Tag Archives: Barracks Row

Commissioners Confer Before Meeting (L-R) Commissioner Campbell, ANC6B Chair Neil Glick, Commissioner Flahaven, Commissioner Green. Foreground: Commissioner Frischberg. Rear: Commissioner Garrison

More ANC6B News

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B Commission Grants Liquor License to DC-3

Patrons who have been grumbling that they need a beer to wash down the premium hot dogs served at DC-3 on Barracks Row will only have to wait a week or two for relief.  ANC6b voted to support DC-3’s application for a license to sell wine and beer by a vote of 8 – 0 with Chairman Neil Glick abstaining.  DC-3 will only serve beer, though the license allows wine.

Fusion Grill To Expand Outdoor Café Into Shakespeare Theater Space

ANC6B approved the addition of 12 tables to Fusion Grill’s outdoor café.  The tables will be located in the space in front of the Shakespeare Rehearsal Theater, adjacent to the restaurant.

Antennas on Hanes Building at 8^th and Pennsylvania Avenue

The Commission requested HPRB to delay consideration of Verizon’s application for installation of 15 telecommunication antennas on the building until June because HPO failed to notify the Commission of the request in time for them to act on it.

Special Call Meeting Likely on New Eastern Market Governing Authority

ANC6b will likely sponsor a special call meeting with Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) to deal with legislation to create a new governing authority for Eastern Market.  Councilmember Tommy Well’s office hoped the new legislation would be available by the end of April, but it appears to be behind schedule.

ANC6B  to Move Offices to Hill Center

The Commission hopes to move its offices into The Hill Center in early July.  ANC Chair Neil Glick has toured the new facility and surveyed the available office space.  The management of the new facility expects to take delivery of the building from the contractor by June 23.

ANC6B Transportation Committee Gets Geared Up

Chair Oldenburg of the new Transportation announced that Commissioner Garrison has agreed to be Vice Chair of the Committee.  The first meeting will be at the Southeast Library on May 31 at a time to be announced.  The second meeting of the committee has been scheduled for June 16, also at the Library.  Oldenburg said that the agenda for the May 31 meeting will be available by May 24.

ANC6b’s ABC Committee Supports Liquor License for Proposed Barracks Row Restaurant – Pacifico

by Barbara Riehle

Pacifico, a new eatery planned for Barracks Row, took another step closer to opening last night when ANC6B’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Committee agreed to recommend supporting a liquor license for the establishment when the full ANC meets next Tuesday. Plans for Pacifico first came under fire from residents adjacent to the 500
block of 8th Street, the area on the Row with the greatest proliferation of restaurants, in December. The neighbors are formally protesting Pacifico’s application for a liquor license from the City’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulatory Agency (ABRA).

Of particular concern to the neighbors are plans for a rooftop garden which will seat 45 patrons. Under the terms of the “voluntary agreement” (VA) proposed by ABC Committee Chair Carol Green, the rooftop garden would have the same operating hours as the inside restaurant – until 1 AM on weeknights and 2 AM Friday and Saturday.

About half a dozen neighbors, Pacifico’s owner Xavier Cervera, and seven ommissioners huddled together in a tiny room above the Children’s Reading room in the Southeast Library last night for the ABC meeting. It was clear that lengthy negotiations, led by Green, between Cervera and residents preceded last night’s action. Sharing the details of the proposed VA, Green noted that the owner agreed to reduce the number of indoor seats from 215 to 140 and on the rooftop from 75 to 45. Additionally, Cervera agreed to enclose four sides of the garden area, as well as air conditioning units neighbors call noisy.

Joseph Shea, a 9th Street neighbor, suggested the hours for the rooftop garden and the sidewalk cafe should be the same. (Sidewalk service at all of Cervera’s 8th Street hot spots ends at 11 PM.) Cervera operates Molly Mallone’s, Lola’s, and the Chesapeake Room and plans to open both Pacifico and Senart’s Oyster House on 8th Street and a wine bar on 7th Street near Eastern Market. In a testy exchange with neighbors, Cervera said, “You’ve gotten much more from me {in terms of concessions} than you have from Nooshi.” (Nooshi is a restaurant planned for the old Chateau Animaux site in the same block as Pacifico.) Neighbors disagreed. Commissioner Dave Garrison injected that he tried to resolve the neighbors’ problems last November when he proposed a freeze on all new liquor licenses in the area, but he noted, there is “virtually no support for that on the commission now.”

On Tuesday, March 8, ANC 6B will take final action on the ABC Committee’s proposed VA. It is expected to be adopted. On April 13, the protest by residents will go before ABRA. If ABRA grants the license, Pacifico is expected to open in about six months.

Two Tracks on Improving Retail Mix on Capitol Hill

by Larry Janezich

CHAMPS Retail Mix Taskforce

ANC6b Chair Neil Glick recently met with representatives of the CHAMPS Retail Mix Taskforce.  Currently, ANC6b is represented on the Taskforce by Commissioners Garrison and Metzger.  Metzger reportedly wants off, and CHAMPS has requested two additional commissioners be added to the effort.

The Taskforce expects to have recommendations by early spring.  ANC6b is considering hosting jointly with Champs, a Special Call meeting in May to hear a presentation on the retail mix recommendations.  Included would be a presentation on an economic survey paid for by Xavier Cervera and conducted by independent urban planning firm, Stover & Associates under the rubric of Barracks Row Main Street.  The survey considers issues of space, attitude of residents, spending power of the demographics.  The goal is to find which businesses will do well on Capitol Hill and attract them.  Cervera delivered hard copies of the survey to ANC6b at the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting on March 2.

ANC6b Retail Mix Taskforce

ANC6b’s Retail Mix Taskforce long-delayed report will be presented to the ANC at the March 8^th meeting.  Some of the recommendations will be delegated to committee and some – especially those concerning ABC – will be scheduled for action by the ANC.  One thing likely to occur at the March meeting is a vote on a motion disavowing a moratorium for Barracks Row.  For official details on the findings of the Taskforce, as reported in January on the emmcablog, see the ANC6b website.

ANC6b Likely to Lawyer Up on 8^th Street Bar and Grill Protest – Barracks Row Restaurant News – ANC Briefs

by Larry Janezich

8^th Street Bar and Grill

On March 23, the Alcohol Beverage Review Administration (ABRA) will hold a protest hearing on the application for a CT (tavern) license for the 8^th Street Bar and Grill, whose prospective owners hope to open in place of Capitol Hill Sporting Goods at 727 8^th Street, SE.  At its November 9, 2010, meeting, ANC 6b voted 10-0 to protest the application for the new tavern license.

The applicants have been muttering about litigation.  ANC6b will likely seek legal assistance to help represent the ANC in support of its protest of the application for the tavern license.  The ABC committee will consider the issue at next Thursday’s meeting.

There is a strong antipathy against new tavern licenses on Barrack Row since a tavern license permits live music, dancing, and late hours.  The application for the 8^th Street Bar and Grill states that the venue would permit dancing and five piece bands, and provide occupancy for up to 66.  Sale of alcoholic beverages would extend until 2:00am Sunday through Thursday and until 3:00am on weekends – entertainment until 12:30am during the week and until 1:30am on weekends.

Pacificos

Both the ANC ABC Committee and the full ANC will review at their next meetings, the voluntary agreement negotiated with Xavier Cervera, the owner of the prospective new Barracks Row restaurant, Pacificos, slated for the space now occupied by Capitol Hill Video.  The voluntary agreement was reportedly negotiated between the ANC ABC Chair Carol Greene and Cervera, after neighbors organized as Capitol Hill United decided to continue their protest against Pacificos withdrawing protests against the liquor licenses for new restaurants Nooshi and Moby Dick. Cervera appeared prepared to take his chances with ABRA despite the protest.  There was a late report that those neighbors protesting the license were meeting Tuesday night.

Senart’s Oyster House

The ANC Planning and Zoning Committee and the full ANC will consider at their next meetings, the public space application by Xavier Cervera for tables and chairs to seat 16 on the sidewalk outside the soon-to-be-opened Senart’s Oyster House.  Cervera and Karl and Carrol Kindle recently donated a large street clock to the Barracks Row streetscape to occupy a position outside the restaurant.

New Wine Bar Across from Eastern Market

Also on the agenda of the Planning and Zoning Committee and the full ANC for their next meeting, is the Historic Preservation Application for a new restaurant planned for the space currently occupied by Le Petite Gourmet, at 424 7^th Street, SE.  Xavier Cervera plans a 40 foot long one story addition that will extend to the alley.  Reportedly, no agreement has yet been reached with the current lease holder for the space, or with Stanton Development, the owner of the building.  The Hill Rag, another Stanton tenant occupying the building’s second floor, will apparently remain.

The ANC ABC Committee meets on March 3, 2011, at 7:00pm at the Southeast Neighborhood Library.

The ANC Planning and Zoning Committee meets March 1, 2011, at 6:30pm at the Caesar Chavez Public Charter school at 714-722 11^th Street, SE.

The full ANC meets March 8, 2011, at 6:30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, 522 7^th Street, SE.

Next up:  Hine Redevelopment and Retail Mix Update

Preliminary Plan for the Bavarian Beer Garden on Lower 8th Street

ANC6b Approves Conceptual Drawing for Lower 8^th Street Beer Garden

Modern/Industrial Design Revealed

by Larry Janezich

ANC6b overrode concerns of some commissioners regarding the proposed building design for the Bavarian Beer Garden at 8^th and L Streets, SE, and approved the concept on a 7-3 vote.  Last month, the ANC approved the establishment’s liquor license.  Owner Mark Broody and architect Matt Battin are shepherding the plan through the Historical Review Process, required because the building site is in the Capitol Hill Historic District.

The vote came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Pate to approve the plan but include a letter to the Historic Preservation Review Board listing concerns identified by commissioners, including safety, inconsistency of the design with the Historic District, and issues of window/door proportionality.

Those voting to approve:  Chair Glick, Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, and Pate.

Those opposed:  Commissioners Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg.

The proposal envisions a one story building holding up to 100 people inside and 200 outside with the roof deck and summer garden.  There will be a four and a half foot retaining wall on top of the building, wood privacy fencing, and rain screening on the sides overlooking 8^th and L Streets.

On February 1, Brody and Battin brought the design before the ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee.  The Committee heard their presentation, but voted to take no position and to refer the matter to the full ANC.  Concerns had been raised at the hearing regarding the design aspects relating to the proposed materials, the open deck, lack of letters of support, the building’s “unfinished appearance,” and lack of views showing how the building related to existing structures in the affected area.

At Tuesday night’s meeting Brody and Battin presented revised plans and drawings, letters of support, and aerial views of the neighborhood.

An early motion by Commissiuoner Oldenburg to object to the proposal to allow the owner time to refine the design in accordance with the issues raised tonight was defeated on 3 – 7 vote.

The delay was strongly opposed by Planning and Zoning Chair Francis Campbell, who said it was “unconscionable” to have had the owner come back with design modifications and letters of approval and then raise objections to the design.  Commissioners Green and Frishberg joined in opposing the motion, the first on grounds that the objections to the design issue were subjective, and the second because the reasons for sending the owner down a path requiring further revisions were not clear.

Those voting to approve the motion to object: Commissioners Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg.

Those opposed:  Chair Glick, Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, and Pate.

The Oldenburg motion was followed by a subsequent motion by Commissioner Norm Metzger, providing that the ANC take no position on the proposal.

That motion was strongly opposed by Commissioner Brian Pate who said he felt it was time to move forward on the issues and that he wanted to see something built south of the freeway which extends our community.

The Metzger motion was defeated on a 4 – 5 – 1 vote.

Those voting to take no position: Commissioners Campbell, Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg.

Those opposed:  Commissioners Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, and Pate.

Abstaining:  Chair Glick

The discussion was divided between those favoring a more cautious approach – which opponents implied was delay for the sake of delay – vs. a “let’s get something done and fix it as we go along.”

Those favoring a cautious approach warned that the ANC was voting on what might be a permanent structure in the Historic District – one whose design “isn’t ready for prime time.”  That view was offset by those who pointed out that the owner would be back before the ANC for an amendment to the liquor license to permit serving alcohol on the roof deck, providing an incentive to address the concerns raised at tonight’s meeting.

Nooshi and Moby Dick Get Go Ahead on Barracks Row from ANC6b

Moratorium Proponents Withdraw Protest

by Larry Janezich

ANC6b Meets on Nooshi/Moby Dick

At Tuesday night’s ANC6b meeting new ABC Committee Chair Carol Green announced that voluntary operating agreements had been reached between Barracks Row neighbors, ANC6b ABC representatives, and the restaurant owners.  Barracks Row neighbors announced this afternoon that are withdrawing their protest against liquor licenses for the two restaurants and will settle for the voluntary agreements, citing the likelihood that the ANC would withdraw their protest against the licenses.  This should clear the way for approval of the license applications by the Alcohol Beverage Regulatory Administration.

Last fall, ANC6b voted to protest the liquor licenses for reasons of peace, order, and quiet; adverse effect on residents’ property values; and over concentration.

Negotiations among the stakeholders resulted in concessions from the restaurateurs:  earlier closing hours (midnight Friday and Saturday and 11:00pm Sunday through Thursday – the outdoor cafe will close nightly at 11:00 pm), a privacy screen will be installed at rear of the roof deck, mechanical elements on the roof will be screened, valet parking will be used, and patrons and employees will be encouraged to use the freeway parking lot.  In addition, the owners also agreed to reduce Nooshi’s capacity by 40 (from 160 to 120) and Moby Dick’s outdoor patio capacity by six.(105 inside and outside to 99 inside and out).

Commissioner Dave Garrison commended Green for reaching an agreement allowing the process to move forward, but stated that he will continue to oppose the license because the total number of patrons, though reduced, is still a problem.  In addition, he said, the over concentration issue has not changed.

Cmmissioner Oldenburg, in contrast, after having earlier opposed the licenses, said she would vote for the voluntary agreements

The voluntary agreements were subsequently approved, 9 – 1.

Those voting for:  Chair Neil Glick, Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, Flahaven, Frishberg, Green, Metzger, Oldenburg and Pate.

Those opposed:  Commissioner Garrison.

The protesting neighbors, organized as The Hill United by Yoonmee Chang, Helene Quick and others, stated that they would continue to protest a liquor license for Pacifico, the new restaurant proposed by Xavier Cervera for the location now occupied by Capitol Videos.

The Deal Goes Down Tonight for Nooshi and Moby Dick

by Larry Janezich

Barracks Row neighbors meet Wednesday night with representatives of the ANC6b and two new proposed restaurants for Barracks Row:  Nooshi and Moby Dick.

Neighbors will hear the details of a proposed Voluntary Agreement, worked out between the owners of the proposed restaurants and ANC representatives.  Neighbors have gone on record saying they will file protests with the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) regarding the restaurants’ application for liquor licenses.  An attorney for the restaurant owners say that if the neighbors won’t agree to accept the terms of the Voluntary Agreement, then the restaurant owners will not sign it.  There is at least some chance that neighbors will go along.

A third restaurant – Pacificos – is attempting to work out a Voluntary Agreement with the ANC, and take its chances that the ABRA will approve the application, despite the neighbor’s protests.

It’s likely that the Voluntary Agreements would be agreed to by the ANC and sent down to ABRA as part of the application package for all three restaurants.

Last fall, ANC6b voted to protest liquor license applications from Nooshi and Moby Dick on the basis of neighborhood opposition and refusal of the restaurants to scale back what the ANC regarded as too large an operation for the site – the building formerly occupied by Chateau-Animaux.  The ANC subsequently protested a liquor license application from Pacificos on the basis that they felt they had to be consistent in opposing new restaurants on the 500 block of 8^th Street, SE.

The newly elected ANC has looked for ways to accommodate the restaurants and address the concerns of the neighbors.