Tag Archives: city-council

February 9, 2025 · 11:37 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 9, 2025

Progress report on renovation of SE Library. Photos: DCPL

Structural steel has been added to the new underground addition. 

Electrical rough-ins are underway on the main floor.  Note the skylight space in the ceiling.

Here’s the almost the same view of the design plan rendering illustrating the completed new main level. Note the center skylight which will illuminate the floors below.

MPD 1D CAC Update:  Last Tuesday night, the MPD First District Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) held its monthly virtual meeting featuring MPD 1D Commander Colin Hall (far left), Captain Adam Crist, and Captain Paul Hrebenak.  The officials gave an update on crime in the First District.  Some of the highlights:

  • Crime stats continue to decline in the First District and across the city. 
  • Recent items which have been the target of robberies include Canada Goose and Moose Knuckle Coats.
  • MPD D1 has worked with ABCA to shut down two illegal cannabis shops on PA Avenue, SE, one on the 1100 block and one on the 1200 block.  Two months ago MPD 1D officers assisted in the shuttering of two illegal cannabis shops on H Street.   
  • MPD has made progress on cleaning up the corner of 8th and H Street, NE.
  • The area around 15th and Independence SE has been quiet after MPD made several arrests and took some violent people off the streets.
  • Commander Hall will lead a contingent of MPD 1D officials participating in the Polar Plunge in Yards Park on Saturday, February 22.  (See below for additional info.)

ABCA Shuts down Illegal Weed Shop on PA Ave, SE.  Here’s a photo of Friends Smoke Shop at 1223 PA Avenue, SE, one of the two illegal cannabis outlets closed recently by the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration.   (At Friends Smoke Shop, Investigators recovered 1.4 lbs. of marijuana, 42 grams of THC vape cartridges, and 92 grams of mushroom infused products.)  The other illegal weed shop on PA Avenue, SE which was closed recently is on the 1100 block.  ABCA also closed two illegal shops on H Street SE last month.

Former Oehme va Sweden Building Sold.  The grand old building on Barracks Row at 536 8th Street, SE, has been sold.  The recent home of Oehme, van Sweden Landscape Architects and formerly a City Bank Building went up for sale in January of last year.  Reportedly, the architectural firm found maintenance of the 1908 building too burdensome.   No word on the new owner, but it’s likely the building will see continued service as office or commercial space.  

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, February 11

ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the Consent Agenda

  • 321 D Street, SE.  Motion to support Zoning Adjustment Application for exceptions for rear addition. 
  • 4-5 Library Court, SE.  Motion to Defer Historic Preservation Application to add second story additions to two existing alley dwellings. 
  • Amendments to Standing Rules and Bylaws.
  • Appointment of Resident Members and Alternates to all Committees & Task Forces.
  • Appointment of Committee and Taskforce Chairs.

Community & Commission Announcements and Speak Out

External Updates:

  • MOCRS Representative.
  • Representative from Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office.
  • Metropolitan Police Department.

ANC 6B Input on Other Items of Concern

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

  • 7th Street Love (Acqua al 2), 212 7th Street. – Motion to take no position on Restaurant Liquor License Application with Entertainment and Dancing Endorsement, pending receipt of a signed Settlement Agreement. 

ANC6B Administrative Matters.

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm (new start time)

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentations

  • Chris Dyer, DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Summer camp registration & spring programming

DC Government Updates

  • Eric Mullins, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS)
  • Ward 7 Representative • Francis Campbell, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder

Commissioner Single Member District Reports 

Suggested Motion: ANC 7D to request FY2026 funding for DDOT to conduct a Kenilworth-focused road safety/design audit.   

Suggested Motion:   ANC 7D to send a letter to DC Government stakeholder agencies to request a feasibility study to install CCTV on I-295 pedestrian bridges to improve bridge user safety.

Suggested Motion: Recommend ANC 7D approve a grant in the amount of $1,500 to DCwise1 for food handling/safety training.

Public Safety Committee Report

Discussion of setting an ANC 7D Special Meeting between February 12 and April 12 for the purpose of a 7D01 Election.

Suggested Motion:  ANC 7D to post information requesting contracting occasional administrative support for the Commission.

Wednesday, February 12

ANC6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Announcements

  • Commissioner announcements.
  • DC agency informational announcements.
  • Other community announcements—D.C. Witness.

Consent calendar

  • Tapori Restaurant, 600 H Street NE, request for a stipulated license.

 Plenary agenda

  • 300 I Street NE—Alley naming, Jenay Doganay.
  • Revive Stanton Park—Jay Adelstein.
  • Safety improvements, 6th and D Streets ,NE. Notice of Intent I-25-06.
  • Oversight testimony on defective ticket practices in DPW—Mark Eckenwiler.

Motion to support Capitol Hill Classic, May 18.

Thursday, February 13

ANC6A will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

Consent Agenda

  • Recommendation: ANC6A protest the license application of Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond, unless a Settlement Agreement is reached between the ANC and the license applicant prior to the protest deadline.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A protest the license application of Tigo’s unless a Settlement Agreement is reached between the ANC and the license applicant prior to the protest deadline.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A protest the license application of Dreamy DC unless a Settlement Agreement is reached between the ANC and the license applicant prior to the protest deadline and ABCA confirms applicant is within allowed distance from another licensed establishment.
  • Recommendation:  ANC6A send a letter to the Chair of the City Council, with copies to all members of the Council and the Mayor, requesting the city council to pass legislation creating a provision for a moratorium zone for cannabis licenses equivalent to the provision for a moratorium zone for alcohol licenses. 
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT in support of the planned street closures for the Capitol Hill Classic.
  • Recommendation:  ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting all-way stops and other traffic calming along Tennessee Ave. from D/14th/E Streets.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they extend the protected bike lane project at 14th and H Streets south through Maryland Ave and also examine ways to prioritize the B2 bus in this area.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they expand the FY25Q2 prioritization of 11th and F Street NE to re-examine traffic calming along 11th Street NE from Florida Ave to East Capitol.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT in support of the Maury color the curb project (and that the art have some connection to the color the curb from Hill Family Biking).
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT suggesting and requesting safety improvements to the 16th Street/C Street/North Carolina Ave NE corridor.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they expand the FY25Q2 prioritization of 14th and Ames Place NE to calm traffic along 14th Street from North Carolina Ave to East Capitol. 

Recommendation: (Mini-Mall Planned for H 1355-1359 H Street, NE) ANC6A send a letter of support for the Zoning Adjustment Application requesting Special Exceptions to convert to a retail and eating and drinking establishment and use an existing, semi-detached, mixed use building in the NMU-4/HA and MU-4 zones.

Recommendation: ANC6A to send a letter of support for a Zoning Adjustment Application requesting Special Exceptions from requirement to permit construction of a two-story plus cellar rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.

Recommendation: ANC6A to send a letter of support to the DOB and the BZA requesting a  Time Extension, asking them to expedite requests associated with bringing the facility at 1022 Maryland Avenue NE into compliance with updated zoning regulations, given Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s commitment to working with the community liaison committee on any ongoing plans related to the building, particularly any external work. 

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Hill Center Event – Tuesday, February 11.  7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Our City. Our Music. Our Writers – In-person

$10.00

Two eminent, essential local writers on jazz are featured in the February 11 session of the series.

Georgetown University Professor Maurice Jackson has just published Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience: How Black Washingtonians Used Music and Sports in the Fight for Equality.  He will also talk about DC Jazz: Stories of Jazz Music in Washington, DC., which he co-edited.

NEA Jazz Master Willard Jenkins will talk about Ain’t But a Few of Us. Black Music Writers Tell Their Story, noted by reviewers as superb, overdue, and vital reading for any jazz fan. Though performers and innovators in this genre are overwhelmingly African American, Black music writers and editors are woefully underrepresented.

Register and get tickets here:  https://bit.ly/4gAXjiJ

Polar Bear Plunge.  Saturday, February 22 – Yards Park.  12:00pm – 3:00pm. 

The Polar Plunge is a way for the community to come out and show their support for the athletes of Special Olympics DC.  There will be an above-ground swimming pool erected at the Yards Park, and participants will “take the plunge.”

For more info and to register to participate, go here:  https://specialolympicsdc.org/events/polar-plunge/

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January 12, 2025 · 11:14 pm

The Week Ahead & Some Photos from Last Week

The Week Ahead & Some Photos from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 12, 2025

Crime in MPD 1st District and Hill East:  1st MPD District Commander Colin Hall briefs ANC7D Public Safety Committee chaired by resident member Brynn Barnett. 

Hall said crime has fallen both citywide and in the First District.  In 2024, citywide saw a 35% reduction in violent crime over 2023 and a 47% reduction in violent crime in the 1st District.  Homicides have decreased by 68% in the 1st District and robberies and carjackings decreased over 50% in each category. 

The 2024 gunfire seen in residential communities on Independence Avenue, SE, Hall said, had been because three neighborhoods had been in conflict with each other.  MPD made several key arrests and recovered “a lot of firearms and that quieted everything down.”  It currently does not appear to be a hot spot.

MPD made several arrests in response to a spate of robberies involving young females 14 – 17 years old who were repeating juvenile offenders and that has calmed down as well.  MPD is working with group homes and is engaging the Youth and Family Engagement Bureau to get juvenile offenders on the right track, but keep them out of the community.

Regarding the shooting at Eastern High School at the end of the year, Hall said, “We’ve identified the people involved and warrants are out.  We’ll find them and close the case.” 

On the tragic hit and run death of Ronnie Clark on Christmas Eve at 16th and C Streets, NE, Hall said it was still an active investigation:  “The vehicle involved was unregistered and we have identified a person of interest and recovered video of the crime.  This appears to be a case of speeding then losing control and careening on to the sidewalk.  We should be able to share more information soon and to make an arrest in a timely manner.”

Throughout the presentation, Hall emphasized how the community can help fight crime through use of the MPD Tip Line – Text 50411.  In addition to anonymously texting tips to the MPD, community members can now use their cell phone to send pictures or video about serious or violent crimes to the Metropolitan Police Department. 

Text, photo and video messages are monitored by members of the department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tips on serious or violent crimes will be investigated by members of the department.  Call 911 for a police response.  Tips may also be directed to (202) 727-9099 and may be eligible for a reward.

Pennsylvania/Potomac Avenues Intersection Project Begins this month.  On January 8, ANC6B’s Transportation Committee heard a DDOT presentation on the upcoming redesign of the PA/Potomac intersection.  The meeting was chaired by newly-elected Commissioner Karen Hughes, ANC6B09.

Here’s a rendering of the completed project.  DDOT Project Manager Abdullahi Mohamed said the agency is moving to construction phase and will focus on the Potomac Avenue/ PA Avenue Circle, and will include new signal lights, street lights, and handicap ramps.  The kick off for the project will be on January 27 – the purpose is to  enhance pedestrian safety and optimize traffic flow.  The completion date is December 28, 2026.  Construction of bike lanes east on Pennsylvania Avenue will begin once the circle project is complete.  The National Park Service will maintain the circle.

Snow storm collapses Pennsylvania Avenue Streetery – last week, this was the scene on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue – spelling the perhaps temporary end of this streetery.

Basquiat X Banksy at the Hirshhorn through October 26.  This exhibit features two major paintings by the artists – the first time either artist has been exhibited in the Hirshhorn.  Above is Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (fire hydrant), 1982.

Banksy’s Boy and Dog in Stop and Search, 2018.

In Banksy’s appropriation of Basquiat the former pays homage to the legacy of the latter and comments on the systemic racism he encountered.  For more, see here:  https://hirshhorn.si.edu/exhibitions/basquiat-x-banksy/

The Week Ahead…

Monday, January 13

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

Among items on the draft agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, January 14

ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Consent Agenda

Community & Commission Announcements and Speak Out

Reminder of Upcoming Meeting Dates

ANC 6B Input on Other Items of Concern

  • ANC 6B Letter to on Write-In Certification Timing

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

  • Kenneth H Nash Post 8 American Legion t/a Kenneth H Nash Post 8 American Legion – 224 D Street SE. Substantial Change to Retailers Class C License to add a Games of Skill endorsement to their operations.

Planning & Zoning Committee

  • 321 D Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application
  • 1900 Massachusetts Ave. SE.  Zoning Application.   Project: Construction of new correctional facility. Owner(s): Department of General Services Applicant.

Financials

ANC 6B Administrative Matters

Adjournment

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

Among items of the draft agenda:

Administrative Matters

  • Motion to adopt the Commission Bylaws
  • Motion to elect the Commission officers
  • Motion to elect Committee members for 2025 and 2026
  • Motion to schedule Commission virtual monthly meetings for 2025 and January 2026
  •  Motion to participate in the ANC Security Fund and authorize the Treasurer to write a check for $50 to participate in the Fund
  • Motion to adopt the December 2024 meeting minutes   6:50 p.m. – 7:10 p.m.

DC Government Updates/Presentations

Community Comment 1-2 minutes each  New Business Items 

Monthly Treasurer Report

Approve FY 2025 Q1 Quarterly Financial Report  

ANC 7D Committee Updates

Commissioner Single Member District (SMD) Reports 1-2 minutes each

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

1355-1359 H Street, NE.  Bureau of Zoning Adjustment.  To combine five lots (2 facing H street NE, 3 facing alley) and convert to a retail and eating and drinking establishment use an existing, semi-detached, mixed use building in the NMU-4/HA and MU-4 zones:  Special Exceptions from minimum parking requirements and rear yard requirements and eating and drinking establishment use requirements. 

1232 Maryland Avenue, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  To construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.  Special Exception from lot occupancy requirements and rear addition requirements. 

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Hill Center Event, Wednesday, January 15.   Hill Center Galleries 2025 Regional Juried Show Opening Reception. 6:30 – 8:30 pm | FREE | Register Here https://bit.ly/3DSwokM

The exhibit will showcase new exhibits from local artists all across DC, Maryland and Virginia.  During the reception prizes will be awarded.  All pieces of art will be on display throughout our Galleries and online at Hill Center Galleries. The exhibitions run from January 15th through May 3rd.

What’s On at the Folger?  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/

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December 8, 2024 · 11:57 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Mostly Restaurant Photo News

The Week Ahead…& Some Mostly Restaurant Photo News

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, December 8

Boxcar Tavern has been purchased and according to a source, is investing in a $200,000 renovation to open an upscale bar called The Lobby Bar.  The owner, the source says, hopes to open in a few weeks.  That seems optimistic. 

On last Monday afternoon, workers were engaged in a substantial demolition and construction project inside Boxcar.  

Lavagna has a new owner who is somewhat vague about his plans for the retail space.  He introduced himself as Daoud and said “we haven’t decided – it might be a smoke shop or maybe we might serve Mediterranean food “– though he acknowledged that the previous tenant had had a restaurant and “it hadn’t worked for them. “  He said he might separate the space on the second floor since there were two entrances in the front.  Asked when he might know what the plans are, he replied he wasn’t sure, but “You’ll know soon enough.”  The owner said he has a smoke shop on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda. 

The new Popeyes at 409 8th Street, Barracks Row – is shown here on the right adjacent to the build out for Taco Bell.  Despite bending over backwards to address concerns of nearby neighbors and other businesses on Barracks Row, Popeyes has hit a speed bump with their attempt to reopen under a new franchisee.  The problem is with the Department of Buildings (DOB) which is insisting that the restaurant have two restrooms.  Popeyes plan was to use one of the two existing bathrooms for indoor trash storage in accordance with best rodent control practices urged by the neighbors.  DC Code provides an exception for low occupancy restaurants to operate with one restroom.  The code is open to interpretation by DOB, and they’re coming down on the side of the rodents – this despite support for the trash storage plan from the DC Department of Health Rodent Control. 

The neighbors and Popeyes appealed to ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee for advice and assistance at last week’s committee meeting.  The committee voted to write a letter to DOB and CM Allen to urge granting an exception and permit one of the two bathrooms to be used for trash storage.  The recommendation to send the letter will come up before the full ANC6B at its December meeting next Tuesday.  The DC Health Department shut down this Popeye’s in November of 2021 after a video of a rat infestation went viral. 

Barracks Row’s Cafe 8 Mediterranean Bistro wants to more than double its occupancy.  The request to amend their liquor license application to increase occupancy from 88 to 180 comes after the restaurant purchased two adjacent buildings.  Last Tuesday, ANC6B’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee voted to support the request.  The full ANC will take up the recommendation at next Tuesday’s December meeting of the full commission. 

The café at 424 Eighth Street, SE, is a hookah bar and grille owned and operated by a Turkish family and has been in business on Barracks Row for almost 20 years.

Rosedale Library Update.  Last Tuesday night at Rosedale Library, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan, announced at a community meeting on the future of Rosedale Library, that the current site of the Library had been selected to build the new Rosedale Library. The yexpect to open in 2030.

The Week Ahead….

Highlights

  • Tuesday, ANC6B:  Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management – Pre-Inauguration Briefing
  • (Postponed until December 19.) Thursday, DPR Community meeting on Rumsey Aquatic Center

Monday, December 9

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

For info on how to access the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtual-meetings/  

Among items on the draft agenda:

Introduction of Commissioners

Community Announcements (Commissioners and Audience

Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106)

Community Concerns

Presentations

  • Illegal Cannabis Enforcement (ABCA Dir. Moosally, CM Allen, Capt. Hrebanek)
  • DCPS Amidon-Bowen Swing Space
  • Pepco Stacks Substation Repairs, Renovation
  • DOEE – Lead Safe and Healthy Housing

Consent Agenda

Development, Planning, and Transportation

  • 501 I Street SW

Commission Updates & Administrative Matters

***POSTPONED*** ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will meet at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 3 (Main Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

Among items on the agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, December 10

ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

For info on how to access the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Introductions

Consent Agenda

Administrative Consent Items

  • Amendment of Standing Rules
  • Annual Report for ANC 6B 2024
  • January 2025 ABC Committee – Orthodox Christmas Conflict (Move to January 6th, 2025)

Community & Commission Announcements and Speak Out

Presentations

  • Green New Deal for Social Housing Presentation – Connor Laughland
  • Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management – Pre-Inauguration Briefing

ANC 6B Input on Other Items of Concern

  • Presentation of 2024 Outstanding Public Service Award
  • Letter to Council to Support Funding for Initiative 83

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee

  • Café Bistro Med – 424 8th Street SE. Request to amend settlement agreement to allow for greater occupancy. (Capacity from 88 to 180)

Planning and Zoning Committee

  • Letter to DOB, CM Charles Allen, et. al;, supporting Popeyes appeal for an exception from regulations requiring two bathrooms in order to free up space for indoor trash storage in accordance with neighbor’s request for this rodent control measure. 

Public Safety Committee

  • Resolution Regarding Implementation of the Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

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

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, December 11

ANC6C will hold 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:

Announcements

  • Commissioner announcements
  • Other community announcements
  • Citizen comments on problems/issues of concern (up to 2 mins. each)

Consent Calendar

Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

  • 717 5th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application. 
  • Council oversight testimony (years of delays in BZA issuance of written decisions in two cases)

Thursday, December 12

 ANC6A 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: 

Introduction of New ANC 6A Commissioners

  • Paul Spires (ANC 6A01)
  • Jeff Giertz (ANC 6A06)
  • Stephen Kolb (ANC 6A07)

Motion to renew service agreements for package prep/web services and notetaker for FY2025.

Single Member District reports (2 minute each)

Community Comments (2 minutes each)

***DPR Community Meeting*** (Postponed until December 19.)

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a community meeting on the demolition and modernization of the Rumsey Aquatic Center at 6:00pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market.  It is anticipated that the design/build team will take part in the meeting.   For more, see here: https://bit.ly/3ZsHnsv   

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about: 

Hill Center Event

Our City. Our Music. Our Writers., Featuring Daniel Boomhower and Carol Oja.  Tuesday, December 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  In-person at the Hill Center.  $10.00.  Register here:  https://bit.ly/3Bem7hX

Hill Center Event

“SONG OF SOLSTICE” A Celtic Christmas Celebration Featuring: OCEAN Celtic Quartet.  Sunday, December 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.   In-person.  $20.00.  Register here:  https://bit.ly/49seW2g

Folger Library Free Event

Free community singalong with Choral Director and The Voice contestant (season 25) L. Rodgers.  Friday, December 13, 5:30pm – 7:30pm.  Great Hall of the Folger Library. 

The Folger is ringing in the season with favorite festive tunes at our next Folger Friday!  Join for a cheerful evening of songs, crafts, and warm beverages as we celebrate in community.  Free Register here:  https://bit.ly/3Vp8t2n

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