of the standard and approaches to be used for reviewing special exception requests to regulations that govern the building of a rear wall that extends more than ten feet past an adjoining property.

Thursday, May 20

DMPED will hold a virtual hearing regarding the disposition of Reservation 13 Phase II at 6:00pm.

To join the meeting, go here: 

https://dmped.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmped/page_content/attachments/HE%20PH%20II%20Disposition%2015%20Day%20Register%20Notice%20Final.pdf

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ANC6A Commissioner Asks MPD for Help on 17^th and Benning Road Trouble Spot

by Larry Janezich

ANC6A07 Commissioner Sondra Phillip-Gilbert says she has struggled to get the attention of MPD District 5 officials regarding trouble spots in her single member district including one at 17^th and Benning Road.  Last Thursday, at a safety meeting/walk following a shooting near 15th and C, NE, which left two wounded and residents alarmed, Phillips-Gilbert delivered an impassioned plea to MPD Officials asking for assistance in her own adjoining single member district.  She asked First District Commander Morgan Kane and Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict to come to her single member district and walk with her on a tour of trouble spots.  She spoke the hurt and pain she feels because she is unable to help the residents who come to her with their concerns. 

Her single member district 6A07 in the northeast corner of ANC6A is bordered on the north by Benning Road and on the east by 19th Street, and largely by 16^th Street on the west.  The district lies in MPD District 5, outside of First District Commander Kane’s responsibilities.  Benedict, an MPD Executive Assistant Chief, participated in last week’s meeting because he is a nearby resident.  Fifth District Commander William Fitzgerald was not present at the safety meeting  which was in the First District. 

Phillips-Gilbert seized the opportunity to draw attention to her problems by inviting Commander Kane and Assistant Chief Benedict to come and walk with me her in the Rosedale Community and provide the same support that they were giving her neighboring ANC district. 

She told Capitol Hill Corner, “My concern is that when public safety issues are presented, as Commander Kane stated, we must also include other agencies and resources to lend support to address these public safety concerns.

My concern is that the Rosedale Community does not get the wrap around support and strategy to resolve the chronic public safety concerns. We tend to receive what I call the Band-Aid approach whereby; they give you just enough support from one or two agencies to hold you together until the next explosion hits the community, and then you start the process all over again.

I want to see all agencies and MPD come together to sit down with me and discuss strategies on resolving the chronic public safety concerns at 17th and Benning Road, and other hot spot areas throughout the Rosedale community this year.  It is my hope that by the close of the Summer Crime Preventive Program that I can speak on how effective the program addressed the concerns of the community and restored my hope and faith in them all.”