Saturday, December 21, 2013

Holiday Party 2 Jan @ Baby Wale, Next meeting 16 Jan and First Tuesday Social @ Thally Feb 4

Three upcoming events and will send this out to our mailing list:

**On Thursday 2 January at Baby Wale, 1124 9th Street, we will have a joint BANCA/LCCA holiday social.   Time will be roughly 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

Baby Wale/BANCA/LCCA will provide some appetizers and otherwise it will be a cash bar.
If you know you can make it, please rsvp to Blagdenalley@gmail.com so that we can get a rough head count, but don't let that prevent you from just showing up.  We should be right there at the long bar as you come in (if you don't see us there, we may be up on the Mezzanine).

**The next BANCA Meeting is Thursday 16 January, 7-8:30PM.  I am looking for someone to host the meeting.
One key topic will be the new tavern/pub proposed for 1240 9th Street (see previous post on the Blog - Blagdenalley.blogspot.com).

**On 4 February we will be co-hosting the First Tuesday happy hour with LCCA.  The event will be held at Thally, 1316 9th Street.  Thally/LCCA/BANCA will provide some appetizers and there will be  happy hour drink specials.  We should be in the back dining area past the bar.

***As many of you know Independence Federal Bank has been sold and Karen and Bob have left the bank.  At the 4 February First Tuesday event at Thally, we will honor Karen and Bob for their many many hours of service to our community.  Please stop by to thank them.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

New Pub coming to 1240 9th Street "District Lost and Found"

Last Friday I met with Geoff Dawson and Brian Leonard to begin the discussions on their new CT (Tavern) license headed to 1240 9th Street.  That is the building between the Long View Gallery and the new Construction condo/apartment building under construction at 9th and N Streets (this building will have retail along 9th Street and curving around on N Street across from TABLE - no word yet on what they are planning).  Yes they are well aware of the history of this name.

The pub will occupy the entire floor and they intend to replace the garage door on Blagden Alley with a roll up door that can be open (when that door is kept closed will definitely be an item in the settlement agreement).  Floor load here is 99 seats.  No car valet planned but they do plan to have a bike valet (there are no plans to use the upstairs part of the building other than for storage - the building owner is in the bar owner's family).  I told them about the expected hours on this block being C2A and adjacent to R4 residential property, A&D being a good model for a CT license.  We discussed hours, the entertainment license issues, trash and the usual variety of issues.  They plan to placard soon.  They will bring their proposal to the Jan BANCA meeting and go through the ANC 2F Alcohol Beverage Control Committee and full ANC with the objective of obtaining a settlement agreement.  Contact me if you want to know more - I gave them a lot to ponder so we'll have to wait and see what the actual proposal will be.  The following is from Geoff and Brian (and does not yet reflect any of the inputs I provided or they will be provided by the neighborhood/ANC as they go through the process):


District Lost and Found

District Lost and Found (DL&F), locating at 1240 9th St., NW, will be a neighborhood gathering spot very much in the same style as Nanny O’Brien’s in Cleveland Park. We hope to build a core business that primarily serves our nearby residents. While we will not have a full service kitchen our aim will be to provide a robust selection of snacks and appetizers. We also intend to use our food capabilities from sister businesses such as Ripple and Nanny O’s to provide unique menu items. We will focus on offering a hardy beer and wine menu, with particular focus on the craft beer market.

DL & F will be a perfect place to play board games, meet for a birthday celebration, watch a Nats game or catch a local jazz, bluegrass or acoustic set.  With a front door that faces the DC Convention Center on 9th St., we do not believe there will be any noise issues for residential neighbors. We will be sensitive to our neighbors in scheduling trash pickup, keeping our sidewalks clean and responding in a timely way to any issues that may arise.

District Lost and Found, as its name suggests, will recycle, repurpose and reuse as many items as possible in our eclectic build-out and décor and become a neighborhood resource for recycling batteries, fluorescent bulbs and cell phones. We envision organizing local recycling efforts in areas where the DC government falls short. We will be inventive and creative in finding fun ways to entertain our neighbors—maybe a pop-up flea market Saturday mornings or a donut and beer pairing with Astro Donuts Sunday afternoons. We plan on displaying work from emerging local artists as Bedrock Billiards has done for years, giving 100% of sales to the artists. We look forward to hosting any neighborhood groups in need of meeting space. And we plan to have DC’s first bike valet!

District Lost and Found will be owned and operated by DC residents Brian Leonard and Geoff Dawson.

Brian Leonard has been in the bar and restaurant business for 10 years, beginning at Rock Bottom in Bethesda and moving to Nanny O’Brien’s as the general manager in 2007. At Nanny O’Brien’s, Brian has become a part of the Cleveland Park neighborhood and has operated the business in a sensitive and professional fashion. He is committed to becoming a positive member of the Shaw community.

Native Washingtonian Geoff Dawson has been a bar and restaurant owner in DC since 1992, opening and operating such neighborhood fixtures as Nanny O’Brien’s, Atomic Billiards, Buffalo Billiards, Bedrock Billiards, Iron Horse Taproom, Laughing Man Tavern and Ripple. He has a long-standing record of doing the right thing within the communities in which he operates. Geoff’s late uncle Phillip Abraham was a longtime denizen of Blagden Alley who loved the potential of this wonderful city gem; Geoff is a believer too. Geoff is on the board of Think Local First DC.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Prosperity Transforms DC's Shaw

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/o-street-market-symbol-of-violence-becomes-a-marker-for-dcs-resurgence/2013/11/19/52012d2c-4ca9-11e3-9890-a1e0997fb0c0_story.html?hpid=z1

Article about O Street Market in Today's Washington Post

'O' Street Giant to Open (Soft) Thursday 21 Nov

I have to update the information below:

I am now told that:


The soft opening of the Giant is at either noon or 2pm tomorrow (not 6pm)  The reception and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is at 6pm
The store opens on Friday at 6am - the regular hours will be 6am till mid-night / 7 days a week


A note from our neighborhood Admiral -

Neighbors,

The O St. Market Giant will be opening on Thursday evening!

I talked to Pam from the corporate office.

She said there would be a "soft opening" on Thursday evening
at about 6 PM.

The store will be open from 6 PM to 10 PM for purchases.

It's a time for us to take a look at the store!

The official opening is Friday.

The store will be open from 6 AM to midnight every day
from Friday on.

Roger

Reminder: Friends of 10th Street Park Meeting Tonight; BANCA Meeting Tomorrow



Friends of the 10th Street Park Annual Meeting
Wednesday November 20th 6:30pm
Join us at: Old Dominion Brew House 1219 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Discussion items will include:
 Park History, Background & Board 
 How to get Involved & Donate
 Park Financials and Budget
 Open Discussion 
For more information visit: www.10thstreetparkfriends.org ;
_______________________________________________________________________

Blagden Alley Naylor Court Association Meeting
Thursday 21 Nov
1252 10th Street home of Brad and Jim
0700-0800, then wine tasting

Agenda:
**Police
**Le Colombine in Blagden Alley - Greg Smith Manager
**Status of Reatig Architecture Projects in our neighborhood - Megan Mitchell/Nooni Reatig
**Events DC to give a presentation on the Carnegie Library redevelopment - Theresa Dubois and the Development team (this redevelopment project will incorporate a new innovative Washington, DC Visitor Center; enhanced quarters for the Historical Society of Washington, DC; provide museum exhibit space for the relocation of the International Spy Museum to the Carnegie Library; add retail and café space; and improve the open space and circulation patterns of Mount Vernon Square)
**Discussion of Holiday Party - Where & when - possible joint with LCCA?
** Wine Tasting:  One of our neighbors, James Browne owns Sante Arcangeli wines in Santa Cruz CA.  He has provided 3 chardonnay's and 3 pinot noir.  Feel free to bring additional wine or snacks to complement - we plan to end the meeting by 8PM and open his for wine tasting.  His website: www.santewinery.com

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Washington Convention Center Advisory Committee on Thursday 21 Nov 5PM - Board Room


Washington Convention Center (WCC)
Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 21st
5:00 p.m.

Update

CityCenter DC (former Convention Center site)

Hines Development

(rescheduled from September 19th)

~~~

Presentation

Carnegie Library Redevelopment

Events DC

~~~
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis Board Room
(Closest entrance - Mount Vernon Place)

If you are unable to attend the meeting,
you may submit your comments or concerns via e-mail
to tdubois@eventsdc.com or leave a voice mail message
on the 24-hour Community Hotline at (202) 249-3200.

 (Note we will have a presentation by Events DC on the Carnegie Library Redevelopment at the BANCA meeting Thursday night between 7-8PM @ 1252 10th Street)

Monday, November 18, 2013

Update on City Center Status

Compliments of the Residential Advisory Committee of City Center (lead by Ibrahim Mumin)


The project is close to completion.10th and I street will be open in a matter of days pending the completed punch list and approval of DC Department of Transportation. It will be the first time the streets are open since 1983. Covington & Burling is preparing for construction, anticipating occupation in July or August of 2014. American Hospital Association anticipating occupancy in September 2014. Qatar Foundation is anticipating occupancy in May 2014.

The apartment leasing center is open on the northeast corner of the site. There has been a lot of interest in leasing. Tours began this past Saturday of two model units. Clark Pritchett of Bozzuto is working in the leasing trailer on the corner of 9th and I Streets. Anyone with interest in the apartments can schedule a tour and find more information here: http://www.apartmentsatcitycenter.com/

Clark/Smoot is working on finalizing and turning over the 458 units for occupancy in December and January with first residents taking occupancy in December.

The condominiums are being finalized with an occupancy date in early December. Tim Lowery is working with Verizon to settle remaining issues. The parking garage will tentatively open on November 1st. The signage, equipment and parking guidance system are being installed. The below grade loading dock will be finalized this week.

Six retail leases are currently under negotiation. Allen Edmonds, Longchamp and Burberry are finalized. The operations team is planning holiday decorations for the site.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Washington Business Journal Article on the Carnegie Library Changes

At our Thursday 21 Nov Meeting, Events DC is going to give us a presentation on this project, below is an article from the Washington Business Journal.  Go to the Link below to see the slide show.


http://m.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2013/11/spy-museum-founder-lifelong-spy.html



International Spy Museum founder: Carnegie Library a great, permanent home

Rebecca Cooper
Washington Business Journal
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 4:10pm EST
Milton Maltz, whose company, the Malrite Co., owns the International Spy Museum, has wanted to shed light on the world's deepest secrets ever since he worked as an analyst at the National Security Agency and Central Intelligence Agency in the 1950s.
"Back then we called it the 'no such agency,'" Maltz said during a meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission on Nov. 7.
Maltz was one of several key players in attendance at the meeting, which served as an informational briefing on his company's plans to partner with the District in moving his beloved museum into the renovated Carnegie Library.
The presentation also included an early look at what the renovated building could look like, including a transparent glass structure that would abut the north side of the former library, two open air pavilions extending like wings on the building's rear eastern and western ends and an open space plan that would provide activity space for visitors.
Click through the slideshow at right to see some early renderings of plans for the library.
The International Spy Museum was a project Maltz launched after he sold off his broadcast company, the Malrite Communications Group, in 1998. He wasn't ready to retire, he said, and as he had contributed to other exhibits and museums through the years, he contemplated a museum in Washington. But why spies?
"One of my assignments at the CIA was to declassify certain Pearl Harbor documents, and upon reading these docs, I was quite stunned, and I realized Pearl Harbor itself did not have to happen," he said. "I guess it hearkens back to my experience in studying those Pearl Harbor documents, when I questioned … [do] the American people really understand what's going on?"
Maltz told the commission that the library will make a fine home for the museum, which has far outgrown its current space in Penn Quarter. The larger space is also needed for Maltz's exit strategy: the 84-year-old's children aren't interested in running the museum, so he wants to establish it as a self-sustaining 501(c)3 organization with a permanent location.
The museum's renovations will have to be approved by the NCPC, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and several other agencies. Events D.C. — which administers the library for the District — is beginning the environmental impact process for the project this month.

1211 10th Street hearing before the Mayor's Agent

The owner of this property wants to substantially demolish the existing building.  HPRB objects to that plan as hiding behind the current facade is much of an intact 1830's building.  At the last HPRB review they rejected the demolition proposal by the owner.  When that happens every owner has a final appeal step to the Mayor's Agent.  I am not intimately familiar with this case but in general believe we should attempt to retain any original fabric of the neighborhood particular if it is this old.  The problem for the owner is that the old part is set well back into the lot making in difficult to construct the building they would like to.
I will request that this go before ANC 2F to establish a position and also invite the owner to come to our meeting next Thursday night.


MAYOR’S AGENT
FOR THE HISTORIC LANDMARK AND HISTORIC DISTRICT PROTECTION ACT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public notice is hereby given that the Mayor’s Agent will hold a public hearing on an application affecting property subject to the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978. Interested parties may appear and testify on behalf of, or in opposition to, the application. The hearings will be held at the Office of Planning, 1100 4th Street, SW, Suite E650.

1)            Hearing Date:    Friday, December 20, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.
Case Number:   H.P.A. 13-476
Address:              1211 10th Street NW
Square/Lot:        Square 369, Lot 82
Type of Work:   Demolition and additions

Affected Historic Property: Blagden Alley-Naylor Court Historic District
Affected ANC:   2F

The Applicant’s claim is that the demolition is consistent with the purposes of the Act and that the failure to issue the permit will result in unreasonable economic hardship to the owner.

The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure pursuant to the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act (Title 10C DCMR Chapters 4 and 30), which are on file with the D.C. Historic Preservation Office and posted on the Office website under “Regulations.” The office is located at the Office of Planning, 1100 4th Street, SW, Suite E650, Washington, D.C. 20024. For further information, contact the Historic Preservation Office, at (202) 442-8800.
______

This case came before the Historic Preservation Review Board on August 1, 2013 and October 3,2013. The Staff Report and HPRB Actions document for the hearings may be read online at:


October 3:   http://tinyurl.com/lxrl9y9 

Archived video of the hearings may be viewed at the following abbreviated URL: http://tinyurl.com/44u8rq8     Please select "Video Archives 2012-present" then select "2013-August" and "2013-October."
________
Bruce Yarnall
Historic Preservation Office/DC Office of Planning
1100 4th Street SW Suite E650
Washington, DC 20024
T (202) 442-8835
F (202) 442-7638
Visit the DC Office of Planning on Facebook and on Twitter @OPinDC

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Upcoming BANCA Meeting Thurs 21 Nov, Friends of 10th Street Park Annual Meeting Wed 20 Nov, Vita Lounge Liquor License Protest Petition - sign by Friday

Blagden Alley Naylor Court Association Meeting
Thursday 21 Nov
1252 10th Street home of Brad and Jim
0700-0800, then the wine tasting

Agenda:
**Police
**Le Colombine in Blagden Alley - Greg Smith Manager
**Status of Reatig Architecture Projects in our neighborhood - Megan Mitchell/Nooni Reatig
**Events DC to give a presentation on the Carnegie Library redevelopment - Theresa Dubois and the Development team (this redevelopment project will incorporate a new innovative Washington, DC Visitor Center; enhanced quarters for the Historical Society of Washington, DC; provide museum exhibit space for the relocation of the International Spy Museum to the Carnegie Library; add retail and café space; and improve the open space and circulation patterns of Mount Vernon Square)
** Wine Tasting  One of our neighbors, James Browne owns Sante Arcangeli wines in Santa Cruz CA.  He has provided 3 chardonnay's and 3 pinot noir.  Feel free to bring additional wine or snacks to complement - we plan to end the meeting by 8PM for this wine tasting.  His website: www.santewinery.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friends of the 10th Street Park Annual Meeting
Wednesday November 20th 6:30pm to 7:00pm
Join us at: Old Dominion Brew House 1219 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Discussion items will include:
 Park History, Background & Board 
 How to get Involved & Donate
 Park Financials and Budget
 Open Discussion 


For more information visit: www.10thstreetparkfriends.org 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vita Lounge liquor license renewal protest.
ANC 2F voted to protest this license in its entirety at our 6 Nov meeting.  In addition Martin Smith is collecting a petition to further establish the degree of neighborhood opposition.  Please contact Martin directly at msmith202@gmail.com to arrange to sign the protest.  Must sign it by Friday!!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Settlement Agreement for the American Restaurant in Blagden Alley

Below is the settlement agreement negotiated with the American restaurant going into Blagden Alley.  This agreement reflects the hours and the specific concerns expressed by neighbors at the ANC 2F Alcohol Policy Committee meeting.  The Committee voted 5-0 to support these terms.  A Blog post on 21 October provides additional details on the plans for the American.  While this will be voted on at the 6 November meeting of the full ANC, the formal protest period has passed.

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT



THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made on this _____   day of         ________________ 2013, by and between Blagden Alley Entertainment, LLC t/a The American  ABRA No. 092766, (Applicant) and Advisory Neighborhood Commission ANC 2F (ANC) (Collectively, the ‘Parties”)

WHEREAS, the Applicant’s application for a license for the premises, 1209-1213  10th Street, N.W. is pending before the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) and,

WHEREAS, the premises is within the boundaries of the ANC, and,

WHEREAS, no protest was timely filed by the petition date September 9, 2013, and

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2013 ABRA advised the Applicant that the ABC Board reviewed and APPROVED the new application for the Applicant,

WHEREAS, the parties hereto have met to discuss the ongoing relationship between the Applicant, the ANC and the nearby neighbors,

NOW, THEREFORE the parties agree as follows:

1.     Recitals Incorporated.  The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by
reference.

2.     Nature of the Business.   The Applicant will manage and operate a Class C   license at the listed address as a Classic American Bistro with recorded music and Summer Garden.

3.     Hours of Operation, Sales and Consumption.  The Applicant’s hours of operation shall be as follows:

Inside Operation:

Sunday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sales, Service and Consumption

Friday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sales, Service and Consumption

Outside Operation:

Sunday-Thursday Sales and Service 8 a.m. to 10:30 .p.m., Consumption to 11 p.m.

Friday-Saturday Sales and Service 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Consumption to 1 a.m.

4.     Noise and exhaust:  The Applicant will comply with all applicable noise laws and regulations.  To facilitate compliance applicant will use reasonable methods of acoustic sound isolation for the construction of the site and materials to facilitate acoustic sound proofing in the fence and walls surrounding the outside patio, consistent with weather proofing needs, as well as for the HVAC unit.  The exhaust duct will be placed in a location to minimize the impact of the exhaust  on the surrounding residents

5.     Music:     Outside music will cease at 11 p.m., Sunday – Thursday; 1 a.m Friday and Saturday.

6.     Deliveries:     Deliveries will be made by hand truck from the nearby streets.

7.     Trash pick-ups and dumpster:     There will be no trash pickups prior to 7 a.m. and the dumpster(s) shall be located on the Applicant’s property.

8.     Outdoor Smoking:      The Applicant will attempt as much as practical to eliminate any smokers standing in the alley and to achieve that goal will establish a smoking area in the outside portion of the site which will be located to minimize impact on the local residents.

9.     Parking:     None of the Applicant’s employees shall park in the alley; and the Applicant will post signs advising patrons not to park in the alley. Menus and signs at the exit will include statements for the patrons to respect the peace and quiet for the neighbors upon entering and exiting the site.

10.  Entrance to site:    The entrance for patrons shall be into the same door that presently exists for the boxing gym and patron ingress and egress will not be allowed from the outside area into any party of Blagden Alley.

11.  Windows and doors: The windows and the doors (except for ingress and egress) will remain closed whenever the outside area is closed.

IN WITNESS WHEROF, the parties have affixed hereunto their signatures.


Applicant:   Blagden Alley Entertainment, LLC        Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2F
                    1209-1213 10th Street, NW                    
                    Washington, DC



By:                                                                              By: