Brian Flahaven

Thanks to a large number of planning and zoning cases that ended up on the consent agenda, we had a relatively light load for ANC 6B’s Oct.14 meeting. Here are the highlights:

• After a lengthy debate, the commission voted 6-0-2 to protest the application for a substantial change to the liquor license at Ugly Mug (723 8th Street SE). The Ugly Mug is seeking to almost double their seating capacity by expanding into second floor and adding a retractable roof. In considering the case, the commission heard from a number of neighbors about problems with noise and trash at the property, including the illegal storage of kegs in the alley. Though my inclination is to try to work with Barracks Row businesses on expansion plans, it is clear that the Ugly Mug is having trouble managing noise and trash at its current capacity. Thus, I voted with the majority to protest the substantial change.
• The commission voted to approve liquor license renewal requests for Roland’s of Capitol Hill (333 Pennsylvania Ave SE), Capitol Supreme Market (501 4th Street SE) and 7th & L Street Market (700 L Street SE). All three establishments signed settlement agreements with the commission outlining how they will deal with noise, trash, etc.
• The commission did vote 7-0-1 to protest the liquor license renewal for Yes! Organic Market (410 8th Street SE), mainly to afford the commission and owner some additional time to reach a compromise on disputed settlement agreement language. I’m confident we will reach an agreement.
• ANC 6B voted 7-0 to send a letter (pdf) to the Metropolitan Police Department requesting a red light camera on the south side of the Pennsylvania Ave and 7th Street SE intersection.
• The commission also voted 7-0 to send a letter (pdf) to the District Department of Transportation in support of the proposed expansion of the Navy Yard-Union Station and Potomac Ave-Skyland Circulator bus routes. However, the letter does urge DDOT to ensure that the proposed expansions do not diminish reliability of service on the lines and to add weekend service to both of the lines.
• Interim DC Fire and EMS Chief Eugene Jones provided an update the commission and community with an update on the department. Chief Jones will likely serve as interim chief until a new mayor is sworn in next January.
• I announced that the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s office would be holding a disposition meeting for parcels F1 and G1 of the Hill East/Reservation 13 development on Wed., Oct. 29, 6 pm – 8 pm at St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Ave SE).
• Two representatives from development teams interested in responding to the Eastern Branch Building RFP introduced themselves and shared brief details about how they would use the site. The RFP deadline is Fri., Nov. 20.
• The commission voted unanimously to ratify ANC 6B Executive Committee action for a one-month lease extension for the commission office at the Hill Center and for the funds to pay an additional month’s rent. The commission still plans to move its office to Eastern Market but is working with the Department of General Services on an appropriate office space.
• Since the second Tuesday of November is Veteran’s Day, the commission’s November meeting will be on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 pm at the Hill Center.

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