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July 6, 2025 · 8:15 pm

The Week Ahead…& Photos from Barracks Row July 4th Parade

The Week Ahead…& Photos from Barracks Row July 4th Parade

By Larry Janezich

Posted July 6, 2025

Here’s Eastern High School’s Blue and White Marching Machine, “The Pride of Capitol Hill,” setting the mood and the pace for the Barracks Row July 4th Parade.

Mayor Bowser was close behind, waving the flag and wearing a Commander Jersey.

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb followed the Mayor. 

City Council Chair and Capitol Hill resident Phil Mendelson marched alone – as is his custom – without a supporting contingent and leading the way for CM Charles Allen…

…who trailed a large groups of his supporters.

Technically, MPD lead the parade, clearing the way for the politicians, bands, and community groups that followed. First District Commander Colin Hall did some community building with the next generation of Capitol Hill residents.

The crowd gave it up for the tightly disciplined Ruff Ridaz Percussion Squad performance.

ANC6B marched with a banner carried by (l-r), Commissioners David Sobelsohn, Vince Mareino, and Tyler Wolanin. Commissioner Jerry Sroufe is at the rear, far left.

The Fife and Drum Corp was a crowd pleaser, juxtapositioned appropriately with the local Chapter of the Judge Lynn Daughters of the American Revolution.

Free DC showed their colors and their relentless enthusiasm for lobbying Congress to restore DC’s authority to spend their own revenues for the balance of the current FY – which has been denied by Conress’ failure to include that routine measure in the recently passed Reconsiliation funding bill. Free DC is a force to be reckoned with.

Pride showed up, marching proudly.

This required some concentration as well as hand and eye coordination.

The Week Ahead

Highlights: 

  • Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation, will visit ANC6B Tuesday night.  The ANC has a list of transportation issues which could come up.  See below.  
  • Thursday, the 257th Army Band will performance in Lincoln Park.  See “Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:” below. 

MONDAY July 7

ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:  To discuss the agenda for the full meeting of ANC6D on July 21.

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Legislation: short update from Connor Laughland about DC City Council bill to develop social housing (https://janeeseward4.com/gnd/ )
  • Citizen request: illegal vacation rental at 220 14th Street, SE.
    • Proposal: draft a short letter endorsing DOB investigation.
  • Renovation: 409 East Capitol Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Sanabria & Co., proposed rear addition.
  • Renovation: 730 Rear 11th Street, SE. Demolition of an existing attached rear commercial space and replacement with a single-family dwelling.  Filing pending. 
  • LATE BREAKING: Renovation: 418 4th Street, SE.
  • LATE BREAKING: Nominations for Committee leadership positions.
  • LATE BREAKING: Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.

ANC6C Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee 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:

  • Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites.  50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE.  NE Class C restaurant.
  • Proper Exotic.  313 8th Street, NE.  Medical Cannabis Retailer.  (Located in ANC 6A, but ANC 6C is directly across the street and has authority to participate)  
  • White Horse Hookah Bar and Tobacco, 521 H Street, NE.

Tuesday, July 8

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

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Presentations

  • Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation.
  • (Here at the topics the ANC6B Transportation Committee has prioritized in meetings which could be discussed with the Director.)
  • Lincoln Park – comprehensive traffic safety study of Lincoln Park.
    • Open Streets – How are decisions made about where to host Open Streets, and why aren’t the ANCs a part of that process?
    • RFK – How is DDOT participating in evaluating the transportation needs and opportunities around the RFK parcel given the Mayor’s proposal?
    • School Safety – How is DDOT evaluating school safety initiatives like the Safe Routes, Crossing Guards and School Transit support?
    • Vision Zero – What’s the status of Vision Zero?
    • Eastern Market Traffic Plans & Safety – How are people are getting to Eastern Market and the general traffic patterns around Capitol Hill. Are there any plans to study modes of transport on the Hill?  What I the current status of safety bollards being approved for use at Eastern Market?
  • Robin Roesch, Creciendo Chisholm Initiative.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis license renewals: 

  • Ted’s Bulletin, 505 8th Street, SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant; Protest Petition Deadline: July 18, 2025 [6B03] (Originally Extended by 60 days).
  • The Flying Mexican (Renewal of License held previously by: Playa Ocho Cantina), 514 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis license new applications:

  • ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for new Class C Restaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis License protests and other updates:

  • Ambar (ANC6B is currently protesting – non-compliance with signed Settlement Agreement).
  • ALOHA (Status of Request for Reinstatement from Applicant for cannabis license).

Planning & Zoning Update:

  • Legislation: short update from Connor Laughland about DC City Council bill to develop social housing (https://janeeseward4.com/gnd/ ).
  • Citizen request: illegal vacation rental at 220 14th Street, SE.
    • Proposal: draft a short letter endorsing DOB investigation
  • Renovation: 409 East Capitol Street SE, Sambria & Co.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  New rear addition.
  • Renovation: 730 Rear 11th Street, SE.  Demolition of an existing attached rear commercial space and replacement with a single-family dwelling.  Filing pending.   
  • LATE BREAKING: Renovation: 418 4th Street, SE.
  • LATE BREAKING: Nominations for Committee leadership positions.
  • LATE BREAKING: Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.

ANC7D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentations

  • CityInterests Update on Parkside Development
  • Hakeem Mumford, Manager, External Affairs, PEPCO Update from PEPCO. 
  • Kunta Bedney and Mike Dempsey, Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Local Union 197 Apprenticeship Opportunity Information.  

DC Government Updates

  • Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder.
  • Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services.

Committee Reports and Motions 

Transportation/Public Space Committee

  • Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a resolution that expresses support for the ongoing operation of the DC Streetcar, an important public transit link for the H Street Corridor, Rosedale, Carver/Langston, Kingman Park and the RFK campus; and recommend any funding resultant from any change in Streetcar service be reinvested into these communities. 

Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee  

  • Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a letter of support to the Zoning Commission for plans as presented by So Others May Eat to renovate and expand an existing building at 2 18th St, SE to convert it from a nonconforming rooming house with 57 units to an apartment building with 61 units.
  • Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing attached two-story plus basement principal dwelling located at 515 21st Street, NE.  

RFK Campus Checkup

  • Opportunity for 7D Commissioners to Discuss Ongoing RFK Development Related Activity.  

Wednesday, July 9

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Planning Zoning, and Economic Development Committee

  • 502 C Street, NE.  Historic Preservation Application.  Concept approval to renovate three-story mixed-use structure and enlarge new three-story rear addition.
  • 409 East Capitol Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special exception and use variance to construct a third story rear addition and a second dwelling unit, and convert the first floor to office use at an attached mixed-use two-story building.
  • 1128 4th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special exception for after-the-fact approval of an illegally constructed railing atop a porch roof.

Transportation and Public Space Committee

  • H Street Main Street NE, Public space improvements.  Mr. Saleem is seeking ANC support for public space improvements on the H Street corridor. 
  • 1232 4th Street, NE.  Transportation Online Permitting – paving, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. The applicant requests a permit for public space improvements including electric vaults, new curb and gutter, closure of existing driveway, bike racks, new trees and plantings, benches, balcony, and bay window. 
  • 1 Columbus Circle, NE.   Transportation Online Permitting – WMATA installation of a bus stop bench.

Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee

  • Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites.  50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Class C restaurant license.
  • Proper Exotic LLC, Application for Medical Cannabis Retailer license.  (Located in ANC 6A, but ANC 6C is directly across the street and has authority to participate.)  
  • White Horse Hookah Bar and Tobacco.  502 H Street NE. 

Thursday, July 10

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

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Presentation School:

  • Within School @ Goding Leaks in the Basement Project – Andrew Walker, DCPS. 

Consent Agenda

Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee

  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter supporting the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Summer Garden endorsements at Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street NE, and that the ANC update the settlement agreement.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A protest the renewal of an alcoholic beverage license with summer garden endorsement at Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro at 709 H Street, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter supporting the renewal of a Class C restaurant license Entertainment and Sidewalk Café endorsements at Fresca Taqueria, 701 H Street NE.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A protest the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine at B & B Convenience and More at 1447 Maryland Avenue, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to ABRA requesting clarification that the proposed location for Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE, is not in violation of the proximate requirements of the specific nearby establishments that cater to children/minors.

Community Outreach

  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter of support to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for a public arts initiative along H Street NE within the boundaries of ANC6A.

Transportation and Public Space

  • Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting speed bumps in the Atlas Court alley between 11th and 12th Streets, NE.

New Business Recommendation:

  • ANC 6A send a letter to the DC Council regarding its concerns about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget.
  • Suggested Motion: ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for a special exception for a porch renovation at 916 D Street NE.
  • Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of the Notice of Intent to add a protected bike lane and other safety measures to 14th Street, NE, between Maryland Avenue and G Street NE.

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Thursday, July 10

257th Army Band Performance in Lincoln Park

7:00 pm

For more info, go here:  https://bit.ly/4kmIkuE

Friday, July 11

Hill Center Event – Celtic Folk Trio House of Hamill in Concert – In-person

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$20.00

For more and to get tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4le3g8f

Saturday, July 12

National Park Service hosts Mary McLeod Bethune’s 150th Birthday Celebration featuring The Tribe Band in Lincoln Park

4:30 – 7 pm

For more info, go here:  https://bit.ly/3Ts0a4r

Sunday, July 13

Hill Center Event – Stone Room Concerts – Modern Folk/Americana Sextet Buffalo Rose.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

$20

For more and to get tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/3Id9Tt4

Summer Concerts at the U.S. Capitol:

Monday-Friday throughout July and August, 7 pm, Military Bands Capitol Summer Concert Series, west lawn of the Capitol Building.  For more, go here:  https://bit.ly/4lF97Dq

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June 1, 2025 · 10:22 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 1, 2025

New Gathering Place at Hill Center – The new construction on the grounds of Hill Center will be seating in the round for community gatherings and the Center’s outdoor activities.   According to Hill Center Executive Director Diana Ingraham it will be named in honor of Hill Center visionary John Franzén.  Franzén, who died in 2020, was one of the Center’s founding board members and at one time was president of the Old Naval Hospital Foundation which created Hill Center.  He was also one of the founders of the Ruth Ann Overbeck Capitol Hill History Project. 

Here’s a rendering of the finished project – The pavilion was designed by Oehme, Van Sweden and is expected to be completed in June.  A grand opening is planned for October.  In addition to being remembered as a prominent community benefactor, Franzén had a long career in national politics as a media consultant for Democratic candidates, and progressive environmental groups and education organizations. 

CM Charles Allen’s Community Office Hours – Friday morning, CM Charles Allen held community office hours at The Roost on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  A contingent of Hill East residents showed up with questions about RFK.  David Wyman (center left), who recently purchased a home near RFK told CHC that the biggest concerns of nearby residents are the parking garages cutting connectivity for the neighborhood to the Anacostia River and having large parking structures cannibalize potential development.  He said that retail and commercial businesses and more housing should not come at the expense of parking.”  (That’s ANC7D commissioner Ebony Payne in the orange top with back to camera.) 

Update on Saint-Georges boulangerie near Eastern Market – A source familiar with the status of the development of the new French bakery told CHC that the project is back on track after getting temporarily derailed by an unreliable architect and a burdensome permitting process.  New equipment is scheduled to arrive this week and the owners hope to open this summer – though it would not be surprising to see that slip into early fall. 

The Flying Mexican on Barracks Row – The former Playa Ocho at 514 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row, is morphing into The Flying Mexican.  The space has been occupied by a series of Mexican food restaurant since its days as the home of Capitol Video Sales.

Consulting Firm Will Move to Barracks Row – Speaking of Oehme, Van Sweden, here is a pair of photos of the landscaping firm’s former offices at 800 G Street, SE, and the status of the conversion into the new headquarters for the DC consulting firm, Capital Group, founded by Curtis Porter in 2011. 

Friday Night Live on Eastern Market Metro Plaza – Friday night, dancers performed the Lion Dance on the Eastern Market Metro Plaza as part of Barracks Row Main Streets’ celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  Photo:  Deborah Hernandez

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 2

ANC6D will hold an administrative meeting at 7:00pm to set the agenda for the meeting of the full commission on Monday, June 16.

  • Please contact the office at 6D@anc.dc.gov if you wish to have a link to view the Admin meeting.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

MPD 1st District Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting, 6:00pm – 7:15pm.

Among items on the agenda: 

  • Capital Jewish Museum Terrorism attack.
  • 3rd Street to 14th Street, NE safety concerns.
  • G Street to K Street, NE safety concerns.
  • H Street, NE crime and drug concerns.
  • Burglaries, carjackings, stolen auto, and homicide follow-up.
  • Policing 14th Place, 15th Street NE, and other areas update.
  • 15th and independence Avenue, SE update.
  • North Capitol Street, NE/NW.
  • ANC commissioners and Bloc Association’s input. 
  • Business and residents comments.

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. 

Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:

RENEWALS

  • National Republican Club of Capitol Hill Inc. t/a Capitol Hill Club, 300 First Street SE; Renewal of Class C Club License.   
  • Tunnicliff’s Tavern, 222 7th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant License with Sidewalk Café Endorsement.
  • Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Renewal of Class D Restaurant License.
  • Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant License.
  • The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.

NEW APPLICATIONS

  • ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Application for new Class C Restaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements.

PROTESTS/Other Updates

  • ALOHA (protested, dismissed, seeking reinstatement).  
  • Café Bistro MED t/a Café 8 (Extended to 06/30/2025).
  • Ambar (Currently Protesting) (6B03) Roll-Call Hearing 06/09/2025.
  • Taste Budz (Currently Protesting) (6B02) Roll-Call Hearing 06/09/2025.
  • Ted’s Bulletin (Extended to 07/21/2025) (6B03).
  • Acqua al 2 Protest Hearing Scheduled for June 3rd, 2025.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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

Agenda:

  • Invitation for presentation from new DDOT Community Liaison, Keith Jones (TBC).
  • 1500 Block of L St: Need for speed humps and other safety measures
  • Bus stop removal planned at E Cap & 6th SE.
  • Ives Place construction project – operating without permits.
  • Follow-up on CVS loading/unloading situation in 6B03.
  • Solicit Questions for DDOT Director July Presentation to Full ANC.

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

Among items on the Draft Agenda:

  • 424 7th Street, NE:  Zoning Adjustment – Expedited-review application for a special exception from the rear-yard requirements to demolish an existing two-story rear addition and construct  a two-story with basement rear addition on an existing semi-detached two-story with basement. 
  • 406 7th Street, NE.  Zoning Adjustment Application for a special exception from the rear-yard requirements and a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements of to demolish the existing two-story rear porch and replace with an enlarged two-story with cellar enclosed rear addition to a semi-detached three-story with cellar.
  • 605 Constitution Avenue, NE.  Historic Preservation for concept approval to construct a third-floor addition to an existing one-story row dwelling with two-story addition.

Thursday, June 5

ANC6B June Planning & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

  • 730 Rear 11th Street, SE.
  • Discussion on Next P&Z Committee Chair.

ANC6C Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Agenda:  TBA  See here:  https://anc6c.org/committees/transportation-and-public-space-committee/

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