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June 1, 2025 · 10:22 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted June 1, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Week Ahead…

Monday, June 2

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

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

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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

Among items on the agenda: 

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

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

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

Agenda:

RENEWALS

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

NEW APPLICATIONS

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

PROTESTS/Other Updates

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

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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

Agenda:

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

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

Among items on the Draft Agenda:

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

Thursday, June 5

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

Agenda: 

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

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

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

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May 30, 2025 · 11:34 am

Hill’s Kitchen Is Changing Hands

Hill’s Kitchen Is Changing Hands

By Larry Janezich

Posted May 30, 2025

Hill’s Kitchen, 713 D Street, SE, 

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.

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May 23, 2025 · 2:12 pm

Photo Essay:  The Mayor’s Hill East Town Hall on the RFK Development

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. 

How to follow Capitol Hill Corner.  To receive an email when an article is posted on CHC go to the homepage here:  https://capitolhillcorner.org/  On the right hand side of the page there is a column below “Blog Stats.”   Scroll down to the bottom of the Archives and click on the blue tab that says “Follow Capitol Hill Corner.”  You will automatically be notified as soon as anything is posted.  To stop following CHC go to the same blue tab which will now say “Following,” and click it again. 

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April 6, 2025 · 10:49 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 6, 2025

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.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Renovation Update, Including Washington Gas Pipe Relocation.

Interim Library Facility.

  • Flyer distribution.
  • Follow-up on Elias Benda meeting.
  • Arthur Capper days & hours.

Upcoming budget hearing. 

Tuesday, April 8

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

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

To join the hybrid meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Letter from ANC 6B urging DC action on EMCAC’s call for bollards at Eastern Market.

Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out.

  • Office of the Mayor.
  • Metropolitan Police Department.

Presentations

  • Open Streets Capitol Hill 2025.
  • Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen: Update on Upcoming Fiscal Year Budget.

ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns.

  • Referral to Committees of Need to Maintain Diversity of Commercial Properties on Barracks Row.
  • World Pride: How Can ANC 6B Support.

Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee.

  • Bombay Street Food 2, 524 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Aatish On The Hill, 609 Pennsylvania Ave SE: Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Torai Grill & Sushi, 751 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class D Restaurant.
  • Young Chow Asian Restaurant, 312 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • The Duck & The Peach/The Wells/La Collina, 300 7th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • I Egg You, 517 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Chiko, 423 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant; Protest Hearing Deadline.
  • Extra Fancy, 721 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Little Pearl, 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Pineapple and Pearls, 715 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Rose’s Luxury, 717 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Paraiso, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Bullfeathers, 410 1st Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Sanpan Thai Cuisine, 653 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
  • Kenneth H Nash Post 8 t/a Kenneth H Nash Post 8 American Legion, 224 D Street SE; Renewal of Class C Club.
  • Trattoria Alberto, 504 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.

Transportation Committee.

  • Watkins Alley: Support Efforts by Residents of Watkins Alley for Bollards or Other Safety Measures to Protect Pedestrians in the Alley.
  • Item From March Full Meeting: letter to DDOT, in collaboration with 6A, regarding Lincoln Park.

Letter Related to Rumsey Pool Update.

ANC 7D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Election of Vice Chair of the Commission. 

Community Presentation.

Mars Eagleston, Facility Planning and Design, DC Public Schools.

  • Update on Kenilworth School Swing Space Construction.
  • Proposed Motion:  ANC 7D to send a letter to DCPS concerning evening, Sunday and holiday work permits for the project.  

DC Government Updates.

  • Eric Mullins, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS) Ward 7 Representative.
  • Lawrence Davin, Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder.
  • MPD Districts Updates (1st, 5th, 6th Districts invited).

Commissioner Single Member District Reports.

Community Comments.

Wednesday, April 9

AN6C will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Announcements.

  • Commissioner announcements.
  • DC agency informational announcements.

Other community announcements.

  • RiverSmart Homes, Skye Webster, DOEE.

Plenary agenda.

  • 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.

Illegal construction, 1165 3rd Street, NE.

Thursday, April 10

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

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. 

Volunteers are requested to register so FreeDC will know how many are coming.  Go here:  https://freedcproject.org/event-list/recess-at-the-capitol

Friday, April 11

Hill Center Event: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm $20.00

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.”

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

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April 6, 2025 · 11:15 am

Photo Essay: Hands Off Rally – National Mall

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 6, 2025

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.

Here’s a list of sponsoring organizations.  https://handsoff2025.com/about-1

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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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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 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 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 26, 2025 · 9:08 pm

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted January 26, 2025

Here are the 1st, 2nd  (2), and 3rd place winners of the Hill Center’s 2025 Regional Juried Exhibition, juried by Phil Hutinet, publisher of East City Art.  The exhibitions run from January 15th through May 3rd.

First Place, Jessica Maria Hopkins.  Colors of My Reflection.  Acrylic, Acrylic pen, ball point pen on canvas. 

Second Place # 1, James Terrell, The Last Supper.  Collage, Acrylic Paint, Paper and Fabric.

Second Place #2, Take Me to the Water.  Collage, Paper, Fabric, Paint.

Third Place, Maddy Keener, Pick The Gleaming Bones Clean.  Acrylic on Canvas. 

Capitol Hill Books at night.

Here’s Triple Candies’ January exhibit and a detail from same, in the space in front of the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  Triple Candie is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett.  Their purpose is to create alternative exhibition methods making that the object of critical focus rather than what is displayed.   

The Week Ahead…

Highlights: 

  • Tuesday:  ANC6A ABC Committee considers  proposed letter requesting the city council to pass legislation creating a provision for a moratorium zone for cannabis licenses equivalent to the provision for a moratorium zone for alcohol licenses.
  • Wednesday:  Watkins Improvements Meeting

Monday, January 27

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

Agenda:

  • Adoption of Agenda and Approval of Minutes​
  • Ice Breaker – Movie suggestions
  • Announcements & Updates – Reminder of Sunday morning cleanups on I Street NE – People’s Front of H Street NE Group – How to join the 6A list serve.
  • Introduction of ANC6A Community Outreach Committee New Members
  • Vote on New Meeting Schedule

ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Task Force will hold an in-person meeting at 7:00pm.

  • 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 3 (Main Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)

Agenda:   TBA

ANC6B Public Safety Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

Among items on the agenda:

  • Metro Police Department 1D Update
  • Guest Presentation
  • 2025 Committee Goals Planning
  • February Commission Action Items and February Committee Agenda Planning

ANC7D Community Relations and Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

Agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, January 28

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

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, January 29

EMCAC will hold an in-person and virtual meeting in the North Hall, Eastern Market at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  TBA

Thursday, January 30

Watkins Improvements Meeting

  • DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services will discuss the Watkins Recreation Center park and playground improvements on Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6:00-7:30 @ Watkins Elementary School. RSVP at https://watkins.splashthat.com/

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about: 

Thursday, January 30.  6:30pm. Free Event at Folger Library. 

This panel discussion explores the unexpected ways Shakespeare’s legacy has endured, and how engaging with theater-making enhances the relevance and value of Shakespeare in the everyday lives of people.

The keynote is led by Folger’s Director of Programming & Performance and Folger Theatre Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels in conversation with:

  • author, adaptor, director, theater scholar and Where There’s a Will podcast host, Barry Edelstein
  • Latine playwright, educator, facilitator, producer and Director of Public Works at the Public Theater Laurie Woolery

Register here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/shakespeare-as-a-starting-point-shakespeare-with-community-reading-room-festival-2025/

Free Exhibit at the Folger through February 9.  Little Books, Big Gifts: The Artistry of Esther Inglis – A special exhibition at the Folger.

Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall

Free; timed-entry pass recommended

Esther Inglis (1570?—1624) was a professional-class Franco-Scottish refugee, a working mother of eight, and a contemporary of Shakespeare. Earning her living by her pen, she combined her artistic skills and her religious beliefs to create over 60 miniature handwritten and hand-illustrated books. She strategically gifted these books to dozens of prominent European Protestants during a period of religious turmoil. Four hundred years after her death, this exhibition explores Esther’s life and work as an early modern influencer and as the first woman in Britain to preface her works with selfies.

For more on this and other exhibits, go here:  https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/

Artists: Open Call at the Capitol Hill Art League – Submissions Close 2/14/24.  The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) is holding its 14th Annual “Open Call” art competition for artists throughout the DMV as well as Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. This year’s theme is “Landscape”.

This annual competition awards cash prizes and attracts artists of many varied talents. The juror for the competition is Glenn Kessler, an internationally collected and awarded artist and founder of the Compass Atelier in Rockville, MD.  

If you are an artist, you need not be a member of CHAL to enter.  Link for more information about the show:  https://client.smarterentry.com/chal

For more information about the Capitol Hill Art League please visit: https://www.caphillartleague.org/

Capitol Hill Chorale is recruiting 55 and older adults as new members.  No experience is required to join an Encore choir!  There are no auditions to become a member of an Encore program; interested singers need only to have a love for music and a desire to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. No singer needs to have any experience with music or singing, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Singers may be seated or standing for all ninety-minute rehearsals and performances. Most importantly of all, Encore is fun! Encore singers love the music, love to sing, and thrive on the camaraderie that comes with the Encore experience.  You can register at: https://tinyurl.com/5y9e5up4

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