Waiting for a Martini at Church and State-- Photo by María Helena Carey
At its November meeting, ANC 6A’s Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee presented a proposal to address the issues raised during a two-month series of meetings to educate and take the pulse of residents on development activity on H Street, NE, under its jurisdiction, especially the section designated an arts and entertainment district by the H Street Overlay.
For background on the other meetings, see our previous coverage. It became clear during the second meeting in the series in October, which was designed to solicit community feedback, that residents did not feel a need to place a cap or moratorium on alcohol licenses at this time, which had been the focus on the discussions. Of the roomful of residents that spoke during the October meeting, only one specifically wanted a cap. Generally, residents who spoke felt that development is still in the early stages on H Street, too early to place artificial limitations. However, there were quality of life issues raised that can be addressed without a cap or moratorium – and, in fact, the framework of a cap or moratorium does not specifically address any of the common community complaints.
The Committee did not vote to recommend a cap on alcohol licenses, but did agree to send a set of recommendations to the ANC to focus efforts on the most common complaints related to the growth on H Street. Primarily, that’s parking and noise. The Committee also discussed de facto limitations on tavern licenses, which are intended for establishments that serve alcohol without food sales requirements, and a recommended capacity limit of 150.
Generally, the Committee wants to quickly institute the performance parking program that will help with parking pressure. In addition, there are stricter parking requirements available through the Department of Public Works that can be put in place to reserve one side of residential streets as Ward 6 parking only. Some blocks have already taken this step, so the ANC wants to make the process more accessible to interested residents and they are adequately enforced by DPW.
With regard to noise, the Committee wants to work with businesses to come up with a design for a signage to be placed at exits and in the neighborhoods to remind patrons to keep noise down as they leave the commercial corridor and enter the residential area.
The final recommendation will be sent to the full ANC for consideration at its December meeting.