The Week Ahead…ZomTum Opens…& Some Photos From Last Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted August 10, 2025
Charles Kia’s New ZomTum Laos/Thai restaurant at 660 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, near Eastern Market opened last Monday. The space was formerly occupied by Joselito. For more about the restaurant and to view the menu, go here: https://zomtumdc.com/about
The Week Ahead…
None of the political, community, or civic organizations regularly covered by Capitol Hill Corner is meeting this week.
One item of interest for the coming week:
Garfield Park- Canal Park Connector work begins on Monday, August 11, 2025. The Garfield Park-Canal Park Connector Project will improve the DDOT Right of Way underneath I-695 that provides access between Garfield Park and Canal Park. It will provide a new ADA-compliant pedestrian path, drainage, and grading improvements. Phase 1 of the work, located in the amenity area beneath the overpass will continue through January 2026. During construction the site will be closed to pedestrian traffic. A pedestrian detour will be in effect from the intersection of H Street SE and 2nd Street SE around Garfield Park using 3rd St SE & F St SE. The view shown above is the construction site seen from 2nd and H Street, SE, looking north into Garfield Park. To the left is the Virginia Avehue spur which deadends after a few hundred yards.
More of the Virginia Avenue spur – formerly the site of a homeless encampment which the city removed. The upgrade to the area under the bridge will incorporate the use of the area into the park. The upgrades will include repaving the existing skate park, the basketball court, and the new pickleball courts.
Virginia Avenue deadends beyond the construction trailer visible in the photo. This will be the site of pickleball courts funded by the DDOT and Washington DC Pickleball.
Here’s the site of the formen basketball court.
Here’s a rendering of the new court.
Here’s a view of the site looking west. Last week, this space held around 30 giant stone blocks each weighing a few tons. They were salvaged from their original purpose when they formed the arched entryway to the origina CSX Railway Tunnel. Last week, they were removed to the vacant cornor in front of Blackbird Salon at Virginia Avenue and 8th Street, SE. It’s unclear what plans the city has for them.
And here’s a rendering of the new skatepark which will lie west of the basketball court.
This project is separate from but is being coordinated with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s just completed renovation of Garfield Park project. Asphalt work and painting are weather dependent, necessitating a flexible timeline – the project could be completed as early as late Fall/early winter or as late at March 2026.
Rendering of some of the six pickleball courts which DDOT recently authorized for the Virginia Avenue spur under the freeway as part of the Garfield Park/Canal Park Connector Project. Source: DDOT
Finding Community in Pickleball – More than a Sport
by Larry Janezich
Posted, August 3, 2025
A sense of community doesn’t just happen – it comes from the contributions of individuals and social/civic organizations to their community.
Washington DC Pickleball (WDCP) https://www.washingtondcpickleball.org/ is a community enriching endeavor that adherents find personally rewarding as well as a vehicle for creating and developing a network that unites its players across a broad swath of the city’s social fabric.
In an interview with Ruth Ellis, Ambassador for WDCP, one word that keeps popping up is “community,” referring not only to the shared interest among players, but also to the reality that they are part of something larger than themselves.
According to the website, “WDCP is a volunteer-led nonprofit that provides on-site equipment, balls, social events, promotional and charitable programs, and pickleball advocacy throughout Washington, DC.” The organization advocates for, increases awareness of, and encourages active involvement in the sport.
As a WDCP Ambassador, Ellis and others have testified before the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) oversight hearing to push for city resources to further the organization’s intertwined vision and sports related goals.
To illustrate the community benefits, she cites the organization’s community programming, including the success of the DC Jail Program. Inspired by a Washington Post article https://wapo.st/3INlJdH about Roger BelAir bringing pickleball into prisons, WDCP proposed doing the same thing at DC Jail. The DC Department of Corrections was enthusiastic about the proposal and weekly play began at the jail in April 2024.
Ellis says, “The pickleball program is no cost to the jail so there’s no economic impact at all….The vast majority (of players) are going to be re-entering our civic life and our civic space and I think it’s safe to say everybody wants them to come home in a way that’s safe and positive and healthy for them and for their families and for their community and for the city.”
Buoyed by positive feedback on the program at DC Jail, Ellis says regarding the oversight hearings, “Testifying shows our commitment to the community – not just for ourselves, but for the broader community and what I’m trying to do now is to expand pickleball into the youth community because the youth community is having some problems that are having a severe impact on the city. Pickleball is a great way to connect and show how you can treat other people with respect while you’re competing with them.”
As a new sport and one that is exploding in popularity, pickleball does not have as many resources as tennis. Ellis says, “We don’t have a permanent net location so every time we go out to play pickleball we have to first of all find a place where we can play go out there, set up nets – do everything ourselves. I mean everything we do is volunteer.”
She says she is trying to fill that gap a little bit – “…which has been challenging – I’ve offered a series free coaching lessons at Anacostia Park. We’ve had an event there on July 4th three years in a row and we have 60 to 80 people coming out to play pickleball. About half of them are from DC east of the river and we had a big group that came from Prince Georges County.”
WDCP’s 2024 Red White & Pickleball July 4th event at Anacostia Park. Photo: Ruth Ellis
Also, in partnership with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, DCPB hosted a sibling match event at Anacostia Park in October 2024. Every participant learned to play pickleball in a 90-minute coaching session.
Ellis says, “There’s nowhere else in the city where we could do this” but she adds, that next year the National Park Service will put in pickleball courts in the park.
In answer to what kind of assistance from the city she seeks, she said, “DC DPR does not currently have any youth pickleball programming and “We don’t have courts – we don’t have time in the DPR’s recreational schedule.”
She envisions more sports programming in collaboration with the city…”I’d like to partner with the city and help support programming for pickleball. We want pickleball to be more of a regular sport than it is. Tennis players don’t have to fight to get a court built in their community – they just build tennis courts – and we want the same thing for pickleball.”
Ellis sees signs of hope and progress – DDOT has issued permits for construction of six permanent pickleball courts as part of the Garfield Park Connector Project. All funds to pay for the court construction will come from WDCP’s fund raising efforts and the player community. The Capitol Riverfront BID will hold the permit and manage the funds for Garfield courts. WDCP will manage day to day operations including setting hours, permitting, and events, with sign off from the Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation to ensure courts are sufficiently publically accessible. The project is weather dependent so the projected completion date could be as early as fall of 2025 or as late as spring, 2026.
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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.
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.
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).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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Hill East Development Disposition Map showing location of parcels to be developed.
Wednesday night, Daryl Thomas from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development (DMPED), gave an update on the development of Res 13 Phase II to ANC7D’s Committee on Economic Development and to Hill East residents.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Thomas assured that Res 13 Phase II “definitely is not stalled – we have been very much into a lot of infrastructure work on the campus. This work consists of engineering in addition to relocation of a major 72 inch sewer line.” The pipeline lies 40 to 50 feet below ground and extends from Massachusetts Avenue to Independence Avenue. He added, “… this sewer line is a precursor for all the remaining work that needs to be done. We have started the roadway design review. Once the sewer relocation work is done then the city can come in and we can start constructing the roadways that surround the development parcels …” Thomas said he expected the pipeline relocation to take a year.
In 2000 the city released RFPs for the Phase II redevelopment of Res 13. Phase II was divided into two different bundles, Bundle One (Parcels A, B-1, B-2, F-2 and G-2 – see map above), and Bundle Two (Parcels C, E. and H). Some parcels in Bundle One have been approved by the Zoning Commission and building design is underway. Bundle Two ran into infrastructure issues including the sewage pipeline and utility relocation, and that has forced them to redesign their first phase of building which has prevented them from going to Zoning for approval.
Developers hoped to break ground in 2024 but infrastructure and finance issues pushed that date ahead to 2025. Last night’s presentation suggested there may be another delay – at least in Bundle Two – until 2026 or later. Phase III (in yellow) is a planned third phase of the development which has not launched yet.
Thomas did not offer a projected timeline for completion of development on any of the parcels. None of the developers participated in the briefing.
Thomas also offered a status report on the status of Phase I, where two mixed use buildings have been completed. He reported that Sala Thai Restaurant, Duffy’s Irish Pub, and Alphabet Daycare have leased retail space in the Park Kennedy, one of the two Phase I mixed use buildings. One retail space remains. He said that none of the retail spaces has yet been leased in Phase I’s second mixed use building – The Ethel.
During the Q&A, Thomas was asked if development would be coordinated with construction of the proposed NFL Stadium on the RFK site and with construction of a new DC city jail. He noted that neither of those projects has been approved yet and once they are, DMPED would be working “hand in hand” with the developers of those projects.
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St. Georges Boulangerie Update– Here’s a hopeful sign: the arrival of new equipment waiting to be installed at the forthcoming French Bakery at 7th and C Streets, SE, across from Eastern Market. There hasn’t been much progress on the build out inside, though the demolition work is well underway. A fall opening looks more likely than one hoped for this summer.
Pasha Castle Arrives at 615 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – The Mediterranean dessert shop serving Turkish and Lebanese sweets and savories opened last Monday. Among menu items: chocolate crepe, pistachio ice cream, kaake sandwiches (sesame coated soft bread with cheese or turkey), caramel latte frappe, baklava milkshake, ten infusions, hot chocolate and hot and cold coffees. Here are some photos.
Lavender Retreat Wellness Center Celebrates: Farther down Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, at number 1236, Lavender Retreat is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Founder and CEO Jaime Bohl says she strives to mold Lavender Retreat into a world-class alternative health organization offering massage and acupuncture therapies, Chakra balancing, Reiki healing, and Naturapathic healing. Here’s a link to the website: https://www.lavenderretreat.com/
ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee met last week. Resident member and former commissioner Corey Holman (top center) is stepping down as Committee chair as he is relocating. Commissioner Vince Marino (top left) will fill in as chair until a new Chair can be elected.
The ANC6B Transportation Committee chaired by commissioner Karen Hughes (top center) also met last week. Residents continue to express unhappiness about the up-coming June 28 Open Streets Event which anticipates closing North Carolina Avenue SE between 6th and 11th Streets SE, East Capitol SE, as well as Massachusetts Avenue between 13th and 17th Street SE from 7am until 5pm. No vehicles will be allowed on or to cross the route at any time. One block north and south of the route will also be closed except to residents of those blocks. Parking will not be allowed on any of the segments from 12am to 5pm on Saturday.
Triple Candies is back with the June installation in the space formerly occupied by the Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. This month’s offering references the DC World Pride celebration. 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 (which for the most part does not include original artworks).
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 8, 2025
The Week Ahead…
Highlight:
Tuesday: ANC7D meeting. Topic: RFK development and Community Benefits Agreement.
Monday, June 9
ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce Meets at 7:00pm In Person Only) POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 16.
This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
National Republican Club of Capitol Hill, 300 First Street SE.
Tunnicliff’s Tavern, 222 7th Street SE.
Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Pacci’s, 106 13th Street SE.
The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee New Applications
ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Application for new Class CRestaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements;
Garden Hill LLC, 1322 G Street SE; Application for new Medical Cannabis Retailer license with Delivery endorsement; Protest Hearing Deadline: June 30, 2025.
Consider Request from Councilmember Felder’s Office on Community Benefit Priorities.
Commissioner SMD Reports.
Transportation/Public Space Committee.
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC 7D issue a resolution that “appropriate DC government agencies should develop new parking facilities on the RFK campus in a manner that neither impedes access to recreational areas along the Anacostia River for neighborhoods that adjoin the campus nor disproportionately contributes to an increase of vehicular trafficin these same neighborhoods. Additionally, parking facilities should not interfere with potential location of additional Metro.
DC agency informational announcements, Department of Aging and Community Living; DDOT study, driver signage to slow speeds of MBT micro-mobility users.
Plenary agenda.
Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee.
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, 175 L Street NE, renewal, entertainment summer garden.
Transportation and Public Space Committee.
Requests for Resident Only Parking in NE, 100 block 4th Street, unit block 5th Street, 100 block 5th Street, 600 block 7th Street, 700 block 7th Street, 300 block Maryland Ave.
ANC 6A request to support bus priority routes.
1232 4th Street NE, TOPS, paving, curb, gutter, sidewalks.
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee.
424 7th Street NE, special exception from rear-yard requirements to demolish a two-story rear addition and construct a two-story addition with basement.
406 7th Street NE, special exceptions from rear-yard and lot occupancy requirements to demolish a two-story rear porch and replace with an enlarged two-story with cellar enclosed rear addition to a three-story with cellar principal dwelling unit.
605 Constitution Ave. NE, Concept approval to construct a third-story addition to an existing one-story row dwelling with a two-story addition.
Presentation regarding Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget – Mr. Stephen Miller, Chief Technology Officer, Government of the District of Columbia.
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the renewal of a Class C restaurant license for Focus DC 1348 H Street NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached and that the ANC Chair and Vice Chair and the ABC Chair represent the ANC in this matter.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to ABRA supporting a stipulated Class C restaurant license for Feru at 1128 H Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A renegotiate the settlement agreement with Montana Liquors at 710 H Street NE and that ANC Chair and Vice Chair and the ABC Chair represent the ANC in this matter.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support and suggested modifications to DDOT NOI regarding the 800 & 900 blocks of West Virginia Avenue NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to the Mayor, City Administrator, Deputy Mayor for Economic Planning and Development, DDOT, and Council Member Charles Allen in support of the H Street NE bus priority lanes.
Economic Development and Zoning
Recommendation: ANC 6A withhold support for the pending request for a zoning map amendment for the property at 1000-1014 H Street NE to rezone the property from the current NMU-4/H-R zone to the NMU-5/H-R zone, subject to letters of support and coming to a draft agreement/acceptable MOU with the residential neighbors.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for use variance and special exception on parking requirements to allow a seasonal outdoor patio at 1382 East Capitol Street, NE; Della Barba Pizza, LLC.
Transportation and Public Space.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they include TSI 2500296033 concerning the 900 block of A Street NE in future quarterly prioritizations.
Standing Committee Reports
Economic Development and Zoning
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A draft a letter to be sent to the DC Council regarding its concerns about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget. The draft letter will be placed on the July 2025 ANC 6A meeting agenda to allow for community input and a vote by the Commission.
ANC6D Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
The “Original” Moonlighters: Since 1990, The Moonlighters have been performing throughout the United States as one of the country’s best-loved and most authentic Motown and variety dance bands.
Saturday, June 14, 9:30am – 12:30pm.
Eastern Market Metro Park & Barracks Row Walking Tour: Starting at the park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) Barracks Row Main Street hosts this walking tour to explore the vibrant neighborhood filled with historic sites, shops, and eateries.
Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses: Sunday. Starting at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave. SE), the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse. One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the great fire horses, which assisted in fire responses before firetrucks came to be. DC Fire and EMS Department, in partnership with the Friendship Fire Association and the DC Fire & EMS Foundation, will re-enact the historic ceremonial Last Run of the Horses, using a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine. You can cheer on the procession from Rumsey to Lincoln Park, and then join the small reception at the park.
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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 EasternMarket – 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.
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.
Leah Daniels: “After 17+ years of owning Hill’s Kitchen, it is time for me to pass the baton. I am thrilled to introduce amazing people to continue the legacy of Hill’s Kitchen. After this weekend, Sarah and Miles will be the new owners of the store.”
Leah Daniels, founder and owner of Hill’s Kitchen’s and dedicated community supporter and advocate, announced today that she has sold Hill’s Kitchen to Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton. She said her last day as proprietor of the store will be Sunday and the sale goes to closing on Tuesday. She said she has no idea what she will do next – the store has been so consuming: “I’m so in the weeds but I haven’t thought about anything – that’s part of the problem – that the store is everything and all-encompassing that there’s no chance to think about what’s next. There’s no chance to think strategically or plan so I have to let it go to let other opportunities open up.”
She added, “This is a happy moment but I’m devastated,” she said tearfully. “I love this store of course that’s why this is so hard. I’m not leaving the neighborhood…I want people to be able to find me. Maybe I’ll have office hours at Tunicliffs or Peregrine or somewhere else,” she laughs. She says to her customers, “Stop by the store and come say goodbye to me over the weekend.”
Asked why she decided to sell, Daniels says “This is 100% my choice. I don’t know, I’m just looking to open up the world’s other adventures. The community has been amazing and supportive through 17 plus years. I started working on the store – I incorporated the week after I turned 26 – so it’s just time for a new adventure. Sarah and Miles are going to be amazing stewards for the space and hopefully bring new space and life to it. They’ve made it clear to me that it is important to them to keep the keep the emotional heart of the store.” She says, “They’ll certainly focus on cooking classes and events and things – they have to figure out the space upstairs – but they have an energy that will be a wonderful addition to the community.”
Daniels expects that after closing on the sale the store will be closed for a number of days, “because they’ve got to get their sale system going – they need to learn how the lights work and then they’ll be up and running maybe the following Tuesday.”
CHC asked CM Charles Allen for a comment on the contributions Daniels has made to the community. Allen says, “Oh my gosh. Everybody loves Leah. For 17 years she’s been the face of Hill’s Kitchen and created just a beloved local business. I think we’re blessed to have people like her that invest the time. I also think after 17 years of knowing every single person that walks through the door, what they thought, what they like, the allergies they may have, and how they like to cook, I’m excited for her to figure out what her next chapter is going to be. And I know she has she has been very intentional to make sure that the store and what it means to everybody is going to be in good hands with the next owners.”
Statements by Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton:
As the new stewards of Hill’s Kitchen, we hope that the heart of our store is shaped by the same passion and love for food that has always been at the center of our lives, whether in a bustling restaurant kitchen or around our cozy dining table at home. As former restaurant professionals, we’re here to offer up our expertise, share a few recipes, and provide a space where everyone—home cooks and professional chefs alike—can gather, learn, and celebrate the joy of cooking together. Our mission is simple: to make your kitchen experience richer, more joyful, and a little bit bigger—just like the dining room table we’ve always cherished. – Sarah and Miles
Sarah Needle moved to Washington DC after graduating from Smith College. Like many recent college graduates, she found a need for a part-time job and wound up at Hill’s Kitchen. There, and in her personal time, her cooking hobby turned into a true passion and career. Sarah cooked at A Rake’s Progress under Chef Opie Crooks, Mt. Pleasant favorite Elle, Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Jonathan Sybert, and then its sister restaurant Reveler’s Hour. While at Reveler’s Hour, Sarah’s food found its way into the New York Times, The Washingtonian, and the Washington Post.
Miles Hamilton cut their teeth in the New York dining scene when a nannying job serendipitously turned into their first cooking job at Houseman, under the guidance of Chefs Ned Baldwin and Adam Baumgart. After cooking at a number of beloved restaurants in New York City (Diner, Cervo’s, and Hart’s), Miles moved to Washington DC in 2019 to cook at Tail Up Goat and Reveler’s Hour, where they eventually made the switch from back to front of house. Miles managed the floor at Tail Up Goat before ultimately becoming the Service Director of Reveler’s Hour, where they were awarded the 2024 RAMW RAMMY Award for Best Service Program.
Photo Essay: The Mayor’s Hill East Town Hall on the RFK Development
by Larry Janezich
Posted May 23, 2025
Here’s a conceptual rendering of what the proposed new stadium for the Washington Commanders would look like.
Thursday night, Mayor Bowser brought a Town Hall Meeting on development of the RFK Site to the communities most affected by it – Ward 7’s Hill East and Kingman Park. Some 350 residents turned out for the meeting near the stadium in the gymnasium of St. Coletta’s School.
A panel comprised of Mayor Bowser, Ward 7 CM Wendell Felder, CM At-Large Kenyan McDuffie and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development Nina Albert made presentations and took questions. The Mayor supported the current plan for a $3.7 billion development of the 65,000 seat covered stadium and the beginning of a new neighborhood on the Anacostia River. She told the attendees that the 174 acre site could hold four Wharfs. The Commanders will contribute $2.7 billion to the project for vertical construction and the DC government will pay $1 billion for infrastructure and parking.
ANC7D08 Chair Brian Alcorn (far left), whose ANC encompasses the RFK site, commented after the meeting: “I’m pleased that Councilmember Felder is appropriately focused on ensuring development at the RFK site would be consistent with the community’s wishes as well as having a positive financial impact for neighbors and the District. I also appreciate Mayor Bowser’s acknowledgement that the project is in the very early stages and community-driven modifications are both possible and expected. As ANC7D hosts nearly 75% of the overall RFK campus, our Commission and residents look to closely coordinate with officials from the District, the Commanders, WMATA and all other stakeholders to ensure that the results, whatever they may be, support and enhance our many neighborhoods.
ANC7D05 Commissioner Ebony Payne (seated behind Alcorn), whose Single Member District borders the north edge of the RFK Campus commented: “I am encouraged that we finally have a firm commitment from the Mayor that the Fields at RFK will be maintained – the number one concern I am hearing now from my constituents is about the two massive parking garages planned for Oklahoma Avenue. This is the main thoroughfare to our community and people want to see a new map that does not burden Kingman Park with the bulk of the heavy traffic.
Here’s the site plan for dividing the development into six districts. The Commanders will oversee the development of the Plaza District, the Stadium District, and the Riverfront District, while the city will take charge of development of the Kingman Park District, the Recreational District and the Anacostia Commons. The city will also fund a $89 million SportsPlex providing indoor track and gymnastic facilities not available in other District recreation centers.
The vision includes 6,000 new homes – 30% affordable housing – for 10,000 new residents.
The crowd was mostly supportive of the development, but the occasion fell short of exuberant enthusiasm, perhaps over concerns about how the proposed development would change the community. Questions from the audience reflected worries about parking, traffic, public safety, jobs for community members, funding for education, property taxes, and community benefits.
There were caps and signs for residents to indicate support the new development – the caps went pretty fast.
Here’s an image reflecting the timeline for the project. The Mayor is hoping for the City Council approval this summer, groundbreaking for the new stadium in late 2006, and opening of the stadium in the fall of 2030.
While many in Ward 7 have reservations about the effects of the proposed development, the focus now – in the face of a full court press by the Mayor’s office and public support for a new stadium – seems to by focusing on addressing concerns of the nearby residents and getting the best deal possible for the city. And despite the aggressive promotion, the Mayor and her supporters have not addressed the well-documented assertions of respected economic analysts that sports stadiums are not economic generators for a city. The Mayor points to potential some 200 events annually, including 20-30 major events. Perhaps, but how many Beyoncé or Taylor Swifts are there who can fill a 65,000 seat stadium? It’s uncertain whether the city will make money from the new stadium – it’s more certain that the developers will.
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On Wednesday, April 3, 1st Street and the sidewalk in front of the Supreme Court were occupied by rival activists – supporters and opponents of Planned Parenthood. The Court was scheduled to hear a case on funding for Planned Parenthood. Here’s a photo of demonstrators supporting defunding Planned Parenthood.
Those supporting Planned Parenthood, shown here, appeared to outnumber those opposed by about 6 to 1. Later that day, AP reported that the Supreme Court appeared divided over whether states should be able to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.
In June of 2022, CHC reported the closing for good of Congress Market at 421 East Capitol Street. The move came with the retirement of the owner. Now new life is being breathed back into the Market and a new owner told ANC6B Commissioner Jerry Sroufe that the store will reopen “soon.”
Shelves are being stocked, and it’s possible the store will open before it gets its liquor license – the ABCA placard says the hearing on the license application isn’t scheduled until June 9.
Stormy skies provided a backdrop for a photo op of the Southeast Library the last week of March.
Here’s another angle.
Here’s Triple Candies’ extension of last month’s installation featuring The Raft of the Medusa in the exhibit space of the former Li’l Pub, at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. CHC has unpacked it for your convenience:
Moechella (lower left) is a DC concert series inspired by the Cochella Festival, which according to Wiki, is an annual music and arts festival held in Indio, California, in the Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley. The event features musical artists from many genres of music, including rock, pop, indie, hip hop and electronic dance music, as well as art installations and sculptures.
We. Construct. Marvels. Between. Monuments. (upper right) “An exhibition series held at the Portland Art Museum (2017 – 2019) encouraging audiences to think critically about how museums have traditionally granted access to art and knowledge, and what the future of the institution could look like.” Libby Werbel
La beauté est dans la rue. (lower right) “Beauty is in the Street” is a slogan from France, May of 1968. The poster depicts a young woman throwing a paving stone. Wiki.
The Week Ahead.
Highlights:
Monday – FreeDC volunteers lobby Congress on passage of bill to allow DC government funding for the rest of the fiscal year. (See “Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:” below.)
Tuesday – CM Charles Allen is scheduled to brief ANC6B on the upcoming FY Budget.
Thursday – CM Charles Allen is scheduled to brief ANC6A on the upcoming FY Budget.
Monday, April 7
ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
The meeting will be held on the second floor of 700 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Entrance is next door to Trader Joe’s.
Union Pub, Ethiopic Restaurant, Cane, Boiling Crab, Indigo, The 116 Club,
application renewals
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee (Mark Eckenwiler, Chair)
313 2nd Street NE. Historic Preservation Application of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for concept approval, renovation and expansion of carriage house, razing two structures, landscaping.
Community Presentations DC Budget and other Ward 6 Topics of Interest
Councilmember Charles Allen.
Consent Agenda.
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee.
Recommendation: ANC 6A take no action on the renewal application of a Class C restaurant license with entertainment and summer garden endorsements at Granville Moore’s, 1238 H Street, NE .
Recommendation: ANC 6A take no action on the application for a new Class C Restaurant license with extended holiday hours, carry out and delivery endorsements at Tapori, 600 H Street, NE.
Community Outreach.
Recommendation: ANC 6A approve the revisions to the ANC’s Grant Application form, including ANC 6A coversheet, project report form, and closeout form to conform with the OANC guidelines for applications.
Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ)
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA to support special exceptions 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 at 355-1359 H Street, NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA to support a special exception to construct a second story addition to a detached garage, in the rear of an existing, attached, two-story plus cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone at 917 Constitution Avenue.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Monday, April 7
FreeDC Sponsored Event: 9:30am – 3:30pm.
Meet at the Spirit of Justice Park (South side of Rayburn House Office Building) at South Capitol and C Streets, SE.
Teams will visit offices of Members of the US House of Representatives to urge passage of the DC Local Funds Act being held at the Speaker’s Desk since March 18. The Bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting action by the House. The Bill would authorize DC to spend its ownrevenues for the rest of the fiscal year. It includes funding for schools, first responders, Metro, buses, etc.
Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Ethiopian Funk with Afro-Zen Allstars. “Their music exists at the place where African musical tradition connects with Jazz & Jam.”
An Anti-Trump “Hands Off” rallies occurred in all 50 states on Saturday. The “Hands Off” rally on the National Mall was centered at the Sylvan Theater but much of the Mall and the grounds of the Washington Monument was occupied by demonstrators. At 2:00pm the rally was scheduled to end and the crowd had begun to thin a little. Organizers had said it might go a bit longer.
There were streams of departing participants lining up to board the Metro at the Smithsonian stop and on Independence Avenue hundreds of people were headed for the Metro. But there was a sea of people still on the grounds of the Washington Monument and speakers were still addressing the crowd.
The crowd in front of the Sylvan Theater was so dense that organizers were stationed to direct people pressing toward the stage that it was too crowded and asked people who were approaching the stage to go back the way they came and climb the hill toward the Monument for a view of the theater.
From the base of the Washington Monument, one could see that the crowd extended toward the Capitol Building.
The crowd was multi-generational and the mood was friendly as people seemed reassured by the willingness of such a large number of protesters to turn out – a crowd much larger than anticipated by organizers. Originally, the number of estimated attendees was 20,000 – projected from the number of responses to organizers’ request that participants register. Later, organizers said the number of attendees was five times the expected number. It was apparent from the large numbers of people still on the Mall at 2:00pm that the expected number had been vastly exceeded.
Some wore costumes – including Abe Lincoln and the Statue of Liberty – or carried protest signs and banners and flew the United States flag as a distress signal.
There were individuals, couples, families, and groups of friends. There were a few people with dogs and a few couples with infants in baby carriages. There were small individual demonstrations everywhere throughout the crowd. Here’s some video of one of them.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 