CAPITOL HILL CORNER

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The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Week Past

by Larry Janezich

Monday, December 7

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Hilton Garden Inn-DC/U.S. Capitol, 1225 First Street, NE.  Renewal of Retailer’s Class B Liquor License. 

The Boiling Crab, 400 H Street, NE. Renewal of Retailer’s Class C Restaurant Liquor License.

Union Pub, 201 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  Application for Games of Skill Endorsement to Retailer’s Class C Restaurant Liquor License.

Tuesday, December 8

ANC6B holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentation:

Gerard Brown, DC Department of Health, to speak on DC rodent concerns and efforts to reduce rodent population during Covid-19 (TENTATIVE).

Harris Teeter, 1350 Potomac Avenue, SE; Renewal of Class B Retail-Full Service Grocery.

Archibald Walk SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Concept for a one story rooftop addition to existing garage.

413 8th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application: Special Exception; Application for a 10-year extension for a special exception allowing fast food use at 413 8th Street, SE, (Chipotle).

741 12th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition and an accessory building in the rear of an existing attached principal dwelling at premises 741 12th Street, S.E.

Text amendment to increase height and reduce alley setback for accessory buildings All SMDs; Representative: Elisa Vitale (DCOZ).

Boys and Girls Club Update.

Letter of support for DDOT 65% Design plan for Penn/Potomac Avenue SE Intersection Project.

Report on DDOT presentation on a new study on Eastbound Exit Ramp (D4) at 695 & 11th Street, SE, with Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements.

Report from Hill East Task Force.

Discussion of Reservation 13 Phase II Requst for Proposals.

Discussion of 2020 ANC 6B Service Awards.

Wednesday, December 9

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

ANC 6A Community Leader Award to Fernanda Zavaleta.

The Cupboard, 1504 East Capitol Street, NE  Renewal of Class B Retail Liquor License.

Economy Market, 1804 D Street, NE.  Renewal of Class B Retail Liquor License. 

H Street Beverage Warehouse at 1431-1433 H Street, NE.  Application for a Class A Retail Liquor License.  Committee recommends protest, unless a signed settlement agreement is submitted before the protest deadline. 

Amazon Retail at 801 H Street, NE.  Application for a Class B Retail License with Tasting Permit.  Committee recommends protest, unless a signed settlement agreement is approved by the chair of the ANC by the protest deadline. 

ANC6A letter to BZA in support of Zoning Adjustment Application for a new street parking plan for Maury Elementary School, 1250 Constitution Avenue, conditional upon DDOT’s consideration of the ANC request for ROP (Resident Only Parking) on the west side of 12th Place, NE, and RPP (Resident Permit Parking) from 6:00 pm – 7:00 am on the east side of 12th Place, NE, and that there are 8 parking spaces involved.

Letter to DDOT stating that ANC6A reviewed and commented on Public Space Application for 1518 North Carolina Avenue NE in March of 2020. As the application is unchanged, DDOT should refer to the letter of opposition already sent.

Letter of support for Public Space Application to permit fence on public space at 424 11th Street, NE, conditional upon the fence atop the retaining wall being no higher than the current fence (36″) and of similar (open, iron) construction.

Letter of support to Bureau of Zoning Adjustment for a special exception to permit construction of a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit at 903 11th Street, NE. 

114 12th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions to construct a second-story addition to an existing accessory structure in the rear yard of an existing flat at 114 12th Street, NE.

Letter of conditional support for Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the minimum vehicle parking requirements to allow conversion of an existing, detached, two-story, carriage house to a principal dwelling unit at 1608 East Capitol Street, NE.

Request for removal of Metro Bus Shelter located at 17th Street and Road NE.

ANC6C holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public bathrooms, update—Olivia Warren, DC Department of General Services

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee

 Games of Skill discussion

Hilton Garden Inn,, 1225 First Street NE.  Class B Retailer’s Liquor License renewal

Boiling Crab, 400 H Street NE, Class C Restaurant Liquor License renewal

Red River Grill, 201 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  Application for Games of Skill Endorsement to Retailer’s Class C Restaurant Liquor License.

Ethiopic, 401 H Street NE.  Public Space Application for enclosed café.

Boiling Crab, 400 H Street, NE.  Public space application for sidewalk café. 

Yotel Art & Soul, 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Public Space Application for a sidewalk café.

Bicycling elements for Burnham Place Project.

622 Eye Street, NE, Zoning Adjustment Application for conversion of a residential building into a five-unit apartment.

Discussion of proposed zoning amendments, rules for accessory buildings, re Zoning Commission public hearing,

Discussion of proposed zoning amendments conforming-use status for apartment houses 3 re public Zoning Committee hearing. 

Review of proposed new grant application from OANC.

Discussion of design plans for New York and Florida Avenues (Dave Thomas Circle), green spaces.

Discussion of Swampoodle II, schedule for designing park, 200 block of L Street, NE.

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Update on the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE Improvement Project

by Larry Janezich

Last Wednesday, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee chaired by Commissioner Kirstin Oldenburg voted unanimously to support DDOT’s 65% design for the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE Improvement Project.  DDOT appeared before the committee in a virtual meeting to present the latest version of the plan. 

Currently the intersection is an awkward mess, with a challenging pedestrian network, closely spaced intersections, inconsistent traffic controls and a skewed geometry.

DDOT’s solution is to reconstruct the intersection to create an elliptical traffic circle with a park in the middle, new traffic signals, revised curb geometry for future bike lanes (per the PA Ave SE Corridor Study), landscaping treatments, expanding the bus stop/layover in front of Metro, and relocating two other bus stops. 

The Ellipse Park will feature stone clad seating walls, oak and crab apple trees, and a raised central planter with potential for becoming a location for public art. 

DDOT will be back before the ANC’s Transportation Committee in the spring of 2021 with a 90% design and in the summer of 2021 with a 100% design. 

Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2022 and last 18 months. 

The plan now goes to the full ANC6B where an endorsement is virtually certain.  For the full DDOT PowerPoint presentation, go here:  https://bit.ly/33Nbs9S

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Update on Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 3, 2020

DGS gave the members of the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Taskforce (EMMPAT) a project update on Wednesday, offering details on work which will be done during December on Parcel 4 where the Metro entrance is.  That work will include utility and foundations, sidewalk replacement along Pennsylvania Avenue and D Street, SE, new ADC ramps and pavers, and curb improvements on 7^th Street. 

Work is also underway on the triangular parks – Parcels 3 & 4.  The D Street SE extensions in front of Trader Joe’s and the former Baskin Robbins/Dunkin Donuts which provided access to Pennsylvania Avenue both west and east bound have been closed and will be closed permanently.  The project is scheduled for completion in April of 2021. 

Next week, the design team is meeting with artist Jay Coleman – winner of the Metro Park public art competition with his concept of “Joyful Hands”, to discuss issues of size, materials, color, siting and timeline.  Coleman will appear at the next EMMPAT virtual meeting on December 17 to provide an update on his concept and to take questions.  One of the key decisions will be the base for the piece.  Some Advisory Team members are in favor of a stronger vertical element – a higher base – to create a greater sense of presence. A link for joining the meeting will be widely distributed to encourage public participation.  There was also a discussion about community support for additional pieces of public art for the project. 

For more information on the project, go here:  https://dgs.dc.gov/page/eastern-market-metro-park-project

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The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 29, 2020

Tuesday, December 1

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 514 Archibald Walk SE.  Historic Preservation Application.  Revised concept for a one story rooftop addition to existing garage
• 413 8th Street SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special exception allowing fast food use at 413 8th Street, SE, (Chipotle). 
• 741 12th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition and an accessory building in the rear of an existing attached principal dwelling.
• Consideration of a Text Amendment the Zoning Code to increase height and reduce alley setback for accessory buildings All SMDs; Representative: Elisa Vitale (DCOZ). 
• Boys and Girls Club Update

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:

https://anc6b.org/event/planning-zoning-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting/?instance_id=34

ANC6C Committee on Environment, Parks, and Events Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda:

• Stacie West from NoMa Parks Foundation will discuss two parks projects:
  Intersection of NY Ave and FL Ave NE: New greenspaces will be added to the intersection of Florida
  Ave and New York Ave NE (a.k.a. Dave Thomas Circle). NoMa Parks will update our Committee on the
  latest design plans.
• Swampoodle II: NoMa Parks will present a proposed schedule for designing and building a park at therecently acquired site located on the 200 block of L St NE (across from the existing Swampoodle Park).

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

Wednesday, December 2

ANC6B Transportation Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

• DDOT Presentation on the 65% Design for Penn/Potomac Avenue SE Intersection Project.
• DDOT Presentation on New Study on Eastbound Exit Ramp at 695 & 11th Street SE with Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements.

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:

https://anc6b.org/event/transportation-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting/?instance_id=36

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

• 622 Eye Street, NE. Further revised application of VBS Community Builders LLC, 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 lot area requirements.
• Public hearing.  Zoning Commission hearing on proposed zoning regulation amendments to clarify the rules for accessory buildings. Hearing date: Dec. 21, 2020.
• Public hearing.  Zoning Commission hearing on proposed zoning regulation amendments to clarify the conforming-use status of lawfully constructed apartment houses in the ANC 6C Transportation and Public Space Committee, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 7:00 pm.

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

Thursday, December 3

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

• Harris Teeter, 1350 Potomac Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class B Retail-Full Service Grocery.

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:

https://anc6b.org/event/alcohol-beverage-control-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting/?instance_id=37

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Ethiopic Enclosed Café, 401 H Street, NE.  Public space occupancy permit application at Ethiopic at 401 H Street NE to convert the existing 510 sq. ft. sidewalk cafe (which faces 4th Street NE) into an enclosed cafe.  Submitted plans indicate a total of 11 tables, or 21 seats total. Enclosures will be roll up vinyl.
• Boiling Crab Sidewalk Café, 400 H Street, NE.  New application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at the Boiling Crab at 400 H Street NE.  The proposed 1,073 sq. ft. cafe will face 4th Street NE. Submitted plans indicate a total of 16 tables, or 48 seats total. Other elements include string lights and railings.
• Yotel/ Art & Soul Sidewalk Café, 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW.  New application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at Yotel/ Art & Soul at 415 New Jersey Avenue NW. The proposed 1,904 sq. ft. cafe will face New Jersey Ave NW. Submitted plans indicate a total of 21 tables, or 78 seats total. Other elements include umbrellas and fencing.

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

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Car Crashes into Lincoln Park Memorial Early Thanksgiving Morning

by Larry Janezich

An early Thanksgiving morning car crash in Lincoln Park injured two and damaged the base of the park’s controversial Emancipation Memorial.  Last summer, the National Park Service erected barriers and fences around statue which was reportedly the target of a group opposed to the memorial’s depiction of Lincoln standing over a freed slave.  It’s unclear whether the crash was related to that incident. The WTOP Traffic Center first reported the crash at 5:40am. 

Sarah Cochran, nearby neighbor and frequenter of the park captured the above images and said she was told by others in the early morning crowd which had collected that the car was found on its left side, almost against the statue.   One person was trapped and extricated by the DC Fire and Emergency Services, and taken to the hospital with serious injuries.  Another person was found wandering in the park and transported with minor injuries.

One explanation offered was that the car was travelling fast headed south on 12th Street when the driver mistook the sidewalk in the park as a continuation of the street.  That means, however, that the car would likely have hit the curb on the south side of the park before continuing into the park, lending credibility to the possibility that the crash was deliberate.   Park Police were said to have stated the occupants claimed to be evading someone trying to rob them.  The car reportedly had expired VA temp tags. 

The base of the statue was chipped and damaged but the statue itself did not appear to be harmed. 

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Mayor Bowser Announces New COVID Restrictions

by Larry Janezich

 Posted Monday, November 23, 2020

Mayor Bowser, responding to an increasing number of COVID infections in the city and the nationwide surge in the number of cases, today announced new restrictions in an attempt to flatten the curve and reduce the need for hospitalizations. 

Starting Wednesday, November 25:

Restaurants may stay open until midnight, but alcohol sales, service, and consumption (excluding carry-out and delivery) must end at 10:00 p.m. [Effective Monday, December 14, The maximum indoor capacity of restaurants is reduced from 50% to 25%.]

Indoor gatherings may not exceed ten people.  This applies to indoor home gatherings as well as any indoor gathering that is not subject to other rules (e.g. restaurants and houses of worship).

The number of people inside houses of worship indoors at any one time is reduced from 100 people to 50 people.  Maximum allowable capacity is reduced from 50% to 25%.  The lower of these two numbers is the maximum capacity at any one time indoors for houses of worship. Virtual services, rather than in-person services, continue to be encouraged.

The limit for outdoor gatherings is reduced from 50 to 25 people.

Non-essential, non-retail businesses are strongly encouraged to continue telework. 

Gyms, private trainers, and other businesses and recreation centers must suspend all indoor group exercise classes and all outdoor group exercise classes of 25 or more people. [A Mayor’s Order and guidance on sports and recreation will be forthcoming.]

The live entertainment pilot is temporarily suspended.  Entities previously granted a waiver for the live entertainment pilot will be contacted about their ability to proceed with acts or performances that have already been booked.

 

 

 

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Expanded COVID Testing Starts Monday. 

All testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. 

Starting Monday, COVID testing will be expanded.  For Capitol Hill and nearby, testing will be available MONDAY – FRIDAY, 2:30pm 7:30pm, at a new location at Nationals Park – Geico Garage, South Capitol Street, SE and N Street, SE. 

The Engine 8 testing site at 1520 C Street, SE, will be in operation Tuesday, 2:30pm – 7:30pm; Saturday, 12:00noon – 4:00pm, and Sunday, 12:00noon – 4:00pm. 

For more information, go here:  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

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The Week Ahead…& Photos from the Past Week + Expanded COVID Testing

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, November 24

ANC6A’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For information on how to join the meeting, go here and scroll down to the ABL Committee: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Discussion of application by Bella Market LLC, t/a Economy Market at 1804 D Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail License.

Discussion of application by The Cupboard at 1504 East Capitol Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail License.

Discussion of application by H Street Beverage Warehouse at 1431-1433 H Street, NE, for a Class A Retail License.

Discussion of application by Amazon Retail at 801 H Street, NE for a Class B Retail License with Tasting Permit.

Discussion of possible modifications to template settlement agreement

ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm, to set the agenda for the Commission’s December meeting. 

For information on how to join the meeting, got here:  https://anc6b.org/event/executive-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting-2/?instance_id=39

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Capitol Hill Art League Winners Circle Exhibit at Frame of Mine Thru December 9

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 19, 2020

Capitol Hill Art League Winners Circle has an on-going live gallery exhibit featuring Capitol Hill Art League members.

Once a year CHAL awards their members who won awards in previous exhibits their own group show called Winners Circle. This show features all mediums of art and each artist selects one work to display. All of the art work is framed and will be featured online, for sale, and in the gallery.

Featuring: Louise Holland, Kim DiDonato-Murrell, Linda Norton, Karen Cohen, J Jaffery, Judy Searles Ken Bachman, Nan Raphael, Deb Furey, Erika Rubel, Rindy O’Brien, Tamora Ilasat, Mike McSorley, and Jane Mann.

Location: Frame of Mine Gallery, 545 8th St SE, Washington DC

Now thru December 9, 2020

Frame of Mine and Capitol Hill Art League feature the artwork on their websites.

https://www.caphillartleague.org/

https://www.facebook.com/frameofminedc/

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Artwork Selected for Eastern Market Metro Plaza

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 18, 2020

This afternoon, Diego Garcia, Project Manager for Eastern Market Metro Plaza renovation issued the following statement:  “I’m pleased to announce that after the final round of voting, the winning artist for the Eastern Market Metro Park artwork installation is Jay Coleman with his concept submission of two hands making a heart.

In terms of next steps, DGS will be working to contractually bring Jay Coleman on board. From there, DGS will work with Jay to develop a design schedule that will incorporate opportunities for DGS, DPR, and the EMMPAT to provide feedback at different intervals in the design. 

I’m looking forward to working with everyone on this art work and delivering a final product that the Capitol Hill community will be proud of!” 

Members of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Taskforce went through several rounds of voting, leading to the final sellection.

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The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Past Week

Monday, November 16

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Go here to join the meeting:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report with Captain Donough and Lt. Dorigan

Presentations:

• SW Community Center: Andrea Lindemann, Ashton Rohmen, Michelle LaFrance, Rachel Locke
• DCRA Q&A – Anthony Diallo

Letter to Attorney General re monopolies.

Follow up letter on COVID testing site in SW.

Follow up letter re Toll Bros. Loading dock issue.

Alcohol Beverage Control

• Boomerang Boats, 1300 Maine Avenue, SW. Cooperative Agreement.
• Hilton Noll Mall, 480 L’Enfant Plaza, SW. Cooperative Agreement.
• DDOT Update – Andrew DeFrank.

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Go here to join the meeting: https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/TPSA1120.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

Parking issues at Maury Elementary School. DDOT has agreed to locate 8 street parking spaces adjacent to the school on 12th Place NE, to be used by school staff during DCPS work hours via ParkMobile app.  Outside DCPS work hours, the spaces could operate as Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zone or pay-by-cell parking open for use by the public. These spaces are already designated as “no parking during school hours”.  Some concerns noted by residents include:

• The calculation for the cost for the use of the Parking APP may be incorrect – possibly $648 per year rather than $3,240 per year.
• Remind DDOT of prior request for ROP on west side of 12th Pl. and RPP from 6 pm – 7 am on east side

Public Space application for Paving: Driveway(s) at 1518 North Carolina Avenue, NE.

Discussion of whether to create a coordinated list of ANC 6A paving priorities (per PaveDC) and, if so, how should the list be developed.

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Go here to join the meeting:  https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/COCA1120.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Leader Award – Fernanda Zavaleta

Wednesday, November 18

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

Go here to join the meeting:   https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/EDZA1120.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

903 11th Street, NE.  Application for special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.

114 12th Street, NE.  Application for special exceptions to construct a second-story addition to an existing accessory structure in the rear yard of an existing flat.

1608 East Capitol Street, NE.  Application for a special exception to convert an existing, detached, two-story, carriage house to a principal dwelling unit.

240 11th Street, NE.  Historic Preservation Application – concept for a third story roof addition and three-story rear addition.

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

Info on joining the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82929033633?pwd=cFRsVlRwRFg3MzFTd1kvdE5qbisvUT09

Meeting ID: 829 2903 3633

Passcode: 656547

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,82929033633#,,,,,,0#,,656547# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location

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Meeting ID: 829 2903 3633

Passcode: 656547

Among items on the draft agenda:

Meeting convened by Stanton EastBanc on plans for C street Plaza.

Eastern Market Strategic Plan study letter.

Report of the Market Manager.

• Covid restrictions at the Market update
• Possible return to normal operating hours update
• Revenue and expenses
• End of fiscal year
• HVAC status
• Status of the conflict resolution proposal
• Holiday Market plans
• Signage and banner update

Capital Improvements Report: Capital Budget requests for next budget year. Monte Edwards

Tenant’s Council Report.

Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Preservation Café will hold a virtual presentation at 6:30pm. 

Lost Farms & Estates of Washington DC.  Lost Farms and Estates of Washington, D.C.  Kim Prothro Williams, Author and Architectural Historian, will be the featured speaker.

Go here before the meeting for information on how to join:  https://chrs.org/lost-farms-estates-preservation-cafe/