Indicted Former ANC Comm. to Represent Self

Don't miss this latest Voice of the Hill article on indicted former ANC Commissioner Hall. Hall, who was indicted by the DOJ on a number of charges, has fired his attorney & intends to represent himself in his trial (which begins February 6th).

Campaign Headquarters to Open @ 1405 H Street

Hey, this shouldn't be taken as any kind of candidate endorsement (because it isn't one), but just an FYI. Marie Johns has apparently selected 1405 H Street NE as her campaign headquarters. In other local mayoral/H Street political news:

-Linda Cropp recently made a surprise appearance at R&B Coffee accompanied by local activist Lorree Murray ( founder of Near Northeast Citizens Against Crime & Drugs).

-Vincent Orange (Ward five Councilmember [i.e. just north of Florida Ave]) has set up shop in Chinatown.

Opening of Campaign HQ at 1405 H St. NE

2006-01-31

MARIE JOHNS FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF HER CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS ON Saturday Feb. 4, 2006 at 1405 H Street NE noon to 2 Please Join Us for the HQ Opening Party Stop by and meet DC’s next Mayor (202) 725-8945 www.johnsformayor.com

Rock & Hotel Update

It sounds like the Rock & Roll Hotel (1300 block of H Street) may be looking to open its doors sometime in March/April (last minute stuff is hard to predict). I'm told that they will do some dj nights, but it's going to be about 95% live music for the entertainment. They are building some music practice rooms (I'm told that it's hard to find space like that in the city). Look to munch on a variety of Middle Eastern tapas when you stop by with an appetite. Also, the kitchen is reportedly huge & will be doing the prep work for many of the other Englert associated places on H Street. This is significant because it could mean faster & smoother openings for the other places (since kitchens can take time to get in order).

The Light on the Other Side

The Altas Performing Arts Center (1300 block of H Street).

DCist: Neighborhood Naming

Here's something from DCist on the naming of DC neighborhoods.

Cohen Demolition on K Street

I heard this weekend that demolition has begun in preparation for Ronald Cohen's controversial project on K Street. I heard the buildings shown above were still standing as of Saturday night, but they may have come down by now. Mr. Cohen, who has encountered opposition from plenty of local neighbors, is planning to build a $250 million, 875000-square-foot, mixed-use project on the site. Here are some photos of the site that I took last spring.

Work @ the Former Cooley's Site

I don't know it they are just doing a little facade clean-up to rent the place, or what, but I noticed a couple of guys doing a little exterior fix-up work the other day (can't be a bad thing).
This is in the 1300 block across from R&B Coffee.

Hill Rag: Birdland Serves Up Family

You will also want to check out the piece on the proprietors of Birdland & the food that they serve up.

Hill Rag: City Hops Aboard H Street Streetcar

Take a look at this Hill Rag article on the H Street streetcars. Karina Ricks describes the new streetcars & talks about possible locations for stops.

I Should Read More

@Joe Cole Fitness Center (12th & Morse). Today was community day at Joe Cole. FYI - Free mulch, topsoil, & woodchips (lots of all three) are located over by the playground at Joe Cole.

The Happening @ R&B Coffee

A good music, good poetry, good art & good coffee, what more could you ask for? Oh, and the money goes to good causes. Plus, R&B's upstairs will be open & it looks terrific up there (a stage, a coffee bar, & lots of comfy places to sit.

DDOT Meeting on Bus Shelter Agreement

For Release: Friday, January 27, 2006

Bus Shelter Citywide Community Meeting

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announces a citywide meeting to solicit public comment on implementing the new bus shelter agreement:

Saturday, February 4, 2006
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM,
One Judiciary Square
Citywide Conference Center
441 4th Street, NW, room 1114
Judiciary Square, Red Line Metro

The agreement calls for replacing and expanding the number of existing shelters as well as bus maps and real-time bus arrival information. Representatives from DDOT and Clear Channel Adshel, the recently selected contractor, will be present to describe the program and respond to
questions.

This is the ninth in a series of community meetings (one in each ward) organized by DDOT and Clear Channel Adshel to discuss the new bus shelter program.

Bill Rice
Spokesperson, Dist. Department of Transportation
202/671-2004
202/437-7787/cell
202/671-0127/f

An Answer to the Double Parking Streetcar Issue

Check out Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space for Richard's answer to the concern some have raised about streetcars on H Street bing blocked by double parkers.

Post on the Futrue of DC Libraries

Here's another Post story on the planned $450 million overhaul of DC's library system.

The Story at the Atlas

The African Continuum Theatre Company is offering THE STORY by Tracey Scott Wilson.

Inspired by the Janet Cooke/"Jimmy's World" scandal at the Washington Post, The Story follows an ambitious black newspaper reporter as she investigates a murder and manipulates information to further her own career. Wilson explores the elusive nature of truth as the boundaries between reality and fiction, morality and ambition become dangerously blurred.

The African Continuum Theatre Company is the resident theatre of the Atlas Performing Arts Center located in the newly revitalized H Street Corridor. The mission of the African Continuum Theatre is to produce and present theatre in the nation's capital from an African-American perspective and experience. All performances are at the
Atlas Performing Arts Center located at 1333 H Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Tickets can be purchased through the Atlas Box Office at 202-399-7993.

VOH: Streetcars Coming to H Street

Check out the Voice of the Hill on the recent H Street streetcar development.

Sun & Moon in the Fog

Corner of 14th & H Street.

VOH: ANC Must Redo Voluntary Agreements

Here's an article from the Voice of the Hill saying that the District's ABC Board is telling ANC6A it needs to redo a few voluntary agreements with Joe Englert. The issue arose because a few of Englert's later application were protested by a local group associated with neighborhood resident Robert Pittman. Apparently all protests have been settled, but the agreements must now be modified. See the article for more details.

Condos in 900 Block of 12th Street

This just in, a friend sent me the link to the condo development that is slated to occupy much of the eastern side of the 900 block of 12th Street. Originally meant to be the site of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, the space has long been rumored to be the future home of condos. Now we have a website for those condos, which will be called the Capitol Hill Oasis. From the site: The development grounds comprise nearly 32,000 square feet. Oasis buildings consist of one 16-dwelling-unit condominium and ten 2-dwelling-unit townhouses. Some of the townhouses will be 4 stories. Apparently, they will also be located in "Historic Capitol Hill," (which is interesting considering that they'll be located in the 900 block of 12th Street NE).

Roll Call: Streetcars on H Street

Roll Call has a nice piece on the streetcar tracks coming to H Street. The streetcar tracks are a huge step towards not only getting the streetcars running on H Street, but also towards showing potential business owners that the city & community are serious about making the H Street Corridor & truly amazing place to call home. But this is only one more step in the right direction. The article quotes Karina Ricks (Great Streats) as saying: “Suffice to say that the community strategy is they’ve advocated just for tracks, but they know full well that once the tracks are there, they’re going to advocate for service[.]” So, the deal is not yet sealed, & we still won't be seeing any streetcars cruising down H Street anytime soon. But hey, this remains a very exciting development. Just to reassure you of the progress, here's the other half of Ricks' quote: “And we know that [the community will advocate for service], so we’re already starting work” on such necessary auxiliaries as maintenance services and turnarounds for the cars.

Gallery O/H Coming Soon!

We've all seen the three buildings in the 1300 block of H that sit next to the alley & face almost directly at R&B Coffee & Sanctuary (the one closest to the alley has fish in the window). I spoke with the owner the other day while he moved in some more art. He hopes to have the Gallery O/H (pronounced "oh") open some time in March. The gallery, which will occupy both floors of the building featured above, will focus on outsider art, and will include some pieces by the artist who was displaying rocket art at the H Street Festival.

Waking Up

Another fog photo.

Examiner: The Return of Streetcars

Today's Examiner features this article on the return of streetcars to H Street.

Progress on the Corner of Montello & Morse

This is the primer they've got up. The final colors will be beige, darker beige, red, & purple. The upstairs of this long vacant building is set to be an apartment, & a daycare is supposed to occupy the first floor.

Community Day @ Joseph Cole Fitness Center

The Friends of Joseph H. Cole Fitness Center will have a big cook out on Community Day 2006, January 28th, from 11am until 3pm.

Joseph H Cole Fitness Center
1200 Morse Street NE
202.724.4876

Interstate Connections sponsors this program
For more information, contact the staff or Odell Montgomery at 202.724.4876

Madonna Statue Vandalized Again

The Madonna at Holy Name Catholic Church (900 block of 11th Street) has been vandalized for the second time in just a few months (in October somone smashed her face & crushed her right hand).

This time, her face was untouched, but her right hand was crushed again & her left hand is completely gone.

This is what her face looks like after the repair job following the first incident of vandalism.

Here's what the statue looked like prior to the two attacks.

Joseph H. Cole Fitness Center

Intersection of Montello & Morse.

Streetcar Tracks Coming to H Street!

The big story for today is streetcar tracks are now definitely coming to H Street. The tracks are still in the design process. DDOT will be soliciting construction bids in late spring, or early summer. Construction will likely begin this fall. This is really huge news. There has been plenty of talk of an H Street streetcar line in recent years, but the original plan called for nothing to be done in this regard until well after the completion of the H Street Streetscape Project (part of Great Streets). Thanks in large part to pressure from the local ANCs DDOT is now planning to carryout the two project simultaneously. Not only does this mean that we won't be looking at a torn-up streetscape any longer than possible, it may also mean that we could see actual streetcars sooner than originally thought. The streetcars would connect Union Station to the Minn. Ave Station (running much of the X2's route). The hope is that by connecting Union Station to the Minn. Ave Station, the streetcars can reduce parking needs & traffic congestion on H Street (as using public transportation becomes more attractive). The streetcars will not reduce the current number of parking spaces because each streetcar will share one lane with car automobile traffic (and there will still be one additional lane in each direction devoted entirely to automotive traffic). Under the H Street Streetscape project, $20-23 million dollars will be invested in our H Street (NE) Corridor (approx. 1.25 miles).

The H Street Streetscape Project is one of three pending projects (the other two are the Starburst Plaza & The Benning Road Refurbishment) that will cost around $42 million & begin next year. Get more info on the H Street NE Transportation Study here (especially check out the public realm section). Also check out this link.

If you are interested in serving on a Transportation Committee, contact the rep listed below for your ANC:

William Shelton, ANC 5B, Chair
1355 New York Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Mark Dixon, ANC 6C, Chair
P.O. Box 77876
Washington, DC 20013-7787

Angela Murphy, ANC 7A, Chair
4310 Texas Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20019

Dea Varsovczky, ANC 6A Chair
(I'm not sure about the contact info, but check the website www.anc6a.org, or your Commissioner)

*Most of this info came from an informational email sent out by ANC6A Commissioner Joe Fengler

Meeting Re: the Future of R.L. Christian Library

From the listserv (this sounds really interesting, I wish I could go):

Neighbors and Friends of R.L. Christian Library, Please consider attending a meeting this coming Wednesday (January 25), to hear the latest from the National Capital Revitalization Corporation, about the R.L. Christian Library, the kiosk library at 1300-1302 H St. NE. NCRC, the owner of the site, is planning to build a 5-story, 33,000-square-foot mixed-use development on the site, including a modern, fully equipped, 4,000-square-foot library at street level; 1,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail; 360 square feet of community meeting space; and 24 affordable residential rental units above the library. NCRC has applied for a $200,000 EPA Brownfields grant to clean up high levels of volatile chlorinated organic compounds (perchloroethylene) and petroleum compounds that appear to be contaminating the groundwater and soil under the library and under the adjacent vacant lot. NCRC Senior Development Director Don Pross and Senior Project Manager Sangay Grover will be attending the meeting, to make a brief presentation and answer questions. The ANC 6A Schools & Libraries Committee will be hosting this meeting, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE, from 7-9 pm on Wednesday. Please let your neighbors know about the meeting, especially if you live close to the library. Let me know if you might be able to help distribute flyers this weekend.
best regards
- Marc
-------------------------------------------
Marc Borbely Co-Chair, ANC 6A Schools & Libraries Committee
536 13th St. NE Washington, DC 20002

Across From R&B

1300 block of H Street.

Don't Forget Tomorrow's PSA 504 Meeting

What: A Police Service Area meeting for community members in PSA 504 (includes all of Trinidad).

Where: Joseph Cole Fitness Center (intersection of Morse & Montello)

When: 10:00am Saturday January 21st

A Review of the Great Streets Conference

You might want to check out this review (from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space) of yesterday's Great Streets conference.

A Momentary Escape

800 block of 12th Street NE.

W**USA9: Redevelopment of H Street

Somebody tipped me off about this short segment looking at the excitement surrounding H Street. You can check out the text version here.

Library Overhaul?

You might also want to check out this Post article on plans to radically change the District's libraries. The plans, which are ambitious to say the least, call for libraries to get new computers & offer wifi access to patrons (this from a system that the Post reminds us has difficulty sending out overdue notices). At any rate, the article if worth reading even if only because it does remind you that 37% (coincidentaly the same number of pages as the new draft summary report) of adult DC residents are functionally illiterate. Here's a link to more information about the plan. You can also read about the Xtreme Mobile Library if you missed it.

Outside the Red & the Black

Looking west from the 1200 block of H Street.

Possible Parking Changes for DC

I had missed this article from yesterday's Post about the District's possible new plans for dealing with the excess number of cars per street parking space in the city. The District is considering limiting the number of zoned parking stickers to three per household & increasing the cost per sticker (for the first major increase since 1991). Under the new rules, you would pay $25 for the first permit, $50 for the second & $100 for the third. The District government hopes the new rules will encourage people use Metrorail & Metrobuses.

WBJ: Development at Former BP Site

Here's the Washington Business Journal's article on Steuart's 3rd & H building project.
Article highlights:
-pricetag of $75-80 million (subject to increases because of rising construction costs)
-papers filed with zoning commission January 6th
-375 parking spaces included
-plans for a cafe/restaurant included
-would neither confirm, nor deny that Harris Teeter is the grocer with whom they've been negotiating.

WP on Former BP Site

Yesterday's Post had this brief mention of the plans for the former BP site @3rd & H. From the paper:
-230 market rate apartments
-72,000 square feet retail space (including a grocery store)

Shake It Up

H Street Martini Lounge (1236 H Street NE).

VOH on Indicted ANC Commissioner Rivera

Here's more info from the Voice of the Hill on the Hall & Rivera indictments.

PSA 504 Meeting Jan 21st

What: Police Servive Area community for PSA 504 (includes all of Trinidad).
When: 10am Saturday January 21st
Where: Joe Cole Fitness Center (Intersection of Morse & Montello)

Enjoying the Fog

Outside the Joseph Cole Fitness Center (1200 block of Morse).

DDOT Great Streets Framework Meeting

From the listserv:

The District Department of Transportation, in partnership with the DC Economic Partnership, has requested the services of ULI: The Urban Land Institute in assembling a National Blue Ribbon Panel to provide review of and expert recommendations for the Great Streets Transportation Framework Plan. This body of nationally recognized experts will spend a week in Washington DC to share their knowledge and experience in creating great, sustainable streets, superb public spaces, and thriving retail corridors.

I invite and encourage you to attend a day of technical case studies outlining the experience of other successful corridors across the nation and an evening of innovative approaches to design on Wednesday, January 18 in the Columbus Room of Union Station. Consult www.greatstreetsdc.com for the latest information.


Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Case Study and Innovative Practices Day
Location : UNION STATION COLUMBUS ROOM


10:00 AM Charge to Panel
Mayor Anthony A. Williams

10:30-3:30 PM National Case Studies and Lessons Learned

10:30-11:30 Washington Street, Boston MA
11:45-12:45 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis IN

1:00-1:45 Lunch Break

2:00-3:00 Pearl District, Portland OR
3:15-4:15 High Street, Columbus OH

6:00-8:30 PM Innovative Ideas for Great Streets
Moderator - Robert Bobb, City Administrator
Retail Streets - Kiku Obata
High Cost of Parking - Donald Shoup, UC-Berkeley
Green Streets - Margie Ruddick, WRT
Room to Move - Jeff Tumlin, Nelson Nygaard


Great Streets Symposium
Blue Ribbon Panel

Michael Banner, Los Angeles LDC, Inc. (Chair)

Michael Banner is President and CEO of the Los
Angeles LDC, Inc. (LDC), a nonprofit community development financial institution that provides innovative financial advisory services to achieve the target investment goals of its private and public sector clients. The LDC has an extensive track record of improving the flow of capital into
community and economic activities in emerging markets and in under-served. Communities. Mr. Banner is the Urban Land Institute Inner City Advisor and has extensive background in commercial banking and real estate finance.

Greg Baldwin, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership - Portland, OR

Much of Greg Baldwin's career has been influenced by his commitment to integrate urban design and architecture through cooperative public and private partnerships. Several of his projects,
perhaps most notably Portland's MAX Light Rail, have become models for other
cities nationally. He has designed complex building projects across the country-- office and mixed-use developments, historic and adaptive reuse, academic and performance facilities, and transit systems-- with clients who have been aggressive in their efforts to enhance the livability of their communities.

Allan Jacobs, University of California Berkeley

Allan Jacobs has observed and measured scores of famous urban streets and boulevards, in order to explore what makes great public streets. A professor at the University of California at Berkeley, Jacobs keenly observes and researches successful design of public places - streets, spaces, and parks. Prior to his tenure at Berkeley, Jacobs served as Director of Planning for the City of San Francisco from 1967-1975. As Director of Planning, Jacobs developed a new comprehensive plan for the city, emphasizing public access to the San Francisco waterfront, design guidelines for downtown development, and revitalization of neighborhood design throughout San Francisco.


Kiku Obata, Kiku Obata & Company

Kiku Obata launched her retail design firm in 1977 applying innovative design to large, multidisciplinary projects to create memorable identities and places. Kiku Obata provides design solutions that distinguish retail clients in their marketplace and help them redefine their
industries. Ms. Obata has worked on projects nationally and internationally in both downtown and neighborhood settings. She advises clients and communities on the interface of the public street environment and interior retail environment to maximize the customer experience and retail success.

Margie Ruddick, Wallace Roberts Todd - Philadelphia

Through nearly 20 years of practice, authorship and teaching, Margie has pioneered an approach to landscape design that blends a distinct aesthetic expression with ecological purpose. Each of her projects arises from its particular context, addressing clients' objectives hand-in-hand with a site's natural systems and its social, architectural, historical, cultural and economic frameworks. A principal of the firm, Margie works with clients to create memorable places that tread lightly on the earth

Donald Shoup, University of California - Los Angeles

With a background in economics, engineering, and planning, Donald Shoup has focused his research on public finance, transportation and the land market. He has extensively studied the issue of parking as a key link between transportation and land use, with important consequences for cities, the economy and the environment. Mr. Shoup brings tremendous experience in innovative tools for finance of neighborhood public investments.

Jeffrey Tumlin, Nelson/Nygaard - San Francisco

Jeffrey Tumlin is an expert in multimodal transportation planning, with an emphasis in minimizing the impacts of growth. As a Partner in Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates Jeff has been responsible for a range of projects including university and city strategic transportation plans; National Park strategic transportation plans; Transportation Management Plans for major development projects; and Transit Oriented Development plans for major urban infill projects addressing parking policies, management and impacts, bus/shuttle/rail coordination,
bicycle and pedestrian circulation, and the functional and aesthetic considerations of street design. Mr. Tumlin has previously served as Director of Urban Ecology, Inc., was a Founding Board Member of the Bay Area Transportation and Land Use Coalition and Former Chair of the San Francisco Joint Open Space Committee.

Chester Chellman, TND Engineering - New Hampshire (invited)

Chester E. "Rick" Chellman has more than thirty years experience in zoning, civil engineering, land surveying, engineering consulting, traffic engineering and development planning. Mr. Chellman has extensive site planning, civil and forensic engineering, and land use experience. Mr. Chellman has worked extensively on the engineering and traffic engineering aspects in connection with matters of street design, vehicular and human-powered traffic control and external transportation connections. TND Engineering is a specialty firm addressing engineering
consulting and Traditional Neighborhood Development with a primary focus on street design and transportation planning, with an associated understanding of urban design.

Philip Hart, Hart Realty Advisors - Boston


Karina Ricks
Great Streets Project Coordinator
District Department of Transportation
2000 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

p. 202-671-2542
karina.ricks@dc.gov

WP on AppleTree Institute

Today's Washington Post has a story about the AppleTree Institute (the charter school seeking to set-up in Lincoln Park) & the possible impact of the current controversy on zoning regulations.

Now Hiring

1300 block of H Street.

Progress on Former Site of Da Place

I just wanted to mention that I have recently noticed some nice progress at the former home of Brother Bey's Da Place (400 block of H Street). The new owners have expressed an interest in following in carrying on Brother Bey's legacy. Now visible in the window is a display of African style wood carvings & I can also see a wall rack of incense. They don't appear to be open yet, but I'm glad to see that they appear to be working on a plan.

More on Indicted ANC Commissioner Rivera

The local blog Quest for Quiet relays a conversation with Commissioner Rivera (6C05) regarding his plan following the announcement of his indictment by the DOJ on a number of charges. Commissioner Rivera has worked with the Quest for Quiet group to look at solution to noise pollution issues at 8th & H Street.

Making His Way

1300 block of H Street.

Police Activity off 12th Street Last Night

I first saw officers examining a car stoped in the 1200 block of H Street. It stood out a bit from the norm because two of the officers got back into an unmarked car. When I headed north I saw that the 1200 block of I Street was closed off with police tape & that officers were using flashlights to search an SUV. Some kind of drug bust?

13th & H Street NE

Outside Sun & Moon.

ANC Commissioner Rivera Indicted By DOJ

The DOJ recently issued a press release announcing that it is indicting, for the second time, former ANC Commissioner Robert J. Hall Jr. Mr. Hall has been indicted, along with two co-conspirators, for conspiracy, fraud, & money laundering. The charges stem from activities surrounding a ponzi style development scheme that Mr. Hall allegedly engaged in for a two-three year period (Hall already faces mail, wire, & securities fraud charges for those activities). Hall's alleged co-conspirators in this new indictment are Anthony Rivera (37 & of Washington, DC), & Thomas Alston (28 & of Largo Maryland). Under these new indictments, each defendant could face up to 50 years in prison (if I remember correctly, Hall faces up to thirty years under the first indictment). Just as a side note, there is a local ANC Commissioner by the name of Anthony Rivera, but I have no idea if he is the Anthony Rivera referred to in the indictment (that Mr. Rivera is only identified as an "aquaintance" of Mr. Hall).

************************************
UPDATE (hence the post title change)
***********************************

I have confirmation that the indicted Anthony Rivera is indeed the ANC Commissioner for ANC6C SMD05. For a photo of (and additional info on) Mr. Rivera, check out ANC6C's website

A Few Changes in the 1400 block of H Street

(Sorry if the orange looks a little neon, but the overcast skys really amplifies the colors)

The cold weather months seem to have a way of slowing down visible changes (fewer people out painting/replacing windows/doing yard work). So, I was a little surprised to see some new coats of paint on a couple of buildings on the 1400 block. Maybe by the time spring rolls around we'll have some nice surprises developing down there. I may have noticed a few more changes as I walked down the 1300 & 1400 blocks of H because I was comparing what I saw with the the HSMS business directory (which I think was last updated in 2004). Definite differences (mostly in the 1300 block).

Good Danny's

Another shot of the 600 block of H Street.

News From Quest For Quiet

Photo by David Klavitter (used with permission).

More news from the local blog Quest For Quiet that covers the noise issues at 8th & H. This time there are pictures of the loud street preachers using the amplifier that they commonly employ during their extended sermons. Follow the Quest For Quiet link above for more info & photos.

Urban Legends Closes Doors

As previously mentioned in the comments (about two weeks ago), Urban Legends, which occupied the space previously held by Imagine U Unique, held a clearance sale. They have now vacated the space completely & a large lease sign hangs in place of the merchandise.

Homeowners Center for DCRA Permits

From a listserv:

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Linda Argo
January 5, 2006
Phone: (202) 442-8947
linda.argo@dc.gov

BUILDING PERMITS MADE EASY FOR DC HOMEOWNERS

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Launches Center that will Ease Residents through Home Permit Process

WASHINGTON, DC
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has developed an exciting new resource to help homeowners get building permits more easily in Washington, DC. The Homeowners Center will provide prompt and expert assistance to DC homeowners who are seeking building permits for home improvement projects.

The expert staff is ready to provide clear information about permitting regulations and the permitting process, inform homeowners about permit requirements for their specific projects, conduct plan reviews, and issue permits. All this is designed to make getting a permit as convenient as possible. On-site kiosks will help make the permit process easier for homeowners.

Our new Homeowners Center is a great new addition to our city, said DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams. It's a one-stop shop for residents who need help simplifying the permit process. The center is yet another example of making city government work better and more efficiently for District residents.

The Homeowners Center will serve District residents by appointment and by walk-in. In addition, the Homeowners Center offers the Permit Wizard, a user-friendly computer program that will make paperwork a snap.

DCRA has put a great deal of thought and care into developing the new Homeowners Center, said DCRA Director Patrick Canavan. We are committed to making the building permit process of District homeowners both smoother and easier. We have created a resource that will set the standard for helping homeowners.

All home renovations, whether done by contractors or by the homeowner, must follow strict building codes to assure that the work is safe and that there are no fines for illegal construction. DCRA is dedicated to helping District homeowners who are seeking permits for their home improvement projects. The Homeowners Center is a one-stop-shop for owners to learn about the laws related to renovations.

DCRA's Homeowners Center is located in Suite 2102 at 941 North Capitol Street Northeast. It is open to the public 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Homeowners Center will serve homeowners by appointment and by walk-in.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs opened the Homeowners Center on January 5, 2006. Mayor Anthony Williams was on hand for the launch, and was joined by representatives from Citibank, the DC Building Industry Association, the International Code Council, the Fannie Mae Foundation, and other community partners and supporters.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs protects the health, safety, economic interests, and quality of life of residents, businesses, and visitors in the District of Columbia by issuing licenses and permits, conducting inspections, enforcing building, housing, and safety codes, regulating land use and development, and providing consumer education and advocacy services.

Day Care Coming to Corner of Florida & Montello

The building being renovated on the northwest corner of the intersection of Florida & Montello (12th & Florida) is reportedly going to hold a daycare downstairs & a residential apartment upstairs.

H Street Self Storage

New Website for The Argonaut

Hey, I just found out that the Argonaut has launched a brand spanking new website. They now have their menu online! Visit the Argonaut at 1433 H Street NE.

Correction Re: Family Liquor

I neglected to post this earlier. The recent (and brief) closure of Family Liquor was not due to a violation involving the sale of alcohol to a minor (as was rumored). The shutdown resulted from some unpaid taxes, or fees.

Tae-Bo, or What in the 500 Block of H?

Somebody recently left a note in the comments saying they had heard about a tae-bo studio moving to the 500 block of H. I haven't heard about anything else about it. I have noticed that there is some sort of notice of a license application (that's what it looked like from the window of the X2), but I don't know what it's for. Has anyone read this notice (you can see it in the photo below, look under the for lease sign)?

Biking on H

500 block of H Street (north side).

January Hill Rag Available Online

The January Hill Rag is online & features four articles of particular interest (a few highlights listed below).

ANC 6A Report:
-A mention of the February election to replace Commissioner Robyn Holden who resigned recently.
-An announcement that DDOT will be holding January meetings re: the Starburst Plaza & H Street Streetscape changes.

ANC 6C Report:
-HSMS is trying to get funds from amenities package for Uptown Bakery site. Anwar Saleem produced a report explaining how the $20k received from the Abdo project was spent & asked for the $25k from the Bakery site. He said the funds would go to pay for the contract with a group that helps the homeless on H as part of the Clean & Safe program.
-Continued wrangling over Ronald Cohen's disaster of a development project at 2nd & K.

New Gym Opening on H Street:
-A short piece on the new Willpower Health & Fitness Studio (1005 H Street).

A Visit to Cluck U:
-Jim Myers of Hill East fame talks checks out Cluck U Chicken & considers ANC 6A's appeal of the business's C of O.

UPDATE************************
I hadn't yet read the Last Word (scroll down to the bottom of the page) section, but in addition to Richard's letter about the economics of baseball (and the othe other baseball letters), you might also want to look at the letter from the Capitol Hill Restoration Society.

400 Block of H

H Street Entertainment History

Here's a link to the Victorian Secrets site with some good H Street history. I know that I've seen other Victorian secret's pages discussing H Street, but I don't recall if I've seen this one before. Definitely worth a peak. Also see Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space on a similar topic.

Notice

This sign is near the Uline Arena (future site of condo development & a possible Harris Teeter).

New Blog Voices Noise Concerns @ 8th & H

The residents irritated by the illegally amplified street preachers at 8th & H have a new electronic voice. There is now a blog (http://questforquiet.blogspot.com/) that explains the stance of these residents. They have some nice photos, including a couple featuring the preachers with Santa Claus.