Tryin to Be Sneaky with Your Liquor License Request

Art of War Concept: Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
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The work of an Advisory Neighborhood Commission is never done. This is particularly true when it comes to monitoring liquor license request. Many vendors are aware that the best time to apply for a liquor license is in late summer.  They know that most folks go on vacation in August and chances are good that community organizations and the ANC will also be out for the month. Well low and behold, ANC 8A recently found out that Dollar Plus General located at 1429 Good Hope Rd., SE is applying for a Class A liquor license. What’s interesting is this vendor is within 400 feet of a DC Public Elementary School (Ketchem Elementary). If approved, this would make for two liquor stores within 400 feet of our kids.

Class A Includes: Beer, Wine and Spirits

There are two ways to protest a liquor license. The first, is for the ANC to vote to protest the license. The second option is for at least five (5) private citizens to file their own protest. ANC 8A will have a special meeting on Saturday August 24th, 2013 at 8:00am to vote on whether to protest a license. We will be meeting at the ANC 8A Office located at 2100 MLK Ave., SE.

However, in the case of a liquor license protest, it always best to maximize community participation in filing the protest. If would like to send in your own protest, please mail or scan your letter using the below message and send to: Tesha.Anderson@dc.gov. NOTE: You have to physically sign your letter before mailing/emailing for it to be considered.

August __, 2013

 

Ms. Tesha Anderson
Adjudication Assistant
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
2000 14^th St NW, Suite 400 South
Washington, DC 20009

RE:      ABRA-092680
Dollar Plus Store, 1429 Good Hope Rd., SE

Dear Ms. Anderson:

I am a resident of the Anacostia neighborhood. It has come to my attention that Dollar Plus is applying for a Class A Liquor License. Please accept this communication as my protest of this license application. My protest is based on concerns related to peace, order, quiet, litter and parking. Furthermore, I believe that it would unconscionable for ABRA to approve this application due to the fact that it would be the second such establishment operating within 400 feet of a DC Public School (Ketchem Elementary School).

I will be unable to attend the Roll-Call Hearing on September 9, 2013. I would like to designate Ms. Greta Fuller and/or Mr. Charles Wilson to attend on my behalf to represent my interest as stated in my protest letter.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Concerned Citzen

SIGN YOUR NAME

                                   

Fort Stanton Recreation Center!

Art of War Concept: All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark.
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We all know that Ward 8 includes more neighborhoods than just Anacostia and Congress Heights, right?? Have you heard of a neighborhood called Fort Stanton? Fort Stanton is probably the smallest designated neighborhood in Ward 8. It sits in between Hillsdale and Washington Highlands and is right around the corner for the Anacostia Community Museum off of Morris Rd.

This past weekend, Ft. Stanton finally got its new and improved recreation center it has been clamoring for. The facility kept the same pool, but it got new basketball courts, softball field and indoor facility. It may have been another hot and humid day, but residents of the community did not mind a little heat to celebrate the opening of the new center! See below for some pics.

 

 Director of DPW and ANC Commissioner Anthony Lorenzo giving remarks

 Brand-Spankin New!

The neighborhood celebrating the day! 

Nothing happens by accident when it comes to neighborhood improvement. Big Shout-Out

to Ms. Addie Cooke -- 40 year resident of Fort Stanton. She fought years to make this a reality! 

New basketball courts 

Indoor basketball and volleyball court 

Ms. Barbara Jones, always making things happen in Fort Stanton 

Youth Room...

Senior Lounge that will be renamed the Addie Cooke Senior Lounge

Game Room = Pool Table, Foosball Table!

Computer Room

The Arts...

Fitness Center!

And of course, the Ft Stanton Softball Field!

 

Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11

Art of War Concept: Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
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So what is going on at the old Anacostia Warehouse Supermarket Building? I did some ANC research and found out one of the proposed tenants once construction is complete is a 7-11 convenience store. Now before you get all bent-out-of-shape because I know we all wanted a Whole Foods or Trader Joes, we need to be aware of reality that the Anacostia community currently cannot economically support those establishments. Let us be excited that we are taking baby steps. I personally think a 7-11 option is good for a couple reasons.

1.       We live in a food desert. Unless you live near the Safeway or Giant on Alabama Ave, SE you have to drive to get any fresh food products. A 7-11 at this location on Good Hope Rd would add a lot of convenience to residents in the Anacostia Community. Let’s not forget how folks were willing to shop at the Anacostia Warehouse instead of Yes! Organic just because of the location.  And now 7-11 actually sells fresh salads and sandwiches!

2.       The owner of the building is going to add some large glass windows to the side of the building to create a sense of openness.. This will add a beatification spark that is well needed on Good Hope Rd.

3.       7-11 does a lot of good in the community it serves. The company sponsors several school and community programs that help advance its mission in promoting safety, education, health & wellness and community revitalization -- with a focus on youth programs.

But here is the kicker. I spoke with the proposed franchise owners and they are a little hesitant to move to Anacostia…and I am sure you know the reason why…CRIME. We have heard it before that a reputable business is cautious about coming  East of the River because of reputation. So we need your help by sending a support email to the franchise owners encouraging them to come to Anacostia. If we can show that we can attract a national franchise maybe others will soon follow.

Simply copy and paste the email below and send to the following:
Sembe.Cole@7-11.com; David.Carples@7-11.com; Armand.Keurian@7-11.com

Subject: Welcome to Anacostia

Dear 7-11,

My name is (state your name) and I live in the Anacostia Community. I recently learned the exciting news that you are opening a 7-11 in our neighborhood. Your move to Good Hope Rd is a huge win for the neighborhood and will be well-received by the residents.  7-11 will add shopping convenience that we all want and deserve. Additionally, we support management's initiative to employ local residents to work at this location.

Please let me know what we can do as a community to support your move to the neighborhood.

Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11,

(YOUR NAME)

Large class windows on the side of the building will be

sure to add some vibrancy to the block.

 I had no idea 7-11 now carries fresh fruit and sandwiches

Pizza and hot dogs

 Milk and Juice

Bread, sugar, flour...they got the essentials.

The candy isle was always my favorite as a kid...

Who wants to be able to walk down the street
for a slurpee on DC Hot Summer Days?

 

 

Don't Forget to Send Your Email!

Walking the 11th Street Bridge

Art of War Concept: Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.
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This past weekend after the fireworks, I decided to take a walk over the new 11^th Street Bridge. It truly is a whole new experience walking instead of driving. The new bridge only reinforces my belief that the sky is the limit when it comes to the potential for the greater Anacostia community.  In just a few years this bridge has made a world of difference it how it looks and feels coming in and out of the neighborhood.. It truly makes you appreciate the environment around you.

I would highly recommend you experience it for yourself. So one day, get out of the car and walk across to Barracks Row or to one of the overlook piers to embrace this new experience! Here are some pics to give you a feel...

Some neighbors walking over to Barracks Row for lunch

 

A very wide walking and biking path...

Enough room to walk and bike...

 

 

Remember bikes on the left and walk on the right!

"On Your Left!"

 



Overlook piers...

Come out and read a book as the cars pass by...



 



The bridge has its own drainage system so storm water does

not drain directly into the Anacostia River

As the boats pass by...

 



You can even walk down to Anacostia Park...

 



Its even great at night...very well lit

 

Mark your calendars!

How does the Height Act relate in Ward 8?

Are you satisfied with the height of buildings in Ward 8? Should height limitations be lifted so that the buildings can be significantly taller? The National Capital Planning Commission is conducting public meetings to discuss this important issue. There will be one in Ward 8 this Thursday, June 6th, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Savoy Elementary School, 2400 Shannon Place, SE. The Anacostia Coordinating Council will provide a buffet dinner. See you there! 

Historic Anacostia Block Association Meeting

 

Summer Time is Here!

Yep, can you believe it is already June? Time flies so let us take advantage of the warm weather and outdoor activities. Things are also heating up in the community and we would like to invite you to our next neighborhood meeting to get the latest updates. The agenda includes:

St Elizabeth's East Campus Development: Though St. E's is located in Congress Heights, we all know the future development of this site will have a major impact on our entire Ward. Come learn more about new food pavilion and future development plans for the campus.

Big K Development: The Big K Site is moving a little closer to development. The development of this site will have long-term impact on the greater Anacostia community. Come hear the details about what is being proposed.

Office of Planning: Representatives from the Office of Planning will be in attendance to share the present and future planning agenda for our community. We are looking at building a stronger partnership with the agency that will continue to improve the quality of life for our neighborhood

Crime Update: Neighborhood crime continues to be an issue in Ward 8. Get important information on the progress made and how we can all stay safe and informed this summer.

Martha's Outfitters: If you haven't heard, a new thrift store outlet has opened up on MLK Ave., SE. Representatives from Martha's Outfitters will be in attendance to provide information about what they sell and how you can donate items to the store. .

Neighborhood Barbeque: We are in the process of planning a neighborhood barbeque in July to be held at Old Market Square. It is going to be a great event, but we will need your help to ensure its success. Come find out how you can be a part of the planning committee.

Please invite your friends, family, and neighbors to the meeting on June 13th! The meeting will be held at the Anacostia UPO Center located at 1649 Good Hope Rd., SE. The meeting will begin at 7pm.

5th Annual DC Housing Expo

On Saturday, June 1st, from 10am-3pm, at the Washington Convention Center, DHCD will hold the 5th Annual DC Housing Expo. The expo is free and open to the public. There will be free credit reports, home ownership & financial literacy workshops, hands-on demonstrations, door prizes, and giveaways. For more information call (202) 442-7200, or visit http://dhcd.dc.gov/.