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I was returning to our neighborhood one evening and noticed that the right lane on Mass. Avenue was completely blocked due to someone valet parking at Budha Bar. Two questions: 1) Why can't they do this on Eye instead of Mass Ave? 2) Which represantative should I contact to file a complaint?
Comments
I am aware of several issues with regard to Buddha Bar, including the Valet stand as well as a pending application for 65 outdoor seats on Mass. Ave that caused me some great noise concerns being a resident directly across the street. The noise is already an issue just from the valet stand and people hanging out in the area. From my understanding, the seating application would allow outdoor use until closing time, even during the week.
I have filed a complaint with the ANC as well as with the Department of Transportation. I received a quick response from one of the ANC Commissioners, Charley Docter. I recommend you contact him right away and voice your concerns. His email is charleydocter@yahoo.com. There is an ANC subcommittee meeting on the outdoor seating issue on Monday June 7 at 7p.m. at the Cosmopolitan Condo at 715 6th Street, N.W. and a full ANC meeting on Wednesday June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave., NE when the recommendation of the Transportation Committee on the Buddha Bar application will be considered. I urge everyone that is concerned to contact Mr. Docter and attend the meetings. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at sslomovitz@yahoo.com.
Posted By Seth Slomovitz / At 6/3/10 9:24 AM
I have filed a complaint with the ANC as well as with the Department of Transportation. I received a quick response from one of the ANC Commissioners, Charley Docter. I recommend you contact him right away and voice your concerns. His email is charleydocter@yahoo.com. There is an ANC subcommittee meeting on the outdoor seating issue on Monday June 7 at 7p.m. at the Cosmopolitan Condo at 715 6th Street, N.W. and a full ANC meeting on Wednesday June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave., NE when the recommendation of the Transportation Committee on the Buddha Bar application will be considered. I urge everyone that is concerned to contact Mr. Docter and attend the meetings. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at sslomovitz@yahoo.com.
Posted By Seth Slomovitz / At 6/3/10 9:24 AM
How unfortunate.
I have been gone nearly two months, thinking the whole concept of THE BUDDHA BAR had been scrapped -- finally. Now upon my return I discover the bar has opened -- and turned out to be a less than savory neighbor.
I'm a longterm DC resident, an active Buddhist, and on the boards of several local Buddhist groups.
We are less than happy with the name of the establishment.
Think for a moment: The owners probably didn't even bother considering a number of other objectionable names: ALLAH'S WINE SHOP? JESUS CHRIST DRINKS HERE? THE DRUNKEN JEW?
But they presume that the Buddhist community will tolerate such senseless and thoughtless abuse? And located as they are in the heart of the only neighborhood in our city that arguably might be considered 'Buddhist'.
We will begin to work with them on changing the name of their undertaking -- and show them how to be better neighbors at the same time, I hope.
Patrick Hamilton
Posted By Patrick Hamilton / At 6/6/10 3:00 AM
I have been gone nearly two months, thinking the whole concept of THE BUDDHA BAR had been scrapped -- finally. Now upon my return I discover the bar has opened -- and turned out to be a less than savory neighbor.
I'm a longterm DC resident, an active Buddhist, and on the boards of several local Buddhist groups.
We are less than happy with the name of the establishment.
Think for a moment: The owners probably didn't even bother considering a number of other objectionable names: ALLAH'S WINE SHOP? JESUS CHRIST DRINKS HERE? THE DRUNKEN JEW?
But they presume that the Buddhist community will tolerate such senseless and thoughtless abuse? And located as they are in the heart of the only neighborhood in our city that arguably might be considered 'Buddhist'.
We will begin to work with them on changing the name of their undertaking -- and show them how to be better neighbors at the same time, I hope.
Patrick Hamilton
Posted By Patrick Hamilton / At 6/6/10 3:00 AM
Buddha Bar is a very respectable and highly-sought after establishment for DC. Valet parking and outdoor seating are necessary for any establishment to survive. I would encourage anybody who has issues with valet parking to voice their concerns with their local ANC to demand better transportation options for a city that is only going to grow in density. Better transportation will reduce the need for many to drive to establishments in our neighborhoods. Outdoor dining space noise can be controlled through voluntary agreements regarding hours, etc. that any respectable restaurant/bar will agree to. Demanding unrealistic expectations on these businesses will only cause them to eventually close and we will stuck with empty storefronts and buildings once again. There are many of us who have moved into the city to feel a sense of a city life. Noise and traffic are expected and while we can demand certain rules to be followed to ensure we can live above or near these establishments and maintain a balanced life, we do need to realize that this is a city and there is going to be some noise. If peace and quiet is what you want, there are suburbs with great housing as well.
Posted By Scott Kelly / At 6/7/10 8:35 AM
Posted By Scott Kelly / At 6/7/10 8:35 AM
I am not sure that valet parking two blocks from a metro is necessary for an establishment to survive or if offered, that it has to be directly on Mass. Ave. Based on a comment I saw on the MVTriangle.com site, the police may agree. Regardless, I mentioned the valet issues at the ANC Transportation Committee meeting yesterday; however that was not the purpose of yesterday's meeting. Nobody else showed up except a Buddha Bar rep. If anyone has issues like I did, complain to someone who can actually do something about it.
Based on the meeting yesterday, Buddha Bar has agreed to limit the outdoor space to 11pm on weekdays, not keep a hostess stand outside, and have umbrellas or canopies to try to limit noise to the residents across the street.
Posted By Seth Slomovitz / At 6/8/10 6:42 AM
Based on the meeting yesterday, Buddha Bar has agreed to limit the outdoor space to 11pm on weekdays, not keep a hostess stand outside, and have umbrellas or canopies to try to limit noise to the residents across the street.
Posted By Seth Slomovitz / At 6/8/10 6:42 AM
