A quick update to let everyone know that the zoning regulations for 14th Street (ARTS Overlay District) have been temporarily changed. The former regulation held that linear footage along 14th Street could be no more than 25% occupied by liquor licensed establishments. This threshold was reached last month, and Zoning increased the percent to 30% on an emergency basis, and will be considering a 50% occupancy rule this summer.
Why does this matter?
Well, there are a ton of empty & deteriorating buildings (or empty lots) along 14th Street. But because restaurants like to serve alcohol to their customers, new restaurants couldn't operate in the available space. So the customers who wanted to go to the 14th Street theaters couldn't get dinner before the show or drinks after. And the buildings remain empty because retail has changed dramatically in recent years.
The Logan Circle ANC wisely sought to address this issue, and last year established a diverse & informed committee to come up with a set of recommendations to address the issue. The committee came back with a recommendation that the linear footage restriction be raised from 25% to 40-50%. The Logan Circle ANC unanimously endorsed the report. So did the Dupont Circle ANC. The Cardozo-Shaw ANC endorsed the report as well, though it was not unanimous.
I'm very glad that all the Commissioner on the Dupont Circle ANC see the value in increasing this percentage, and I look forward to supporting the permanent regulation increase with my colleagues.
Finally, Borderstan did a great job letting folks know just what an ANC commissioner is and what we do. Take a quick read. I'm quoted!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Seeking Summer Campaign Intern
Jack Jacobson is a local elected official in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC. He was first elected as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) in Dupont in March 2008 in a special election in a four-way race, and was subsequently reelected to a full term in November 2008, receiving more votes than any other Commissioner in Dupont Circle. Jack serves as the Public Safety Liaison for the Dupont Circle ANC as well as ANC 2B Treasurer. His primary issues include constituent services, LGBT affairs, public safety and economic development.
Summary of Intern Duties
Seeking a campaign intern to undertake all aspects of a campaign and prepare candidate for his anticipated reelection campaign in November 2010. This internship is extremely flexible (perfect if you have another full- or part-time summer job) and nearly 100% independent. Candidates will be expected to undertake duties with little supervision, though constant communication is expected. Independence, creativity, and attention to detail are paramount. The ideal candidate will be an incoming sophomore or junior at a DC-area school, will live in the District, and will have a desire to work on larger campaigns in the future. Tasks are as assigned but shall include the following:
- Creating and executing a reelection campaign plan;
- Database creation and updating;
- Opposition research;
- Attending monthly ANC, public safety and other community meetings in Dupont;
- Updating campaign Web site/Twitter/Facebook, including drafting articles for publication;
- Door knocking and voter identification;
- Graphic design and campaign literature creation; and
- Fundraiser organization and execution.
No office or computer is able to be provided by the campaign for this unpaid internship, though it is possible (depending on fundraising and campaign expenses) that a small stipend may be paid to the successful candidate. Candidate has significant experience supervising interns.
Requirements
If you are enrolled in an accredited college or university and have a strong academic record, you are invited to apply for this campaign internship. It's a great opportunity to exhibit leadership, creativity and independence. Interns must be proficient in social media and writing and be deadline-oriented, attentive to detail, and a strong surrogate for the campaign/official.
To Apply
Please provide a cover letter, availability, and resume by May 10 to jack@friendsofjack.com.
04.13.10 Testimony in Support of Mike Silverstein
Below is my testimony in support of Chairman Mike Silverstein's appointment to ABRA:
Testimony of Commissioner Jack Jacobson, ANC 2B
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Mike Silverstein
Confirmation Resolution of 2010
PR 18-0793
Tuesday, April 13, 2010; Room 123
Committee on Public Works and Transportation, Jim Graham, Chairperson
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee:
Thank you for holding this important hearing on the "Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Mike Silverstein Confirmation Resolution of 2010." I'm here today to testify in support of Chairman Silverstein's confirmation to one of two vacant seats on the Control Board.
I got to know Mike through our joint service on the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission, where his leadership, knowledge and fairness prompted me to support him as Chair of our Commission. It's a role in which he has flourished, and as a community, I am happy to say that we have all benefited from his leadership.
I could go on about his personal characteristics and traits that make him the right person for this position, but I'm here today to address a few key technical points that I believe you should consider in your deliberations which in my mind make Mike uniquely qualified to serve on the Control Board.
First and foremost is his lengthy experience working fairly and equitably with residents, business owners and community groups alike on alcohol licensing issues throughout Dupont Circle. I have found Mike to be a pragmatic, realistic and detail-oriented. And when either business owners or residents refuse to negotiate or make unrealistic demands on the other party, he serves as the voice of reason to bring all parties back to the table and reach consensus. To my knowledge, he has never failed to date.
He knows so much about ABRA issues because he lives in Ward 2, which has more licensed establishments than the other seven wards combined. Additionally, with over 100 licensed establishments in his single member district, Mike personally represents more licensed establishments than any other commissioner in the city. He knows the rules and regulations backward and forward, and would be able to "hit the ground running" as a member of the Control Board.
One particular issue with which Mike has intimate knowledge that I believe no other member of the Board possesses to the same degree is his firsthand experience of what a liquor moratorium zone is, why it's important to certain neighborhoods, and how they operate in practice. Mike lives within the bounds of the Dupont West Moratorium Zone, and has shepherded the moratorium through the ANC several times, including shepherding amendments to the moratorium through the commission and ABC process. When I chaired the Dupont East Moratorium renewal committee last year, I frequently turned to Mike for advice, counsel, and guidance. With his assistance, we were able to pass a resolution through the Dupont ANC for a modified renewal which garnered the votes of all nine 2B Commissioners – quite a feat, given the often-toxic nature of moratoria to businesses and residents alike.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that there are a growing number of establishments throughout the city – not only in Dupont – that are owned by and/or service the city's diverse gay and lesbian community. As a gay man living with his long-time partner, Thomas DeFeo, Mike will bring a personal touch to the Board's interactions with the LGBT community that cannot be replicated by our straight allies. This is extremely important to me in my SMD, in which three major gay licensed establishments are located.
I could obviously go on ad nauseum in support of my good friend, but I want to give others an opportunity to boast of his qualifications as well, since he will not do so himself. I'm happy to answer any questions that the Committee may have. Thank you.
Testimony of Commissioner Jack Jacobson, ANC 2B
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Mike Silverstein
Confirmation Resolution of 2010
PR 18-0793
Tuesday, April 13, 2010; Room 123
Committee on Public Works and Transportation, Jim Graham, Chairperson
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee:
Thank you for holding this important hearing on the "Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Mike Silverstein Confirmation Resolution of 2010." I'm here today to testify in support of Chairman Silverstein's confirmation to one of two vacant seats on the Control Board.
I got to know Mike through our joint service on the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission, where his leadership, knowledge and fairness prompted me to support him as Chair of our Commission. It's a role in which he has flourished, and as a community, I am happy to say that we have all benefited from his leadership.
I could go on about his personal characteristics and traits that make him the right person for this position, but I'm here today to address a few key technical points that I believe you should consider in your deliberations which in my mind make Mike uniquely qualified to serve on the Control Board.
First and foremost is his lengthy experience working fairly and equitably with residents, business owners and community groups alike on alcohol licensing issues throughout Dupont Circle. I have found Mike to be a pragmatic, realistic and detail-oriented. And when either business owners or residents refuse to negotiate or make unrealistic demands on the other party, he serves as the voice of reason to bring all parties back to the table and reach consensus. To my knowledge, he has never failed to date.
He knows so much about ABRA issues because he lives in Ward 2, which has more licensed establishments than the other seven wards combined. Additionally, with over 100 licensed establishments in his single member district, Mike personally represents more licensed establishments than any other commissioner in the city. He knows the rules and regulations backward and forward, and would be able to "hit the ground running" as a member of the Control Board.
One particular issue with which Mike has intimate knowledge that I believe no other member of the Board possesses to the same degree is his firsthand experience of what a liquor moratorium zone is, why it's important to certain neighborhoods, and how they operate in practice. Mike lives within the bounds of the Dupont West Moratorium Zone, and has shepherded the moratorium through the ANC several times, including shepherding amendments to the moratorium through the commission and ABC process. When I chaired the Dupont East Moratorium renewal committee last year, I frequently turned to Mike for advice, counsel, and guidance. With his assistance, we were able to pass a resolution through the Dupont ANC for a modified renewal which garnered the votes of all nine 2B Commissioners – quite a feat, given the often-toxic nature of moratoria to businesses and residents alike.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that there are a growing number of establishments throughout the city – not only in Dupont – that are owned by and/or service the city's diverse gay and lesbian community. As a gay man living with his long-time partner, Thomas DeFeo, Mike will bring a personal touch to the Board's interactions with the LGBT community that cannot be replicated by our straight allies. This is extremely important to me in my SMD, in which three major gay licensed establishments are located.
I could obviously go on ad nauseum in support of my good friend, but I want to give others an opportunity to boast of his qualifications as well, since he will not do so himself. I'm happy to answer any questions that the Committee may have. Thank you.
03.31.10 Testimony on ANC 2B Finances
Below is my testimony from March 31 on ANC 2B's finances.
Testimony of Commissioner Jack Jacobson
Treasurer, ANC 2B
Commissioner, ANC 2B04
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thank you, Chairman Silverstein. And thank you Madam Chair for holding these important oversight hearings over the city's ANCs.
If there's anything that I've learned serving as a commissioner in the year since I last testified before you, Madam Chair, it's that our role in representing our communities and serving as liaisons with often dysfunctional city agencies is of the utmost importance, and as Chairman Silverstein suggested, in Dupont Circle we save the city money – both in terms of addressing potential issues before they become real problems, and in keeping businesses functioning and tax dollars coming into city coffers during disruptive but necessary city improvement projects.
As Chairman Silverstein said, I currently serve as Co-Chair of the 17th Street Working Group. The group was formed for several reasons, but not the least of which was to provide a streamlined forum for DDOT, residents, and business owners to work together to address issues during the 17th Streetscape project, which our neighborhood had been waiting for for years.
Our first order of business last year was to secure a meeting between DDOT, residents and business owners to work out potential issues with the streetscape project before construction began. DDOT met with us and we immediately identified two major problems with their construction plans: first, nearly every single tree on 17th Street was going to be felled, regardless of the age or health of the tree; and second, that the staging of the project was such that during the late spring and early summer – prime time for outdoor dining – DDOT was planning on ripping up sidewalks and rendering public space unusable for the businesses that rent the space from the city.
Regarding the trees, Commissioner Bob Meehan and I spent a cold and rainy day in January with Director of Urban Forestry, John Thomas, and other residents walking up and down the street to save as many healthy, mature trees as possible. We were able to work out a reasonable compromise and keep much of the canopy within the streetscape project without sacrificing long-term planning efforts of DDOT and Urban Forestry. Regarding the staging of the project, we worked with DDOT and were able to get them to restage the sidewalk work to the benefit of restaurants. And I'm happy to report that now – at the end of March – nearly all of the public space with outdoor seating for restaurants along 17th Street has been replaced, the cement is dry, and this spring our neighborhood will be able to enjoy dining outdoors. And the city can enjoy the tax revenue from the food and beverage sold.
On 18th Street we are also undergoing a major street reconstruction project which had its own unique challenges. Again, DDOT was willing to sit down and spend additional time up front, at the beginning, with Commissioners to address problems before construction began. One of the main issues revealed on 18th Street was that DDOT and WASA intended to replace two six inch water mains traveling under 18th Street with a single twelve inch main. While six plus six equals twelve, geometry works differently and a twelve inch water main carries nearly twice as much water than two six inch mains, which is excessive for the neighborhood and an unnecessary added expense for the city.
I could go on but I know our time is short here. Let me conclude by saying that as the old adage goes, "An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and that's certainly the case when agencies give the Dupont Circle ANC great weight before a project begins, rather than only once problems arise.
________
Regarding our finances in Dupont Circle, I am happy to report that in the year and three months that I have served as treasurer, each of our quarterly reports has been reviewed and accepted by the DC Auditor as being within 100% compliance. We have not been audited during my tenure as treasurer, but when we are, I am confident that we will be able to work closely with the Auditor's office and that we will come out of the audit in good standing with the City.
Our major expense each month is the salary of our executive director, Alfred Blicher. Our largest expense after his salary is federal and DC payroll taxes. Property insurance, printing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses round out our top five expenses.
We also spend a significant amount on a payroll service, which ensures we are in compliance with all federal and DC laws and that we pay our fair share in federal and City taxes. We also spend a significant amount on web hosting for our Web site, which is undergoing a significant revision to make it more user friendly and which will allow our community greater access to the work that we perform.
I am also happy to report that this year, for the first time, we are making our budgets and quarterly reports available to the public by posting them online for all to see. For with greater transparency comes greater accountability to the people we serve.
Thank you once again Madam Chair for the opportunity to testify here this evening. We are happy to entertain any questions you may have.
Testimony of Commissioner Jack Jacobson
Treasurer, ANC 2B
Commissioner, ANC 2B04
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thank you, Chairman Silverstein. And thank you Madam Chair for holding these important oversight hearings over the city's ANCs.
If there's anything that I've learned serving as a commissioner in the year since I last testified before you, Madam Chair, it's that our role in representing our communities and serving as liaisons with often dysfunctional city agencies is of the utmost importance, and as Chairman Silverstein suggested, in Dupont Circle we save the city money – both in terms of addressing potential issues before they become real problems, and in keeping businesses functioning and tax dollars coming into city coffers during disruptive but necessary city improvement projects.
As Chairman Silverstein said, I currently serve as Co-Chair of the 17th Street Working Group. The group was formed for several reasons, but not the least of which was to provide a streamlined forum for DDOT, residents, and business owners to work together to address issues during the 17th Streetscape project, which our neighborhood had been waiting for for years.
Our first order of business last year was to secure a meeting between DDOT, residents and business owners to work out potential issues with the streetscape project before construction began. DDOT met with us and we immediately identified two major problems with their construction plans: first, nearly every single tree on 17th Street was going to be felled, regardless of the age or health of the tree; and second, that the staging of the project was such that during the late spring and early summer – prime time for outdoor dining – DDOT was planning on ripping up sidewalks and rendering public space unusable for the businesses that rent the space from the city.
Regarding the trees, Commissioner Bob Meehan and I spent a cold and rainy day in January with Director of Urban Forestry, John Thomas, and other residents walking up and down the street to save as many healthy, mature trees as possible. We were able to work out a reasonable compromise and keep much of the canopy within the streetscape project without sacrificing long-term planning efforts of DDOT and Urban Forestry. Regarding the staging of the project, we worked with DDOT and were able to get them to restage the sidewalk work to the benefit of restaurants. And I'm happy to report that now – at the end of March – nearly all of the public space with outdoor seating for restaurants along 17th Street has been replaced, the cement is dry, and this spring our neighborhood will be able to enjoy dining outdoors. And the city can enjoy the tax revenue from the food and beverage sold.
On 18th Street we are also undergoing a major street reconstruction project which had its own unique challenges. Again, DDOT was willing to sit down and spend additional time up front, at the beginning, with Commissioners to address problems before construction began. One of the main issues revealed on 18th Street was that DDOT and WASA intended to replace two six inch water mains traveling under 18th Street with a single twelve inch main. While six plus six equals twelve, geometry works differently and a twelve inch water main carries nearly twice as much water than two six inch mains, which is excessive for the neighborhood and an unnecessary added expense for the city.
I could go on but I know our time is short here. Let me conclude by saying that as the old adage goes, "An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and that's certainly the case when agencies give the Dupont Circle ANC great weight before a project begins, rather than only once problems arise.
________
Regarding our finances in Dupont Circle, I am happy to report that in the year and three months that I have served as treasurer, each of our quarterly reports has been reviewed and accepted by the DC Auditor as being within 100% compliance. We have not been audited during my tenure as treasurer, but when we are, I am confident that we will be able to work closely with the Auditor's office and that we will come out of the audit in good standing with the City.
Our major expense each month is the salary of our executive director, Alfred Blicher. Our largest expense after his salary is federal and DC payroll taxes. Property insurance, printing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses round out our top five expenses.
We also spend a significant amount on a payroll service, which ensures we are in compliance with all federal and DC laws and that we pay our fair share in federal and City taxes. We also spend a significant amount on web hosting for our Web site, which is undergoing a significant revision to make it more user friendly and which will allow our community greater access to the work that we perform.
I am also happy to report that this year, for the first time, we are making our budgets and quarterly reports available to the public by posting them online for all to see. For with greater transparency comes greater accountability to the people we serve.
Thank you once again Madam Chair for the opportunity to testify here this evening. We are happy to entertain any questions you may have.
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