Mike Canning

Hill Rag Movie Reviewer 1993-2023

Mike Canning was the Hill Rag’s movie critic and friend for 30 years. His dedication, knowledge and professionalism were extraordinary. And he had fun with the job, reviewing what he liked, eschewing the blockbuster for the creative, unusual, smaller movies that he was delighted to bring to our attention. Our readers will miss him, as will we.

– The Staff of the Hill Rag

Law Offices Of James M Loots, PC

join a “Cinephiles Club”. Mike and Judy signed up immediately and Mike and Tom became co-leaders of the Club. The group would come up with four to ve lms each month and each member would commit to viewing at least three of them to discuss at the next monthly meeting.

Tom Zaniello had been a professor of English and Film at the University of Northern Kentucky, and had become more and more fascinated by lm. He created themes for his course o erings for groups of lms that would engage young people, such as Hitchcock (students loved the dramatic plots) and Epidemics, Catastrophes, and Disasters (very popular for college-age kids facing a scary large world in their futures).

As a professional reviewer, Mike Canning brought great access to lms for the Cinephiles Club; he was invited to critics’ showings and other free previews and would see lms before they were released. He would know when and where each lm would be shown in DC theaters.

Tom and Mike would occasionally suggest a blockbuster film such as The Black Panther. But they and the Cinephiles were drawn to “E Street Cinemas,” which mostly shows films from independent U.S. and foreign producers.

Of the two, Tom says that Mike had by far the deepest knowledge of film production and Hollywood history. “He had a phenomenal memory for film detail”. Illustrating Mike’s capacity for detail is his 2012 book, Hollywood on the Potomac published by the Friends of the Southeast Library on Capitol Hill (and still available on Amazon).

Each portrait of 58 movies has not only the names of each significant actor and production manager but adds gossip about their relationships and history in other films. In each there is a section called DC/Hill notes about film settings in various DC neighborhoods and another section on Goofs when the producers got it wrong.

Mike kept a list of favorite films. The leaders of his top thirty are first, Citizen Kane; second, Godfathers I and II; three, 8 ½; and four, Casablanca. Judy reports that Mike died peacefully, with very little pain, after treating himself to two of his best loved:

Citizen Kane and Casablanca.

It is a magnificent set of gifts that Mike gave us all. We now must make sure that these gifts are saved and nurtured by others. Thank you, Mike Canning.

Authors Mary Procter and Bill Matuszeski are married and have lived on the Hill for 50 years. Bill has known Mike since both worked in USIA headquarters in 1969. Mary has known Mike and Judy for many years, including several years on the Capitol Hill Village Board. u

Public Safety Crisis ANC 6A REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 6A) met via Zoom on May 11. Commissioners Keya Chatterjee (6A01, vice chair), Mike Velasquez (6A02), Roberta Shapiro (6A03), Amber Gove (6A04, chair), Laura Gentile (6A05), Robb Dooling (6A06) and Steve Moilanen (6A07) were present.

Ninth Street NE resident Paul Rodriguez helped a neighbor extract a bullet from their child’s car seat. Next door, a family’s car was stolen. His other immediate neighbor was carjacked.

Rodriguez remains shaken.

Another resident testifying at the meeting was Emily, who is also concerned about recent carjackings and property damage adjacent to her home. Her exterior cameras have recorded many of these crimes and she has shared the footage with law enforcement. Encouraging her to be increasingly cognizant of her surroundings, police tell her their “hands are tied.”

Neighbor Ian Staples echoed Emily’s comment about ocers’ dismissive attitude. How should community members most e ectively work with the District’s agencies to mitigate crime, he asked the commission.

“I spend hours every month trying to resolve small issues with the DC government only to be told ‘not my job,’” Staples said. “What can we do to activate agencies, including MPD, to help address dangerous behavior and drug dealing before it becomes a violent crime?”

H Street’s diverse set of activities, restaurants and tight- knit community with “neighbors who really look out for each other” make it a great place to live, but emphasized that it doesn’t make the violence any less scary for its residents, Vice Chair Chatterjee said.

Chatterjee highlighted the importance of community involvement and investment in mentorship programs and other social services aimed at addressing the root issues of violence and mitigating its impact on the community.

“These are things that may seem really small but actually are the things that result in preventing crime,” Chatterjee said. “Ideally we want to prevent crime, not just respond to it.”

All residents should utilize the District’s camera rebate programs, suggested Commissioner Moilanen. He also cited speci c programs for vehicular safety including wheel locks for Kia and Hyundai owners and the District’s Doordash partnership for the installation dashboard cameras in delivery vehicles.

Chair Gove echoed Moilanen, noting that cameras can provide “high quality evidence” to law enforcement and can help with tracking crime patterns in the neighborhood as well.

Gove encouraged the residents to attend public safety meetings with law enforcement to express concern about issues, share ongoing neighborhood trends and learn more about the local law enforcement response.

Other Matters

The commission voted to:

• send a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) regarding proposed speed limit changes, the commission’s safety walk and all Traffic Safety Inputs for the 11th Street NE Corridor from Florida Avenue to East Capitol Street NE.

• send a letter of support to DDOT for the streetscape permit application for 1101 H St. NE.

The next meeting of ANC 6A is at 7 p.m. July 13 via Zoom. Get details on committee meetings and how to join online at anc6a.org.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6a

AMBER GOVE, CHAIR, 6A04@ANC.DC.GOV

Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, and H Street communities www.anc6a.org

ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, virtually on Zoom.

All Are Welcome

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, July 13, 7:00 p.m.

Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting

3rd Monday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting

3rd Wednesday, July 19, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Community Outreach Committee meeting

4th Monday, July 24, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting

4th Tuesday, July 25, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Call in information will be posted under Community Calendar at anc6a.org 24 hours prior to the meeting.

DDOT Initiates Barracks Row Bus Priority Project

ANC 6B REPORT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6 met on June 13 via Zoom. Commissioners Frank Avery (6B01, treasurer); Jerry Sroufe (6B02); David Sobelsohn (6B03, secretary); Frank D’Andrea (6B04); Chander Jayaraman (6B06, vice chair); Vince Mareino (6B07); Edward Ryder (6B08, chair); Matt LaFortune (6B09). Kasie Durkit (6B05) was absent.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is launching an Eighth St. SE Priority Project (Eighth Street Study). The project aims to improve bus operations and safety on the street between East Capitol and M Streets SE. A team from the agency is currently collecting data, speaking to the public about existing conditions and doing analysis, DDOT Planner Andrew Grinberg said. Concepts will be developed over the summer and fall, and shared in September. Design will begin in January 2024 with 30 percent designs expected in March and final designs in June, with a goal of construction beginning in Fall 2024.

DDOT created a bus priority program in 2021, aiming to improve the efficiency of public transit. 51 bus corridors were identified, including the Pennsylvania Avenue SE project, now nearing completion.

The Eighth Street Study examines routes 90 and 92. 2,900 riders pass through the corridor on those buses daily; 1,200 board there, Grinberg said. Corridor-specific data is not available for the two DC Circulators routes traveling on Eighth Street SE, but they carry 380,000 riders annually, he added. Current maps show congestion hotspots for buses at all parts of the day. Buses are largely running under 8 mph, and are rarely on time.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D

“Uniting Communities East and West”

Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods

Friday, July 7 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

By Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95996852598

By Phone: Dial 301-715-8592 and enter meeting ID 959 9685 2598

Agenda Items: 2023 Q3 QFR, BZA #20921, Parkside Zoning Commission Cases More Information: https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Your Commissioners Elected To Serve You

Who Where How to Contact Me

Wendell Felder Parkside - 7D03 7d03@anc.dc.gov

Chairperson

Brian Alcorn Capitol Hill/Hill East – 7D08 7d08@anc.dc.gov

Vice Chair

Brett Astmann Rosedale – 7D07 7d07@anc.dc.gov

Treasurer or 202-630-1632

Ashley Schapitl Hill East – 7D09 7d09@anc.dc.gov

Secretary

Siraaj Hasan Eastland Gardens/ 7d01@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner Kenilworth – 7D01

Mike Davis River Terrace – 7D04 7d04@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner

Ebony Payne Kingman Park – 7D05 7d05@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner or 202-427-2068

Marc Friend Rosedale – 7D06 7d06@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner or 202-455-6238

Brianne Eby Hill East – 7D10 7d10@anc.dc.gov

Volunteer

A DDOT conditions analysis found that there are a lot of pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) obstructing bus stops, as well as double-parking and commercial loading, which detract from rider and pedestrian safety, Grinberg stated. The angled parking near the Marine Barracks and underpass parking at Virginia Avenue SE are underutilized. Buses are also being delayed by a line of cars waiting to turn at the intersection between Eighth Street with North Carolina and Independence Avenues SE.

In addition to improving speed and reliability, the project aims to alleviate concerns with deliveries, loading and walkability. The project could include any combination of the following: bus lanes, transit signal reprioritization; PUDO zones; commercial loading zones; streeteries; and changes in parking regulation management. Bus stops may be relocated or removed. Curbs could be extended to reduce turning speed, increase pedestrian visibility and decrease crossing distance.

Commissioners implored Grinberg to learn from the Pennsylvania Avenue process and communicate as widely as possible to avoid confusion, supporting engagement with business. Commissioner Avery asked about a recent Notice of Intent (NOI) informing the ANC that DDOT was reconfiguring loading zones on the same stretch; Grinberg said that that team will hold off on implementation until after that project. Asked if protected bike lanes (PBL) could be part of this project, Grinberg said that buses were the priority here, but that if the will exists in the community, the team can look into the feasibility of PBL, noting that trade-offs will be required with- in the limited space. The ANC took no vote on the matter.

DDOT wants to know what problems people have noticed and what they would like to see. Learn more and share your thoughts at https:// buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/ cilmember Charles Allen (D) successfully pushed for $191,000 for interim services to be added to the FY 24 DC Council Budget.

Reyes-Gavilian said there is still no set date for the Southeast Library closure, noting that permits are still being acquired. The community will get four to six weeks’ notice of the closure via email

Southeast Library

DC Public Library (DCPL) Executive Director Richard Ryes Gavilan told the June meeting of ANC 6B that interim services during the modernization of the Southeast Neighborhood Library (403 Seventh St. SE) would not include an additional book pick-up and drop off location. DCPL is set to close the library sometime this summer, a closure that is expected to last 18 to 24 months. With advocacy for the ANC Southeast Library Taskforce (SELTF), Ward 6 Coun- and signage. There will also be one more DCPLled community meeting on the project. Northeast Library (330 Seventh St. NE) will be the “nucleus” for interim services, including some children’s and school programing. DCPL will also work with Barracks Row Main Street (BRMS) and Eighth Street book shop Little District Books (737 Eighth St. SE) to offer adult programming. Arthur Capper Recreation Center will host computer and printer services, which Reyes-Gavilian described as a “laptop vending machine” and printers with digital specialists on site to facilitate use.

Currently, the DCPL ED said, there are no plans for additional book drop o at the Capper site. He said technical limitations make it challenging to modify the library’s systems to allow for a temporary library book pick up and drop o location.

SELTF Chair David Sobelsohn expressed displeasure with the lack of librarians and book services at the Capper site. Treasurer Frank Avery (6B01) encouraged DCPL to work on the problem. He noted that book hold pick-up is a priority for neighbors, and that such a x would have utility for interim services during future modernizations of other locations.

Later in the meeting, the ANC unanimously supported a resolution urging DCPL to ensure there is a location at Arthur Capper Rec Center for book drop o and pick up.

The ANC supported:

• a resolution requesting Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and WMATA ANC to maintain the full connectivity of the current 96 bus route in its Visionary Network map, a route many DC students use, noting the proposed elimination of the 96 route would result in no service east of Lincoln Park in the area south of East Capitol and north of Pennsylvania Avenue SE;

• designs for a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) at 202 Tenth St. SE for a two-story rear addition and roof deck to an existing two story with basement. The

ANC wanted to see renderings to ensure a rooftop deck would not be visible from the street.

ANC 6B next meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 11. See the agenda and information visit www.anc6b.org u

Better Bus Network Routes Discussed

ANC 6C REPORT

by Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on June 14 via WebEx. Commissioners Christy Kwan (6C01), Leslie Merkle (6C02, secretary), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, chair), Commissioner Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer), Patricia Eguino (6C06) and Tony Goodman (6C07, vice chair) were present.

Washington Metropolitan Area

Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Better Bus Project Expanded arrives on the District’s streets as soon as 2024. This WMATA initiative is aimed to rethink, redesign and revitalize the District’s bus services and support partner agencies in both Prince George’s County (TheBus) and Fairfax (CUE). The project considers where, when and how people travel across the DMV to coordinate service with bus priority invest- ments like bus lanes and transit signal priority.

The project is currently in the second of four phases and is accepting feedback on the proposed changes. WMATA plans to begin implementation of these route and service changes in 2024. Key elements of the proposal, such as the extension of bus hours to 24/7 on some routes, will be “extremely helpful” according to commissioners, but other elements of the proposed service changes raised concern.

Commission Chair Mark Eckenwiler noted the project is “quite an ambitious undertaking” and expressed concerns about some of the proposed routes within ANC 6C. Eckenwiler drafted a letter highlighting concerns about turn maneuvers, particularly in regard to street width, issues with parking practices, noise and vibration concerns for late night routes in residential areas, proximity of bus routes and more.

While noting the need for acknowledgement of concerns on the streets of the proposed routes, Commissioner Kwan spoke in opposition to the letter’s overall tone.

“It does come off strongly as saying we like transit, but not in our neighborhood, which I have difficulty with,” Kwan said.

An abundance of transit access, Eckenwiler responded, already exists in the neighborhood noting that some of the proposed changes do not improve access for residents.

“If this were really, materially improving access that’ll be one thing, but I don’t really see it, and the juice is just not worth the squeeze here.”

Neighbors, Commission - er Joel Kelty said, have voiced concerns about some of the routes. In particular, Kelty echoed concerns about bus routes on fourth and sixth streets and said he hopes the commission can “dissuade” WMATA from implementing those changes. “We live in the most transit rich neighborhood probably in the country,” Kelty noted.

The inefficiency and cost, Commissioner Merkle, noted are two major obstacles to the new plans. She referenced some route changes that could increase travel time, seemingly unnecessarily, for some riders.

“It doesn’t make sense if you are someone who’s making minimum wage and you need to get to work,” Merkle said. “I don’t think these bus routes are helpful.”

The commission voted to sub- mit a letter to the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, with a copy sent to WMATA, as testimony for the Better Bus Network roundtable held in early June. Visit wmata.com for more information about the initiative.

Other Matters

Jamee Ernst, DDOT Project Manager, spoke to the commission about the New York Avenue Streetscape and Trail Project aimed to develop bike and pedestrian improvements along New York Ave. NE from Florida Ave. NE to Bladensburg Rd. The project intends to provide connections to existing bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the area and to create connections to other destinations along the corridor. A public meeting will take place on June

28 at 6:30 p.m., and public comments on the project will be accepted through early August. Visit newyorkavenueproject.com for more information.

Resident Ben Schweitzer, raised concerns about crime in the neighborhood after two friends were robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. Schweitzer asked commissioners about “actionable steps” residents could take to help mitigate violence in the community. Kelty encouraged neighbors to take advantage of the city’s camera rebate programs, but acknowledged their shortcomings. Kelty highlighted the importance of advocating for stricter law enforcement and prosecution in the District with an emphasis on a “locally accountable” prosecution.

In February, the commission approved a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in support of The Boiling Crab’s (400 H St. NE) Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS) application for an enclosed structure for trash and grease from the restaurant. Due to a DDOT delay, this item returned to the committee and the previously approved letter will be resent. The commission did not vote again on this item.

The Commission voted to:

• support a stipulated license for Chop Shop DC/Nice N

Easy, a Peruvian Thai fusion chicken carry out spot and associated bar, that will be located on Congress St. NE.

The pending application for their permanent license will be discussed at the next Alcohol Beverage Licensing

(ABL) committee meeting.

• adopt the PZE committee recommendation to support a rear addition to an existing row house at 504 F St. NE with one caveat about decking over the trellis.

• submit a letter supporting the changes that are beneficial raising several issues regarding the Union Station Expansion Project. Discussion included the monitoring and improvement of access to the station, bicycle facilities, including both access and short- and long-term storage and enhancing public space elements.

ANC 6C will next meet on July 12 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. Visit anc6c.org to learn more about the commission and register to attend the meeting.

Extension of Waterfront PUD Supported ANC 6D REPORT

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on June 12 via Zoom. Commissioners Bob Link (6DO1, vice chair), Ronald Collins (6D02, treasurer), Gail Fast (6D03), Andrea Pawley (6D04), Ashton Rohmer (6D05), Bruce Levine (6D06, secretary) and Fredrica (Rikki) Kramer (6D07, chair and Rhonda Hamilton (6D08) were in attendance.

Brookfield Development asked the Zoning Commission for a twoyear extension to develop its parcels at 375 M St. and 425 M St. SW. The zoning for both was established as part of the Waterfront Planned Unit Development (Waterfront PUD).

The Waterfront PUD is a 59,044 sq. ft. parcel on the site of the old Waterside Mall next to the Waterfront Metro entrance. The original PUD was approved in 2007. The commission has extended its order twice. While all the other parcels have either been completed or are currently under construction, the two parcels fronting M Street SW remain undeveloped.

According to Holland & Knight attorney Christine Shiker, Brookfield plans two residential buildings with ground floor retail and a community center for the parcels. Brookfield has not been able to secure funding to allow the project to move forward, said Shiker. The extension does not call for any changes to PUD, she said.

The northern parcel currently hosts the popular Southwest Farmers’

Market on Saturdays and a Night Market several times a month. Brookfield is committed to maintaining these interim uses until construction commences, Shiker said. Moreover, plans for the two parcels are staggered with 375 M St. SW being the first in line. Brookfield Vice President Augustus Haney committed to notifying in advance both vendors of any commencement in development.

The extension will support the continuation of public space at 425, stated Chair Kramer. Commissioner Pawley voiced support as well.

“It would be great to hear the continuing commitment by Brookfield,” stated Commissioner Link.

“Brookfield is focused 100% on getting this project moving forward,” Haney replied. Due to adverse market conditions, the company is not contemplating selling the parcels, he added.

Commission voted to support the extension. Commissioner Fast recused herself due to her position on the Southwest Community Center board. Commissioner Rohmer abstained.

Other Matters

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD(Captain Kevin Harding briefed the commission on the public safety. Officers are very concerned about the increasing unlawful discharge of weapons in Navy Yard and SW. The incidents have generated dozens of shell casings. Police have doubled their deployment around Greenleaf Recreation Center to combat the issue.

Commissioner Link provided an update on the Jair Lynch development at 899 Maine Ave. SW. The zoning order has been issued, he stated. He is working with Commissioner Fast on a motion for reconsideration. They are arguing that the “balance test” has not been met particularly on affordable housing.

The DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is right-sizing its public housing units in response to an audit by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The HUD study compared the number of bedrooms to number of unit residents. Commissioners expressed concerns about public housing residents suffering displacement. The commission voted to send DCHA a letter requesting a pause in the practice.

Commissioner Pawley appointed Stephanie Eicher to the Alcohol Beverage Committed. Rohmer appointed James Yan.

ANC voted to oppose any change in the ground floor use at 1550 First St. SW. The developer is not fulfilling the zoning order which had requirements for neighborhood serving retail, commissioners observed.

ANC resolved to ask DC Dept. of Energy and the Environment to conduct an air quality test of particular matter on Buzzard Point in relation to operations at Vulcan Concrete.

The commission voted to:

• support the Paul Taylor Summer in Lansburg Park on Aug. 26;

• support Southwest Garden 10th Anniversary event on July 29;

• urge WMATA to reconsider the elimination of the 74 Bus;

• approve a Cooperative Agreement with Makers Union, 664 Maine Ave. SW;

• protest on the base of peace, order and quiet for Kinfolk Southern Kitchen, 685 absent a signed community agreement

ANC 6D meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. The next meeting is July 17, 2023. For more information\, visit www. anc6d.org.