Commuters will have extra incentive to bike to work on Friday as pit stops with free food, drinks and T-shirts will pop up across Ward 6 for Bike to Work Day.
Bike commuters will be able to grab free refreshments at 83 different pit stops across the area. In the Capitol Hill area, pit stops will be located near the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station, near the Eastern Market Metro station and at Canal Park in Navy Yard.
The event this Friday is free, but bicyclists must register online to receive a free T-shirt. Those who register will also be eligible to receive one of several bicycles that will be raffled off.
The NoMa pit stop will be open from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. while the Eastern Market and Navy Yard locations will open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 a.m.
Neighbors Raise Concerns About Homeless Shelter Planned in Southwest — Documents obtained by the Washington Post raise questions about Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plan to build a homeless shelter next to the Blind Whino event space. [Washington Post]
Man Accused of Killing American University Alumnus on Metro Train in NoMa Offered Plea Bargain — Jasper Spires, the 19-year-old man who is charged with killing American University alumnus Kevin Sutherland in July 2015 was offered a 30-year sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. [FOX 5]
How a Man With a History of Crime Slipped Through the Cracks of the D.C. Justice System — Antwon Durrell Pitt, a man accused of raping a woman in her Hill East home in October, had an extensive criminal record and violated the terms of his release from prison, but the District justice system failed to prevent him from striking again. [Washington Post]
Plans for Summer Camp Themed Bar Near Union Market Cancelled — Sloppy Joes, sugary cereals and booze will no longer come together after plans for a summer camp-themed bar near Union Market were cancelled by the property owner. [Washington City Paper]
Peruvian Restaurant in NoMa Reopened After Closing Due to Vermin Infestation — Chicken Rico Peruvian restaurant in NoMa reopened on Thursday after briefly closing after a District food safety and hygiene inspector reported a significant pest problem. [Hill Now]
Department of Energy and Environment Plans to Test Ward 6 Students for Lead Exposure — The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment is planning to send mobile units to test Ward 6 elementary students for lead exposure today and May 4 in response to reports last week of elevated lead levels in the water at several schools. [Hill Rag]
NoMa Bank Robbery Suspect Allegedly Hit Same Bank Twice on Consecutive Days — The FBI said that Tyrone Edward Wright, who allegedly robbed three banks in two days in NoMa last week, got the same teller during two hold-ups of the Premier Bank on the 1100 block of 1st Street NE. [Washington Post]
Tunnel Connecting Eastern NoMa to Metro Could Cost up to $23 Million — The proposed pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad tracks that sit between the east side of NoMa and the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station could cost between $16 million and $23 million. The project will likely be funded by a partnership between NoMa businesses and the D.C. government, not WMATA. [Washington Business Journal]
Developer Files Application to Demolish Navy Yard McDonald’s — RCP Development, the complany planning a 380-unit apartment building at South Capitol and I streets SE has filed an application to raze the McDonald’s currently on the corner. [JDLand]
Metro Transit Police Investigating Thursday Attack on Red Line Metro Train — Metro is investigating after a man reported that he was attacked by a group of teenagers on a Red Line Metro train Thursday afternoon. The group of teens reportedly boarded the train at the NoMa-Gallaudet University station about 4:30 p.m. and harassed several passengers. [Washington Post, Washington City Paper]
Southwest Residents Raise Concerns About Buzzard Point Development — As development brings more people to Buzzard Point, residents want to make sure that the area is prepared with transit options and public spaces. [Hill Rag]
Monthly Capitol Hill Area ANC Meeting Roundup — Hill Rag takes a look at what happened last month with Capitol Hill area ANCs, including 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. [Hill Rag]
A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with an assault aboard a Red Line Metro train that left one man with a concussion and a broken jaw.
The attack happened between Union Station and the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station on a rush-hour Red Line train on Dec. 21. About 5:30 p.m., a group of youths attacked a man on the train after he refused to give them his bag.
Metro Transit Police said in a press release yesterday that a 17-year-old Southeast, D.C. resident was arrested earlier this month. The boy was stopped at the Gallery Place-Chinatown station on Jan. 9. At the time of his arrest, the boy was carrying a BB gun.
Transit Police did not release the name of the suspect because he is not yet 18. Earlier this month, Transit Police released photos of six youths they believed were connected to the assault.
Metro Transit Police released photos of six youths that they believe are connected to an attack aboard a Red Line train that left a man with a broken jaw and a concussion.
The attack happened between Union Station and the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station on a rush-hour Red Line train on Dec. 21. About 5:30 p.m., a group of youths attacked a man on the train after he refused to give them his bag.
The youth were able to evade police at the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station.
Last night, Metro Transit Police released photos of six people they believe are connected to the attack.
Anyone who is able to identify the individuals pictured is asked to call Metro Transit Police Detectives at (202) 962-2121 and reference case #2015-61461. Tips also can be sent via text message to “MyMTPD” (696873).
A man suffered a concussion and a broken jaw after being attacked by a group of youth while riding a Red Line Metro train between Union Station and NoMa-Gallaudet University, the Washington Post reported.
The attack happened about 5:30 p.m. as the train was between the station. According to witness accounts, a group of youth attacked the man on the train after he refused to give them his bag. The youth were able to evade police at the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station and Metro police are currently investigating to track down the suspects.
According to another passenger who spoke to the Washington Post, the youth punched the man for about 30 seconds before he passed out. The victim’s wife said he received a concussion and a broken jaw in the attack.
A man was robbed at gunpoint yesterday morning on the 1000 block of K Street NE.
The robbery occurred about 9:45 a.m., according to police. A man man was walking on K Street NE when two people approached him. One of the men pulled out a gun and demanded money, according to a Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson. When the victim said he didn’t have any money, the other man removed the victim’s belongings from his pocket.
Both men fled south on 10th Street NE. Police are investigating the case but have not released a description of the suspects.
There was also a robbery last night near the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station. The robbery occurred about 1:30 a.m. last night on the 200 block of Florida Avenue NE. Police stopped the suspect shortly after the robbery and placed him under arrest.
(Updated at 1:55 p.m.) NoMa residents may soon be able to enjoy Korean rice bowls and “korritos”–burritos wrapped in seaweed instead of tortillas–just steps from the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro Station.
The owner of Korean restaurant SeoulSpice announced in a press release today that he plans to open the eatery in the last week of January at 145 N Street NE. The restaurant is part of the Two Constitution Square office development, which is mostly occupied by Department of Justice offices.
SeoulSpice will offer made-to-order service, allowing customers to build their own rice bowls, “korritos,” tacos and salads with their choice of Korean-inspired ingredients. Eric Shin, the restaurant’s owner and founder said in a statement that the menu is inspired by Korean comfort food.
“I take traditional recipes that have been handed down from many generations in my family and add a spin from modern American cuisine,” he said. “Our goal is to present Korean food in an accessible way, preserving the authentic and vibrant flavors of the Korean cuisine.”
The eatery’s menu includes beef, chicken, spicy pork and tofu with toppings like kimchi, bean sprouts and Korean radishes. All of the food is gluten free, according to the restaurant’s website.
The restaurant will also serve Asian soft drinks, house-made juices and alcoholic beverages, including Korean soju, Japanese saki and local beer from Atlas Brewing Company. Shin plans to keep the restaurant open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Update: This story initially said that Two Constitution Square is the future home of the Department of Justice. In fact, Two Constitution Square currently houses Justice Department offices and the Department of Justice will expand into Three Constitution Square in the future. The post has been updated to reflect that correction.
Photo via Facebook/ SeoulSpice
New Capitol Hill Citizens Group Stresses Open Communication With Law Enforcement at First Meeting — The new group Citizens for a Safe Capitol Hill held their first meeting on Sunday and brainstormed ways that the group can most effectively deliver their concerns about crime to authorities. [Capitol Hill Corner]
Rosedale Community Center Seeking Volunteers and DOnations for Annual Safe Haven Halloween Celebration — The Rosedale Community Center will host a Safe Haven Halloween celebration Saturday afternoon but still need volunteers to help out. [Frozen Tropics]
Southwest Housing Community Designated a Historic Landmark — St. James Mutual Homes, a community of 16 multifamily buildings on the 200 block o0f O Street and P Street SW, were designated historical landmarks after nearly 80 years as moderate-income housing. [SWTLQTC]
Pullman Place Condos to Begin Construction Near NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station — Pullman Place, a new 42-unit condo building at 911 2nd St. NE, is set to begin construction shortly with plans to be complete by fall 2016. [District Source]
Suspicious Package in NoMa Not Hazardous — An envelope with a white substance and note found in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 131 M St. NE yesterday wasn’t hazardous, hazmat crews determined after an investigation that temporarily closed the 100 block of M Street NE. [WUSA9]
Department of Justice Plans to Move Offices to NoMa — The U.S. Department of Justice has signed a 15-year lease to relocate its offices to the Constitution Square office development near the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station. [Washington Business Journal]
Post Food Critic: Sally’s Middle Name Shines on Seasonal Dishes, Not Service — Washington Post restaurant reviewer Tom Sietsema gave H Street NE eatery Sally’s Middle Name rave reviews on its seasonal dishes. But he said the service left something to be desired. [Washington Post]
Families Relocated from D.C. General Complain About New Housing — Several of the nearly 1,000 families who have been moved from D.C. General homeless shelter to permanent housing complain of mold, rats and roaches in their new apartments. [NBC Washington]
Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing at NoMa Metro Station Ruled Competent for Trial — Jasper Spires, the 18-year-old charged in the July 4 fatal stabbing of a Metro passenger at the NoMa-Gallaudet University station, was determined to be mentally competent to stand trial. [Washington Post]
Hill East Eatery Curbside Cafe to Close, Pretzel Bakery to Expand — Curbside Cafe at 257 15th St. SE will close at the end of the month and nearby bakery The Pretzel Bakery will move into the space, allowing it to have sit-down dining indoors. [Capitol Hill Corner]
Restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier Walks Away from The Wharf — Robert Wiedmaier, the owner and operator of 11 area restaurants who was in talks to open a restaurant at The Wharf, has pulled out of talks to open at the Southwest development. [Washington Business Journal]
New Renderings Show D.C. Water’s Planned Southwest Headquarters in Detail — Ahead of an Oct. 26 Zoning Commission hearing, D.C. Water has released additional renderings of its curvy, green-glass headquarters planned for Southwest. [JD Land]
Hill Now periodically publishes profiles of locals — from longtime residents to newcomers, from government officials to ordinary folks. Know someone we should feature? Email us at [email protected].
Trumpet music has become a familiar sound to residents near the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station. They’ve heard “Amazing Grace,” “Military Taps,” “When The Saints Go Marching In” and a slew of other traditional American tunes.
The morning accompaniment is courtesy of Melvin Simpson.
He plays a pTrumpet, a brand of plastic trumpet that offers musicians a less expensive alternative to a heavy, brass instrument. This is critical for Simpson, who is homeless.
“I just try to entertain so I can make it through my day until I can find a regular job,” he said. “I needed to do something to bring in some income, so I just play my trumpet.”
Simpson grew up in Southeast D.C. and attended Eastern High School. At the school, he played baritone horn and trombone in the marching band, but hasn’t had any other formal musical training.
He taught himself how to play the trumpet, and all the songs he knows, he learned by ear.
The trumpet was a gift he received after he spent a week or so whistling popular tunes around the block. One day, a local couple approached him.
“I had just met them, and we started talking about my past and what I did,” Simpson said. “We talked a lot about instruments. I told them I was looking to get back into it but didn’t have the money for it. So the woman found this trumpet online for the right price and said she’d foot the bill.”
The instrument came at a small price to Simpson: Play “Happy Birthday” for the woman on her birthday.
“I’m just happy I was able to provide,” he said. “It was such a small task for what they did for me.”
Simpson did not identify the woman who purchased the trumpet.
When he’s not performing, Simpson spends his time at a nearby homeless shelter, where he said he has received a lot of support.
“They’re actually pretty surprised that someone’s actually doing something, but they see the initiative I’m taking,” Simpson said. “It’s hard, but I keep a positive attitude.”
After working on his repertoire around NoMa, Simpson plans to branch out to play at more locations, like Union Station. For now, he said he’s happy to do so while he waits on a Social Security card and can continue the job hunt.
“You could be going through something bad and hearing a song can just lighten up your whole day,” he said. “Music is a just a wonderful thing that speaks to the soul. It’s something this place lacks.”
D.C. Olympics Supporters Eye Future Events, Including 2028 Olympics — Washington 2024, the group that unsuccessfully vied to make D.C. the host of the 2024 Olympics, hopes to bring similar international events to the Capitol Hill area, including a possible bid to host the 2028 Olympics. [Washington Business Journal]
Tickets Available for Yoga in the Outfield — Residents can work off the stress of the Nationals’ disappearing playoff chances with Yoga in the Outfield at Nationals Park after the Nationals play the Phillies on Sept. 27. [The Hill is Home]
Developers Plan Another Large Mixed-Use Building for NoMa — Developers Trammell Crow are planning for apartments, condos, retail and a hotel at a 2.5 acre plot near the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station. [Washington Business Journal]
Southwest Waterfront Houseboats to Open for Visitors — Several houseboat owners at the Gangplank Marina in Southwest will open their floating homes to visitors during a ticketed tour in October. [The Southwester]
Eight-Story Building Planned for Triangular Plot Near NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station — A team of developers applied to turn a small, triangular lot at the intersection of Florida Avenue NE and 3rd Street NE into an eight-story retail and residential building. [Washington Business Journal]
Employee Assaulted by Customer at Hookah Bar on H Street corridor — An argument between a customer and employee yesterday at a hookah bar on the 1200 block of H Street NE turned violent when the customer hit the employee with a drinking glass. [Frozen Tropics]
Virginia Avenue Tunnel Reconstruction Making Progress, Shifting Traffic — JDLand surveys the progress of the Virginia Avenue SE tunnel reconstruction project, which has closed lanes and sidewalks near Navy Yard. [JDLand]
Unfounded Reports of Smoke Closed Capitol South Metro Station Yesterday — Metro’s Orange, Blue and Silver lines experienced delays yesterday evening after the Capitol South station was closed and evacuated at 6:05 p.m. due to reports of smoke. No smoke or fire was found, but the station was closed for about half an hour. [Washington Post]
