City Moves to Walk-up No Appointment Vaccination Sites on May 1
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 26, 2021
Mayor Bowser held a Situational Briefing today and announced that beginning on Saturday, May 1, the District will transition to the use of 11 high-capacity, walk-up no appointment needed vaccination sites. These will be in addition to pharmacies, clinics, and health care providers that are also administering the vaccines citywide. These sites continue to operate their own scheduling systems.
The walk-up vaccination sites near Capitol Hill include:
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street, SE
Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW
The remaining sites, as well as Mayor Bowser’s PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/2QYrwlF
Last Monday, a memorial paying tribute to USCP Officer William “Billy” Evans remained across from the North Barricade to the US Capitol. Evans, an 18 year veteran of the force, was killed on April 2nd, by a car driven by a man who attempted to breach security.
On April 14, the city denied the request of the pastor of the Capitol Hill Baptist Church for a 238 seat section in the church’s West Hall for those who have been fully vaccinated and wearing masks. Last Monday, during Mayor Bowser’s Situational Briefing, Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Director of DOH, was asked by a reporter to comment on the denial. Nesbitt said that there is a difference in a gathering with people not in the same households where they are singing or engaging in higher risk activities, sitting shoulder to shoulder, and shaking hands and hugging – and other public gatherings.
A Step toward Reopening: Last Wednesday, officials at the US Capitol announced a small step toward reopening for the first time since the Coronavirus closure. Visitors with official business will be able to enter the Capitol Building on Monday, April 26. Congressional Office Buildings will be open to those with appointments starting Friday, April 29
As the renovation of Eastern Market Metro Plaza nears completion, here’s a look at the “Bosque” area with tables and chairs.
The broad open space south of the Metro entrance will be the site of a raised event pavilion. The pavilion element will be among the last elements to be installed. A grand opening attended by the Mayor, CM Charles Allen, and other city officials is being planned for June.
The Week Ahead…ANC Highlights…Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
ANC Highlight:
Monday, ANC6A – Assistant US Attorney Doug Klein at 6A’s Community Outreach Committee
The Week Ahead…
Monday, April 27
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Presentation: Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Douglas Klein, Community Prosecutor for 1D; AUSA Magdalena Acevedo, Community Prosecutor for 5D and Christopher Wade, Community Outreach Specialist for1D.
Presentation: Sasha Bruce Youth, Danny Rico, Director of Development & External Relations.
Presentation: The TraRon Center, Ryane B. Nickens, President.
Presentation: Minor Mutual Aid, Christopher Deutsch, Organizer. .
Presentation: Greater DC Diaper Bank, Corinne Cannon Executive Director
Presentation: Rosedale Library Friends, Emily Wagner and Meredith Holmgren, President and Vice President.
Presentation: Empower DC, Daniel del Pielago, Organizing Director.
Presentation: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Amy Moore, Executive Director.
Presentation: HIPS, Baraq Stein.
Tuesday, April 28
ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Garfield and “Spielberg” Parks Slated for Upgrades/New Equipment
by Larry Janezich
The Department of Parks and Recreation hosted two virtual community meetings this week to solicit input on the planned upgrade of two Capitol Hill parks: Garfield Park at 3rd and New Jersey Avenue, SE, and “Spielberg” Park at 17th and Massachusetts Avenue, SE. The latter was informally named by the community after movie director Steven Spielberg donated playground equipment for the park after shooting part of the film Minority Report in the neighborhood.
The project timelines for both parks are the same, with the kick-off community meetings having occurred on Monday and Tuesday of this week. A survey to solicit additional community input will be distributed later this month. Another community meeting will be held this summer to introduce the contractor to the community.
Construction is estimated to start in the fall of 2021 and be complete in the summer of 2022.
Councilmember Charles Allen participated in the virtual meeting on Garfield Park on Tuesday night. Allen provided funding for both park improvements in the current FY budget. He said that DPR is working internally to find additional funding for Garfield. “The park is a draw for numerous neighbors from all over Capitol Hill. I go to Garfield Park.” He said there isn’t enough money in the current budget item to do everything and he will be looking at doing more. “I’m listening for what more needs to be done” Allen added, “and for the priorities”.
On Monday night, DPR landscape architect David Wooden told participants in the meeting on “Spielberg” Park that the budget for the project is $750,000. Features DPR is focusing on for this park include:
ADA upgrades
Landscaping/turf building/sprucing up
New furnishings for the site – benches and seating area
Replacement of existing playground equipment and adding a shade feature
Lighting upgrades
The community voiced its interest in having part of the park devoted to a grownup needs and space for seniors.
Tuesday night, Wooden pegged the projected budget for Garfield Park at $900,000. The scope of improvements for Garfield Park includes:
Landscape improvements
New site furnishings
Playground equipment and replace surface of the playground
Lighting improvements
ADA accessibility
Tennis court surface improvements
A site erosion study
Wooden said that if we don’t get everything the community wants, those requests will carry over to when funds are available.
The well-attended meeting (50+) prompted lots of questions in the chat. DPR responses provided additional information:
There is no plan to do anything with the DDOT 395 underpass right now.
A dog park is not currently part of this project.
A proposed community fund raising effort is welcome.
Other questions showed that there is a lot of community interest in pickle ball courts, rehabilitation the basketball courts and skate park under the freeway, and about the homeless population in the park.
With respect to the latter, Wooden cited the difficulties that the has pandemic brought with respect to housing for the homeless, and said his agency was trying to work with the Department of Human Resources to help get the homeless to a better place.
Allen raised a concern directly with the DPR and DGS reps at the meeting about funds intended for new improvements being used to repair existing features of parks – not just these parks, but in a lot of parks. He pushed the agencies to commit to providing a budget for maintenance costs.
The agencies responded that they recognized the need for more and better maintenance and the need to be more proactive.
Mayor Bowser’s Situational Update – New RPP Fees – Parking Enforcement Resumes
by Larry Janezich
Mayor Bowser delivered a Situational Update today. Here’s a link to the Mayor’s PowerPoint presentation: https://bit.ly/32u49CY
Here’s a bullet point takeaway of the most important info:
30% DC residents are fully or partially vaccinated.
7% have been partly vaccinated.
Homebound residents can now call 1 – 855-363-0333 to register for an at-home COVIC-19 appointment. These appointments will begin on Monday, April 26.
Restarting Enforcement – June 1
All parking enforcement.
Towing of vehicles violating parking zones including appropriate fines.
Street sweeping and SWEEP enforcement.
Vehicles must display valid DC registration and inspection stickers.
DMV is scheduling expanded appointments for vehicle inspections beginning today.
The New Tiered Residential Parking Permit fee increases.
The new tiered Residential Parking Permit will involve an increase in fees and several tiers..
After June 1, fees for a RPP will increase to $50 for the first car associated with a household.
2nd car will be $75.
3rd car will be $100.
$150 for any other car over 3.
For those over 65, the fee will increase from $25 to $35 for the first vehicle.
Restarting enforcement – July 1
All DC driver license and ID Card holders must display a valid credential.
Renewal applications accepted for occupational and professional licenses.
DC medical cannabis program patient or caregiver registration cared must have a valid expiration date.
Booting of vehicles with two or more unsatisfied tickets that are 60 days old.
Expanded Library Operations start May 3
DC Public Library will add Saturday hours at its open locations.
The Deanwood and SE Libraries will begin providing limited in-person services.
Operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm.
The New SW Library will open May 6.
Free Test Yourself at Home COVID-19 Tests
Mayor Bowser announced the Test Yourself DC, offering at-home COVID-19 testing kits at locations around the District. The program offers the option to either take a COVID-19 test onsite at one of the 16 locations or to drop off their test sample at the closest DC Library drop box at no cost.
Approximately 8,000 Test Yourself DC kits will be available every week, and each site will be limited to 100-200 test kits per day. Individuals interested in participating can find a location at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testyourself – for Ward 6, it’s Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Library 1630 7th Street, NW.
Between April 19-30, testing kits locations will be open for pickups Monday to Friday between 10 am and 6 pm. Starting the week of May 3, the locations will be open for pickups Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm. Testing kits can be dropped off the locations no later than 8:00 pm seven days a week.
In the Q&A:
City Security vis a vis the Chauvin Trial
The Mayor said HLS and the Chief of Police are coordinating preparations to keep the city secure in the aftermath of the decision in the Derek Chauvin trial. She said there is a request pending for National Guard assistance with traffic, enhanced security at Metro stations, and a quick react force that could be deployed anywhere in the city. She said that Guard personnel will not be armed, reminding that arming the Guard can only be done at the direction of the President and that had not been part of the DC request.
Students Required to Return to In-person Class next Fall
Next fall, students will be required to return to in person classes. Any exceptions will be the subject of discussions with parents.
Outside, there’s progress on re-locating Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s Santa Rosa Taqueria to 301 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – formerly the home of Pret a Manger. The application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café comes up at the DDOT Public Space Committee meeting on April 22.
Inside, the work continues….
818 Potomac Avenue in the background is coming along. It will overlook the Virginia Avenue Community Garden…
and the recently upgraded Virginia Avenue Park.
ICYMI. DC Street Sticker Expo 5.0 extends its run at The Fridge, 516 &1/2 8th Street, SE, rear alley. Curator: Alex Gold Owner and Gallery Director. https://www.instagram.com/thefridgedc/
CHC stopped by Sunday afternoon – that’s Alex on the right, engaging a visitor to The Fridge.
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Week Past
Monday, April 19
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee holds a virtual meeting.
The goal is to better get to know our returning neighbors by learning about their experiences, hopes, and challenges as they transitioned back into society. Also participating will be the Deputy Chief of DC Public Defenders Service for a policy perspective.
Wednesday, April 21
CANCELED ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Bodegon Spanish Tapas coming to 518 8th Street, Barracks Row – formerly Medium Rare.
Bodegon Spanish Tapas Coming to Barracks Row
by Larry Janezich
The owners of Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge in at 3116 M Street in Georgetown have leased the space at 518 8th Street formerly occupied by Medium Rare, and will open a Spanish Tapas restaurant in the coming weeks, according to co-owner Joe Idrissi.
Brothers Joe and Moe Idrissi, in partnership with Ben Kirane, are long-time restaurateurs behind a number of Georgetown outlets, including Rialto, Maxime, and Thunder Burger and Bar.
Idrissi says the menu of Bodegon on Barracks Row will be similar to that of Bodega in Georgetown. You can take a look at it here: http://www.bodegadc.com/
The 11th Street, SE – I-695 Intersection, currently hostile to pedestrian, bicyclist traffic. (It’s not that friendly to vehicular traffic either.)
ANC6B Slams DDOT’s Pedestrian/Bike Safety Plan for 11th Street & I-695 SE Intersection
by Larry Janezich
After a contentious April 7 meeting where ANC6B’s Transportation Committee was briefed by DDOT on proposed safety improvements for the 11th Street/I-695 off ramp intersection, the committee went behind closed doors to craft a critical response to the proposal. A draft letter to DDOT, based on a number of recommendations by Commissioner Corey Holman – who also serves as chair of 6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee – was considered by the full ANC6B at its April meeting last Wednesday.
After a brief and more civil discussion, the Commission voted 9-0 to approve a letter stating that the current design of 11th Street is “hostile to all modes of travel” except for automobiles, that the plans for improvement are “insufficient in scope and design”, and that DDOT must modify the plan “to meet the safety, mobility, and sustainability goals of the city”.
DDOT’s original proposed improvements include:
1) Add an 8-foot wide two-way protected bike lane on the west side of 11th Street, SE, from I Street, SE, to O Street, SE.
2) Add a lane to the eastbound I-695 Exit Ramp to 11th Street, SE, to the existing three.
3) Reduce the 10 foot west side sidewalk width to 5 feet wide on 11th Street, SE, to accommodate protected bike lanes while maintaining up to eight car lanes in that stretch.
4) Shrink the width of the pedestrian refuge on the southern portion of the intersection of 11th Street, SE, and M Street, SE, from 18 feet to 6 feet to accommodate an extra north bound left turn lane onto westbound M Street, SE.
Striking a conciliatory note, the letter went on: “[We believe] the plans presented to the community on April 7, 2021 increase the safety of the corridor compared to the status quo, but we believe such projects should aim to maximize safety for all users of the roadway which this project so far fails to do.”
In order to reduce the focus on an auto-centric view of road use and to further the goals related to Vision Zero and Sustainable DC plans, “we believe the following should be incorporated into any plans for this 11th Street, SE, corridor.
1) Widen the proposed bike line to 10 feet with a 3-foot buffer, instead of the proposed 8-footlane with a 2-foot buffer.
2) Reverse all plans to shrink sidewalks on 11th Street to less than 6 feet wide and instead remove extraneous lanes for vehicle traffic to accommodate the bike lanes.
3) Adjust the number of lanes ….of 11th Street to widen the crosswalk at the northwest corner of 11th Street, SE, and M Street, SE.
4) Expand the project scope along 11th Street, SE, north to Pennsylvania Avenue SE to include a protected two-way bike lane from O Street, SE, to Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
5) Seek to reduce the number of car lanes in general and expand sidewalks, bio-retention areas, and other non-road uses of the right of way.
6) Remove all double turn lanes to add usable pedestrian refuges along 11th Street, SE.
7) Implement vehicle speed reduction techniques … at the approaches to 11th Street, SE, and other traffic calming measures throughout the project area.
8) Remove the unnecessary left turn lanes onto N and O/Water Street from 11th Street, SE…and add pedestrian refuges or a larger median.
9) Continue to consider the impacts on the plans to bring Southeast Boulevard to the grade of L Street, SE, and any potential uses of the space under that raised Boulevard.
The letter – addressed the acting director of DDOT Everett Lott and copied to CM Charles Allen, concludes, “In sum, while ANC 6B believes the current plans are inadequate, we stand by to work collaboratively to ensure the city we all love and share does not fail at this generational opportunity to fix 11th Street SE.”
The site which was proposed for locating the helipad is outlined in white at center left.
Company Backs Off Plan for Helipad at 12th and Water Streets, SE
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 15, 2021
Last night, at ANC6B’s April meeting, Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Corey Holman announced that city officials had informed him that Congressional Aviation had given up its efforts to relocate their helipad and fueling station to Water Street, SE, near the huge mixed use project at 1333 M Street and the Washington Boatyard.
The company’s lease on ground down river where they currently have a helipad for helicopters used by MPD and area hospitals is expiring and is not going to be renewed.
Nearby neighbor opposition to the project was strong and in support of the opposition, Holman was prepared to file a map amendment to zone the site, limiting its use to open space, park, and low density riverfront-oriented retail. Currently, the property is not zoned. Holman said he was not inclined to file the map amendment at this time, since the issue is likely to be more fruitfully addressed in the forthcoming Comprehensive Plan or a Small Area Plan.
In a letter to City Administrator Kevin Donahue, ANC6B acknowledged the need for a helipad for the MPD Air Support Unit and encouraged the Office of the City Administrator to take the lead in locating the facility. Here’s the text of the letter which went to City Administrator Donahue and other city officials.
Over the past couple of years, Congressional Aviation has worked with stakeholders including ANC 6B in an effort to lease or acquire city-owned land roughly at 12th Street SE and Water Street SE to building a heliport and provide services to MPD’s Air Support Unit. In has come to the attention of ANC 6B that Congressional Aviation is no longer seeking build a heliport at this site.
While ANC 6B publicly and repeatedly opposed such a disposition for heliport use given past planning efforts for park or marina use, it has become clear to the Commission that there is an immediate need for short- and long-term certainty for the MPD Air Support Unit whether at the current site along South Capitol Street SW or elsewhere. Presuming OCA or MPD will need to move forward with seeking a home for the Air Support Unit, we encourage the executive to do so in a transparent process and engage early with any potential impacted community, whether that’s in ANC 6B or elsewhere. We believe executive leadership and community support are necessary components for a successful heliport operation in the city.
The former Aqua al 2 at 212 7th Street, across from Eastern Market. Soon to be Harvest Tide Steak House.
New Steak House Coming to the former Aqua al 2 Space at Eastern Market
by Larry Janezich
Harvest Tide Steak House is coming to 212 7th Street, in the space formerly occupied by Aqua al 2. The restaurant will seat 150 inside plus 20 seats at the sidewalk café. The venue hopes to open early summer.
From Harvest Tide Steak House:
“We are excited to announce that we will be opening soon in Capitol Hill, Washington DC! Our executive chef/owner Danio Somoza has created a menu that will please every palate. From our dry-aged prime steaks, freshly sourced seafood, and local produce, you will taste the passion in every bite. We are driven to provide the community with the finest family-owned and operated restaurant in DC.”
This will be the second restaurant for Somoza. The original Harvest Tide Steak House is in downtown Lewes, Delaware.
Somoza says of that location, “…our goal at Harvest Tide is to provide you with the finest quality food, as well as service that far exceeds your expectations. Explore our expertly crafted menu, sip some of our unique signature cocktails and local draft beers, all while sitting back and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. Our dry-aged, USDA prime steaks pair perfectly with our selection of the finest bourbons and wines…. Family owned, family operated, and family friendly!”
Spiro Goldasis appeared before ANC6B Economic Development last week seeking support for expanding his proposed Italian restaurant coming to 106 13th Street, SE. Previous restaurants at the location were confined to the first floor, but Goldasis wants seating on the second floor and the in the cellar – increasing the 50 person occupancy to 130 seats. Neighbors were enthusiastic at the arrival of the family friendly neighborhood restaurant. The committee agreed to a motion to support the change and the matter now goes to the full ANC meeting next Wednesday. Goldasis has another Pacci’s Trattoria in Silver Spring, Maryland. You can check out that menu here: https://www.paccistrattoria.com/
Traffic distruptions related to 18 month PA Avenue Streetlight/Traffic Signal Upgrade Project start this month.
Last Wednesday night, ANC6B Transportation Committee heard a briefing on the Pennsylvania Avenue project to improve street lighting and traffic signals between nd Street and 14th Streets SE. Construction will start around April 21, and continue through September 2022. Work will proceed during off peak hours, 9:30am – 3:30pm and begin on PA Avenue at 2nd Street on both the east and west bound lanes. Construction will proceed block by block and DOT estimates it will take 45 days per block. Parking will be prohibited in the work zone during construction. Two east and west bound traffic lanes will be maintained in the work zone during work hours. Features of the project include new pendant light poles with decorative arms and tear drop fixtures – also, Washington Globe fixtures on twin 20 foot poles – and replacement of old asphalt with new. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/DCWASH/bulletins/2c8eebe
Bike and Pedestrian safety issues at 11th Street Intersection with I-695 roil 6B Transportation Committee
Also on Wednesday night, the 6B Transportation Committee heard a presentation on the I-695 Ramp Traffic Study/11th Street Bridges Project/Bike and Pedestrian Improvements on 11th Street and Virginia Avenue Park. The discussion turned rancorous over what some on the committee perceived as a failure of DDOT’s contractor to fully address pedestrian and bike safety issue out of deference to motor vehicle interests. The meeting went long, and the consensus was that the committee would work on a draft letter to DDOT and other city officials to take before the full ANC Committee at its April meeting next Wednesday.
Capitol Hill Books Branches Out
Capitol Hill Books – the popular used book store across the street from Eastern Market is carrying a limited number of new releases because of difficulties in acquiring their standard offerings during the pandemic.
A rainbow over 11th Street Sunday evening. Photo credit: Melissa Merz
Guerilla Gardeners at work.
Here’s a shot – courtesy of Jim Guckert of Guerilla Gardeners – of the “Urban Country Road Pollinator Habitat” on the upramp to 295 from 11th Street. Late last December, Guckert and another volunteer planted 2,000 bulbs – 1,000 each of daffodils and tulips along the on-ramp entrance. Varieties planted are expected to repeat year after year. The project was originally funded by Awesome Foundation DC, www.AwesomeDC.org.
The Week Ahead … ANC Highlights … Photos from the Past Week
ANC Highlights:
Monday – US Attorney’s Office for DC – Community Prosecution Update – Christopher Wade at ANC6D.
Monday – DDOT Interim Director Everett Lott takes questions at ANC6D.
Wednesday – Presentation: Office of Campaign Finance, Fair Elections Program at ANC6C.
Wednesday – Letter to DDOT, CM Charles Allen, et. al., regarding the 2020 I-695 Ramp Traffic Study Update to express concern regarding pedestrian and bicyclist safety issues at ANC6B.
Monday, April 12
ANC6D holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. (Note early meeting date.)
Presentation: Emily Tatro and Casey Anderson, Council for Court Excellence – Briefing on District Task Force on Jails & Justice 10-Year Plan.
Select Whiskey, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Suite #2109. New Retailer’s Class “A” Internet License. Internet sales only.
The Ugly Mug Dining Saloon/Valor Brew; 723 8th Street, S.E. Substantial Change. Application to add Sports Wagering and Game of Skill endorsements to their operations – to offer Sports Wagering through mobile app and offer physical consoles for the electronic game of skill Dragon’s Ascent.
508 Seward Square SE. Historic Preservation Application for rear and third floor addition.
5th Street SE. Historic Preservation Application for new attic storage.
602 E Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application to enclose balcony to add to living space on rear of house.
420 11th Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application for rear addition and change in front facade from stucco to wood siding.
313 9th Street SE, Historic Preservation Application to expand existing two-bay garage with a second floor addition.
106 13th Street SE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a use variance to expand an existing, nonconforming, restaurant use to the cellar and second story of a semi-detached, two-story commercial building.
Consideration of a Text Amendment to add Inclusionary Zoning Requirements to NC-6 (Lower Barracks Row) Zone.
Report: PA Avenue Streetlights & Traffic Signals Upgrade Project, Construction.
Letter to DDOT, CM Charles Allen, et. al., regarding the 2020 I-695 Ramp Traffic Study Update to express concern regarding pedestrian and bicyclist safety issues.
Presentation: Office of Campaign Finance, Fair Elections Program—Deloris K. Ramsey.
Presentation: Community support and need to help our restaurants—Lisa Banusiewicz.
Wunder Garten, 1101 First Street, NE. Settlement Agreement amendment request.
K Street NW/NE Bike lanes—Safety improvements discussion, bike lanes, K Street, 1st Street to 7th Street.
Union Station at 1st Street—Updating commercial vehicle loading zone signs.
Move DC comments.
1165 3rd Street NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special exception to construct a three-story rear addition.
1173 3rd Street NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions and variance to partially demolish the existing dwelling unit to construct a third story addition.
Proposed letter to the Zoning Commission addressing latest OZA interpretation of 11-E DCMR 206 (roof top and upper floor additions).
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