Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Nov. 17: Taste of Dupont

Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets is proud to announce:

The Taste of Dupont will take place on

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from 6-9 pm.

Create your own progressive dinner with $5 tasting tickets redeemed at any of the participating dining establishments, many of which will have specially priced cocktails or wines paired with your tasting.

Order your 2009 Taste of Dupont Tickets today - $5 for individual tastings, or $5 tastings for just $20!

New restaurants are being added every day!

http://www.dupontcircle.biz/tasteofdupont.htm

The 2009 Taste of Dupont will have a new format this year, with ticket holders visiting individual participating restaurants for their tasting. This allows us to greatly expand the number of restaurants participating, and allows chefs to cook in their own familiar kitchen to bring you even more delicious and innovative tastings! We are adding new restaurants every day, so check back often!

If you are a restaurant owner or manager, and would like to participate, please email me and we’ll tell you everything you need to know to be part of this popular annual event! If you are a gallery or other business owner and will stay open during the 6-9 hours, allow us to promote and advertise any specials you may hold that evening

Thursday, October 8, 2009

10.14.09 ANC Regular Meeting

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2B REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW - 1st Floor, Falk Auditorium

Call to Order and Introduction of Commissioners

Approval of Minutes

Public Announcements
  • Announcement regarding amenities package for
    Planned Use Development at 1616 Rhode Island Av.

Public Safety

Committee Reports

  • 17th Street Working Group

Establishment of ANC Committees

  • Resolution to establish ABRA Policy Committee
  • Resolution to establish Zoning, Historic Preservation, and Development
    Committee
  • Resolution to establish Community Development Committee

Commissioner Reports

  • Report on Dog Park Community Meeting of Oct. 13, 2009 & Proposed Resolution on Park Rules

Neighboring Jurisdiction Reports (West End/Foggy Bottom, Adams Morgan,
Kalorama, Shaw/Mt. Vernon, Logan Circle, Georgetown)

General

  • Special Guest: The Brookings Institution
  • Presentation by David Peruzza re: 2009 High Heel Race
  • Presentation by David Burd of EarthAid re: home energy benefits program
  • Presentation by Jeff Klein, representing Keegan Theater, operating out of Church Street Playhouse, regarding this season’s activities.
  • Resolution in Support of Full Marriage Equality
  • Resolution in Support of D.C. Hatch Act Eliminating Restrictions on ANC Commissioner Political Activity
  • Resolution regarding Draft White-tailed Deer Management Program/Environmental Impact Statement for Rock Creek Park
  • Resolution requesting DDOT to provide a minimum of 2 weeks notice to residents and ANCs of street, sidewalk, and alley projects and to provide for consultation with ANCs on changes to materials or appearance
  • Resolution in support of K Street corridor transportation improvements option two, which includes designated busways and additional curbside space for delivery vehicles. (2B05 & 2B06)
  • Resolution on proposed Historic District regulations
  • Resolution in support of legislation to recognize two tiers of vacant property, with additional tax burdens for blighted vacant property

Regulatory

  • Valet Parking Applications for existing operations to comply with new
    DC regulations:

    Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 2017 S Street. (2B01)
    Darlington House, 1610 20th St. (2B02)
    Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. (2B02)
    Al Tiramisu, 2014 P St. (2B02)
    The Palm, 1225 19th St. (2B02)
    Restaurant Nora, 2132 Florida Av. (2B02)
    BLT Steak Restaurant, 1625 I Street (2B05)
    Bombay Club, 815 Connecticut Av (2B05)
    Georgia Brown’s, 950 15th Street (2B05)
    The Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Av (2B05)
    Midtown, 1219 Connecticut Av (2B05)
    Tabard Inn, 1739 N Street (2B05)
    McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, 1652 K Street (2B05)
    The Current Lounge, 1215 Connecticut Av (2B05)
    Oval Room, 800 Connecticut Av (2B05)
    i Ricchi Restaurant, 1220 19th Street (2B06)
    The Melting Pot Restaurant, 1220 19th Street (2B06)
    The Metropolitan Club, 1700 H Street (2B06)
    Fly Lounge, 1802 Jefferson Place (2B06)
    Ozio Lounge, 1813 M Street (2B06)
    Kellari Taverna, 1700 K Street (2B06)
    Smith and Wollensky, 1112 19th Street (2B06)
    Local 16, 1602 U Street (2B08)
    Policy, 1904 14th Street (2B09)
  • Petition for speedbump in the 1700 block of Riggs Place. Presentation by Jonas Morris. (2B03)
  • ABC application #082860 for new retail Class “A” license for “fine wine shop with tasting” with hrs. Mon-Sat 9am-10pm at 1828 B 18th St. NW (2B08)
  • ABC application #077839 for the Bards of Washington T/A James Hoban’s Restaurant, 1 Dupont Circle to extend sidewalk cafe hours and sale of alcoholic beverages on sidewalk cafe to: Sunday thru Thursday 11am-2am and Friday and Saturday 11am-3am. (2B02)
  • Public Space application for awning above existing unenclosed sidewalk cafe at 1701 Connecticut Av NW by Foundation of Human Rights for La Tomate Restaurant. (2B02)

Administrative/Financial Matters

  • Treasurer’s Report
    1. Presentation and possible adoption of annual budget
  • ANC 2B Policies & Procedures Manual Revisions
    1. Requirement that each Commissioner be a member of at least one
    committee
    2. Requirement that each formal letter be signed by Chair + Vice Chair

Email to DDOT on Corcoran & Streetscape

DDOT continues to be plagued with community notification issues with regard to projects they're completing throughout the city. In my district, we ran into problems a week ago when DDOT unilaterally decided to expand the 1400 and 1500 block of Corcoran sidewalk replacement project to include the 1600 block - without notifying neighbors.

This may be a larger problem, which I'm investigation at the moment. I sent the following email to DDOT earlier today to get clarification on the ongoing work:

"DDOT continues to move forward with the sidewalk, curb, gutter & resurfacing project on the 1600 block of Corcoran Street. But I didn't realize that the Corcoran project also now seems to be the unofficial start of the 17th Streetscape project. I'm assuming it's the unofficial start, since the Corcoran project has included the replacement of curb, gutter and sidewalk within the 17th Streetscape project zone. I believe the 17th Streetscape project zone goes from the curb at 17th Street to approximately 100 feet in on side streets.

"I just wanted to confirm with you that when the 17th Streetscape project commences, the brand new curb, gutter and sidewalks on the 1600 block of Corcoran Street will NOT be removed and replaced during the streetscape.

"Please confirm this with me at your very earliest convenience. We need to be good stewards of the public's money, and installing brand new sidewalks/gutter at 17th & Corcoran now and replacing them in as little as three months would not be an acceptable use of public funds.

"Additionally, can you please confirm for me that the new sidewalks being installed on Corcoran within the 17th Streetscape zone will comply with the 17th Streetscape plan as presented to the community and approved by the Dupont Circle ANC, meaning they will be concrete sidewalks with the brick edging, as designed?

"Thank you very much for your attention to this matter."

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Today 10.06.09

Lots going on...

Working to try to get my email cleaned up bit, because I'm way behind. In the neighborhood:

1) Corcoran Street is getting new curb and gutter, sidewalks, and road resurfacing. This is the result of a lot of work by some residents on the 1500 block of Corcoran. DDOT decided to include the 1400 block of Corcoran in the plans as well, since it's easier to do projects like this in bulk. What DDOT failed to let anyone know was that the 1600 block of Corcoran would also be reconstructed with new sidewalks, curb, gutter and road resurfacing. There was no notification on the 1600 block and neighbors were surprised. They were able to work with DDOT to rectify the situation somewhat, however, and the work is proceeding.

2) On Oct. 13 from 7-8 or 9 pm Circle Dogs and the Dupont Circle ANC are hosting a community meeting on the new dog park at 17th & S. The meeting will help set hours of operation and rules for the park - the first of its kind in the city. I encourage you to attend if you are able.

3) Today Councilmember David Catania introduced a marriage equality bill. I am overjoyed that it was introduced with 10 of the 13 councilmembers as original sponsors. There are still many hurdles to face, but I am delighted that DC is truly moving toward full equality for all. It's a long journey, but we can get there.

Monday, October 5, 2009

October 2009 Wish List for Green Door

Green Door prepares women and men with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses to work and live in the Washington, D.C. community. For information, visit us at www.greendoor.org .

Items should be fully functioning, gently used, and new that are only on the wish list. Contact Megan Butler at megan.butler@greendoor.org or 202-462-4092 x336 before donating.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for Guest Chefs/Servers and Speakers for our monthly Education and Employment dinners. Please contact Megan Butler at 202-462-4092 x336 or megan.butler@greendoor.org for more information.

We need volunteers for the Learning Center at the Clubhouse to tutor members in GED preparation, Monday through Friday from 3pm-5pm. Please contact Megan Butler at 202-462-4092 x336 or megan.butler@greendoor.org for more information.


Have you always wanted to see what's behind the Green Door?

You're invited to take a one-hour tour of our Clubhouse, which is changing the way people with mental illness recover, live, and work in the community. Come by yourself or bring your friend(s). Please RSVP with Megan Butler at 202-462-4092 x336 or megan.butler@greendoor.org .

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 11:30am
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 8:30am
Thursday, December 10 at 11:30am

Metro cards for members without income to get to their doctors, jobs, or school. Please send all metro card donations to the attention of the Development Office at the address listed below.

Toiletries, especially deodorant and toothpaste, for our men's and women's emergency closets.

Safeway/Giant gift cards for members without income that are awaiting approval of their benefits.

Members are in need of Day Planners for 2009-2010 so they can keep track of their appointments, classes, and work schedule.

Michael recently moved in to an apartment and needs a stereo. He really loves music and it helps him sleep through the night.

Frances doesn't have any income and has been wearing shoes that are too small and hurting her feet. She is in need of shoes (size 7 1/5 flats or tennis shoes).

Diane would like a blanket (queen size) to keep her warm at night, especially as the weather gets colder.

Abdul is 63 years old and has been sleeping on the floor of his apartment. He needs a mattress any size will do. He also needs a CD player and an answering machine.

Carla had to throw away her bed and living room furniture due to bed bugs. She is need of a full-size bed (mattress, box spring, and frame) and couch.

Bernardo, Gerald and Lovell are just a few of the students returning to school this fall. In order to be prepared for class, they need 3 ring binders, loose-leaf paper, dividers, No. 2 pencils, and pens.

Gerald used to enjoy coming home after a hard day of work at the Clubhouse and watching a movie. Gerald needs a DVD player so he can do this again.

Whit and Anna need a TV so they can come home from a busy day and relax while watching TV.

Nancy would like a DVD player because hers broke and she watches movies to help her cope.

Mary joined the Clubhouse and immediately jumped into the Clubhouse culture. She's an active leader in her unit and recently started a TE at Caldwell and Company. She needs professional clothing to wear to work. Pants and blouses (size 14), bra (38C), and underwear (size 10).

Robert would like an acoustic guitar. He has always wanted to play the guitar and he is starting to integrate activities into his life that help him feel better.

Lenann and her 9 year old daughter, Delores, both need winter coats (women's 2x and girls size 12), dishes, pots and pans, an air purifier, a toy chest, shoe rack, a TV, bunk beds, pillows, sheets,and blankets (twin and queen size). She is a single mother on an extremely limited income and is unable to buy the extra items needed for her and her daughter.

The Green Door Clubhouse needs a folding table (at least four feet) for special events.

Green Door housing needs four vacuums for the four housing units. The vacuums consistently break from the constant use. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy home.