Presentation of Colors and the Star Spangled Banner
American Legion Kenneth H. Nash Post 8 Commander Jason Seacrest (center left) salutes the Posting of Colors
Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen parsed the term “service” in remarks to the crowd.
Featured speaker NBC4 Investigative reporter Scott MacFArlane – “Inculcate individual obligation.
Few of those who had reserved the 50 seats showed up, preferring perhaps to watch the live stream on Facebook. But some 25 neighbors and residents turned out despite the weather.
Folger Park Vets & American Legion Post 8 Undaunted by Rain
by Larry Janezich
A sparse crowd turned out on a rainy day for the Veterans Day Commemoration in Folger Park this morning, but American Legion Kenneth H. Nash Post Commander Jason Secrest said it was important that the ceremony be held.
Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen spoke to some 25 residents and neighbors who faced down the weather. Allen spoke of “service – it takes care of others and puts ourselves last, which is what we see in our community and the leadership of the community.”
Featured speaker NBC4 Investigative Reporter Scott MacFarlane reflected on a phrase on a plaque inside the Post, calling on members to “Inculcate individual obligation….” MacFarlane said this means being civic minded – community minded – being an example of what we all could be. He went on to say there has never been a more important time to inculcate individual obligation in our community and our nation.
American Legion Post 8 hosts this annual Veterans Day event in Folger Park, opposite the Post on the corner of 3rd and D Streets, SE.
The invocation and benediction were provided by the Reverend Alisa Wailoo, Capitol Hill Methodist Church.
Jason Secrest, Commander, Kenneth H. Nash American Legion Post 8 presided over the ceremony. Music was provided by The US Army Brass Quintet.
The proposed future home of Handle 19, at 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
ANC6B Poised to Formally Protest Sports Gambling on PA Ave SE
By Larry Janezich
Driven by staunch opposition from nearby residential neighbors, last Thursday night, ANC6B’s Alcohol Licensing Committee voted 5 – 0 to protest Handle 19’s application for a liquor license with a sports gambling endorsement to operate at 319 PA Ave SE. The recommendation will go to the full ANC6B (virtual) meeting for a vote Tuesday, November 10.
The full ANC is all but certain to ratify the protest and convey that decision to the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). That agency will schedule a hearing to hear from both the ANC and neighbor organizations which have joined the protest as well as from the applicant. Next, ABRA will schedule a mediation to see if the opposing sides can find common ground and agree to limitations on the operation that would resolve residents’ concerns. If that fails, ABRA will move forward to a full protest hearing where the matter will be litigated – involving legal counsel, witnesses, and cross examinations before ruling on the case.
Applicant and owner of Handle 19 Shane August’s position is that gaming is legal in DC and he has every right to open a gaming business and restaurant.
Brian Wise, representing some 20 nearby neighbors told the Committee that August had refused to meet with them to discuss their concerns. One neighbors attending the virtual meeting cited a study demonstrating the decrease in property values and increase in community crime associated with gaming establishments. ANC6B Commissioner Steve Holtzman said the issue is not about gaming but about the impact of the business model on the neighborhood, particularly the increase in traffic on PA Avenue and demand for parking that the business will generate. Karen Clay, principal at nearby St. Peter School, said the proposed drinking and gambling venue producing winners and losers will present a danger to school children dismissed at 3:30pm.
The proposed establishment will seat 60 people but total occupancy would be 199. Neighbor Joyce Jones pressed August what the 139 patrons who are not dining will be doing. Handle 19 attorney Ian Thomas said they’d be at the bar. Jones, replied, “I get it – hanging out.”
Following the 5 – 0 vote to recommend a protest, Chair Brian Ready, a Las Vegas native, asserted that gaming is legal everywhere in Nevada and the quality of life is not worse than in DC. None the less, he said his constituents overwhelmingly oppose gaming at the proposed location, and as their representative, he would have to vote to protest.
At the end of the meeting, August said they were steadfast and focused on their game plan and looked forward to being part of the neighborhood. August then added, almost as an aside, “We’re willing to operate without alcohol.” The meeting adjourned without discussion of the comment. Afterward, ABC Committee chair Chander Jayaraman told CHC, “That goes completely contrary to what (Handle 19 attorney) Ian Thomas said they wanted to do, which is to run a restaurant with sports betting as an aside.”
An issue which has not surfaced in the debate in ANC6B is the potential for other establishments on PA Avenue SE – or new ones – to pursue gaming licenses in order to remain competitive should Handle 19 prove to be successful. This possibility came up in a discussion of gaming in ANC6C last month.
On October 14, ANC6C discussed games of skill in anticipation of applications for gaming licenses for H Street, NE, establishments. Commissioner Joel Kelty expressed strong reservations. He noted that the city council had authorized three forms of gambling: DC Lottery, games of skill, and games of chance. He said he was not opposed to gambling but doesn’t want sports betting in H Street bars and restaurants because “licensing gaming establishments will lead to less diversity in retail and more bars and restaurants”. It would be better located, he said, downtown or in an arts and entertainment district. In addition, he said he is opposed to the co-existence of alcohol and gambling, and noted that gaming decreases revenue for DC Lottery.
The construction fence went up around most of Eastern Market Metro Plaza this past week and will remain through April of 2021. For a previous report on the project, see here: https://bit.ly/33mcMA
The former Orchid Restaurant at 520 8th Street, SE, has been leased by Asad Sheikh, owner of Bombay Street Food down the block at 528 8th Street. No word yet on what he has in mind.
Ted’s Bulletin has some little private dining pods for outside dining.
Those on the scene early at the Eastern Market polling place on Tuesday reoirted a modest line, but by mid morning, this scene was typical of the turnout, most residents having voted early in person or by mail or by ballot box.
The National Building Museum has an exhibit: Mural that Matter.
Here’s an image of progress on the Inaugural Platform on the West Front of the US Capitol, taken today, November 8.
Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School – Olatundun Teyibo, Director, NAF Academy of Engineering
Community Outreach
Recommendation: ANC6A approve a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Ludlow Taylor Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for the continual use of IXL for virtual education.
Recommendation: That ANC6A approve a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Ludlow Taylor Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for the continual use of City Year to support best educational practices in the classroom.
Recommendation: That ANC6A approve a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Ludlow Taylor Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for school supplies.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of conditional support to DDOT for a fence in public parking at 205 15th Street NE, provided that it be placed on the line in the site drawing that the applicant provided to the ANC, that it not exceed 4 feet in height and that it be lattice (as specified in the application) or other open construction (at least 40% open).
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT of opposition to DDOT for a shed in public parking at 205 15th Street NE, as the useis incompatible with public parking.
Recommendation: ANC 6A complete the public restroom pilot survey indicating a first choice of locations at 8th and H Street NE and a second choice at 12th and H Street, NE, plus a note in the comments section in support of other locations on H Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of Traffic Safety Assessment Service Request for a red-light camera at the intersection of 9th and C Street, NE.
Economic Development and Zoning
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for special exceptions to permit construction of a second story rear deck addition to an existing semi-detached principal dwelling unit at 722 19th Street, NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for a special exception to relocate 8 of the required parking spaces to the adjacent street to enlarge the outdoor play area at Maury Elementary School, 1250 Constitution Avenue, NE.
New Business
Suggested motion: Letter to DDOT in support of the Traffic Safety Assessment Questionnaire submitted by Mr. Burnett, including ANC6A support for the request for installation of speed humps on 18th Street, NE, at Gales Place, NE and Rosedale Street, NE.
Suggested motion: ANC6A send a letter to DCPS Chancellor Ferebee reflecting community concerns regarding the firing of School Without Walls Principal Trogisch.
Last Thursday, the Friends of Southeast Library got a status report on DC Library’s plan to renovate SE Library. Martha Saccocio, Assistant Director, Communications & Community Engagement, DC Library, said that conversations were ongoing between the design team of Quinn Evans and city agencies, including the Office of Planning, the Historic Preservation Office, the Department of Transportation, and the Board of Zoning Adjustment, among others. Work is scheduled to begin in 2022 with the goal of finishing in 2024.
The Library anticipates a community meeting in December to introduce the design team’s development ideas to the public. She said the project was on track to achieve the expansion of the library to 18,500 square feet by creating additional space horizontally beneath the building and laterally beneath the north and south gardens, as well as on the parking lot behind the building. The project will require a zoning adjustment because the current structure already exceeds the allowable lot occupancy.
In a related matter, Saccocio said that reopening of Southeast Library before construction begins would be contingent on the city reaching Phase III in the reopening plan under the Mayor’s COVID Public Health Emergency. Reopening will be customized for each location and book circulation (and safety) will be prioritized. Currently, Northeast Library has opened but with limitations. See here: https://www.dclibrary.org/northeast
Here are the election results for ANCs 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, as of 1:57am Wednesday morning.
There are three Single Member Districts (6B07, 6D01, and 6D02) where there were only write-in candidates. Those votes will be counted and the candidates’ names and vote totals will be posted on the DC Board of Elections website some time next week.
Capitol Hill ANC Election Results
by Larry Janezich
Here are the election results for ANCs 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. There are three Single Member Districts (6B07, 6D01, and 6D02) where there were only write-in candidates. Those votes will be counted and the candidate’s names and vote totals will be posted on the DC Board of Elections website some time next week.
ANC6A01
Keya Chatterjee 492 54.42%
Marie-Claire Brown 398 44.03%
ANC6A02
Phil Toomajian 640 93.84%
Unopposed
ANC6A03
Michael Soderman 632 95.47%
Unopposed
ANC6A04
Amber Gove 591 79.54%
Ali Gardezi 146 19.65%
ANC6A05
Laura Gentile 658 85.34%
Timothy W. Drake 106 13.75%
ANC6A06
J. Amons, Sr 56 6.8%
Robb Dooling 402 48.85%
Kate Robinson 360 43.74%
ANC6A07
Daniel M. Lee 178 27.47%
Sondra Phillips-Gilbert 420 64.81%
Rico Dancy 41 6.33%
ANC6A08
Brian Alcorn 622 94.39%
Unopposed
ANC6B01
Jennifer E. Samolyk 447 91.79%
Unopposed
ANC6B02
Gerald Sroufe 603 94.66%
Unopposed
ANC6B03
Brian Ready 490 71.01%
Gerardo Mijares 188 27.25%
ANC6B04
Kirsten Oldenburg 564 94.31%
Unopposed
ANC6B05
Steve Holtzman 720 98.5%
Unopposed
ANC6B06
Corey Holman 797 96.49%
Unopposed
ANC6B07
Write In 201 100%
ANC6B08
Paul Blair 182 25. 71
Peter Wright 502 70.9%
ANC6B09
Andre Speaks 329 39.35%
Alison Horn 494 59.09%
ANC6B10
Denise Rucker Krepp 605 94. 24%
Unopposed
ANC6C01
Christine Healey 497 95.39%
Unopposed
ANC6C02
Karen Wirt 315 94.59%
Unopposed
ANC6C03
Jay Adelstein 679 95.77%
Unopposed
ANC6C04
Mark Eckenwiler 782 90.82%
Unopposed
ANC6C05
Joel Kelty 1,018 94.96%
Unopposed
ANC6C06
Drew Courtney 1,775 96.57%
Unopposed
ANC6D01
Write in 324 100%
ANC6D02
Write in 413 100%
ANC6D03
Ronald Collins 587 94.68%
Unopposed
ANC6D04
Andy Litsky 909 95.99%
Unopposed
ANC6D05
Fredrica Kramer 848 95. 39%
Unopposed
ANC6D06
Rhonda Natalie Hamilton 727 95.91%
Unopposed
ANC6D07
Edward Daniels 1,388 65.75%
Eric S. Blaylock 655 31.5%
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A new arrival on lower 8th Street, SE – Cafe Angelique. Organic coffee, tea, and CBD. And paninis.
Tuesday was the first day of early voting in DC. There were reports of “around the corner” lines at Sherwood Recreation Cengter at 8:00am. No lines in the afternoon, though.
On Monday afternoon, prior to the Senate vote to confirm the nomination of Judge Amy Barrett to the Supreme Court, broadcast news crews gathered at the Senate “Swampsite” across from the Senate steps.
On Friday, businesses near the White House including the luxury hotel Sofital began to board up their windows against demonstratons.
On Friday afternoon one could enter Lafayette Park albeit only as far as the fence just north of the Andrew Jackson statue.
Things had changed by Sunday when Lafayette Park was closed and the security perimiter became H Street, NW. Here’s an image from Black Lives Matter Plaza.
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
By Larry Janezich
Posted on November 1, 2020
The Week Ahead
Monday, November 2
ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
14 5th Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions to construct a one-story accessory structure with a new principal dwelling unit in the RF-3 zone.
1165 3rd Street, NE – Zoning Adjustment Application for special exceptions to construct a three-story rear addition to an existing attached dwelling unit.
Short-term rental rulemaking – Proposed DCRA regulations implementing the 2019 Council legislation regulating Airbnb and similar lodging arrangements. Deadline for comments: November 16.
ANC 6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00p.
Traffic calming requests for 5th Street, NE. Neighbors along 5th Street NE have noted that 5th Street is frequently being used by drivers to cut through the neighborhood to get to/from Florida Avenue to H Street, NE. A traffic safety assessment for 5th Street, NE, between K and M Streets, NE, was submitted to DDOT last August and results are still pending. In the meantime, neighbors are requesting the ANC’s support for additional and/or reconfigured speed humps along 5th Street, NE. Speed humps already exist between L and M Streets, NE, but neighbors have noted that drivers will quickly accelerate/brake in between the traffic calming measures.
MoveDC 2021 update. DDOT is updating its long-range transportation plan through an effort called move DC 2021 and recently held virtual town halls and continues to hold telephone office hours for the general public. The Committee will review and provide feedback on: (1) the stated goals/policies; and (2) the interactive “Mobility Priority Network” maps for transit, bicycle, and freight.
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Eastern Market Advisory Committee Supports Major Changes for Market
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 29, 2020
Last night the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) voted overwhelmingly to endorse the $300,000 strategic plan commissioned by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to ensure the future of Eastern Market and “reestablish the central place of the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill in the midst of a rapidly changing economy.” The long-awaited plan was made public on October 7th and recommends major changes.
The letter to the Department of General Services (DGS) – drafted by EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder and ANC6B representative Jerry Sroufe – recommended that the agency officially approve the implementation of the report and sought details on some issues which the report did not specifically address.
The strategic plan recommends replacing existing governing authority for the market – DGS with EMCAC in an advisory role – with a nonprofit public authority for the market composed of an equal number of representatives from the DC government and existing Eastern Market stakeholders. The report states, “We do NOT recommend privatizing the market, a sentiment resoundingly reflected in survey responses.”
Among the study’s recommendations:
Form implementation working group
Restructure membership of the EMCAC
Transition management to a nonprofit public authority
Establish current leases for South Hall merchants
Build an online ordering system/pickup system
Set up a pilot for temporary food stalls in the North Hall
Focus on sourcing locally in origin labeling
Set up tables and chairs in the North Hall
Reconfigure the stalls in the south hall
The first step in the plan would be to form an Implementation Group charged with effecting the recommendations of the strategic plan. The Implementation Group would be made up of representatives from the DC Council, DGS, EMCAC and other stakeholders including the market’s merchants, vendors and farmers, and three representatives from “established substantial Capitol Hill community organizations or commissions that directly interact with Eastern Market Special Use Area operations on a regular basis.” In addition, members “should demonstrate a resume of professional expertise in relevant fields such as retail, marketing, law, planning, historic preservation, or finance.”
Anne Marie Johnson, the founder of Bitter Grace Boutique, brings her vision of empowerment through fashion to 526 Barracks Row. Bitter Grace opened October 16 – visit their website here: https://bittergraceboutique.com/
There’s been progress on Murillo/Malnati Development ‘s four story 45 unit residential development at 818 Potomac Avenue, SE. The project, designed by Capitol Hill-based PGN Architects, overlooks Virginia Avenue Community Garden across the street to the east.
The Fridge, at 516 Barracks Row (rear alley) has some new paint, by Decoy.
Little Pearl, at Hill Center, has set up an impressive encampment of outdoor dining tents.
Here’s a view of Shelter, the new beer garden at The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. They’ve been open a couple of weeks.
And here’s the progress on construction of the Inauguaral platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol this past week. The shape of the tiered seating inaugual stand is taking shape. Construction of the media stands – over the stairs on the left for radio broadcasters and over the stairs on the right for television camera has begun.
The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Week Past
By Larry Janezich
Posted October 25, 2020
Monday, October 26
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
A grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School (LTES) Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) for the purchase of school supplies for the students of Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School.
A grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School LTES) Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) to purchase IXL supplemental learning software for use at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School.
A grant in the amount of $1,000 to the Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School (LTES) Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) to support the LTES City Year Program
Tuesday, October 27
ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Agenda:
The agenda for the full ANC Committee meeting on November 10.
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.)
1-650-479-3208 Call-in number (US/Canada)
Access code: 172 082 7218
Wednesday, October 28 Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
A link to access the meeting will be posted as soon as it is released.
Among items on the draft agenda:
Report of the Nominations and Credentials Committee: Election of Officers, Chuck Burger.
Eastern Market Strategic Plan study.
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)
Capital Improvements Report: Monte Edwards.
Tenant’s Council Report.
Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update.
DGS will host a virtual public meeting of its briefing for the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Team. Among the items on the agenda is a discussion of the 8 public art concepts earlier this week on Capitol Hill Corner.
Information on the time and on joining the meeting will be posted as soon as it is available.
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Last Wednesday, the Department of General Services hosted a virtual public meeting to hear presentations from 8 artists who unveiled their concepts for the public art commission for Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Members of the Eastern Market Metro Park Advisory Taskforce made up of community stakeholders will each vote for one by Friday, October 23, and then discuss the selection(s) at their regularly scheduled October meeting on Wednesday October 28.
Below are images captured from those offered by the artists in the order of presentation, with excerpts from artist’s remarks explaining the works.
“RGB with a Twist.” Artist: Matthew Geller. Stainless steel. Red, Green, Blue historic lightng fixtures. which light up at night. Interactive piece which rocks and sways when seated on the bench, supported by springs. 20 feet tall.
Untitled. Artist: Brennan Buck. Aluminum. Illusory puzzle providing a sense of urban life and place. Perforated and featuring indide and outside images of Eastern Market.Glows at night. Walk through.
Untitled. Artist: Jeanine Centuori. Aluminum. References trees as a smybol of community. Has bloom-like elements. Words reflect relation between community members. 20 to 24 feet tall. Serves as a meeting place.
“Weaving”. Artist: Hiroshi Jacobs. Plate steel. Represents intersection and interaction among people – a sculpture which can be experienced in differtent ways. Provides seating and promotes communiction. 4X20X9 feet.
“Loveful Hands.” Artist: Jay Coleman. The artist had another piece ready to present but was inspired at the last minute to create a sculpture featuring hands arranged so that the fingers and thumbs form a heart, which encourages taking selfies while seated.
“Selene”. (Greek for “moon.”) Artist: Cecilia Lueza. Aluminum. Images are top and bottom of the concept as presented. Metaphore for the moon. Sculpture provides 8 different views. Lighted at night. 12 feet tall.
“Found You.” Artist: Beth Nybeck. Stainless steel. Rabbits playing hide and seek. Hopeful, whimsical, playful experience to help people find the goodness and light existing within each other. Perforated. Lighted from inside to sprinkle light at night.
Untitled. Artist: Valerie Theberge. Mosaic shapes of polystyrene and fiberglass. Speaks to a mood the artist is trying to create reflecting the times we’re in now – solidity and fluidity. Will give Plaza a sense of lightness and relief. 10 feet tall.
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ANC6B Asks City to Rescind Extra Days/Hours for Alcohol Sales During Inaugural
By Larry Janezich
Last Tuesday night, at its October meeting, ANC6B sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council asking that they rescind the decision to more than double the number of days around the presidential inaugural when alcohol could be served until 4:00am.
The DC Budget Act approved in July extended those days and hours until 4:00am for 16 days – up from 7 days during the last inaugural – from January 9 to January 24. Lawmakers reasoned the change would help business recover lost COVID-related revenue and boost revenues for the city.
Commissioner Jerry Sroufe of ANC6B suggested and authored the letter after raising concerns that the event will attract a large number of protestors – some of whom might be armed – and that expanded service could frustrate efforts at reducing the spread of COVID.
Commissioner Samolyk suggested a broader conversation taking into account the needs of the bars and restaurants before sending the letter. Chair Brian Ready said he wanted bars and restaurants to succeed, but the last thing he wanted to see is a COVID outbreak on Capitol Hill.
The current public health emergency expires on January 31, with no assurance it will be extended. Commissioner Oldenburg suggested that extension of the emergency would override the Budget Act’s relaxed alcohol serving provisions.
The letter states that the ANC understands the financial needs of the city resulting from the COVID pandemic but:
“Because of our concerns for the physical safety of District residents and our desire to protect them from virus spread, we respectfully request that District leaders rescind the provision of extra days and extra hours during the 2021 Inauguration.”
The vote to send the letter to the Mayor and City Council was 6 – 2- 1.
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CAPITOL HILL CORNER 