Estrada is opposed to the 24/7 nature of the Diner/Tryst concept? Everyone I have spoken to in that neighborhood is dying for something like that... we're not talking about a business that specializes in alcohol. I never see roudy behavior at Tryst or the Diner.

by SG on Oct 24, 2008 3:14 pm • link • report

Having a 24/7 Diner/Tryst would certainily help to make that part of the neighborhood safer at night. Anywhere you have more "non-rowdy" eyes on the street at all times, it's good. (I'm saying "non-rowdy" to distinquish from, for example, what happens on 18th St. in Adams Morgan when you have more of a crowd on the street and more potential victims for criminals to prey on.) My only concern would be possible noise this place could generate for the immediate neighbors such as for Commissioner Estrada. Just because he's an ANC commissioner doesn't mean he doesn't deserve equal consideration for his "peace and quiet" in his home. From what I understand he has been long active in his part of the neighborhood and it is he we have to thank for it getting to the point where U & 14th is becoming a good place to live. It certainly wasn't the Reeve Center and all the problems it brought with it ... including that night club where there were various shootings and it took years for the District to close ... despite the District being the landlord. If we have a safe corner there where people now want to live, it really is in no small measure due to Ramon Estrada. It seems kind of counterintuitive (if not downright wrong), to not re-elect him to continue his good work. I'm sure Doug Rogers would do a great job too, but why fix something that isn't broke?

by Lance on Oct 24, 2008 3:40 pm • link • report

It's curious that via the ANC, Dupont residents have more say in what happens on the south side U-Street than people who live only a block to the north. Reading about the constant scale-downs of development at 14th and U make me wish the city council would slap this ANC down.

by Steve on Oct 24, 2008 4:48 pm • link • report

Steve, your comment is interesting because it sounds like you don't realize that ANCs are not part of (or "under") Wards. They are a completely separate branch of government created by the Home Rule Charter (DC's constitution.) They are as separate from the Council ans the Council is from the Mayor's Office. The Council can no more "slap down" an ANC than the Mayor can "slap down" the Council.

In any case, your assumption that it's somehow residents far from 14th and U who are forcing their will on the residents there is false if for no other reason than that the commissioner in question lives a stone's throw from that corner. I think a better explanation for the disparity between development on the two sides of the ANC boundaries stems from the relatively worse shape that the Adams Morgan side was in to start with ... with relatively less people (at the time those developments were proposed) to object to changes things.

by Lance on Oct 24, 2008 5:14 pm • link • report

A completely separate branch of government, eh? No, I wasn't aware of that. It only increases my skepticism of their value. One more vehicle for a noisy minority to force their will on their neighbors who don't have the time and energy to keep track of neighborhood politics. To put it another way:

... a multitude of New Offices, and ... swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their substance.

by Steve on Oct 24, 2008 6:02 pm • link • report

As in all campaigns, the rhetoric can fog the facts. And there seems to be a lot of misinformation and mischaracterization about who is pro what and who is responsible for the 'way things are' on 14th Street.

Rogers says that he is pro development and that Estrada is anti development. He and cites the southwest corner of 14th + U as his pet peeve. And, while Rogers may not like the businesses at the southwest corner of 14th + U, the businesses there are thriving. The parking lot there may need a new fence, but that doesn't keep it from accommodating the neighborhood's daily and nightly visitors, employees, and residents. And, soon, with new development coming - and it is coming - we'll have more density and new businesses. Approvals for the development are happening under Estrada's current term and will be finished before the new ANC term starts. So, perhaps that's why the parking lot owner isn't investing in a new fence.

The record shows that in the initial stages of the conceptual plans for 14 + U, the ANC, the Dupont Circle Conservancy, the councilmember and the HPRB Chair registered initial concerns about the height of the proposed development at 14+U in relationship with the historic neighborhood. And constructive suggestions and/or positions were put forth as part of the process and the project is moving through the necessary steps for approval. That it takes over six months to get a hearing date with the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment is no fault of Estrada.

Likewise, Rogers mischaracterizes the concept of a 24-7 diner coming to 14th + T. Advancing the diner concept to a signed lease and a liquor license application rests with the business owner(s) and leasing agent/property owners who have been mum since there was a presentation of the concept at a summer ANC meeting. The latest news is that the building is for sale. So, why is Rogers blaming Estrada?

The whole point in having an ANC commissioner who represents a single member district of approximately 2000 people is so that the locals can have a say in matters specific to their neighborhood. So, if affected neighbors like the diner idea but don't want disturbances that come with 24-7, they can relay their concerns to their commissioner so that he/she can represent them. Does Mr. Rogers have a problem with Commissioner Estrada representing constituent concerns as he works with incoming businesses?

As a related issue, and to respond to Lance's entry; it seems to be a common misconception that late night or all night activity in a neighborhood 'reduces crime.' Crime stats for the areas of 14th & U and Adams Morgan show otherwise. 'Crimes of opportunity' are many, as criminals prey upon customers exiting clubs and other late night establishments. Ask MPD.

Last of all; take a look at the 2B09 candidates’ web blogs. On Estrada's site, reviewing all the entries, there is a lot of info + links about the development issues with background and facts. In contrast, Rogers' commentary contains, for the most part, angry missives about "my opponent" with little evidence that he knows or understands what's really happening with these projects ... See for yourself.

by 5866 on Oct 24, 2008 10:25 pm • link • report

5866, someone else I know (who lives near that corner) had presented me the same argument you are presenting here as to why 'late night' activities can increase crime. I thought it over after speaking with her and I really think that whether having late night activity increases or decreases crime is wholly dependent on the nature of the late night activity. Bars and other similar activities will put into the street inebriated persons both to cause crime and to provide victims for such crimes. But places such as all night diners will have the opposite affect (assuming they are not selling alcohol ... which they can't after a certain time anyway) as they put more sober eyes out into the street.

Now, that's not to say that the neighbors in that area don't still have a legitimate reason to oppose an all night diner there. While crime may not increase as a result of having a diner there (and safety would most likely increase significantly), the neighbors there will none-the-less be affected by people talking and laughing and generally being incosiderate while walking to and fro their cars and many other issues which will arise simply as a matter of the diner being open late. As such, the immediate neighbors who are most apt to suffer the immediate consquences of such a 24/7 place, need to be ther first consulted ... with the most weight given to their positions. It seems that that is what Ramon is doing. Job well done.

by Lance on Oct 24, 2008 11:13 pm • link • report

Off topic a bit, and I apologize, but one thing that has been puzzling me a lot lately is how a commissioner of ANC1c can serve there and be employed as Ward 1 councilman's director of constituent services? Isn't that one of the biggest conflicts of interest there is?

by Jazzy on Oct 25, 2008 8:05 am • link • report

Thanks, Lance. The aim of this message and my previously posted comment on crime is to suggest a review of crime statistics and perhaps consultation w/the local late-shift MPD about late night safety issues & trends specific to the area. Your mention of crime trends being 'wholly dependent on the nature of the late night activity' actually supports the notion that late night/early AM crime may be a potential problem for a 24-7 establishment in the 14+U area, precisely because of the nature of the activity there (a concentration of night spots). At past community meetings, MPD officers noted that the late night scene & 'crimes of opportunity' at U Street & Adams Morgan (which, BTW, has an all night diner w/alcohol service) was the number one crime problem there. This suggestion is by no means a position on late night or all night establishments, only an aside to address your comment on crime.

About the concept of a 24-7 diner at 14+U, it seems to have remained a concept. As such, the process of approving it or disapproving it has not happened. The group of business owners appeared at an ANC meeting in the summer, saying that they were still negotiating a lease and about to apply for alcohol licenses. It was expected that they would return w/an update.

by 5866 on Oct 25, 2008 8:36 am • link • report

Thanks 5866. I think I see what you are saying. Yes, there are a couple of bars within a reasonable (but far) walk from the proposed site of the all night coffee shop. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see them as close enough (or numerous enough) to have a bearing on what is now a basically empty area at night. If that were not the case, we'd already today be seeing late night foot traffic at 14th and T like they see in the side streets in Adams Morgan. Perhaps, I'm wrong, but from what I've observed we're not currently seeing any traffic there late night. That stretch of 14th is basically a ghost town. So, I don't think those couple of bars farther out U Street (or on 18th Street in Adams Morgan) really don't effect the 14th and T area much if at all ... and wouldn't play into the "crime" aspect.

I think we need to view this area instead in light of what is going up on the corner just to its north .... the many condos and the retail that will be going in. I'm thinking (or at least hoping) we're getting retail like what you see in such similar "new urban" areas such as Bethesda row ... i.e., national chain places such as "The Cheesecake Factory" and other "new-made-to-look-old" restaurants accompanied by a few upscale retailers. Specifically, I'm also thinking of that new stretch of Wilson in Clarendon where a similar renovation/development just occured. If that comes to be, then the idea of the all night diner would have fit in perfectly ... and been a great transition to the quieter neighborhood sitting behind the new development. The big box retail which David is telling us about today in the new posting above, will work too, but I don't think it'll do as much toward ensuring late night safety that the all night diner would have done. The development being put up to the immediate area north of this site is sure to go dark by 11 pm. Putting additional store space that will do the same, will make that part of 14th Street too quiet at night to be safe for someone walking it after closing of the "row" just north of there. It'll essentially remain deserted at that hour as it is now. I'm not sure that's a good thing ....

by Lance on Oct 25, 2008 10:39 am • link • report

Thanks, David. For readers interested David's interview for this article - if you would like to see the questions he posed to me and my answers, I've posted them on my site: http://www.ramonestrada.org/betterknowSMD2b09.html

-Ramon Estrada

by rae on Oct 26, 2008 2:15 pm • link • report

It is unfortunate that the local business group was unable to lease or purchase the property. The ANC was not involved in any of these matters. In fact, because there was no lease nor ABC applications, the matter never came before the ANC for any approvals. The group presented their concept over the summer, but never returned for approvals. I followed up, but was told that lease negotiations were still underway. Everyone wants to see this property improved and occupied and the DC based property owner tells me he has accepted a contract from Room and Board. It is not the role of the ANC Commissioner to undo contracts, but I will continue to serve to bridge constituent concerns and business objectives in our area. I think it is unfortunate that my opponent chooses to mischaracterize the situation and my record in his attempt to promote himself. There is additional information about this site and other projects coming to our neighborhood at http://www.ramonestrada.org

by Ramon Estrada on Oct 27, 2008 12:39 pm • link • report

I support excellent retail establishments along 14th Street and U Street. If the owners of the warehouse at 1840 14th Street NW (corner of 14th and T) had no other alternatives, I could understand them selling their property to a national furniture chain. However, it is my understanding that the owners of the building had two potential buyers: 1) A national furniture chain OR 2) A group of local business owners who wanted to build a coffee house, restaurant, comedy club and yoga studio…a development that would bring vitality to the west side of 14th Street.

When given a choice, I believe our community should support local independent businesses for a host of reasons: A) Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made by local people who live in the neighborhood and who will feel the impact of those decisions. B) Locally owned businesses build strong communities by linking neighbors together and contributing to local causes. C) Small businesses select products based on the needs of local customers which guarantee a broader range of choices. D) In an increasingly homogenized world, neighborhoods that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage (example: Pulp on 14th Street…try finding a card at CVS that gets bigger laughs). I also support the local businesses that are here today in our neighborhood. They took great risks to locate along 14th Streets and U Streets and helped turn around this neighborhood. I’ve spoken with the local owners, and they are VERY CONCERNED about a national furniture chain store moving into our neighborhood at such a prominent location.

Here and on his newly created web site, my opponent WRONGLY accuses me of saying that he (or ANC 2B) disapproved of the project by the local group. I have not accused him (or ANC 2B) of blocking the project, although others do appear to indicate that he was less than fully supportive of the idea (see Washington Blade article 10/24/08 - Dupont ANC race). I am for supporting our local businesses that are owned by our neighbors, friends and family. I encourage the owners of the warehouse to give the group of local business owners the opportunity to build something truly unique for our neighborhood.

www.rogersforanc.com

by Doug A. Rogers on Oct 29, 2008 9:17 am • link • report

I am astounded by this turn of events. As one who lives half a block up T Street from this building, I was thrilled about the prospect of a coffeehouse/yoga studio/comedy club. It sounded like a perfect grouping of local businesses to occupy what for me, as a woman, is a scary corner to walk by late at night alone. And I was excited to have those businesses opening so close by. Instead, we learn that a national chain is going in -- a chain that I fear will imperil the livlihood of our local furniture stores. Shame on anyone involved for not doing everything possible to help our local businesses, rather than putting obstacles in their way. As for the poster above who yearns for a Clarendon-type strip in our neighborhood, I couldn't disagree more. Our neighborhood is great precisely because it is NOT like Clarendon. Cheesecake Factory? Really? We have charming, funky businesses -- not cookie-cutter chains. What next? A Sunglasses Hut and a Gap? I'll take Pulp and Vastu and Cork any day... Finally, I urge anyone who is in favor of the local businesses to email John Gabbert,the founder and president of Room and Board, at jgabbert@roomandboard.com and implore him to find an alternate location and to let Constantine and crew proceed with their well-thought out business concept for 14th and T.

by JulieN on Oct 29, 2008 2:01 pm • link • report

JulieN: "As for the poster above who yearns for a Clarendon-type strip in our neighborhood, I couldn't disagree more."

I think you misread what I had to say. It's not what I yearn for (though some good quality chains wouldn't be a bad thing) but what is going to happen. It's a given. Do you really think a developer would sink millions of dollars to develop a property ... and then rent it out for "below market" rates so that a "funky" store can go in there? Common sense tells me it's a given that we're going to get the kinds of stores in that block that have gone into similar redevelopments ... i.e., like Clarendon and Bethesday Row. The "funky shops" will move further eastward and help spark development there. That's how development happens. It's not a good thing or a bad thing. It's life.

by Lance on Oct 30, 2008 2:01 pm • link • report

Lance,

Thanks for the economics lesson. Obviously the term "funky" need not mean "unprofitable." I am speaking, specifically, of businesses like Tryst and The Diner, which appear to be thriving local businesses, but lack (thankfully) the "Starbucks" or "Cheesecake Factory" logo. Common sense tells me that consumers do have a say in what types of businesses they support. I remember well when Starbucks moved into the Historical District of Annapolis that the local residents stood four-square behind the local City Dock Cafe. As far as I know, it continues to thrive. Tourists may go to Starbucks, but the locals know better. I have faith that my neighbors can make intelligent choices as consumers and choose Vastu over Room and Board, but I would surely feel a whole lot better if it never came to that and local businesses got a shot at the 14th and T location. From what I understand, their offer is slightly BETTER than the R&B offer -- it's not some sort of "below market" attempt at a handout. Please save your condescension for someone else and move to Clarendon if that's more your style.

by JulieN on Oct 30, 2008 4:04 pm • link • report

Julie, From everything I am hearing and reading, they DID get a shot at the 14th and T location ... but the owner of the location chose to sell to R&B instead. Do you know something we don't?

by Lance on Oct 30, 2008 5:06 pm • link • report

Lance, it is no secret that Constantine (Tryst, The Diner) and John (Riot Act Comedy Club) made a comparable offer (by some accounts, a better offer) and the owner of the building chose R&B over them. The great hope now is that the community rallies behind our local entrepreneurs and attempts to convince R&B to walk away from the deal. They have a 60-day period in which they can do that without penalty. And if that happens, the local group would hopefully be able to pick up negotiations where they left off. I would not be surprised if R&B got a skewed read of the sentiment on the ground regarding that building. My fervent hope is that they will realize that they are not the preferred choice of the neighborhood and will seek out an alternate location, rather than open under a dark PR cloud. I understand that business is business, and I would hope that they see that provoking local animosity is not good business. I have had two separate friends excitedly tell me that R&B was opening at 14th and T, but they quickly reversed their support to staunch opposition when they realized it was to displace the coffeeshop/comedy club businesses. This is not over and concerned citizens should speak out and contact R&B.

by JulieN on Oct 30, 2008 5:28 pm • link • report

JulieN, It's now my understanding from other sources that Mr. Estrada has worked a lot harder at getting Tryst into that building than the perception that is given on this blog. I don't see why the ANC wouldn't give consideration to your ideas if you approached them with them. I know I'd be willing to sign on to any petition or other movement to redirect R&B elsewhere in the area ... and free up the space for the Tryst venture we were told was coming in. It would be nice to have an R&B in the neighborhood, but great to have a Tryst.

by Lance on Oct 30, 2008 5:48 pm • link • report

I like to get to that area of town a little early when I see a show at the Black Cat or the arts center. Many of the businesses in that area have benefited from my idle spending as I walk up and down (sober-- I might add). I think adding a deli and comedy club will further enhance the area, the local businesses, and the patrons (including me!).

by Doug on Nov 3, 2008 12:52 pm • link • report

ANC 2B09 is a wonderful slice of the neighborhood, rich with history, culture, architecture, great neighbors and unique businesses. With my neighbors and neighboring businesses, I've had the satisfaction of shaping improvements and making a difference. This is a place of creative, engaged citizenry and I truly appreciate your repeated support for me as your commissioner. Please remember to vote for (& re-elect) your ANC Commissioner on November 4 (listed in the corner of the ballot). Thanks!

by Ramon Estrada on Nov 4, 2008 12:28 am • link • report