Actions Taken at ANC 2C Meeting, Sept. 6

The ANC recommended that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approve a liquor license application for a new downtown restaurant, Hariette's, on Eleventh in Hotel Harrington. The owner also owns Harry's in same building and an establishment on Capitol Hill. The owner has never had any complaints. The ANC recommended approval of a stipulated license (which takes immediate effect during the placard period, as opposed to an ordinary license which provides for a greater period for community comment) 3-1 with Commissioner Thorpe voting no on the basis of his religious beliefs. [Note: Downtown establishments usually do not receive close scrutiny by ANC's when no residents live around them]

The ANC considered a request for a vegetarian cafe to be located at 5th and O. Salome would serve ethopian food and fruit drinks. The small cafe will seat about 20 (I believe this includes the outside area) and have a staff of 3. The hours will be 7am to 8pm. The ANC unanimously recommended that the Public Space Office approve a public space permit for an outdoor cafe. The ANC also recommended that the Board of Zoning Adjustment approve a change in zoning for the property from residential only to C2A (low density commercial/retail). The cafe does not plan on applying for a liquor license. An adjacent neighbor raised concerns over the location of the dumpster, trash pickup, and potential rodent issues. [Note: a change in zoning of this nature a significant action -- it would be a permanent change meaning that even if the cafe moved or went out of business, another restaurant, corner store, or other retail use could come in as a matter of right. Although the ANC has recommended approval of the change, it is far from certain that the BZA will permit it to go forward].

The ANC unanimously recommended approval of a permit for a Lung Cancer 5k walk. They are expecting 1,500 to 2,500 participants. [Note: This is a standard approval. Since ANC 2C runs down to the National Mall, any of the walks/runs/other special events require ANC sign off].

A representative of project between 6th and 7th Streets and Massachusetts and I Streets. a portion of the property is in the Chinatown historic district. The architechts will be returning to HPRB with an updated design. They are also seeking an alley closing in connection with development. It is an office building, but incorporates two vacant townhouses. It steps down as it approaches I Street. Commissioner Thorpe spoke of the need for developers and others to more closely involve the Chinatown community. After a brief presentation, the ANC delayed voting on the project to apparently provide an additional month for further discussions between the architects and a representative of Chinatown on incorporating Chinese elements into the design. Chairman Thorpe mentioned that the ANC may hold its next meeting in Chinatown.

Zach Dobelbower, the new Ward 2 Planner for the Office of Planning introduced himself. He has been with OP for a year but is new to the Ward 2 position. His contact information is: zach.dobelbower@dc.gov and 202-442-7631.

Announcements: -Windy Rahim from Jack Evans' office announced followup Shaw Anti-Crime Task Force on Sept. 14. Agency heads will be there. -A resident announced that the ACLU having a citywide summit on crime at the Wilson Building on Sept. 18. -MVSNA Vice President Si Kailian invited participants to attend the next MVSNA meeting.

East Central Civic Association President Betty Newell inquired about the potential for a speeding camera at New Jersey and P Street. There has been a problem with speeding and racing in that area, leading to several several serious injuries. Commissioner Thorpe confirmed that a speeding camera is being considered by MPD, but no decision has been made.

During the final portion of the meeting, Commissioner Thorpe sought to refute "defamatory" charges that he has seen on various blogs, the newspaper, as well as my President's Column in the MVSNA newsletter. Several residents strongly supported Chairman Thorpe, arguing that his "vigilante style" has significantly reduced crime around the neighborhood over the past several years. Commissioner Thorpe repeated emphasized the need to not create division, stressing how although he may not see eye-to-eye with people on every issue, he believes in working together.

[Note: During that speech, the Chairman unfortunately shouted down one member of the community (a supporter of his opponent) who attempted to be recognized and told another member of the community who sought to speak that "it would be best if he just listen." Only after one of his supporters suggested that the Commissioner allow the second constituent (who had patiently waited with his arm raised for some time) to speak, was he permitted to do so. That resident, who maintains the 5th and O Blog, noted that he had never posted anything negative about Commissioner Thorpe but that the blog allowed others to express their opinions and promoted community discussion. Commission Thorpe rejected the resident's portrayal of the blog as promoting free speech, instead comparing it to distributing crack. Finally, the Chairman noted that he uses his own funds to copy meeting announcements and therefore he feels justified in only providing them to people he likes (Question: where have the thousands of taxpayer dollars allocated annually to ANC gone?)]