Monthly Archives: November 2020

The Week Ahead…and Closure on Archibald Walk Tree Mansion Saga

The Week Ahead…

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 29, 2020

Tuesday, December 1

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda: 

  • 514 Archibald Walk SE.  Historic Preservation Application.  Revised concept for a one story rooftop addition to existing garage
  • 413 8th Street SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application.  Special exception allowing fast food use at 413 8th Street, SE, (Chipotle). 
  • 741 12th Street, SE.  Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition and an accessory building in the rear of an existing attached principal dwelling.
  • Consideration of a Text Amendment the Zoning Code to increase height and reduce alley setback for accessory buildings All SMDs; Representative: Elisa Vitale (DCOZ). 
  • Boys and Girls Club Update

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:

https://anc6b.org/event/planning-zoning-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting/?instance_id=34

ANC6C Committee on Environment, Parks, and Events Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda:

  • Stacie West from NoMa Parks Foundation will discuss two parks projects:
    Intersection of NY Ave and FL Ave NE: New greenspaces will be added to the intersection of Florida
    Ave and New York Ave NE (a.k.a. Dave Thomas Circle). NoMa Parks will update our Committee on the
    latest design plans.
  • Swampoodle II: NoMa Parks will present a proposed schedule for designing and building a park at therecently acquired site located on the 200 block of L St NE (across from the existing Swampoodle Park).

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Wednesday, December 2

ANC6B Transportation Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • DDOT Presentation on the 65% Design for Penn/Potomac Avenue SE Intersection Project.
  • DDOT Presentation on New Study on Eastbound Exit Ramp at 695 & 11th Street SE with Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements.

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:

https://anc6b.org/event/transportation-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting/?instance_id=36

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • 622 Eye Street, NE. Further revised application of VBS Community Builders LLC, for a special exception to convert an existing residential building into a five-unit apartment house and for variance relief from the 900-square-foot/unit lot area requirements.
  • Public hearing.  Zoning Commission hearing on proposed zoning regulation amendments to clarify the rules for accessory buildings. Hearing date: Dec. 21, 2020.
  • Public hearing.  Zoning Commission hearing on proposed zoning regulation amendments to clarify the conforming-use status of lawfully constructed apartment houses in the ANC 6C Transportation and Public Space Committee, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 7:00 pm.

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

Thursday, December 3

ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Agenda: 

  • Harris Teeter, 1350 Potomac Avenue, SE. Renewal of Class B Retail-Full Service Grocery.

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:

https://anc6b.org/event/alcohol-beverage-control-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting/?instance_id=37

ANC 6C Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Among items on the draft agenda:

  • Ethiopic Enclosed Café, 401 H Street, NE.  Public space occupancy permit application at Ethiopic at 401 H Street NE to convert the existing 510 sq. ft. sidewalk cafe (which faces 4th Street NE) into an enclosed cafe.  Submitted plans indicate a total of 11 tables, or 21 seats total. Enclosures will be roll up vinyl.
  • Boiling Crab Sidewalk Café, 400 H Street, NE.  New application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at the Boiling Crab at 400 H Street NE.  The proposed 1,073 sq. ft. cafe will face 4th Street NE. Submitted plans indicate a total of 16 tables, or 48 seats total. Other elements include string lights and railings.
  • Yotel/ Art & Soul Sidewalk Café, 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW.  New application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at Yotel/ Art & Soul at 415 New Jersey Avenue NW. The proposed 1,904 sq. ft. cafe will face New Jersey Ave NW. Submitted plans indicate a total of 21 tables, or 78 seats total. Other elements include umbrellas and fencing.

For information on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/

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Car Crashes into Lincoln Park Memorial Early Thanksgiving Morning

Car Crashes into Lincoln Park Memorial Early Thanksgiving Morning

by Larry Janezich

An early Thanksgiving morning car crash in Lincoln Park injured two and damaged the base of the park’s controversial Emancipation Memorial.  Last summer, the National Park Service erected barriers and fences around statue which was reportedly the target of a group opposed to the memorial’s depiction of Lincoln standing over a freed slave.  It’s unclear whether the crash was related to that incident. The WTOP Traffic Center first reported the crash at 5:40am. 

Sarah Cochran, nearby neighbor and frequenter of the park captured the above images and said she was told by others in the early morning crowd which had collected that the car was found on its left side, almost against the statue.   One person was trapped and extricated by the DC Fire and Emergency Services, and taken to the hospital with serious injuries.  Another person was found wandering in the park and transported with minor injuries.

One explanation offered was that the car was travelling fast headed south on 12th Street when the driver mistook the sidewalk in the park as a continuation of the street.  That means, however, that the car would likely have hit the curb on the south side of the park before continuing into the park, lending credibility to the possibility that the crash was deliberate.   Park Police were said to have stated the occupants claimed to be evading someone trying to rob them.  The car reportedly had expired VA temp tags. 

The base of the statue was chipped and damaged but the statue itself did not appear to be harmed. 

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Mayor Bowser Announces New COVID Restrictions

Mayor Bowser Announces New COVID Restrictions

by Larry Janezich

 Posted Monday, November 23, 2020

Mayor Bowser, responding to an increasing number of COVID infections in the city and the nationwide surge in the number of cases, today announced new restrictions in an attempt to flatten the curve and reduce the need for hospitalizations. 

Starting Wednesday, November 25:

Restaurants may stay open until midnight, but alcohol sales, service, and consumption (excluding carry-out and delivery) must end at 10:00 p.m. [Effective Monday, December 14, The maximum indoor capacity of restaurants is reduced from 50% to 25%.]

Indoor gatherings may not exceed ten people.  This applies to indoor home gatherings as well as any indoor gathering that is not subject to other rules (e.g. restaurants and houses of worship).

The number of people inside houses of worship indoors at any one time is reduced from 100 people to 50 people.  Maximum allowable capacity is reduced from 50% to 25%.  The lower of these two numbers is the maximum capacity at any one time indoors for houses of worship. Virtual services, rather than in-person services, continue to be encouraged.

The limit for outdoor gatherings is reduced from 50 to 25 people.

Non-essential, non-retail businesses are strongly encouraged to continue telework. 

Gyms, private trainers, and other businesses and recreation centers must suspend all indoor group exercise classes and all outdoor group exercise classes of 25 or more people. [A Mayor’s Order and guidance on sports and recreation will be forthcoming.]

The live entertainment pilot is temporarily suspended.  Entities previously granted a waiver for the live entertainment pilot will be contacted about their ability to proceed with acts or performances that have already been booked.

 

 

 

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The Week Ahead…& Photos from the Past Week + Expanded COVID Testing

Expanded COVID Testing Starts Monday. 

All testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. 

Starting Monday, COVID testing will be expanded.  For Capitol Hill and nearby, testing will be available MONDAY – FRIDAY, 2:30pm 7:30pm, at a new location at Nationals Park – Geico Garage, South Capitol Street, SE and N Street, SE. 

The Engine 8 testing site at 1520 C Street, SE, will be in operation Tuesday, 2:30pm – 7:30pm; Saturday, 12:00noon – 4:00pm, and Sunday, 12:00noon – 4:00pm. 

For more information, go here:  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

The Week Ahead…& Photos from the Past Week + Expanded COVID Testing

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, November 24

ANC6A’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

For information on how to join the meeting, go here and scroll down to the ABL Committee: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Discussion of application by Bella Market LLC, t/a Economy Market at 1804 D Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail License.

Discussion of application by The Cupboard at 1504 East Capitol Street, NE, for renewal of its Class B Retail License.

Discussion of application by H Street Beverage Warehouse at 1431-1433 H Street, NE, for a Class A Retail License.

Discussion of application by Amazon Retail at 801 H Street, NE for a Class B Retail License with Tasting Permit.

Discussion of possible modifications to template settlement agreement

ANC6B Executive Committee holds a virtual meeting at 7:00pm, to set the agenda for the Commission’s December meeting. 

For information on how to join the meeting, got here:  https://anc6b.org/event/executive-committee-meeting-temporary-webex-virtual-meeting-2/?instance_id=39

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Capitol Hill Art League Winners Circle Exhibit at Frame of Mine Thru December 9

Capitol Hill Art League Winners Circle Exhibit at Frame of Mine Thru December 9

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 19, 2020

Capitol Hill Art League Winners Circle has an on-going live gallery exhibit featuring Capitol Hill Art League members.

Once a year CHAL awards their members who won awards in previous exhibits their own group show called Winners Circle. This show features all mediums of art and each artist selects one work to display. All of the art work is framed and will be featured online, for sale, and in the gallery.

Featuring: Louise Holland, Kim DiDonato-Murrell, Linda Norton, Karen Cohen, J Jaffery, Judy Searles Ken Bachman, Nan Raphael, Deb Furey, Erika Rubel, Rindy O’Brien, Tamora Ilasat, Mike McSorley, and Jane Mann.

Location: Frame of Mine Gallery, 545 8th St SE, Washington DC

Now thru December 9, 2020

Frame of Mine and Capitol Hill Art League feature the artwork on their websites.

https://www.caphillartleague.org/

https://www.facebook.com/frameofminedc/

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Artwork Selected for Eastern Market Metro Plaza

Artwork Selected for Eastern Market Metro Plaza

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 18, 2020

This afternoon, Diego Garcia, Project Manager for Eastern Market Metro Plaza renovation issued the following statement:  “I’m pleased to announce that after the final round of voting, the winning artist for the Eastern Market Metro Park artwork installation is Jay Coleman with his concept submission of two hands making a heart.

In terms of next steps, DGS will be working to contractually bring Jay Coleman on board. From there, DGS will work with Jay to develop a design schedule that will incorporate opportunities for DGS, DPR, and the EMMPAT to provide feedback at different intervals in the design. 

I’m looking forward to working with everyone on this art work and delivering a final product that the Capitol Hill community will be proud of!” 

Members of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Advisory Taskforce went through several rounds of voting, leading to the final sellection.

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The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Past Week

The Week Ahead…and Some Photos from the Past Week

Monday, November 16

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Go here to join the meeting:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtualmeeting/

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety Report with Captain Donough and Lt. Dorigan

Presentations:

  • SW Community Center: Andrea Lindemann, Ashton Rohmen, Michelle LaFrance, Rachel Locke
  • DCRA Q&A – Anthony Diallo

Letter to Attorney General re monopolies.

Follow up letter on COVID testing site in SW.

Follow up letter re Toll Bros. Loading dock issue.

Alcohol Beverage Control

  • Boomerang Boats, 1300 Maine Avenue, SW. Cooperative Agreement.
  • Hilton Noll Mall, 480 L’Enfant Plaza, SW. Cooperative Agreement.
  • DDOT Update – Andrew DeFrank.

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Go here to join the meeting: https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/TPSA1120.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

Parking issues at Maury Elementary School. DDOT has agreed to locate 8 street parking spaces adjacent to the school on 12th Place NE, to be used by school staff during DCPS work hours via ParkMobile app.  Outside DCPS work hours, the spaces could operate as Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zone or pay-by-cell parking open for use by the public. These spaces are already designated as “no parking during school hours”.  Some concerns noted by residents include:

  • The calculation for the cost for the use of the Parking APP may be incorrect – possibly $648 per year rather than $3,240 per year.
  • Remind DDOT of prior request for ROP on west side of 12th Pl. and RPP from 6 pm – 7 am on east side

Public Space application for Paving: Driveway(s) at 1518 North Carolina Avenue, NE.

Discussion of whether to create a coordinated list of ANC 6A paving priorities (per PaveDC) and, if so, how should the list be developed.

ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

Go here to join the meeting:  https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/COCA1120.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

Community Leader Award – Fernanda Zavaleta

Wednesday, November 18

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Go here to join the meeting:   https://anc6a.org/wp-content/uploads/EDZA1120.pdf

Among items on the draft agenda:

903 11th Street, NE.  Application for special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing principal dwelling unit.

114 12th Street, NE.  Application for special exceptions to construct a second-story addition to an existing accessory structure in the rear yard of an existing flat.

1608 East Capitol Street, NE.  Application for a special exception to convert an existing, detached, two-story, carriage house to a principal dwelling unit.

240 11th Street, NE.  Historic Preservation Application – concept for a third story roof addition and three-story rear addition.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

Info on joining the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82929033633?pwd=cFRsVlRwRFg3MzFTd1kvdE5qbisvUT09

Meeting ID: 829 2903 3633

Passcode: 656547

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,82929033633#,,,,,,0#,,656547# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

Meeting ID: 829 2903 3633

Passcode: 656547

Among items on the draft agenda:

Meeting convened by Stanton EastBanc on plans for C street Plaza.

Eastern Market Strategic Plan study letter.

Report of the Market Manager.

  • Covid restrictions at the Market update
  • Possible return to normal operating hours update
  • Revenue and expenses
  • End of fiscal year
  • HVAC status
  • Status of the conflict resolution proposal
  • Holiday Market plans
  • Signage and banner update

Capital Improvements Report: Capital Budget requests for next budget year. Monte Edwards

Tenant’s Council Report.

Eastern Market Metro Plaza Update.

Capitol Hill Restoration Society Preservation Café will hold a virtual presentation at 6:30pm. 

Lost Farms & Estates of Washington DC.  Lost Farms and Estates of Washington, D.C.  Kim Prothro Williams, Author and Architectural Historian, will be the featured speaker.

Go here before the meeting for information on how to join:  https://chrs.org/lost-farms-estates-preservation-cafe/

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ANC6B Piqued at City Over Gambling, Eastern Market & the Boys and Girls Club

ANC6B Piqued at City Over Gambling, Eastern Market & the Boys and Girls Club

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 11, 2020

ANC6B’s met virtually for 4 and ½ hours last night and there was plenty of grumbling about the short shrift city government gives the community representatives.  Resentments flared on the city council’s failure restrict sports gambling from setting up shop in neighborhood commercial districts, on DGS’s lack of response to community concerns on Eastern Market, and on DMPED’s lack of transparency and response to ANC concerns on development of Reservation 13. 

Handle 19 – Sports Wagering. 

ANC6B voted 6 – 2 – 1 last night to formally protest ABRA issuing a liquor license with a gambling endorsement to Handle 19, the sports book/restaurant that owner Shane August wants to open at 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  The protest was made on the basis of peace, order, and quiet and parking and vehicular/pedestrian safety.

The proposed business is in Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk single member district.  She said proponents and opponents handled the controversy well, and said, “Unfortunately, this is just not the right location (because there are too many close by schools.” 

The proposed hours for Handle 19 are 11:00am until 1:00am, Sunday thru Thursday, and 11:00am until 2:30am Friday and Saturday.  Gambling would have to cease at midnight every night. 

Handle 19’s attorney Ian Thomas said he couldn’t speculate on what would happen if the protest is successful and the liquor license is denied, but could say that Handle 19 doesn’t need an alcohol license to have sports wagering or serve food.  He said the Handle 19 has partnered with a restaurant group that has a number of restaurants throughout the city to run the food and beverage side of the business. 

As the process plays out over the next few months, there is a slim chance that a Settlement Agreement might be reached as the result of ABRA required mediation.  It is also likely that if the protest fails and ABRA grants a liquor license, the agency will impose some operating restrictions on Handle 19 to address community concerns.

Commissioners Kelly Waud and Corey Holman voted against the protest, the former saying she had a hard time seeing how Handle 19 differed from a restaurant, and the latter supporting a settlement agreement noting that although poorly implemented, “it’s the law.”  

Commissioner Steve Holtzman responded, saying the high volume of traffic in and out of Handle 19 would burden an already stressed traffic infrastructure and present a danger associated with conditions that accompany that.

Commissioner Jerry Sroufe said “the City Council didn’t do us any favors, and should have considered where sports betting establishments can occur.”

Eastern Market

ANC6B also took umbrage at the recently released Eastern Market Strategic Study for not specifying the ANC’s a role in the future governance of Eastern Market, voting 8 – 0 – 1 to send a letter to DGS and to Councilmember Charles Allen asserting that the ANC expects to have a significant role in any future governing structure.  Further, the ANC will clarify its expectations once DGS responds to questions submitted to them by the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, which features ANC representation. 

The $300,000 study, commissioned by DEMPED, outlines a process for implementing a recommendation that Eastern Market transition to a joint public/non-profit governing body, but was vague about community representatives who would be participating both in the implementation and ultimately in governing the Market.  One of the questions the ANC wants an answer to – as expressed in the EMCAC letter to DGS referenced above – is a request for details about how members of the implementation committee will be selected. 

Commissioner Chander Jayaraman spoke for most commissioners when he said, “I’m very concerned that the role of the ANC is being marginalized.  We have a greater role to play in the governance of the Market.” He called for setting a marker with a letter to DGS and Allen, expressing the ANC’s concerns.

EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder was on hand to offer reassurances.  She said it was “shocking” that the study team did not consult the ANC during the writing of the report, but that the process of figuring out how to govern Eastern Market would be a long one and would involve writing new legislation, providing plenty of opportunities for the ANC to make its position known. 

Boys and Girls Club

ANC6B frustration at lack of response from DMPED about Reservation 13 boiled over on the issue of the Boys and Girls Club development.  As reported earlier in CHC, economic considerations scuttled developer Joel Kelty’s original plan to redevelop the site, and – with the backing of DMPED – Kelty came up with a new 100% affordable housing project instead of the mixed affordable/market value project originally planned.  But authorization for the original project will time out in the next month or so, and the “term sheet” for disposition of the public land needs to be extended by the city council.  Initially, Commissioner Denise Krepp wanted ANC6B to oppose the extension until DMPED responds to a list of questions on Reservation 13 which she and the ANC6B Hill East Task Force sent to DMPED.  Other commissioners thought it unwise to do anything to impede progress on the Boys and Girls Club. 

Commissioner Corey Holman, Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, suggested a letter to the city council, requesting that the city deny the term sheet change unless DMPED responds in writing no later than Friday, November 20, to ANC6B and community questions on Reservation 13.  The letter also requested any city council consideration of the term sheet change not happen before the council’s scheduled December 1 legislative meeting, to allow possible ANC consideration of the matter.  The motion to send the letter was adopted, 7 – 2 – 0. 

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Folger Park Vets & American Legion Post 8 Undaunted by Rain

Folger Park Vets & American Legion Post 8 Undaunted by Rain

by Larry Janezich

A sparse crowd turned out on a rainy day for the Veterans Day Commemoration in Folger Park this morning, but American Legion Kenneth H. Nash Post Commander Jason Secrest said it was important that the ceremony be held. 

Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen spoke to some 25 residents and neighbors who faced down the weather.  Allen spoke of “service – it takes care of others and puts ourselves last, which is what we see in our community and the leadership of the community.”

Featured speaker NBC4 Investigative Reporter Scott MacFarlane reflected on a phrase on a plaque inside the Post, calling on members to “Inculcate individual obligation….”  MacFarlane said this means being civic minded – community minded – being an example of what we all could be.  He went on to say there has never been a more important time to inculcate individual obligation in our community and our nation.   

American Legion Post 8 hosts this annual Veterans Day event in Folger Park, opposite the Post on the corner of 3rd and D Streets, SE. 

The invocation and benediction were provided by the Reverend Alisa Wailoo, Capitol Hill Methodist Church. 

Jason Secrest, Commander, Kenneth H. Nash American Legion Post 8 presided over the ceremony.  Music was provided by The US Army Brass Quintet.

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ANC6B Poised to Formally Protest Sports Gambling on PA Ave SE

ANC6B Poised to Formally Protest Sports Gambling on PA Ave SE

By Larry Janezich

Driven by staunch opposition from nearby residential neighbors, last Thursday night, ANC6B’s Alcohol Licensing Committee voted 5 – 0 to protest Handle 19’s application for a liquor license with a sports gambling endorsement to operate at 319 PA Ave SE.  The recommendation will go to the full ANC6B (virtual) meeting for a vote Tuesday, November 10.

The full ANC is all but certain to ratify the protest and convey that decision to the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA).  That agency will schedule a hearing to hear from both the ANC and neighbor organizations which have joined the protest as well as from the applicant.  Next, ABRA will schedule a mediation to see if the opposing sides can find common ground and agree to limitations on the operation that would resolve residents’ concerns.  If that fails, ABRA will move forward to a full protest hearing where the matter will be litigated –  involving legal counsel, witnesses, and cross examinations before ruling on the case.    

Applicant and owner of Handle 19 Shane August’s position is that gaming is legal in DC and he has every right to open a gaming business and restaurant. 

Brian Wise, representing some 20 nearby neighbors told the Committee that August had refused to meet with them to discuss their concerns.  One neighbors attending the virtual meeting cited a study demonstrating the decrease in property values and increase in community crime associated with gaming establishments.  ANC6B Commissioner Steve Holtzman said the issue is not about gaming but about the impact of the business model on the neighborhood, particularly the increase in traffic on PA Avenue and demand for parking that the business will generate.  Karen Clay, principal at nearby St. Peter School, said the proposed drinking and gambling venue producing winners and losers will present a danger to school children dismissed at 3:30pm. 

The proposed establishment will seat 60 people but total occupancy would be 199.  Neighbor Joyce Jones pressed August what the 139 patrons who are not dining will be doing.  Handle 19 attorney Ian Thomas said they’d be at the bar.  Jones, replied, “I get it – hanging out.”

Following the 5 – 0 vote to recommend a protest, Chair Brian Ready, a Las Vegas native, asserted that gaming is legal everywhere in Nevada and the quality of life is not worse than in DC.  None the less, he said his constituents overwhelmingly oppose gaming at the proposed location, and as their representative, he would have to vote to protest. 

At the end of the meeting, August said they were steadfast and focused on their game plan and looked forward to being part of the neighborhood.  August then added, almost as an aside, “We’re willing to operate without alcohol.”  The meeting adjourned without discussion of the comment.  Afterward, ABC Committee chair Chander Jayaraman told CHC, “That goes completely contrary to what (Handle 19 attorney) Ian Thomas said they wanted to do, which is to run a restaurant with sports betting as an aside.” 

An issue which has not surfaced in the debate in ANC6B is the potential for other establishments on PA Avenue SE – or new ones – to pursue gaming licenses in order to remain competitive should Handle 19 prove to be successful.  This possibility came up in a discussion of gaming in ANC6C last month.

On October 14, ANC6C discussed games of skill in anticipation of applications for gaming licenses for H Street, NE, establishments.  Commissioner Joel Kelty expressed strong reservations.  He noted that the city council had authorized three forms of gambling:  DC Lottery, games of skill, and games of chance.  He said he was not opposed to gambling but doesn’t want sports betting in H Street bars and restaurants because “licensing gaming establishments will lead to less diversity in retail and more bars and restaurants”.  It would be better located, he said, downtown or in an arts and entertainment district.  In addition, he said he is opposed to the co-existence of alcohol and gambling, and noted that gaming decreases revenue for DC Lottery. 

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