Capitol Hill’s Small Business Gift Card Exchange Starts Saturday, November 22
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 21, 2025
A slew of Capitol Hill business organizations are sponsoring the 4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange running Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, December 7, 2025. The event is one of two local promotion efforts to encourage community support for local small businesses this holiday season. This Saturday launches the holiday season with the lighting of the Capitol Hill Holiday Tree at Eastern Market Metro Park starting at 5:30pm.
Here’s how the exchange works: shop at any of the 31 participating business (see below) between 11/22 and 12/7 and receive a free gift card from another local favorite. Some terms apply and gifts are available while supplies last.
Participating Businesses include:
Eastern Market Pottery, Clothes Encounters, Relume, Photopia, La Casina, Music on the Hill,
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, Hill’s Kitchen, East City Bookshop, Mr. Henry’s, Barrel, Little District Books, Awakening Bar & Grill, DCANTER Wine Boutique, Ambar, Frame of Mine, The Miracle Theatre, Bistro Cacao, Café Berlin, The Queen Vic, Granville Moore’s, The Pug, City Dogs, Jade Fitness, Hill East Burger, The DC Dentist, Ginkgo Gardens, Santa Rosa Taqueria, Good Stuff Eatery, We, the Pizza, Hawk & Dove.
Launched by Kathleen Donahue, owner of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, during the post-COVID recovery, Better Together celebrates the strength and spirit of Capitol Hill’s small business community. Shopping local means investing in your community – supporting the people, schools, and organizations that make Capitol Hill thrive.
The second event is The Barrack’s Row and Eastern Market Main Street’s Sip and Shop onMonday, December 1 from 5pm to 8pm with wine tastings and exclusive in-store specials. DCanter will be providing different wines to each location so it will be a walking wine tasting.
Participating businesses include:
Clothes Encounters DC, Eastern Market Pottery, Refume, Capitol Hill Books, Groovy DC Cards and Gifts, Paris Bleu, Spin Time Records, East City Books, Labyrinth, Hills Kitchen, DCanter.
The Week Ahead…& Some Day of the Dead Photos from the Past Week
By Larry Janezich
Posted November 2, 2025
The National Community Church (NCC) will launch $5M renovation of historic Navy Yard Car Barn – according to a story by Daniel Sernovits in the Washington Business Journal. NCC Pastor Mark Batterson plans on turning the “Capitol Turnaround” – formerly and informally named “The Blue Castle” at 8th and M Streets, SE, into an event space with a coffee shop. CHC talked to events staff who said that the 8th Street and M Street sides of the building will be renovated to provide event space. Another venture owned by NCC – “Ebenezers Coffeehouse” – will be located inside the main entrance at the corner of 8th and M Streets. The original Ebenezers, founded in 2006, is at 201 F Street, NE.
Here’s the space inside the main entrace at 8th and M Street, SE, which will be the future home of Ebenezers Coffee House.
Día de los Muertos at Congressional Cemetery. This day is a tradition that honors loved ones who have passed, celebrating the ongoing bond between the living and the dead. Millions in Mexico, Latin America, and beyond celebrate by creating colorful ofrendas (altars) to welcome spirits back to the earthly world.
Sunday, November 2, was the cemetery’s second celebration of Día de los Muertos, where the chapel in the center of the cemetery was transformed into a place of learning, remembrance, community gathering, and celebration of the “Day of the Dead.”
The ofrenda alter is traditionally set up in the home to honor decease loved ones and decorated with marigolds, photographs of the deceased, candles, and offerings like sugar skulls, favorite foods, drinks, mementos and religious symbols. Key elements often include references to the four elements: water, aid, earth and fire. The paper banners (papel picado) represent air.
Here’s a detail photo of the main altar.
Visitors decorate traditional sugar skulls and craft paper flowers.
A festival atmosphere dominates Dios de los Muertos as relatives and friends celebrate those who have gone before them and joyfully welcome their spiritual return.
This free community event is made possible by the Congressional Cemetery’s nonprofit, The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery.
The Week Ahead…
Highlight: Tuesday: First District MPD Community Advisory Committee Meeting. Discussion: The Wharf and Navy Yard Juvenile Safety Concerns. See below.
Highlight: Thursday. Free John Philip Sousa Birthday Concert at Congressional Cemetery. See below under “Capitol Hill Cornor Would Also Like You to Know About:”
Monday, November 3
ANC6C ABC Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting at 7:00pm, but has not posted an agenda.
Presentation by DC Sentencing Commission on Homicide and Car Jacking Convictions
The Wharf and Navy Yard Juvenile Safety Concerns
3rd – 14th Streets NE Safety concerns
G-K Streets NE Safety Concerns
Burglaries, Carjacking/Stolen Autos and Homicide Reports
Policing 14th Place and 15th Street, NE
Policing North Capitol Street, NE/NW
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
ABC Renewals
Hawk N’ Dove – 329 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Dos Toros Taqueria – 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Restaurant License with Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Kaiju Ramen – 525 8th Street SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Sidewalk Café and Summer Garden Endorsements.
Lola’s – 711 8th Street SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Hill East Burger – 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Protests & Other Updates
Ambar – 523 8th Street SE. Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing. Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application) – 539 8th Street SE. Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest. (Roll Call Hearing 11/03/25)
Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable Planning
Consideration of Letter Regarding Cannabis Licensees
Wednesday, November 5
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
DDOT Update on Penn/Potomac Intersection Redesign Project
Calming Measures at 6th & G SE
Issues at Capitol South Metro
Speeding in Barracks Row Alleys
Automated Curb Management
ANC6C Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Congressional Cemetery Event:
Thursday, November 6, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. Free, but please register here: https://bit.ly/47vGNzr
John Philip Sousa Birthday Concert 2025. Please join Congressional Cemetery and the Marine Band, “The President’s Own,” for a celebration of the life and legacy of John Philip Sousa. The Marine Band plays the music the “March King” composed at his graveside every year on his birthday and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend, for free!
Congressional Cemetery will start the program at 12:30 pm with a short awards ceremony, followed by a brief lecture by a John Philip Sousa impersonator.
The Marine Corps band will enter through the 17th Street gate at precisely 1:00 PM for a 25 minute concert at the grave site, located near the chapel.
Folger Library Event.
Friday, Nov 7–9. Virtuosos of Violin and Verse. Tickets start at $20.
Folger Consort, in a special collaboration with the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series, will open its 2025-2026 season of “exquisitely played programs”
ANC6B Committee on Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration met last Tuesday to consider a Restaurant License for Acqua al 2.
Acqua al 2 Update
by Larry Janezich
Posted February 8, 2025
Restaurateur Ari Gejdenson is returning to Eastern Market to reopen Acqua al 2 (AA2). The Italian menu will be the same, but the upstairs speakeasy – Jack Black’s – is gone. His aim is to convert the speakeasy space to a dining and dancing event space for which Gejdenson envisions hosts selling tickets (fund raising tickets?) – which would technically meet ABCA criteria for a cover charge. Gejdenson also wants to enclose the front sidewalk patio and extend dancing to that area with hours outside the same as those inside, 2am Sunday – Thursday and 3am Friday and Saturday. He would also add carryout and delivery service.
Last Tuesday night, ANC6B’s alcohol licensing committee met to discuss the liquor license application with the request for the expanded operation. Much of the discussion involved concerns of across-the-alley neighbors who have had ongoing issues with the restaurants facing 7th Street on the block.
Gejedenson had generally been a good neighbor during the first incarnation of AA2. After it closed, it was succeeded by Harvest Tide, whom the neighbors found unresponsive to their concerns about trash, rodents, and delivery trucks blocking the alley and preventing access to their garages.
Responding to neighbor complaints, ANC6B negotiated a new and more stringent Settlement Agreement with Harvest Tide. (A Settlement Agreement is the mechanism agreed to between the ANC and the restaurant which governs its operations – trash, rodents, parking, hours, etc.) Neighbors say that Harvest Tide continued to be a bad neighbor despite the new Settlement Agreement. Gejdenson said that was largely because the city was lax in enforcing the Agreement.
The (ABCA Committee – per comment below) want Gejdenson to sign the same agreement they had with Harvest Tide. Gejdenson is resisting signing the more stringent agreement saying he is unwilling to “assume additional risk” by signing commitments which could allow neighbors to put on him things that should be the city’s responsibility.
After two contentious hours of discussion, the committee agreed to designate temporary committee chair Commissioner Anna Krebs and Commissioner Jerry Sroufe to meet with Gejdenson and his attorney in hopes of reaching an agreement on a Settlement Agreement before the full ANC meets on next Tuesday. If not, the parties can request a two week extension to negotiate. Gejdenson hopes to open within the next 30 to 90 days.
RFK and the Commanders: The exterior demolition of RFK is underway. The Friends of Kingman Park RFK Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting on Tuesday, February 4, at St. Benedict’s Church to solicit community input on RFK in anticipation of a February 20 community meeting hosted by Friends of Kingman Park featuring representatives from the Washington Commanders. The event is billed as an opportunity to meet and learn about proposed plans for RFK. Since the Mayor’s office has not reached aa agreement on the proposed construction of a new stadium, any plans presented will be provisional and subject to change. A sign over on the south side of RFK shows the sentiment of how some in the community feel about the stadium.
EAT BRGZ Closes Eastern Market and the West End Locations. The sign on the door says, “We’ve made the strategic decision to move on to an exciting new chapter. It has been a our greatest pleasure serving this community over the past five years …. Thank you for all the love, support and memories that will last a life time.” EAT BRGZ owner Brandon Gaynor opened the burger joint in early summer of 2019, featuring a new concept based on a “complex burger” which set it apart from competitors. See here: https://bit.ly/2IOOcj3
Update on Lobby Bar. Here’s a photo from the past week of the on-going renovation of the former Boxcar at 224 7th Street, SE, across from Eastern Market. The owner of the new Lobby Bar expects to open at the end of February. Photo credit: Maggie Hall.
Acqua al 2’s owner Ari Gejdenson is stirring up the across-the alley-neighbors. Gejdenson is reopening AA2 at 212 7th Street across the street from Eastern Market. All well and good. However, the restaurant’s liquor license placard in the front window includes an application for an “Entertainment endorsement to provide live entertainment inside of the premises and on the sidewalk café with dancing and cover charge.” And it goes on: “House of operation alcoholic beverage sales, service and consumption and live entertainment for inside premises and for the sidewalk cafe. Sunday through Thursday 7:00am to 2:00am Friday and Saturday 7:00am to 3:00am.” That may be a bridge too far. The application will come up before the ANC6B ABC Committee which will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday night at 7:00pm (see below for details). Could be contentious.
Foliage at Frager’s takes over the former Hype Café Space. Staff says Foliage at Frager’s opened up the new space a few weeks ago. A grand opening is a month or so away, but customers are welcome in the new space which is fully stocked with garden supplies.
Here’s what inside the former café looks like now.
BTW – Frager’s is holding its second annual Ladies; Night on Thursday February 13, from 5pm – 8pm, with 20% off everything in the store during the event which features demonstrations, giveaways, and “good eats.”
The Week Ahead…
Monday, February 3
ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of a new Medical Cannabis Retailer license with delivery endorsement at Dreamy DC, 1111 H Street, NE.
Discussion of a letter 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.
Discussion of a new Class C Restaurant license with carry out and delivery endorsement at Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond, 1216-1218 H Street.
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
The Friends of Kingman Park RFK Taskforce will hold an in-person meeting at St. Benedict’s Church to solicit community input on RFK
Representatives of Bridgepoint Hospital at 213 7th Street, NE, will hold a community meeting featuring Chris Lafontsee, the new Chief Executive Officer, Capitol Hill and Perry Limes, the new Vice President of Business Development. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Bridgepoint Healthcare and community issues. The meeting is at 6:30pm in the Bridgepoint Hospital Conference Room.
Wednesday, February 5
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Continued discussion on the Penn/Potomac improvement project. Discussion will focus on forming an agreement with NPS for maintenance of the park in the traffic circle.
Discussion on Lincoln Park traffic safety collaboration with ANC 6A
Presentation on traffic closures related to the Capitol Hill Classic and discussion of a support letter request
ANC6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
Rally Caps (In this star-studded family coming-of-age drama, young Jordy, who is recovering from a serious Little League baseball injury, goes to summer camp where he forms a friendship with Lucas, who just had Cochlear Implant surgery. Together, they form a special bond as friends and pitcher/catcher duo and lead their team in the camp championship game.)
Deaf Giants (Baseball-loving 10-year-old Bracken and his younger deaf brother investigate the contrast between early 1900s inclusion of deaf players in baseball and the present, seeking to understand why representation has regressed.)
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Here are the 1st, 2nd (2), and 3rd place winners of the Hill Center’s 2025 Regional Juried Exhibition, juried by Phil Hutinet, publisher of East City Art. The exhibitions run from January 15th through May 3rd.
First Place, Jessica Maria Hopkins. Colors of My Reflection. Acrylic, Acrylic pen, ball point pen on canvas.
Second Place # 1, James Terrell, The Last Supper. Collage, Acrylic Paint, Paper and Fabric.
Second Place #2, Take Me to the Water. Collage, Paper, Fabric, Paint.
Third Place, Maddy Keener, Pick The Gleaming Bones Clean. Acrylic on Canvas.
Capitol Hill Books at night.
Here’s Triple Candies’ January exhibit and a detail from same, in the space in front of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Triple Candie is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett. Their purpose is to create alternative exhibition methods making that the object of critical focus rather than what is displayed.
The Week Ahead…
Highlights:
Tuesday: ANC6A ABC Committee considers proposed letter 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.
Wednesday: Watkins Improvements Meeting
Monday, January 27
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of a new Medical Cannabis Retailer license with delivery endorsement at Dreamy DC, 1111 H Street, NE.
Discussion of a letter 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.
Discussion of a new Class C Restaurant license with carry out and delivery endorsement at Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond, 1216-1218 H Street.
ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
EMCAC will hold an in-person and virtual meeting in the North Hall, Eastern Market at 7:00pm.
For info on how to join the meeting, go here: TBA
Agenda: TBA
Thursday, January 30
Watkins Improvements Meeting
DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services will discuss the Watkins Recreation Center park and playground improvements on Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6:00-7:30 @ Watkins Elementary School. RSVP at https://watkins.splashthat.com/
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Thursday, January 30. 6:30pm. Free Event at Folger Library.
This panel discussion explores the unexpected ways Shakespeare’s legacy has endured, and how engaging with theater-making enhances the relevance and value of Shakespeare in the everyday lives of people.
The keynote is led by Folger’s Director of Programming & Performance and Folger Theatre Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels in conversation with:
author, adaptor, director, theater scholar and Where There’s a Will podcast host, Barry Edelstein
Latine playwright, educator, facilitator, producer and Director of Public Works at the Public Theater Laurie Woolery
Free Exhibit at the Folger through February 9. Little Books, Big Gifts: The Artistry of Esther Inglis – A special exhibition at the Folger.
Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall
Free; timed-entry pass recommended
Esther Inglis (1570?—1624) was a professional-class Franco-Scottish refugee, a working mother of eight, and a contemporary of Shakespeare. Earning her living by her pen, she combined her artistic skills and her religious beliefs to create over 60 miniature handwritten and hand-illustrated books. She strategically gifted these books to dozens of prominent European Protestants during a period of religious turmoil. Four hundred years after her death, this exhibition explores Esther’s life and work as an early modern influencer and as the first woman in Britain to preface her works with selfies.
Artists: Open Call at the Capitol Hill Art League – Submissions Close 2/14/24. The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) is holding its 14th Annual “Open Call” art competition for artists throughout the DMV as well as Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. This year’s theme is “Landscape”.
This annual competition awards cash prizes and attracts artists of many varied talents. The juror for the competition is Glenn Kessler, an internationally collected and awarded artist and founder of the Compass Atelier in Rockville, MD.
Capitol Hill Chorale is recruiting 55 and older adults as new members. No experience is required to join an Encore choir! There are no auditions to become a member of an Encore program; interested singers need only to have a love for music and a desire to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. No singer needs to have any experience with music or singing, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Singers may be seated or standing for all ninety-minute rehearsals and performances. Most importantly of all, Encore is fun! Encore singers love the music, love to sing, and thrive on the camaraderie that comes with the Encore experience. You can register at: https://tinyurl.com/5y9e5up4
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The Week Ahead…New Mini-Mall Planned for H Street NE & Photos from the Past Week
By Larry Janezich
Posted January 19, 2024
New Mini-Mall Planned for H Street, NE. The former Biergarten Haus at 1355 H Street, NE, which closed in July of 2023, is among the several properties recently purchased by Jonathan Askarinam and Moe Pishvaeian . The development team – which also includes Ian Ruel – plans to use it and adjacent buildings to open a new food hall with retail and event spaces
On January 15, Developers presented the plan to ANC6A’s Planning and Zoning Committee for combining four H Street buildings (including the former Biergarten Haus) plus three alley lots to create a mini-Union Market with a roof deck event space.
The remodeled combined space will contain 14 stalls for retail outlets. Developers are looking at a number of potential tenants including four or five food stalls, a barber shop, a bar, a tattoo parlor, fitness space, a coffee shop, and a bakery. They envision larger areas as lounge space for work and socializing, starting at breakfast and lasting through dinner where patrons will be encouraged to “come and hang out for a long time.”
The Committee unanimously voted to recommend that the full ANC support the application for Zoning Adjustments providing exceptions from requirements for parking, rear yard, and fast food establishments.
Spin Time Records – a New Capitol Hill Music Outlet: John Lottman, the DC music scene aficionado who has marketed DC Go-G0, Punk & D.I.Y., Soul & Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop & Electic, and DC Americana on-line has opened his brick-and-mortar outlet on the 2nd floor above Barrel at 619 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
Here’s Lottman from his website: “Like so many parts of DC, the Capitol Hill I grew up in has become a neighborhood that has “everything,” but feels like it’s lost so much. One thing I can give it back is a record store. It seemed like there used to be one on every block, but the last one closed about 25 years ago….
I want this to be a resource for locals, visitors, and people around the world to dive into the city’s musical life. You can look, listen, and read about this dimension of local history. You might give a local artist you’ve never heard of a spin, or discover a connection to DC in an artist you already knew. And you are guaranteed to find some good music.” Here’s a link to the website: https://spintimerecords.com/ to see their collection. And here’s a link to a WaPo article: https://wapo.st/3IOlThA
ANC6D met January 13 and elected new officers: Chair, Gottlieb Simon (upper right); Vice Chair, Bruce Levine (middle far left); Secretary, Rhonda Hamilton(bottom left); and Treasurer, Fredrica “Rikki” Kramer (upper far left).
ANC6B met January 14 and elected new officers. Chair, Vince Marino (far right); Vice Chair, Edward Ryder; Secretary, David Sobelsohn; Treasurer, Anna Krebs (second from left); and Parliamentarian; Tyler Wolanin. Also pictured above are Commissioner Jerry Sroufe (far left), and Commissioner Karen Hughes.
ANC7D also met on January 14 and elected new officers: Chair, Brian Alcorn (upper left); Vice Chair, Mike Davis; Treasurer, Brett Astmann (lower right); and Secretary, Dev Myers. Also shown is MPD Lt. Stephen Miller (upper right), and wearing chapeau at lower left, Andrew Lightman, recruited by ANC7D as a non-member of the commission, to offciate at the election.
New officers for ANC6A and ANC6C were elected the previous week – one in which scheduling conflicts prevented CHC from capturing.
ANC6A: Chair, Dave Wethington, Vice Chair/Parliamentarian, Amber Gove; Secretary, Jeff Giertz; Treasurer.
ANC6C: Chair, Karen Wirt: Vice Chair, Mark Eckenweiler; Secretary, Andrew Hayes; and Treasurer, Jay Adelstein.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, January 20
Inaugural Day Holiday. Trash and recycling pick up slide one day.
Tuesday, January 21
ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Request for an all-way stop sign at the intersection of Tennessee Avenue NE & E Street NE. ANC 6A sent a letter requesting this to DDOT on October 20, 2024. This was not listed in the TSI FY25Q1 or Q2 prioritizations.
Request for an all-way stop sign at the intersection of Tennessee Avenue NE and 14th Street NE. ANC 6A sent a letter requesting this to DDOT on October 20, 2024. This was not listed in the TSI FY25Q1 or Q2 prioritizations.
14th & H Streets NE. DDOT issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to implement a bike lane on 14th Street NE between Florida Avenue and H Street NE, and upgrade and existing bike lane on 14th Street NE between H Street NE and Maryland Avenue NE. Committee has requested DDOT join us to present the plan.
11th and F Streets NE. This area is under investigation for speed issues. ANC 6A sent a letter requesting this to DDOT on October 20, 2024.
Jayme Johnson will present on the 2025 Capitol Hill Classic and has requested a letter of support to HSEMA from ANC6A by March 31, 2025. [Note: this will be covered as the first topic of the meeting to accommodate scheduling]
Color the Curb Program at Maury Elementary. Kim Vacca from DDOT will present.
Both North Carolina Avenue NE and C Street NE from 16th to 14th Street – Committee Member Sussman produced a slide deck on potential improvements to the car and bike lanes in this area. One aspect would be the continuation of the westbound bike lane down North Carolina Avenue NE after the split with C Street NE. Other improvement suggestions aimed at making the blocks in question safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles.
14th and Ames Place NE. The area is under investigation for traffic speed. This is between the traffic lights on North Carolina Avenue NE and East Capitol Street, and there is no stop sign at A Street NE.
Wednesday, January 22
ANC7D Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 3 (Main Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
Thursday, January 2, ANC Commissioners were sworn in at a ceremony held at the Walter E. Wshington Convention Center. Image provided by Council of DC.
An image from the other side of the room. Photo: CM Charles Allen’s office.
An image of Ward 7 Commissioners being sworn in – oath being administered by newly-elected Councilmember Wendell Phillips. Photo: Council of DC.
You don’t see this every day – fresh Black Winter Truffles from Spain, vacuum-packed and available at Eastern Market’s Bowers Fancy Dairy Products.
This weekend, the Eastern Market craft vendors moved off of 7th Street, and into the North Hall. On Thursday at 12:00pm, the vendors of the South Hall will hold a moment of silence as the U.S. Navy honors former President Carter with a 21 gun salute from the Navy Yard.
Saturday afternoon, the American flag flew at half staff over the US Capitol in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. The 8 foot security fence reflects the two National Security Events taking place this week: The Joint Meeting of Congress on Monday to count the electoral ballots, and the Lying in State Tuesday – and Wednesday, with the State Funeral following on Thursday. See details below.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, January 6
Snow Emergency in effect. Schools will be closed and trash will not be picked up. Residents will be notified when trash collection resumes.
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
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.
Appointment of ABC Resident Member for 6B06
ANC6C Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Update from Commissioner Wirt re: Kae LLC 312 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Medical Cannabis Retailer New License.
The Consortium at 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Class C Tavern New License
ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.
Please contact the office at 6d@anc.dc.gov if you wish to have a link to view the meeting.
National Special Security Event. U.S. Congress will hold a joint session to count electoral ballots. The US Secret Service says those who live and work in the District can expect security measures in place like those that are put in place during the State of the Union address.
Tuesday, January 7
National Special Security Event.On Jan. 7, former President Jimmy Carter’s body will leave Georgia and be flown to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where a motorcade will drive him to Washington, D.C. There will be a service for members of Congress at 3 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.
Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol from 7 p.m. until midnight Tues., Jan. 7, and again from 7 a.m. Wed., Jan. 8 until 7 a.m. Thurs., Jan. 9. Viewers can come to the Capitol and pay their respects during those hours.
At 9 a.m. Jan. 9, Carter’s body will be taken from the Capitol to the Washington National Cathedral for his National Funeral Service.
The Washington Navy Yard will conduct a 21-gun salute to honor President Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025 at 12 PM. The Navy is honoring Carter’s life and legacy, including his time at the U.S. Naval Academy during World War
“The Secret Service will use drones as part of the comprehensive security plan.
Motion to elect officers: Chair – Dave Wethington (6A04); -Vice Chair/Parliamentarian –Amber Gove (6A04); Secretary – Jeff Gierst (6A06); Treasurer – Roberta Shapiro (6A02)
Motion to elect members and leaders of the permanent Committees for 2024.
Plenary Session:
Suggested Motion: ANC6A approve a 10 percent increase in the compensation for services provided by the ANC 6A administrator and note taker. (The last increase was approved in October 2020.)
Suggested Motion: ANC6A protest the application for Substantial Changes to a Class C Tavern license at Henceforth DC at 1335 H Street, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
Suggested Motion : ANC6A protest the application for a new Class C Tavern at Ethio Vegan at 1362 H Street NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
Suggested Motion : ANC6A protest the application for a Medical Cannabis Retailer license for Dreamy DC at 1111 H Street NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached. ANC 6A will request formal confirmation from ABCA that the proposed location for Dreamy DC does not violate any of the proximity limits in the Medical Cannabis laws or regulations.
Suggested Motion : ANC6A ANC 6A protest the application for a Medical Cannabis Retailer license for Proper Exotic at 13 8th Street NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Historic Preservation Application for 321 D Street, SE
1900 Massachusetts Ave., SE [7F08] . Zoning application for construction of new correctional facility. Owner(s): Department of General Services Applicant: Eric DeBear
409 8th Street SE – Popeyes
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Photo Essay: New Congressional Cemetery Tradition Debuted Saturday
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 16, 2024
Saturday marked the debut of a new annual ceremonial tradition at Congressional Cemetery with the remembrance of fallen veterans and those who continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. For the first time ever, the cemetery participated in a national ceremony and laying of wreaths on the graves of those who have served in every branch of the United States military. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun in 1992. On Saturday, more than two million volunteers gathered nation-wide to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” at more than 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
There are over 1,700 veterans from almost every American armed conflict dating back to the American Revolution interred at historic Congressional Cemetery and volunteers placed 350 wreaths on veteran’s graves. Wreaths were donated by community members who ordered them online on the Wreaths Across America website at $17 each.
The ceremony came to Congressional Cemetery owing to the efforts of Jim Guckert, founder and Executive Director of Guerrilla Gardeners DC. After volunteering for wreath-laying in Arlington National Cemetery, Guckert thought that Congressional Cemetery warranted its own service. He put Wreaths Across America in conversation with representatives of Congressional Cemetery and Saturday’s first commemoration event was the result.
Wreaths Across America’s community partners in the effort included the DC National Guard, Post 46 – The American Legion, The Judge Lynn Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC.
In remarks, A.J. Orlikoff, Director of Programming, Historic Congressional Cemetery, cited President Lincoln’s address on the purpose of the struggle to the 166th Ohio Regiment who were visiting the White House on August 22, 1864.
“It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children’s children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours…. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.”
Here are wreaths for each branch of the United States Armed Forces, waiting placement.
Veterans of the Armed Forces selected to place the wreaths in front of the American Flag in the center of the veterans’ section of Congressional Cemetery.
The wreaths after placement.
After the ceremony, the volunteers split up into four groups to lay wreaths, each assigned a section of the cemetery. Section leader Guckert led his group to a pile of wreaths – nearby was the grave of gay activist Leonard Matlovich who was the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight their ban on gays.
Guckert hands out wreaths to volunteers.
Coast Guard veteran Denise Krepp lays a wreath on Matlovich’s grave.
For more on The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery and how to join it, go here: https://congressionalcemetery.org/
Last Monday, there were signs of progress on the buildout for Dos Toros Taqueria, opening at 215 Pennsylvania Avenue – formerly the Firehook Bakery. Dos Toros Taqueria – a San Francisco-style taqueria – has announced the opening of three outlets in DC. The enterprise has a dozen locations in NYC. Here’s a link to the restaurant’s menu at the NYC outlets: https://www.dostoros.com/menu Photo credit: Bob Gellman
Last Friday, CM Charles Allen held community office hours at Pretzel Bakery at 15th and C Street, SE.
Friday afternoon, DC Public Library posted the December construction update on the modernization of the SE Public Library. The Library closed on January 4, 2024 and is scheduled to reopen in early 2026. Here are a few photos from the update (see here: https://bit.ly/3ZEo7YL ) The one above shows the lower level, excavated and braced. Photo credit DCPL.
The new addition, lower level, facing South Carolina Avenue. Photo credit DCPL.
Laying of the concrete slab on the lowest level is complete. The windows mark the original building’s lower level. Photo credit DCPL..
The new opening in the roof for the skylight. Photo credit DCPL..
The Week Ahead….
Monday, December 16
ANC6B SE Library Taskforce will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
The in-person meeting will be held on the 2nd floor of 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The entrance is adjacent to Trader Joe’s.
For info on how to join the meeting virtually, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Agenda: Status of the renovation of the library and how to improve services at the DC Public Library’s Arthur Capper TechExpress, located on the second floor of the Arthur Capper Recreation Center in the Navy Yard neighborhood at 1000 5th Street, SE. Services include wi-fi access, public computers, printing, copying and scanning as well as item return and holds pick-up. For more, see here: https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit/arthur-capper-techexpress
Tuesday, December 17
ANC6B’s Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Agenda: To set the agenda for the January 14 meeting of the full commission.
Thursday, December 19
Community Meeting on Rumsey Aquatic Center (Rescheduled from December 12):
DC Department of Parks and Recreation will host the first community meeting on the demolition and modernization of the Rumsey Aquatic Center, December 19, at 6:30pm in the North Hall of Eastern Market. The design/build team are expected to take part in the meeting. For more, see here: https://bit.ly/3ZsHnsv
ANC6C Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Closure of Downtown Metro Stations Dec. 20-30
WMATA plans to close some Downtown Metrorail stations for the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines between Friday, Dec. 20, and Monday, Dec. 30 to improve tracks and signaling. During the closure, shuttle buses will replace train service at affected stations, providing customers with alternate access to stations. Stations will reopen Dec. 31. Work will be completed in two phases:
Dec. 20-26: Farragut West, McPherson Square, and the lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) at Metro Center will be closed.
Dec. 27-30: Farragut West, McPherson Square, lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) atMetro Center, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and the lower level of L’Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Silver service) will be closed.
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
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
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
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 