Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Charles Allen announces outstanding inaugural Council staff team

Ward 6 Councilmember-Elect Charles Allen Announces Council Staff Appointments
 
Ward 6 Councilmember-Elect Charles Allen takes office on January 2, 2015, and has announced the appointment of his inaugural Council staff.  We know most of the team he's hired and are thrilled to have such a terrific group contributing to the well-being of Ward 6 and the District. 
 
Laura Marks, who served with distinction as Chair of Allen’s Council campaign, will be his Chief of Staff.  Marks previously worked for Democratic political media consulting firm Struble Eichenbaum and Democratic polling firm The Mellman Group.  A graduate of Smith College, she lives on Capitol Hill with her husband and two children.  Marks has long been active in neighborhood activities including the local DC public schools, parks, and pedestrian safety issues.  She was an inspired choice to serve as the campaign's chair and is an outstanding hire to help lead the office.  Look for her to be especially involved in Allen's activities on the Council's Committee on Education among others related to schools, parks, and government facilities.
 
Anne Phelps will serve as Legislative Director. Phelps is an alum of Tommy Wells office and recently served as Committee Director for the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Committee Director for the Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation, and Planning, and General Counsel for the Transportation and Public Works Committee.  Her prior service on the Transportation Committee will be especially helpful to Allen and all of us as he joins the Committee this year.  She holds a JD from Cornell Law School and lives in Ward 6 with her husband and daughter.  She previously served as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner on ANC6C.  She's held is great regard inside the Wilson building and around Ward 6, including here on H Street.  No doubt, she had a number of opportunities available to her and her decision to stay at the Wilson building and to run Allen's legislative operation will help him effect policy far beyond that which might typically be expected of a first term member of the body.  
 
Nichole Opkins was appointed General Counsel.  She most recently served with great effect as a an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner on ANC6B, and was a key player on Allen’s Council campaign where she held the title of Volunteer Coordinator.  Opkins was born in the District and lives in Hill East with her husband and daughter.
 
Jamaal Jordan will serve as the Director of Constituent Services.  He previously served in a similar capacity for At-large Councilmember David A. Catania.  We haven't worked with him previously, but hear great things and his prior experience addressing constituent needs on the Council positions him well to be a great asset to Allen and to Ward 6. 
 
Naomi Mitchell will continuing in her role as Ward 6 Community Liaison following eight years on Councilmember Wells staff.  Mitchell brings an extensive knowledge of various Ward 6 neighborhoods and initiatives.  She is a longtime Ward 6 resident and has been a fixture at community meetings throughout the Ward. 
 
Myisha Atchison will also continue on from Councilmember Wells’ office as Allen’s Scheduler and Administrative Assistant.  Atchison is a thirteen-year veteran of the Council and Allen will be the third Ward 6 Councilmember for whom she has worked.  

“I know first-hand the importance of a strong Council staff and I’m excited to welcome aboard this outstanding team.  They bring a wealth of experience and relationships, both at the Council and in our Ward 6 neighborhoods.  I know this team is as ready as I am to get to work improving our public schools, building age-friendly neighborhoods, helping create and preserve family-based affordable housing, and supporting our small businesses,” said Allen.
 
Allen and his staff will host an Inaugural Open House on Friday, January 2, 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm, at his new Council office, Suite 406 in the John A. Wilson Building.  More information can be found at http://www.charlesallenward6.com/openhouse

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

1115H condos coming online starting in mid $300,000s

Mixed-Use Condos at 1115 H St. Near Completion
Urban Pace Now Selling 16 “Starter” Condos

Construction is nearing completion at 1115 H Street, NE and residents will soon be moving into 16 newly constructed condominium homes there.  Wall Development is nearing completion of  its five-story mixed-use development on the site. Urban Pace is now taking reservations from prospective buyers.


1115H is designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council. Its energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features will include a green roof, triple-glazed windows, wiring for potential electric car charging stations, covered bicycle storage, and a one-year “transit package” for new residents. Square 134 of Washington, DC is the project architect.
“The new condos at 1115H will offer more District residents the opportunity to purchase their own homes in the hip H Street corridor for less than the cost of renting comparably sized apartments in many DC neighborhoods,” said Lynn Hackney, President of Urban Pace. “Living in a green building that’s located in a transit corridor will help residents save money on transportation and utility costs, while they enjoy the shopping, dining, and entertainment options available all along H Street.”
Developer Stan Wall explained that condos are the perfect use for the 16,000 square foot building, which will include have about 3,000 square feet of ground-level retail space.  Homes at 1115H will be priced from the mid $300,000’s.
For more information, visit www.1115H.com 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Toyland After Hours: a night club of holiday spectacular 12/17 @ Rock n Roll Hotel

Toyland After Hours: a night club of holiday spectacular



Rock and Roll Hotel
1353 H St. NE 20002
$10 advance/$12 door


Doors: 8:30pm
Show: 9:00pm

Join toymaker Mab Just Mab as she takes you to Toyland After Hours: A night club of holiday spectacular! Come see what happens once the children are in bed and the toys stretch their legs. What do we have under the tree at Toyland After Hours? Burlesque, Sideshow, Vaudeville and a few surprise for those who are naughty and Nice. Presented by Palace Productions and Buster Britches Stage Show.

Each person who brings an unwrapped toy or/and a non perishable food item gets a special thank you gift.

*This event is 18+*

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Foie La La returns to H Street 12/15-25

FOIE LA LA RETURNS TO H STREET NE

For the second consecutive year, several H Street restaurants are celebrating the holiday season by featuring one of the finer things in life, foie gras. Starting on Monday, December 15, nine restaurants along the H Street corridor will participate in the 2nd annual Foie La La competition by offering a special foie gras dish on their menus through December 25th. Diners can then vote for their favorite online at www.foielala.com.

"There is nothing quite like foie gras when it comes to indulgence," says Chef Brad Walker, co-owner of Boundary Road who came up with the idea for the Foie La La competition. "It's rich, unctuous, forbidden, luxurious, and the most delicious substance on earth. This time of year we celebrate and feast. It's more fun to celebrate with our neighbors."

In addition to Boundary Road, Foie La La participants include Granville Moore’s (1238 H), Ocopa (1320 H), The Big Board (421 H), Le Grenier (504 H), Liberty Tree (1016 H), DC Harvest (517 H), Driftwood Kitchen (400 H) and Micho’s (500 H). The restaurant with the most votes at the end of the friendly competition wins the elusive golden duck trophy and bragging rights up and down H.