Tag Archives: news

March 13, 2025 · 6:55 pm

City Scales Back Rumsey Aquatic Center Plan

More than 100 residents turned out for Wednesday night’s community meeting on the Rumsey Renovation plans which was held in the North Hall of Eastern Market.

City Scales Back Rumsey Aquatic Center Plan

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 13, 2025

Thursday night, DPR and DGS presented design options for renovation of the Rumsey Aquatic Center which were substantially different from the more ambitious plans of CM Charles Allen, who secured additional funding for the project based on those plans. 

The boost in $15 million in funds for the Rumsey renovation was intended to support a new second story with community amenities like a senior center with a tech lounge, a business incubator space, and an indoor fitness center.  These were in addition to the DPR’s initial budget ($20 million) to expand and renovate the swimming pool which would occupy the first floor of the new building.

That’s not what the designers brought back to the community.

Instead, developers presented to the community three slightly different proposals, all of them without a build-out on the second floor, as well as a host of reasons why the original vision could not be realized. In addition to what they characterized as a limited overall budget of $35 million, the designers cited the cost of LEED/net zero certification as a significant constraint. 

Here’s Allen’s reaction: 

“Two years ago, I asked DPR and DGS leaders what it would cost to build a second floor to expand services and programs while modernizing Rumsey pool. They gave me an exact number, and I found that exact money – that’s the budget we have.  It’s clear from tonight’s meeting there’s not enough space on one floor to meet the needs of the community here, and I’m frustrated how quickly they’re trying to walk away from the fully funded second floor. I will work to get them back on track and believe we will find a solution to deliver the generational project everyone wants.”

ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe, in whose single member district the Rumsey Center falls, said “if you only have three options and no second story that’s a bitter pill to swallow.  I didn’t think they were very responsive to the concerns raised and I don’t think that the things they said they couldn’t do because of various restrictions are true.  I am sure they could do things differently if they wanted to – exceptions can be made and they didn’t make any.  I didn’t like any of the options in particular.  It seems they wanted one story.” 

Two polls taken during the meeting to which there were 66 respondents showed a clear preference for bigger and better pool space and fewer amenities.  Regarding the possible amenities squeezed into the first floor – a hot tub, a yoga studio, and a fitness studio – a 40% plurality chose “none of the above.” 

The three options can be viewed here:  https://dgs.dc.gov/page/rumsey-aquatic-center    

Go to “March 12 Community Presentation.”

Roy Philips, a neighbor and frequent user of Rumsey Pool who attended last night’s meeting, said that “the presenters didn’t provide options that capture what the community is looking for.  In building options they have lots of constraints ….  Due to the constraints they said all they can do is build a new structure that is roughly the size and footprint as the current building. They can make the pool about 12 feet wider to accommodate 2 more swimming lanes. There were no options to extend the building into the plaza or with a second floor…It seems like they are focused on all the impediments rather than a vision of what the community really wants.”

Here’s the sequence of events for the next steps:

TBD Community Meeting 3 – Design Update.

TBD Community Meeting Final Design.

(Permitting Phase)

TBD Community Meeting Construction Kick off.

TBD Construction Updates

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March 3, 2025 · 4:53 pm

Free DC Mobilizes to Protect DC Home Rule

Free DC Mobilizes to Protect DC Home Rule

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 3, 2025

Here’s the scene at As You Are on Sunday afternoon, as attendees listen to Free DC organizer Alex Dodds.

Here’s a detail of Dodds rallying the crowd.

A Free DC volunteer makes signs for the campaign.

Sunday afternoon, Free DC held its first Ward 6 meeting on Barracks Row’s at As You Are.  Event organizer Alex Dodds said that the purpose of the gathering to kick off the Home Rule effort was a and introduction and a “celebration with our Ward Six team.” More than a hundred supporters crowded into the second story of As You Are to express solidarity, interact, and to cheer approval as they listened to Dodds assert DC’s right to self-determination.     

Asked for comment, Dodds said “Free DC is a new campaign to protect home rule and win dignity for people in communities of the District. Free DC is organizing in all eight wards, mobilizing people to protect ourselves from this administration and this congress.” The movement, she said, “started two years ago during the overturning of the Revised Criminal Code – Congress disapproved of a DC law for the first time in over 30 years, and no matter how you felt about that legislation, we felt very strongly that it was the right and responsibility of the people of the DC to decide the laws here.  So a lot of the organizers who are involved now first started organizing two years ago when that happened. “

As for next steps, Dodds said, “For anyone interested in joining our effort you can come to one of our campaign organizing meetings – we provide an overview of our strategy and how to get involved.  They happen every other week alternating in person and on line.”  The next Ward Six meeting is Tuesday, March 11th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in North East Library.    

Free DC is a special non-profit project of Community Change, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and Community Change Action, a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization.  It’s co-founders are Alex Dodds, founder and lead strategist for the public relations and campaign firm Worthy Studio; Nee Nee Taylor, Executive Director of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams;  Kelsey Adams, co- director of DC Vote; and Keya Chattergee, member, Evergreen Advisory and Governing Boards and Executive Director of US Climate Action Network.

For more info, go here:  https://freedcproject.org/about

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February 10, 2025 · 2:35 pm

Union Kitchen – Barracks Row – Opens Thursday

Union Kitchen at 430 8th Street, SE

Union Kitchen Distribution and Construction Manager Keith Chapman (left) and Union Kitchen Director for Union Markets, Matt Behringer.

Union Kitchen – Barracks Row – Opens Thursday

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 10, 2025

The long-awaited opening of Union Kitchen at 430 8th Street, SE, is scheduled for 7:30am on Thursday, February 13, according to Union Kitchen Store Director Matt Behringer who adds, “The first 100 customers will receive a free freshly baked cookie.” 

The Union kitchen concept is modeled on the small NYC bodega – a combination café and grocery story.  It will open daily from 7:30am until 9:00pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The store will also offer specialty grocery items including beer, wine, and sake as well as housewares.  An application for a sidewalk café – which would open in the spring – is in the works.

The opening will also feature several vendors whose products – many of them local – are found on Union Kitchen shelves.  They will be there to interact and to introduce their brands to the neighborhood. 

Reflecting store’s strong neighborhood orientation, Behringer says the Order Here counter will feature a QR Code soliciting photos of pets and neighborhood life for posting in a gallery on Union Kitchen’s wall.  Wiki says of the NYC bodegas, “they are renowned for their convivial culture and colorful character.” 

Union Kitchen is a local chain of bodegas and also a “food business accelerator,” which supports entrepreneurs who want to get into the hospitality business.  It’s headquartered at 1369 New York Avenue, (see here:  https://www.unionkitchen.com/  ).  And here:  https://www.instagram.com/unionkitchendc/?hl=en

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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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February 8, 2025 · 12:45 pm

Acqua al 2 Update

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. 

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February 2, 2025 · 9:53 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 2, 2025

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted February 2, 2025

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.

Tuesday, February 4

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda:

  • 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. 

Agenda: 

  • New restaurant liquor license for Acqua al 2 (212 7th Street, SE)

MPD First District Citizens Advisory Council Monthly virtual 6:00 – 7:15pm

Agenda: 

  • Discussion of crime in the First District

Also on Tuesday:

  • 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.

Agenda: 

  • Update on the Potomac Ave Metro construction.
  • 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. 

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, February 5

  • ANC6C Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

Agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about: 

Hill Center Events

Tuesday, February 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Free

Reel Abilities Film Festival – 2 screenings. Deaf Giants and Rally Caps.  For more and tickets, see here:  https://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/reelabilities-film-festival-greater-washington/

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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February 1, 2025 · 9:27 am

Update on Watkins Playground and Park

Update on Watkins Playground and Park

By Larry Janezich

Posted February 1, 2025

Community meeting on Watkins Playground and Park Update, Thursday, January 30.

Concept design for the new Watkins Playground

Last Thursday night, the Department of General Services (DGS) hosted a community meeting at Watkins School to solicit input on the design for the new Watkins Playground – part of the Watkins Playground and Park upgrades.  Construction is scheduled to begin on the $2.25 million project this summer with completion anticipated in the fall. 

The current playground will be demolished and new playground equipment will be installed.  The basketball courts will be resurfaced and improvements will be made to Watkins Field.  

A common community concern regarding DGS and Department of Parks projects is what happens to the project after completion. 

Some parents of Watkins students who attended the meeting expressed frustration at the lack of planning for maintenance and how difficult it is to get equipment repaired.  One attendee said she had “no faith in the ability of the DC government to fix things,” and questioned the wisdom of installing new swings on the playground, citing how quickly they tend to break and how impossible it is to get them fixed.  The result, she said, was a dead zone in the playground. 

Department of Recreation External Affairs rep Tommie Jones acknowledged existing difficulties in the city’s repair response record.  But he also said that there was pressure from the community for swings because they are so popular with children. 

ANC6B Chair Vince Marino attended the meeting and later commented, “I’m pleased that DPR is taking community feedback seriously, from both adults and children.  I’m especially happy that DGS, the maintenance corps of the city, sent a representative who took notes on the neighbors’ heartfelt complaints about the slow pace of city repairs and litter removal.”

For more info and a link to the January 30 PowerPoint presentation, go here:  https://bit.ly/4aDfKlD

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January 30, 2025 · 3:50 pm

ANC6B Crime Committee Sets 2025 Priorities

ANC6B Crime Committee Sets 2025 Priorities

by Larry Janezich

Posted January 30, 2025

ANC6B Public Safety Committee.

Last Monday night, 6B’s Public Safety Committee met to lay the groundwork for guiding the committee’s agendas for the rest of current year.  The session was chaired by chair pro tempore, newly elected Commissioner Brian Gorman.

Among suggestions for focusing on the work going forward, were the following:

  • Hear a crime report from MPD First District every meeting. 
  • Continue discussions about safety at Eastern Market and support expediting installation of static and pneumatic bollards at the Eastern Market Special Use District, including the space occupied by the weekend street vendors.
  • Continue discussions with residents of Potomac Gardens regarding their specific needs.
  • Encourage engagement with the Office of the DC Attorney General and departments such as the Departments of Behavior Health and Youth Rehabilitation Services as well as the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, and with representatives of programs including Cure the Streets and the Violence Interrupters.
  • Monitor City Council legislation dealing with crime issues and advise ANC6B on positions they should take regarding such legislation.
  • Publicize public safety events, using emails to constituents and posts on the ANC6B website.
  • Continue neighborhood public safety walks.
  • Continue monitoring operation of the 911 system and the Office of Unified Command.
  • Provide a forum for people impacted by crime.
  • Request regular appearances by the DC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.

There were two suggestions regarding actions committee members, commissioners and residents can take which pointed to things everyone can do to participate personally in addressing crime issues. 

Every month, MPD provides an opportunity for ANC Commissioners and residents to engage directly with top MPD First District officials and raise concerns about crime issues which directly affect them or their neighborhoods.  It’s surprising that more commissioners and residents fail to take advantage of this opportunity, especially since MPD offers offers assurances that they respond to concerns which are raised.  One suggestion that came out of Monday night’s meeting was:

  • Encourage residents and commissioners to attend the monthly virtual meeting of the MPD First District MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council Monthly (next meeting:  Tuesday, February 4 – 1st Tuesday.  6:00 – 7:15pm.  https://1dcac.com/ )

Regarding a another specific way residents can become personally involved to improve the public safety landscape – albeit long term – resident committee member Ann Keep offered a concrete suggestion, pointing to need for mentoring third grade students in reading.  Keep, a Hill East resident, says she worked for 35 years in the DC Jail and that her public safety world centered on the jail and on people who are released.  She cited a “chilling statistic – when people are considering the construction of new prisons, they look at third grade reading scores because those are the children that are possibly headed in the carceral direction.” 

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January 19, 2025 · 10:34 pm

The Week Ahead…New Mini-Mall Planned for H Street NE & Photos from the Past Week

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.

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • 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. 

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, January 23

  • ANC7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and ABCA Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Agenda:  TBA

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)

Agenda:  TBA

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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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