JUNE 2020
CONTENTS
NEXT ISSUE: July 3
JUNE 2020
08
23 G R A DUAT I ON S P E C I A L
ALL OF US TOGETHER # CLASS OF 2020
your neighborhood
ON THE COVER:
04 Unemployment Insurance in The District? • Elizabeth O’Gorek 08 Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann
12
Photo: Andrew Lightman
10 The Numbers • Kate Coventry and Qubilah Huddleston 12 Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner 18 Time To Stand Up in Lafayette Park • Andrew Lightman 20 ANC 6E • Pleasant Mann
out and about 28 At The Movies • Mike Canning
at home 30 Changing Hands • Don Denton
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Unemployment Insurance in The District? Skyrocketing Claims Strain An Ancient System
A
by Elizabeth O’Gorek
t-Large Counmissioner for 2A03 and cilmember Elissa an activist with the ResSilverman (I) taurant Opportunity spends her afCenters (ROC), an orgaternoons on the nization that works to imSeventh Floor of One prove working conditions Judiciary Square. There and wages for restaurant she sits with 100 other employees and is now actDistrict employees, some ing as an unofficial unememployed by DC Deployment consultant to partment of Employrestaurant workers. ment Services (DOES), Patel filed for UI onmany pulled from a line a few days after she range of other District was laid off and got a noagencies, to answer the tice from the system to deluge of calls related to call DOES. She spent six Unemployment Insurand a half hours on hold ance (UI) claims. to resolve a small cleriSilverman, who is cal error. She received a Chair of the DC Council check in mid-April, four Labor Committee, works weeks after she applied. in the auxiliary call center She was lucky, she says, Chart showing the number of UI claims made each week in the District, from March 13 to May 21, versus the number of set up in the office of the because she had savings. payments made per week. Source: DOES/EOM Situational Report May 22 attorney general, making “Director Morrisher way through the hunHughes keeps saying we saw about 27,000 claims. Restaurant dining rooms dreds of pleas her office receives from constituents need to be patient with this, but people are starvwere closed March 24. Unemployment rose to made desperate by a bottleneck in the UI applicaing,” Patel said. “There are people that are still 11.1 percent from 6 percent in March. tion process. waiting for their benefits, people who still haven’t More than 40 percent of applicants for Dis“We are seeing just depression level numbers gotten paid in eight weeks.” trict UI are waiting for money. Of the more than of workers filing for unemployment,” she said. Patel said the pay of most hospitality work100,000 claims received by DOES as of May “The system wasn’t built for this kind of capacity.” ers had already been decimated in the weeks be21, only 59,914 people received a check, leavA look at the District’s UI system reveals a sysfore closure. In her last three shifts, she said, she ing more than 40,000 people waiting for funds. tem struggling to keep up with an unprecedented earned what she usually brought home after only About 18,000 of those are in the appeals process, number of requests from applicants. Many have one. Most restaurant workers, having just paid said DOES Director Unique Morris-Hughes at a waited weeks for relief to come. rent and bills prior to the serious decrease in pay, May 22nd press conference. Another 17,000 were were broke at that point. received in the 21 days previous, within the time She said the system has ‘traumatized and deThe Unemployment Tsunami DOES tries to process claims. humanized’ applicants, many of whom were on With 65,000 jobs lost in DC since March 13, hold for hours with DOES before the system many District residents find themselves applying Dehumanizing abruptly hung up. Others waited hours only to for assistance for the first time, a situation SilverOne in seven District workers are employed in the be told to call back when they had correct documan said can be scary, confusing and time-conhospitality industry, which has been decimated by mentation. Some found out they had been listed suming. It is an application “tsunami.” the outbreak, especially by the March 24 closure as contractors by their employers when they tried Between March 13 and May 21, DOES reof restaurant dining rooms. Trupti Patel is a barto file, making them ineligible for regular benefits. ceived 100,499 unemployment claims, almost tender who worked her last shift on March 12. The unemployment application tsunami overfour times as many received in 2019, when DC She is also the Advisory Neighborhood Com-
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THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE PROPOSED 2021 MOVING TO WORK (MTW) PLAN The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on the agency’s proposed 2021 Moving to Work (MTW) Plan. MTW is a HUD program that allows select public housing authorities to design and implement innovative programs and policies with the intent to: 1) reduce costs and improve efficiencies; 2) encourage residents to obtain employment and become economically selfsufficient; and 3) increase housing choices for lowincome families. The Public Hearing will take place online on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 6 p.m. Email MTW@dchousing.org to register. COMMENTS Written comments will be accepted through Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Email your comments to MTW@dchousing.org. Alternatively, you can mail comments to: Hanna Koerner, Policy Analyst DCHA 1133 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20002 To request a copy of the MTW plan, please call (202) 918-1965; send an email to MTW@dchousing.org; or download from the DCHA website at www.dchousing.org/mtw2. REQUESTING A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION DCHA is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter service, please contact our ADA/504/Language Department at 202-535-2737 or ADA504@dchousing.org with your complete request. Please allow at least 3 business days to make the necessary arrangements. If you need a foreign language translator, please contact our ADA/504/Language Department at 202-535-2737 or email ADA504@dchousing.org. Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements. AVISO IMPORTANTE Este documento contiene información importante. Si necesita ayuda en Español o si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este aviso, por favor llame DCHA al (202) 535–1000. Infórmele al representante de atención al cliente el idioma que habla para que le proporcione un intérprete sin costo para usted. Gracias.
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whelming DOES is further complicated by a recent federally-driven expansion of unemployment benefits.
Expanding UI
There is a lot of confusion around UI. UI benefits are paid by the jurisdiction where the applicant works; only about half of District jobs are held by District residents, Silverman said. The program is funded by a tax on wages paid by both the employer and employee. In ordinary times, the self-employed do not qualify for benefits. With the onset of COVID, the system has been greatly expanded to include more workers, beginning in March when Congress passed the CARES Act. That bill created three new unemployment programs. These include the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which covers many of those previously ineligible workers, such as contractors and part time and gig economy workers. The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) adds 13 additional weeks of compensation for those who exhausted their regular benefits for the year. Finally, until July 29, those eligible for UI benefits also receive the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), an extra $600 a week. DC Council passed emergency legislation March 17 and April 7 that expanded eligibility, eliminating the one-week waiting period and a work search requirement. More than $311 million has been paid in District benefits since March 13. DOES Director Morris-Hughes said some waiting applicants have very complex situations such as earning wages in another state or holding full-time jobs, in addition to the part-time self-employed pay for which they seek benefits. Other individuals are ineligible because their reported wages are insufficient for a claim. “We know that there are individuals that have not been paid,” Morris-Hughes said, “but we have to review literally every single claim that’s processed, and it just takes some time.” About 65 percent of completed applications were processed within 21 days, she added.
The UI Obstacle Course
UI applicants face a number of obstacles in their quest for benefits. First, the online unemployment insurance portal is at least 15 years old. According to Silverman, it is writ-
ten in computer code based on an ancient programming language that predates her birth. After council waived the job search requirement, DOES took two weeks to remove the online application question querying applicants about the details of their job search. The system is too old to be accessed via mobile, and applicants were told to apply from a laptop or desktop using Windows Explorer, an obsolete system. The District has had funding to modernize the system since 2012, a project that DOES says is currently underway. Silverman said that the Council Labor Committee has been asking about modernization since well before the pandemic, receiving only “garbled answers.” “Certainly, we could have done better if we had modernized the system so that people could file with their cell phone. We could have had unemployment call takers working remotely, for example, and had a smoother transition,” Silverman said. Aside from the issues of dated technology, many lower income applicants must either cross the digital divide to apply online or use a phone. The closure of DOES offices, recreation centers, senior centers, schools and public libraries, closed for the public health emergency, significantly decreased Internet access in Wards 7 and 8, where broadband has a household penetration rate of under 65 percent. In the absence of a smart phone app or public online infrastructure, many have been forced to apply over the phone. Callers faced wait times as long as six hours. DOES has since asked employees from other District agencies to help, as well as contracting two call centers and emergency staff, including adjudicators. A spokesperson said the wait time now averages less than an hour for initial claims. Still, the process is slow and frustrating. “I still hear from people that have been waiting two or three hours, and we’ve been hearing that people get to a certain point and get kicked out of the system,” Silverman said. “They just don’t know what’s going on.”
Failing the Most Vulnerable
But unemployment is outright failing the most vulnerable members of the hospitality workforce, Patel said. Undocumented workers are locked out of relief, disqualified for unemployment as well as food stamps. “I spend 30 to 40 hours a week fielding
phone calls about how to get basic necessities to members of our industry who are extremely food insecure and have no way to take care of very young children, and babies,” she said. Unlike neighboring Montgomery County, MD, which established a $5 million grant program for residents restricted from UI benefits, no program is offered by the District to support the up to 30,000 undocumented workers who live and work here. Legislative language that would have authorized cash assistance to residents unqualified for relief was cut from the council’s April 7 emergency bill. That provision offered two options, either to create a system parallel to UI or a grant program like Maryland’s. And while Events DC announced in April that it would set aside $5 million for undocumented workers, as of May 24 the sports and entertainment agency has not announced how or when that money will be distributed. For Silverman, the COVID crisis highlights why the District needs to invest in our safety net programs. After years of trying to get the system updated, she says that now that more people have interacted with it and noticed its shortcomings, she needs them to continue to apply pressure to make the system better. “I hope that COVID shows the importance of the unemployment insurance system,” Silverman said, “the importance of keeping it modern and maintaining it properly and making the investment that we need so that it works when necessary and at the critical times like these.” Do you have a confusing UI situation? You can reach Councilmember Elissa Silverman via email at esilverman@dccouncil.us or reach her office at 202-724-7772 u
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Shaw Streets by Pleasant Mann middle school or what type of programs it would offer, only to When the coronavirus plan for a 550 student crisis brought a lockmiddle school and dedown on most comtermine if the available mercial activities, resbuildings would meet taurants were limited its physical needs. to takeout and delivery Completion of the only to generate revstudy would not guarenue. But restaurants antee that Shaw could discovered that the ever expect to get its national delivery apps own middle school. can take up to a 40 Despite the lack of percent cut of the bill. notice, over 80 people At a time when every participated in the virexpense has to be mantual meeting. It was reaged, the proprietors solved to hold another of Shaw dive bar Ivy community meeting and Coney saw an opsoon so that other citiportunity for reducing zens could get proper costs for neighborhood notice. The date for the restaurants by estabnext community meetlishing a cheaper takeing was set for June 2, DC To-GoGo, a new, community-based restaurant delivery service in Shaw. Photo courtesy of DC To-GoGo out delivery platform. DC’s Primary Election Called DC To-GoGo, Day. The virtual meetnew building on Rhode Island Avenue. The comthis local service will ing will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. Contact camunity meeting was held virtually, given the curprovide responsive online ordering and restaurant milo.sanin@k12.dc.gov for more information. rent restrictions on large public meetings during the takeout delivery without the Silicon Valley overcoronavirus crisis. head. DC To-GoGo is supported by a grant from DC Water Holds Virtual Community Forum When the meeting started, the participants comShaw Main Streets. The service initially was limited On May 21, DC Water held another of its meetplained about the lack of notice. The first announceto Shaw bars and restaurants. ings to inform the community on the progress of its ment of the study came at the end of June last year, The DC To-GoGo app allows users to either Northeast Boundary Tunnel project. This meeting mentioning that the study would start at the beginschedule a restaurant pickup, set up a delivery had to be held as a virtual forum, given the District’s ning of fiscal year 2020. Now, a year later, most of the from the restaurant or use DC To-GoGo drivers restriction on public gatherings. The project, which participants got notice of the community meeting a for delivery at a much lower cost to the restaurant will require construction through the Bloomingday before it was to occur. There was further disapthat the major delivery services. Users can downdale, Le Droit Park and Shaw neighborhoods, will pointment when the effort was described as a faciliload the DC To-GoGo app at the Google Play be completed by 2023. ties study, looking at the physical suitability of the Store or the Apple App Store or order online at The overview of the project started by noting old Banneker and Garnet-Patterson schools. Why www.dctogogo.com. the former location of “Lake Bloomingdale” in was the Garnet-Patterson added to the study? The near Northeast Washington due to the propenplanners were directed to buildings in the DCPS Center City Middle School Study sity for its streets to flood and homes to suffer portfolio in Shaw. Why was the soon to be closed On May 20, DC Public Schools (DCPS) held a sewer backups whenever there was a heavy rain. Washington Metropolitan High School not an opcommunity meeting to discuss the Center City The 100-year-old combined sewer system, mixing tion? There was only enough money in the contract Middle School Study. The study is the result of an wastewater with stormwater runoff, was frequently to study two buildings. amendment that the DC Council added to the budoverwhelmed, resulting in overflows. When comMeeting participants were frustrated to learn get in 2019, mandating that DCPS house a new pleted, the Northeast Boundary Tunnel will corthat the study did not contemplate which neighShaw Middle School at the old Banneker High rect these problems for at least a century. borhood elementary schools would feed into the School site once the secondary school moves to its
DC To-GoGo Delivery Service Starts
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The DC Water Northeastern Boundary Tunnel worksite at R Street NW. Photo William Eppard
In terms of progress, the tunnel boring machine, nicknamed Chris, has approached First and W Streets NW and will soon start to make its way southwest underneath Rhode Island Avenue. The forum gave a detailed, technical update on the work planned for the next few months at the First Street, T Street, Florida Avenue and R Street project worksites. DC Water wants to mitigate the impact that the tunnel construction has on residents and the community. It has a process to address claims by residents that their property has been damaged by the tunnel construction, initiated by calling the project Hotline (800-988-6151). DC Water has also retained the services of Shaw Main Streets and North Capitol Main Streets to work with local businesses affected by the tunnel project. This first virtual forum on the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project had approximately 30 participants. More information on the project is available at dcwater.com/NEBT. u
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NEIGHBORHOOD
The Numbers
Apply Recovery Principles to the District Budget by Kate Coventry and Qubilah Huddleston
T
he pandemic is devastating District families and the local economy. Thousands of residents have tested positive for the virus, and hundreds have lost their lives. But with many businesses closed and residents spending less, the District has fewer resources to meet the increased demand for social services. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) estimates that DC will lose more than $1.5 billion in revenues—the money the city brings in primarily through taxes and fees—by September 2021. For families to come out of this crisis stronger and to build a just recovery, DC leaders need to preserve and enhance crucial investments in programs that help individuals and families secure safe, affordable housing, maintain economic security, and access high-quality physical and mental healthcare. All options to ensure a just recovery must be on the table, including examining DC’s tax structure, so those communities being hit the hardest by the pandemic—and those who were suffering even before—are not further hurt by severe cuts to critical programs. This would advance racial and economic equity: Black residents have the highest infection and death rates, and they and Latinx residents are likely to be hit the hardest by and the last to recover from economic fallouts. As the Council finalizes the budget, they should use key principles to reduce harm to communities shouldering the brunt of the pandemic and our economy:
Raise Revenue to Avoid Cuts
The Mayor and Council should not
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take a cuts-only approach to maintain crucial programs and services and meet growing needs. Cutting vital programs will not only worsen the economy’s fall, but it will also hurt families that are struggling to protect their own health, eat regularly, and pay bills. Budget cuts also
hand, revenue increases can add demand to the economy by protecting programs that help people secure affordable housing and provide for their children. To help balance the budget, policymakers should enact strategic and targeted tax increases on DC’s richest
lions on ineffective business tax cuts that don’t contribute to economic growth, including the Qualified High Technology Company incentive, which the CFO determined is ineffective and costly. There’s no single way to address the budget shortfall, but eliminating lucrative tax giveaways will help stave off painful budget cuts.
Tap into the Rainy Day Reserves
undermine our ability to address underlying racial and income inequities that the pandemic is intensifying and respond to the economic harm of a potential second COVID-19 phase. Policymakers’ hands are not tied; they have options for increasing revenue. During a downturn, leading economists tend to favor targeted tax increases that don’t hurt the economy or low-income families over spending cuts to public programs that do. That’s because spending cuts and layoffs take money out of the local economy: when residents lose access to their child care voucher or rent assistance, they have less money to spend. On the other
households, large corporations, and real estate developers that continue to have high incomes, profits, and activity even as the economy declines. This would also make the tax code fairer. For example, a teacher earning $60,000 in taxable income pays the same tax rate that a CEO earning $350,000 does. That’s fundamentally unjust and bad economic policy. Asking the wealthy to pay their fair share in taxes advances equity and racial justice—and it’s far preferable to cutting the District budget on the backs of low-income families. Ending special treatment for profitable corporations and businesses would help fix the budget crisis too. Each year, DC wastes mil-
Given the torrential economic downpour pounding the city, it’s time for policymakers to take advantage of its reserves—or “rainy day funds”—to avoid budget cuts that would devastate communities and delay the city’s recovery. Prior to COVID-19 taking the District by storm, the city had $1.43 billion in its reserves. DC law requires local reserves be repaid within the same fiscal year and the federal government requires that funds be repaid within two fiscal years. DC leaders should waive the local requirement and ask the federal government to waive its requirements so we can fund immediate needs. Policymakers should use some of the $500 million that was leftover in the budget at the end of the 2019 fiscal year. DC law requires some of this money to be funneled into its reserves, while the remaining funds must be split between the Housing Production Trust Fund and funds for capital projects. Policymakers should redirect the capital funds to protect urgent needs.
Preserve Safety Net Programs
The District should put people first to protect and strengthen services
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that help with basic needs like cash and food assistance, housing, and health care. The CFO predicts that DC’s unemployment rate will reach 18 percent, meaning tens of thousands of our neighbors will need more help affording the basics and paying rent. A just economic recovery also requires policymakers to advance racial justice. Black and brown DC residents are carrying an unequal burden of the virus, reflecting the legacy of racism and ongoing inequitable access to culturally-competent health care, quality housing, and well-paying jobs that could otherwise soften the blow of the health pandemic and economic downturn. During the Great Recession, District leaders took steps that worsened inequities—including cutting cash benefits for low-income families and slashing the education budget. DC cannot repeat this history—policymakers should raise adequate amounts of revenue to pass a budget that protects antipoverty programs that the city’s most vulnerable families need to survive the pandemic.
Engage the Community in Budget Decisions
All Council committees should host at least one live, virtual hearing for public witness voices and accept additional input through multiple means of communication for the budget hearing process. Given the tough decisions policymakers will need to make, the Council should be trying to expand public participation, not limit it, to ensure that the people most impacted by the shrinking economy and public health crisis have their voices heard. Devastating budget cuts are not inevitabilities, they are choices. Policymakers must choose to lessen the harm of the pandemic by making budget and policy choices that help make our city better for all residents. ◆
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NEIGHBORHOOD
BULLETIN BOARD
Photo: Courtesy of Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative
Lancaster Cooperative Offs Delivery
Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative (LFFC), is a non-profit organic cooperative of small-scale, Certified Organic farms in Lancaster County, PA. Their 100 plus farmers originally began as a handful of families who realized they were traveling to and competing in the same marketplaces. Rather than continue to compete, they decided to work together as a cooperative, share their resources to better serve their goals and sustain their livelihood. LFFC provides fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat, chicken, eggs, bread, cheese, herbs delivered weekly to a location near you for pick-up. Read more at lancasterfarmfresh.com.
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Select DPR Outdoor Facilities Open
The following DPR facilities are now open, with social distancing safeguards: parks; athletic fields; walking paths, trails and tracks; dog parks and tennis courts. dpr.dc.gov.
Convention Center Becomes Alternate Care Site
The Walter E. Convention Center has been converted into an alternate care site to support the District’s coronavirus (COVID-19) medical surge response. The Convention Center’s Hall A can now accommodate 437 beds and is ready to accept 100 patients. The site is fully stocked with general medical and emergency medical supplies, including: items from two federal medical station caches, 50 Cardiac Monitors and 50 AEDs, pharmaceuticals from the Strategic National Stockpile, ability to do onsite radiology and ultrasounds, multiple nurse stations with easy access to patient rooms and Nurse call system that alerts staff
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to emergencies in each care space, shower or bathroom. The site also includes dedicated patient showers; dedicated staff showers and lounge area; dedicated fire alarm system; dedicated IT networks for staff, patients and equipment; dedicated oxygen system and multiple redundant power backups. coronavirusdc.gov.
Planet Word Opening Postponed
The Planet Word Museum opening, originally scheduled for late May, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through playful, interactive and unique experiences, Planet Word, 1300 I St. NW, will help visitors of all ages discover the fun of words and language and build literacy skills. Read more about it and sign up for museum news and alerts at planetwordmuseum.org.
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National Book Festival Moves Online
The 20th Library of Congress National Book Festival will celebrate “American Ingenuity” in 2020, featuring the creativity and inspiration of some of the nation’s most gifted authors in a reimagined virtual festival the weekend of Sept. 25 to 27. loc.gov/bookfest.
Wharf and Thompson Boathouses Open
The Wharf Boathouse and Thompson Boat Center have opened for the season with new safety procedures in place, including mandatory reservations. Rent a kayak, paddleboard or scull and escape onto the river. boatingindc.com/reservations.
Uber Launches Hourly Booking
Uber riders are now able to book a ride for $50 an hour for up to seven hours. Use the app to request this
NEIGHBORHOOD
Ground Broken on New Studio Acting Conservatory
The 45-year-old Studio Acting Conservatory has broken ground on its new building. The 6,000 square foot building on Holmead Place, NW, a former church, will have a dynamic, red facade and boast a number of studios, student and teacher lounges, in addition to a courtyard for gatherings and performances. Construction will take 14 weeks, just in time for the Conservatory’s fall semester. studioactingconservatory.org.
trip as you would any on-demand ride, while setting multiple stops as needed. Look for a match with a driver who has a more spacious and newer vehicle type. uber.com.
Virtual Friday Night Concerts
The Capitol Riverfront BID takes its popular Friday Night Concert Series to the virtual stage this summer on Friday nights in June. Produced by DC Fray, it features performances by local musicians who have played on the Yards Park boardwalk stage throughout the years.
These one-hour concerts are live streamed via Facebook. Here’s the lineup: June 12, Pebble to Pearl; June 19, JWX-The Jarreau Williams Experience; June 26, Aztec Sun. capitolriverfront /2020concerts.
Free Drive-Thru Corona Testing
CVS Health has opened new COVID-19 testing sites at drive-thru locations in DC at 6514 Georgia Ave. NW and 110 Carroll St. NW. Self-swab tests will be available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
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1 6 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
vention criteria, in addition to age guidelines. Patients must register in advance at cvs.com/ minuteclinic/covid-19-testing. Patients will be required to stay in their cars and directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window where they will get a test kit and be given instructions; a CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to ensure it is done properly. Tests are sent to an independent, lab for processing and the results will be available in approximately three days. cvs. com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.
Student Loan Relief Announced
District residents who are struggling to pay private education loans due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency can take advantage of expanded financial relief options. Qualifying residents can obtain loan forbearance and other protections. Options include providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance; waiving late payment fees; no negative credit reporting; ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days and other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment. To get details, visit the US Department of Education’s National Student Loan Data System at nslds.ed.gov, or call Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or 1-800-7308913 (TDD). Borrowers with private student loans should check the contact information on their monthly billing statements.
DCPS Persists
DCPS Persists, an innovative program that will provide students in the Class of 2020 with a guaranteed support network as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey. The program is the nation’s first college persistence initiative led by a traditional public school system. Eligible students who plan to go to college will be provided with a support network that ensures they have the guidance and resources they need to succeed in earning a degree. Starting with the Class of 2020, 750 college-bound DCPS graduates will be able to connect to a DCPS Persists coach to help them navigate the transition to college. Coaches will assist students with academic, financial and other resources available on their college campus. They will support and check in with students regularly throughout the first two years of
their college experience. dcpsgoestocollege. org/dcps-persists.
Summer Service for Teens
In 1965, AMIGOS launched a movement of people committed to sharing responsibility for our global community. Today, as communities across the world grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, this work is more important than ever. Young people crave crosscultural experiences and the chance to act. And they have enormous power to shape our response to the challenges of this pandemic in spite of travel restrictions and stay-athome orders. Because of this, AMIGOS has developed two new experiences: The Community Impact Project and US-based Gap Programs. Visit amigosinternational.org.
DC Water Assistance
DC Water is providing emergency relief to District residents struggling with unpaid water bills during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and 105 days thereafter. DC Water residential customers can apply to the DC Department of Energy and Environment for help from the fund established for the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) to help pay all or part of an outstanding water-bill balance and for ongoing monthly CRIAC discounts. doee.dc.gov/ service/criac.
Financial Services for Returning Citizens
Capital Area Asset Builders has partnered with the DC Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs (MORCA) to launch a series of Financial Education Workshops and provide One-on-One Financial Coaching Sessions to DC returning citizens. MORCA clients interested in taking advantage of these virtual services, register at orca.dc.gov/ services.
Online Smoking Cessation
Breathe DC, a non-profit organization supporting clean air and healthy breathing, has launched free online cessation services to help smokers kick the habit. Virtual classes run for four weekly sessions. Participants can choose from morning, afternoon or evening classes.
Alix Sobler Photo: Matthew Dunivan
Online Yiddish Theater Readings
Theater J announces June online readings of two new plays to close out the third year of programming for its signature Yiddish Theater Lab. The plays are Miriam by Alix Sobler, freely adapted from Peretz Hirschbein’s Miryam, on June 7 at 5 p.m. and One of Those by Paula Prilutski, adapted and translated by Allen Lewis Rickman, on June 18 at 5:30 p.m. Readings will be live-streamed and then available to view on-demand for a limited time. These are free, ticketed events and registration is available at theaterj.org or 202-777-3210. Classes are hosted on Zoom and offered throughout June on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. breathedc.org/cessation.
Wolf Trap Summer Cancelled
For the first time in Wolf Trap’s nearly 50-year history, Wolf Trap has
cancelled all summer performances at the Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. wolftrap.org. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email the details to bulletinboard@ hillrag.com. u
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Time To Stand Up In Lafayette Park Help Our Youth Preserve Democracy by Andrew Lightman
S
tanding along the northern fence line of Lafayette Park, my partner and I are surrounded by a sea of engaged young people. Outraged at the tragic killing of George Floyd by police officers, we have joined their nightly gathering in front of the White House on a District public street. We are here to support their peaceful insistence that Black Lives Matter. “Don’t shoot,” we shout, throwing our hands skyward signaling surrender. “We can’t breathe!” we chant. In what has become the universal gesture of protest over the shameful treatment of African American citizens, we “take a knee,” encouraging law enforcement officers to join us. Some do. The discipline, focus and passion of these youthful protesters is inspired. When a man winds up to hurl a water bottle at police, members of the crowd gently restrain him. His behavior, they patiently explain, detracts from their message. Any violent action furnishes an excuse for authorities to respond in kind. At 6:30 p.m., my partner and I headed home respecting the local 7 p.m. curfew set by our mayor. Walking down 16th Street NW, we heard
1 8 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
the sound of exploding grenades hitting the pavement. Are we in Hong Kong or Cairo? Is this what democracy looks like? After urging the nation’s governors to become modern Bull Connors, President Donald J. Trump took matters into his own hands ordering hundreds of National Guard, federal law enforcement officers and armed military police into the District. At the his direction, without warning 20 minutes before curfew, they launched ‘flash bangs’ into the midst of the unarmed, peaceful crowd. Tear gas and rubber bullets followed. Mounted
dent inflicted pain and suffering on citizens lawfully exercising their constitutional right to assemble and petition their government. A true leader would have directly engaged the protesters, much as Senator Robert F. Kennedy addressed an enraged crowd in Indianapolis in the aftermath of the tragic murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trump had them gassed. In other words, the president of the United States ordered an assault on his own citizens, because they were peacefully exercising their right to protest the shameful treatment of African Americans. Photo: By Andrew Lightman In the words of the great English conservative Edmund Burke, officers then brutally dispersed the “The only thing necesdemonstrators. Military helicopters sary for the triumph of evil is for good pursued them through downtown men to do nothing.” District residents streets flying so low that they nearly should not let Trump’s violation of toppled power lines. our democratic sovereignty stand. Why? Around the world, people have To allow the president and his risked their lives for freedom, as did minions, all white, to take a leisurely our forefathers. Can we do less? stroll from his fortified residence So, brave COVID. Put on your to the steps of St. John’s Episcopal mask. Walk down to the White Church to wave a Bible in the air. A House. Say George Floyd’s name. simple photo-op. Take a knee. Stand with the young No matter that many might be protesters at the northern fence of choked by gas and pepper spray or Lafayette Park. blinded by a stray rubber bullet. In Black Lives Matter to all of us. u his quest for ‘domination,’ the presi-
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NEIGHBORHOOD
ANC 6E
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E virtually convened its monthly meeting on May 5. Chair Rachelle Nigro (6E04) called the meeting to order with Alexander Padro (6E01), Frank Wiggins (6E03, Vice Chair), Alex Marriot (6E05, Treasurer), Alvin Judd (6E06) and Kevin Rogers (6E07) in attendance. There was a quorum to conduct official business.
Police Service Area (PSA) Reports
Captain Kim from the Third District started with a report on major incidents. Officers responded to a call on the 200 block of New York Avenue on April 29, where a victim shot there later died. The police have good leads and hope to close the case quickly. On April 23, there was a gun fired on the 1300 block of North Capitol Street that hit a victim in the foot. An officer from the First District was attacked. Kim expressed frustration at the number of homicides, but noted that other statistics showed declines in property and violent crimes. He said that the police were still getting complaints about crowds in the Seventh and O Street area. Commissioner Nigro said that it was horrific that someone was gunned down in the middle of the day. She thought that a foot patrol was needed in the North Capitol Street area. Kim countered that a foot patrol can only cover a small area, and that a gunman was brazen enough to attack a patrol car with an officer sitting in it. Commissioner Wiggins asked about a stabbing at Seventh and N Streets NW. Kim said that the victim refused to cooperate with police. Commissioner Padro asked to hear from Sergeant Terrestre about the situation at Eighth and O Streets NW. Terrestre said that he was in the area every night. He was trying to at least get people there to comply with social distancing rules. There had been a crowd of 50 people the previous Wednesday night. He is trying to work out a strategy for the area. The PSA now has the resources to check out the area every hour. Lieutenant Andelman reported for the First District. Over the past month, there had been two
2 0 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
by Pleasant Mann homicides. One on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street has a suspect identified. The other, on the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue, was closed when the perpetrator turned himself in. Statistics indicate a significant decrease in theft from autos. Commissioner Marriott asked about arrests for auto theft. Andelman noted that a year ago, there had been one auto theft that month, while this year there had been nine. A lot of them occur when delivery vehicles are left running while the driver makes a drop off. First District Commander Kane joined the session. After a community member mentioned a problem with drugs and sex trafficking near the Sonata apartment building, Kane said that she would like to get details. She said that the word has to get out to delivery drivers that they should not leave their cars idling. First District had some law enforcement issues with the 7-Eleven on K Street, but they are working with management, and a security guard is now at the establishment. A community member on the session mentioned the problem of a person playing the trumpet at Fourth Street and New York Avenue. He said that he called in the complaint but that the police said they were not coming. Commander Kane said that unless the playing was at night after the hours allowed by District law, there was not much the police could do. She had been unsuccessful in getting District agencies to enforce current noise regulations in areas like Chinatown. Action would be needed by the DC Council.
Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee
Rasa, 485 K Street NW. Asked for ANC support for new restaurant liquor license. Commissioner Marriott introduced the request by saying that the establishment agreed to the provisions of the standard ANC 6E settlement agreement. Committee Chair Padro said that the restaurant did not make a presentation before the ABC committee, but that the committee supported the license. A motion for ANC support for the license passed.
The Cloakroom, 476 K Street NW. The Cloakroom asked to extend their operating hours, but not the hours of serving alcohol in the establishment. Padro explained that this change would allow customers could linger inside the club after alcohol service had ended. The ANC supported the request by a vote of five in favor with one abstention. AC Hotel, 601 K Street NW. License for a new hotel, with a summer garden of 60 seats and an entertainment endorsement. Padro noted that the license application for the hotel was modified to conform with the building’s Board of Zoning Adjustment ruling that prevented entertainment on the roof and restricted hours there. The ANC voted to support the amended application. Playoff Pizza, 555 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Commissioner Marriott added this case to the agenda. He said that he had talked on the phone with the applicant about a settlement agreement and that the major issues were the amount of gaming activity and the need for security. Padro said that earlier discussions with neighbors recommended security during all operating hours. The applicant complained that the ANC had supported gaming licenses for other nearby establishments without this requirement. Padro said that the other operations were less intensive than that envisioned for Playoff Pizza. He noted that neighboring residents thought that the fact that the establishment had cash payouts for games made it an attractive nuisance. The applicant said that he could not agree to the requirement for a security guard to be present at all times. Marriott suggested that the matter be tabled for a future meeting, noting a lack of specificity in the application. The ANC tabled the matter.
Zoning and Planning Committee
1840 Seventh Street NW. Request for support to rezone Square 417, Lots 53 and 54 from RF-1 to ARTS-3. The property is actually in ANC 1B, but adjacent to ANC 6E, thus the request for support. Commissioner Padro started by mentioning the Commission’s experience using the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process to ensure com-
munity interests in major projects. However, the developer of this site has refused to put any agreements with the community in writing. Committee Chair Tony Brown added that the Zoning Committee has met with the developer twice without coming to any agreement. Padro asked the ANC to oppose the rezoning and to designate him as the representative before the Zoning Commission. The vote to oppose the rezoning passed with a vote of three in favor and three abstentions. The motion to designate Padro as the Commission’s representative passed unanimously. Square 252, Lot 252. As part of the PUD for the redevelopment project of Sursum Corda, the PUD mentioned creating a new right-ofway on First Street NW. The developers said that they needed a letter of support for the project from the Commission to be sent to the District Surveyor. Commissioner Judd, whose single member district the project is in, said he supported it. The motion to send a supportive letter passed unanimously.
Transportation Advisory Committee
Committee Chair Alex Lopez addressed the protected bicycle lane on K Street, stretching from Seventh Street NW to First Street NE, which DDOT has been working on for a year. Going from Downtown to NOMA, it will be one of the few protected east-west connections in the city. DDOT issued a Notice of Intent April 23 and that comments on the project are due June 5. The committee
will give its comments on the proposal at the next ANC meeting. The second transportation issue was the District government’s request for ANC suggestions where sidewalks should be extended into the street to accommodate socially distanced passage by pedestrians during the coronavirus crisis. Commissioner Nigro canvassed the Commission to see if anyone had recommendations. Padro said that he considered suggesting the 700 block of O Street at the Giant store, but only if the widening would be more than the four feet in other locations. A discussion started among members of Marriott’s district that pushed for an extension of the sidewalks on Fourth Street NW. Commissioner Rogers supported an extension of the sidewalks around the Walmart on First and H Streets NW. Resolutions to support an extension of sidewalks on Fourth Street and First Street passed the ANC.
Other Issues
Commissioner Nigro announced that the ANC grant application had been added to the ANC 6E website. She noted that the commission currently has a lot of money in the bank, and proposed that some of it go to community nonprofits dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
Next Meeting
ANC 6E will hold its next meeting on June 2 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually. Go to www. anc6e.org for more information. u
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2 2 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
F O ALL
USE R
H T E TOG
! 0 2 0 2 F O S S A L C # JU NE 2 0 2 0 2 3
ALL OF US TOGETHER
#CLASSOF2020 CLASSOF2020
THREE CHEERS FOR SHAW’S CLASS OF 2020! The normal promotion and graduation ceremonies couldn’t take place this year. But many young Shaw scholars completed their 5th and 12th Grade classes and GED students earned their degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic. They all deserve recognition for their accomplishments. Here are the names and faces of some of the youth who are moving up or have completed their studies this spring. Thanks to Shaw Community Center, The Judah Project and Cleveland Elementary School for sharing the names and images of their Class of 2020 members. Congratulations to all!
THE JUDAH PROJECT Eric Byrd, 19
William Slaughter, 18
Judah Project GED Program
Judah Project GED Program
Matthew Hammond, 18
Nathaniel Tate, Jr., 18
Judah Project GED Program
Washington Latin Public Charter School
Ryan Palmer, 18
Rashaad Williams, 18
Next Step Public Charter School
Cardozo High School
2 4 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
FREE DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATIONS
FOR AGES 3-5
Do you have questions about your child’s development?
Contact us for a free evaluation
202-698-8037 www.earlystagesdc.org
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ALL OF US TOGETHER
#CLASSOF2020 CLASSOF2020
CLEVELAND
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Akilah Alexander Amani Aminah
Anyeli Ashley Ayden Dakotah
Davielle Hope Isaiah Jada*
Jailah Jamil Jan Jaylen
Jekari Katherine Kemera Laura
Liora Maleiysia Michael G. Michael O.*
Michael S. Nalah* Nuvia Ny’Zon*
Sarah Solomon Stormi* Wesley
Yisreal* Zahin Zaira Zaydyn*
*Shaw Community Center Modo Thunder Graduate
Jada Campos
Zaydyn Greenly
2 6 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
Yisreal Kittrel
Michael Oliver, III
Nalah Powell
Ny’Zon O’Benson
Stormi Rogers
We offer an immersion program in French and Spanish, with a dual focus on academic excellence and community service.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2020-2021 School Year More information at: www.ewstokes.org Brookland Campus
Pre-K3 -Fifth Grade 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE • Washington, DC 20017 • 202-265-7237
East End Campus
Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergarten, First and Second Grade 5600 East Capitol Street, NE • Washington, DC 20019 • 202-975-2100
For more information visit: ewstokes.org
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OUT AND ABOUT
At The Movies by Mike Canning
Scribblers and Scandals: Journalism in the Movies With movie houses still closed, the Hill Rag offers another selection of recent movies to watch while warming the couch. This month’s theme is contemporary journalism, whether press, TV, or magazines, a collection of smart, fast-paced films from the last 20 years that have nothing to do with the current administration or the current pandemic, but which have their own rhythms and surprises.
Readers can find these titles on disc (rental or purchase) or on selected streaming services. The Post (2017) -- This compelling journalistic thriller by Steven Spielberg keeps the tension up with propulsive cutting and swift and smart dialogue delivered by a bunch of seasoned players led by Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee and Meryl Streep as Katherine Graham. As the crusty, ink-stained scribe, Hanks doesn’t much look like Bradlee, but he gets the man’s energy and growl right and delivers his lines with pungency and weight. The contrast with Streep’s Graham is stark. We see her first in sweet hostess mode, a woman allergic to confrontation. The dramatic arc Streep must undertake to become a decision-maker is glorious to watch.
(Left to right) Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Brian d’Arcy, Michael Keaton and John Slattery in “Spotlight.” Photo: Kerry Hayes; Distributor: Open Road Films.
2 8 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
Spotlight (2015) -- An impeccably crafted film by writer-director Tom McCarthy about Boston Globe journalists unearthing the scandal of sexual assaults by Catholic priests. It chronicles the group’s detailed pursuit of their bleak story, piece by relentless piece. The script is splendid in building its case, gingerly matching suspenseful exchanges with purposeful exposition. The cast is a dream, one of the best acting ensembles assembled in recent years; picking out any one individual as “best actor” would be fruitless, because the collective is so superb. Everyone performs with an honesty and sincerity that does honor to the theme. State of Play (2009) – This journalistic thriller (based on a British TV series) offers a rarity: a solidly crafted motion picture about Washington, DC. And though the film takes pains to incorporate the city into its narrative, it still plays with some of the old clichés of politics in film. Even by shining light on the underside of our politics and fiddling with our geography, State of Play remains a briskly-paced, smartly written, and entertaining thriller, with some deft performances, especially by leads Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. It’s easy to get caught up in and challenging to follow—and it uses much of a DC that we can all recognize. The Devil Wears Prada (2007) – A sharp take on the fashion magazine world (based on “Vanity Fair”) enlivened by a crafty script and featuring an indelible performance by a super-cool and hellish Meryl Streep
#ShawTakeout as a top fashion czarina. The film is amusingly schizophrenic, mocking the glossy trivialities of “high fashion” while, at the same time, embodying its appeal through the hard work it takes to “look good.” Effective and funny supporting performances by Emily Blunt (her break-out role) and Stanley Tucci, as magazine staffers who stay just the right side of caricature. Good Night, and Good Luck (2006) - A stirring retelling of Edward R. Murrow’s challenge to Senator McCarthy in the mid-1950’s, shot in a sumptuous and velvety black-and-white (that vividly recalls the era) and on appropriately close, hermetic sets (that create the tension). George Clooney, playing Fred Friendly, directs from a script by him and Grant Heslow and elicits a righteous performance from David Straitharn as the lead. Straihairn doesn’t possess a close likeness to Murrow, but he wins you over completely by uncannily invoking the nobility and distinctive cadences of the man. Shattered Glass (2003) – Dramatization of a notorius journalistic scandal at Washington’s New Republic magazine that gets the tone of an ambitious political journal down pat and has much to say about the battle between integrity and ambition in the field. Hayden Christensen plays the very young writer Stephen Glass who gains fame and notoriety through inventing clever features before his work is questioned by another publication, then unmasked by his own editor Chuck Lane (Peter Saarsgard). Christensen brings rank callowness and grinning cynicism to his character, contrasting with Saarsgard’s unassuming but very dogged hero. Besides the lineup above, I wanted this month’s column to include at least one review of a cur(contnued on pg. 31)
YOU COULD USE A DRINK RIGHT ABOUT NOW! COLUMBIA ROOM
Photo: Nicholas Karlin
Whether your taste runs toward the classic or creative, Shaw’s bars offer a wide range of tastes, from divey Ivy and Coney to world class Columbia Room, from sudsy Right Proper to frenchy La Jambe. You can’t sit at the bar right now, but you can order your favorites to go or try something new.
TAKE A SIP OR CHUG A PINT. EITHER WAY, IT’LL BE #SHAWSOME!
www.shawmainstreets.org Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor ©2020 Shaw Main Streets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SHOP OUR NEW WEB STORE *Order for Pick Up at Mr. Henry’s or Shipping
labyrinthgameshop.com Go to our website to:
We are closed temporarily through May 15 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE (Steps from Eastern Market Metro)
202.544.1059
We love our community and can’t wait to see you again!
* Shop local for games and puzzles * Buy a Gift Card or Donate * Preorder Online * Attend a Virtual Event
NEED MORE HELP? Please e-mail us at team@labyrinthgameshop.com
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REAL ESTATE
changing hands
Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
Neighborhood
Price BR
14TH STREET CORRIDOR 2032 15th St NW #2
$310,000
1
ADAMS MORGAN 1719 Euclid St NW #1 1794 Lanier Pl NW #410 2440 16th St NW #205 2440 16th St NW #312 2550 17th St NW #604
$590,000 $462,000 $378,000 $383,000 $365,000
2 1 1 1 0
BLOOMINGDALE 10 Randolph Pl NW 149 W St NW #13 1924 1st St NW #1 2213 Flagler Pl NW 2304 1st St NW ##1 241 Florida Ave NW #4
$875,000 $396,000 $799,000 $850,000 $735,000 $490,000
4 1 3 2 2 2
CENTRAL 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW #307
$540,000
1
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1107 Clifton St NW 1128 Columbia Rd NW #2 1234 Girard St NW 1249 Kenyon St NW #1 1300 Park Rd NW #4 1308 Clifton St NW #209 1331 Taylor St NW #2 1331 Taylor St NW #3 1332 Park Rd NW #A 1335 Harvard St NW #1 1339 Irving St NW #PH 1340 Kenyon St NW #1 1340 Kenyon St NW #3 1390 Kenyon St NW #728 1419 Shepherd St NW #3 1420 Clifton St NW #306 1432 Perry Pl NW 1435 Chapin St NW #5 1437 Monroe St NW 1451 Park Rd NW #313 1469 Florida Ave NW #4 1510 Park Rd NW #3 2535 13th St NW #5 2560 University Pl NW #PH 2560 University Pl NW #UNIT 1
$993,900 $1,032,000 $875,000 $570,000 $740,000 $419,000 $750,000 $880,000 $477,500 $775,000 $896,850 $690,000 $1,425,000 $585,000 $750,000 $281,000 $660,000 $605,000 $1,050,000 $457,000 $758,900 $700,000 $537,500 $1,100,000 $665,000
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4 3 6 2 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 1 4 2 4 2 2 4 2 3 2
2656 15th St NW #305 2910 Georgia NW #401 3318 Sherman Ave NW #T1 3514 13th St NW #1 3516 New Hampshire Ave NW 3533 New Hampshire Ave NW 3565 Holmead Pl NW 3602 Rock Creek Church Rd NW #8 3718 13th St NW 3900 14th St NW #708 3900 Kansas Ave NW #6 3900 Kansas Ave NW #7 4011 13th St NW 4012 13th St NW 4120 14th St NW #6 625 Park Rd NW #302 625 Park Rd NW #C5 732 Lamont St NW #302 770 Park Rd NW #201 770 Park Rd NW #302 770 Park Rd NW #303 923 Quincy St NW
$369,000 $513,000 $349,900 $531,000 $965,000 $895,000 $794,000 $364,900 $1,175,000 $357,500 $719,900 $675,000 $940,000 $980,000 $286,000 $689,000 $505,000 $349,900 $799,000 $849,000 $884,000 $655,000
1 2 1 2 4 3 3 1 5 1 3 3 4 4 1 2 2 1 3 2 3 3
DUPONT CIRCLE 1612 16th St NW #3 1615 Q St NW #907 1620 Corcoran St NW #A 1301 20th St NW #311 1316 New Hampshire Ave NW #605 1601 18th St NW #411 1633 16th St NW 1701 16th St NW #729 1747 T St NW #1 1775 Church St NW #PH7 1816 New Hampshire Ave NW #304 1906-1908 17th St NW 1925 16th St NW #301 1930 NW New Hamp. Ave NW #41
$1,500,000 $444,000 $415,000 $479,900 $345,000 $280,000 $4,000,000 $412,500 $440,000 $1,585,000 $390,000 $1,225,000 $489,000 $630,000
2 2 1 2 1 0 13 1 1 2 1 3 1 2
KALORAMA 1851 Columbia Rd NW #710 1901 Wyoming Ave NW #30 2107 S St NW #C 2230 California St NW #6A-W 2236 Decatur Pl NW 2310 Ashmead Pl NW #106 2310 Ashmead Pl NW #203 2402 Wyoming Ave NW
$425,000 $482,500 $569,000 $1,725,000 $1,550,000 $387,999 $367,000 $2,850,000
1 1 2 4 4 1 1 4
1832 Connecticut Ave NW
$2,800,000
7
LEDROIT PARK 160 Adams St NW 2014 2nd St NW
$380,000 $525,000
3 3
(contnued on pg. 32)
(contnued from pg. 29)
Sen. George Fergus (Jeff Daniel) is interrogated by reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) in “State of Play” Photo credit: Glen Wilson. Copyright © 2009 Universal Studios
rent movie that will have resonance for many in the DC area.
A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps
The Kennedy Administration changed Washington in many ways, one of which was leading young Americans to answer the new president’s call for a commitment to public service. Many young acolytes settled in the DC area to sign up for the ground-breaking Peace Corps. A new video release, “A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps,” directed by Alana DeJoseph, is the first feature documentary to chronicle the remarkable history of the Corps (the film, running 107 minutes, began streaming in video venues on May 22). In early 1961, President John F. Kennedy launched the Peace Corps, and, since then, more than 200,000 volunteers have traveled to more than 60 countries to carry out the organization’s mission of international cooperation. Nearly 60 years later, Americans--young and old alike-still want to both serve their country, aid countries in their development, and perhaps most pertinently, dis-
cover their own place in the world, Presented chronologically, the narrative, delivered by Annette Bening, begins with the promising Sargent Shriver years when volunteers were mostly recent college grads typically offering basic services and education to overseas countries in needy areas. By the 1970’s, the composition of volunteers had broadened, including older Americans (like Lilian Carter) and persons with more focused professional skills. Later on, many countries who had progressed out of Third World conditions opted out of the need for volunteers. Through the decades, the agency struggles to remain relevant amid great sociopolitical change, as well as fighting for its very existence. That history is principally outlined by an amazing number of ex-PCVers and staff (from the 1960’s until yesterday) telling their own stories, including recent ones from Colombia, Afghanistan, and the Ukraine. Many of them underline that the Corps’ profoundest outcome was not so much to “develop” other countries and peoples but rather to “change themselves” with a greater awareness of the wider world and an international consciousness. ◆
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Do you remember what good old-fashioned corn tastes like? (contnued from pg. 30)
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2016 2nd St NW 322 T St NW #2 65 Rhode Island Ave NW #2
$525,000 $854,500 $549,900
4 2 2
$650,000 $630,000 $495,000 $785,000 $459,000 $585,000 $540,000 $1,050,000 $760,000 $449,900 $962,500 $1,395,000
1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 6
$1,825,000
3
$399,000 $231,647 $639,000 $2,400,000 $725,000 $450,000
3 0 2 4 2 1
$960,000 $498,500 $820,000
1 1 2
$1,390,000 $1,380,000 $789,900 $630,111 $1,200,000 $1,112,500 $1,061,000 $660,000 $2,500,000
3 3 3 2 4 3 3 2 4
$810,000 $489,900 $619,900
2 1 2
$445,000 $450,000 $685,000
2 1 2
$247,900 $781,000 $1,200,000
0 2 2
LOGAN CIRCLE 1444 Church St NW #506 910 M St NW #1003 1133 14th St NW #1106 1133 14th St NW #PH5 1239 Vermont Ave NW #305 1245 13th St NW #110 1401 Church St NW #324 1444 T St NW 1515 15th St NW #411 1550 11th St NW #303 1737 10th St NW #B 948 Westminster St NW
MOUNT VERNON 925 M St NW #2
OLD CITY #2 117 Pierce St NW 1420 N St NW #411 1605 16th St NW #4 1630 19th St NW 2035 13th St NW #3 440 L St NW #602
PENN QUARTER 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW #PH18 715 6th St NW #501 912 F St NW #1109
SHAW 1316 8th St NW #3 1511 8th St NW 1530 3rd St NW NW #1 1643 6th St NW #4 1720 5th St NW 1820 11th St NW 453 Q St NW 83 New York Ave NW #2 905 M St NW
Joel N. Martin Licensed in DC, MD & VA Since 1986 DC resident since 1970 / Shaw resident since 2002
202-274-1882 office direct 202-338-8900 office main
“honesty, integrity, service & market knowledge” each office independently owned & operated
3 2 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
TRUXTON CIRCLE 227 Bates St NW #2 57 N St NW #H-308 83 New York Ave NW #1
FULL TIME JOB OPENING Direct Support Professionals
Wholistic Services, Inc. is looking for dedicated individuals to work as Direct Support Professionals assisting intellectually disabled adults with behavioral health complexities in our group homes and day services throughout the District of Columbia.
Job Requirements: • • • • •
Valid driver license Ability to lift 50-75 lbs. Ability to complete required trainings prior to hire Ability to become Med Certified within 6 months of hire Ability to complete a security background check prior to start date
U STREET CORRIDOR
Contact the Human Resources (HR) Department at 301-392-2500 to schedule an appointment.
[No walk-ins accepted.]
2001 16th St NW #B4 2004 11th St NW #430 2101 11th St NW #303
WEST END 2130 N St NW #307 2425 L St NW #210 2425 L St NW #441 ◆
FIND US AT THESE LOCATIONS! Street Box
First & Bryant, NW
Long View Gallery Box
1234 9th St. NW
Street Box - Bikespace
440 K Street, NW
Union Kitchen
1251 9th Street, NW
A Baked Joint
440 K Street, NW
Lost & Found
1240 9th St. NW
Street Box - Bus Boys & Poets
1025 5th ST NW
Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro
9th & G Street, NW
Safeway
490 L St. NW
Habesha market
1919 9th st
Logan Hardware
1734 14th St NW
Serve U Liquors
1935 9th Street, NW
CVS
2129 14th ST NW
Buttercream Bakeshop
1250 9th Street NW
CVS
3031 14th ST NW
Atlantic Plumbing Apartments
2030 8th St. NW
CVS
1000 U ST NW
Bazarr Spices
2130 8th Street, NW
Safeway
1747 Columbia RD NW
7th Flats - Daniel Sticco
1825 7th St NW
Safeway
1701 Corcoran ST NW
WeWork Wonder Bread
641 S St. NW
Whole Foods
1440 P Street NW
Field to City
1818 2nd St NW
Commissary
1443 P St NW
Meats and Foods
247 Florida Ave NW
CVS
1418 P ST NW
S&S Cleaners
84 Rhode Island Ave NW
CVS
1637 P Street, NW
Flagler Market
2200 Flagler Pl NW
United Bank
1301 U St NW
T & G Grocery
1727 North Capitol St NE
Rite Aid
1306 U Street NW
Kearney’s Grocer
90 O St NW, Washington
Giant at O Street Market
1400 7th St NW
2M
2 M St NE
CCN Office
224 7th ST SE
Flats 130
130 M St NE
Asbury Dwellings
1616 Marion St NW
The Elevation
100 Florida Ave NE
Street Box
First & W, NW
MOM’’s Organic
1501 New York Ave NE
Red Hen Box
1822 1st St NW
Mount Vernon Plaza
930 M St NW
Sunset Spirits
1627 First St. NW
Eleven A Condominium
1111 11th St NW
Bloomingdale Wine & Spirits
1836 First St. NW
M Street Towers
1112 M St NW
Harris Teeter *
1201 First St, NE
King Towers
1220 12th St NW
Cambria Hotel
899 O St. NW
Crescent Towers Condos
1239 Vermont Ave NW
Jefferson Marketplace Box
1550 7th St. NW
Radius Condominiums
1300 N St NW
Bread for the City
1525 7th Street NW
20 20 Lofts
2020 12th St NW
Senior Building
1713 7th St. NW
Lincoln Condominium
2001 12th St NW
Lincoln Westmoreland Apts.
1730 7th Street, NW
The Floridian
929 Florida Ave. NW
NW Settlement House - S St. Entrance 1739 7th St., NW
Rhapsody Condo
2120 Vermont Ave. NW
Right & Proper Brew Box
624 T St. NW
1225 Lofts
1225 13th St NW
CVS
1900 7th ST NW
The Harper
1919 14th St NW
Dunkin Donuts
1739 New Jersey Ave NW
The Louis
1920 14th St NW
Howard University
2225 Georgia Avenue, NW U Street Wine
1351 U St NW
CVS
400 Mass. AVE NW
Passport
11th & U Streets, NW
Marriott Hotel
901 Mass. Ave NW
Walgreens
Boundary Stone Box
116 Rhode Island Ave. NW Studio Theatre Street Box
Grassroots Gourmet, LLC
104 Rhode Island Ave NW
Reeves Center
2000 14th ST NW
T Street Market
80 T St. NW
Reeves Center Street Box
14th & U Street, NW
1325 14th ST NW 14th & P Street, NW
Foster House Apartments
801 Rhode Island Ave, NW Paul Laurence Dunbar Sr. Apt.
U & 15th Street NW
Trilogy NoMa
151 Q Street, NE
Java House (Deliver on 17th & Q)
1645 Q ST NW
City Market at O
1414 8th St NW
Velvet Lounge
915 U Street, NW
Hodge on 7th
1490 7th St NW
Dodge City
917 U Street, NW
1330 Seven St.
1330 7th St NW
Ben’s Chilli Bowl
1213 U ST NW
Yale Steam Laundry
437 New York Ave NW
City First Bank
1432 U ST NW
Meridian
425 L St NW
Third District MPD
1620 V ST NW
460 NY Ave.
460 New York Avenue NW
Yale West
443 New York Ave NW
K at City Vista
475 K St NW
Gables City Vista
460 L St NW
Capitol One
475 K St NW
Sweet Green
1065 5th St NW
Wells Fargo
490 L St NW
ABC Grocery
1401 6th St NW
Jefferson Market Place
1550 7th St NW
Shaw Mainstreet
875 N Street, NW, Suite 201
Seylou Bakery & Mill
926 N Street, NW
Modern Liquors
1200 9th ST NW
Shaw Metro Street Box - NE Corner 8th & R Streets., NW Shaw Metro Street Box - NE Corner 7th & S Streets., NW Mount Vernon Sq. Metro
7th & M ST NW
Mount Vernon Sq. Metro
9th & M ST NW
MIDCITY MIDCITY JU NE 2 0 2 0 3 3
CLASSIFIEDS 3 4 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
ADDRESS NUMBERS
CLEANING SERVICES
LANDSCAPES Thomas Landscapes DEREK THOMAS / PRINCIPAL
Over 20 Years of Experience in Capitol Hill FULL-SERVICE LANDSCAPE DESIGN & MAINTENANCE • Installation, arbors, retaining walls, • walkways, lighting, water features • Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work • Restoration and Enhancement
GOLD & SILVER TRANSOM ADDRESS NUMBERS
301.642.5182 (OFFICE) 202.322.2322
202.251.7980
THOMASLANDSCAPES.COM
www.monumentalgraphics.net @mongraphicsdc
* Traditional 23 Carat Gold with black drop Shadow * Silver Option for modern contemporary look
WE INSTALL AT YOUR HOME
AIR CONDITIONING
ELECTRICIAN
Contact CARO at 202.400.3503 & carolina@hillrag.com
CHIMNEY REPOINTING, LINING & REPAIRS!
GEORGE HALLIDAY
MASONRY CONCRETE & BRICKPOINTING Historic Masonry Repointing & Repairs Restoration Cleaning on Historical Brick and Stone Basements & Waterproofing
Residential & Commercial Restoration & Historical Preservation Structure Specialists Renovations & Remodeling Kitchens, Baths & Basements Restoration & Repair
Experts in New and Traditional Masonry
Call 202.965.1600
NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!
202.637.8808
DCRA Lic 9115 • Insured • References
www.jfmeyer.com
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
PLUMBING
Just Say I Need A Plumber®
Dial A Plumber, LLC®
• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement
PAINTING Licensed Bonded Insured
Kenny
DC PLUMMER’S LICENSE #707
ROOFING
G G ROOFING
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •
WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
202-251-1479
•
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST
Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs • •
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC. LIC. BONDED. INS
75 years in service
BBB
Member
202-223-ROOF (7663)
CLASSIFIEDS
MASONRY
GET YOUR DINNER AND DRINKS TO-GOGO! NEW DC-BASED FOOD ORDERING AND DELIVERY PLATFORM HELPS NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS SURVIVE
Look out, Caviar, DoorDash, GrubHub and UberEats. DC To-GoGo, a web and mobile app food and beverage ordering platform, is now live. The name is a nod to DC’s official music genre, GoGo, and ‘to go’ or takeout. When bars and restaurants were forced to shift to takeout only by Mayor Bowser’s health emergency, they soon discovered that the national delivery apps’ commissions and fees could reduce their proceeds from each sale by as much as 40%. The owners of Ivy and Coney, a six-year-old Shaw bar with a large following of Chicago and Detroit sports fans, came up with the idea of a local, low cost alternative app. Shaw Main Streets, the commercial revitalization nonprofit, realized that the neighborhood’s bars, restaurants and nightclubs, and others citywide, could all benefit greatly from the savings that DC To-GoGo could generate. And two months and hundreds of volunteer hours later, DC To-GoGo was born.
The DC Council recently enacted a 15% cap on commission for food ordering and delivery apps during the current health emergency. While the national apps’ commissions will go back to being unregulated after the emergency is lifted, DC To-GoGo’s commissions will continue to range from 5% to 15%. Transparency allows customers to see how their dollars are spit between the bar or restaurant they’re ordering from, drivers and DC To-GoGo. Drivers actually get their full tips, instead of seeing national apps take a share. DC To-GoGo drivers will be paid a living wage. The app also arranges routes for each driver, so that they can make their deliveries more quickly and efficiently. In addition to helping bars and restaurants keep more of every dollar sold, commissions and fees stay in DC. Every possible dollar is spent with DC businesses and contractors. DC To-GoGo launched in Shaw, but is expanding citywide.
Go to WWW.DCTOGOGO.COM or the app, available for iPhone and Android, to see which bars’ and restaurants’ food and drink are available. Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor ©2020 Shaw Main Streets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.