A Diner/Tryst Option??

14th and T Streets NW (West Side),
originally uploaded by mr.doug.rogers.

The owner of Tryst and the Diner in Adams Morgan announced a few months ago his plans to open a Diner/Tryst concept in the space of the former "Church of the Restoration". In addition, Boundless Yoga would share third-floor space with City Dance and the second floor would be a comedy dinner theater. (see City Paper Article)

I will work with these business owners and neighbors to ensure this project opens on this important neighborhood corner.   I believe it is important to build consensus among neighbors and these businesses to bring much needed vitality to this side of 14th Street.  I am running for ANC 2B 09 in order to represent MY neighbors' interests and feel that the ANC has been controlled by a vocal minority for too long! 

What is your opinion??

Bike DC on Saturday September 27th

Bike DC sounds like a great event.  Riders have the chance to ride on 17 miles of closed streets throughout the District (including Massachusetts Avenue through Dupont Circle).  The costs is $35 if you register on-line OR tomorrow at the start of the ride (13th and Pennsylvania NW).  It looks as though organizers have DROPPED the extra fee for same day registration due to the possibility of rainy weather.  (www.bikeDC.net) 

Do you live in ANC 2B 09?

The general boundaries are between west side of 14th and 16th Streets NW and between the north side of S Street NW and the south side of U Street NW.  Also the east side of New Hampshire between Swann and U Streets NW.  Please check out the Map for ANC 2B 09 and note that the district boundary occurs in the middle of the street.

Why I am running for the Dupont ANC?

I am running because I believe that ALL of my neighbors need to be heard.  I have started this blog to ENGAGE my neighbors and SOLICIT their viewpoints on the issues facing us here in the neighborhood.  I want this blog to be a forum for me to share my thoughts, but more importantly I want you, my neighbors, to have the opportunity to share yours.       

I want my district on the northeast side of Dupont Circle to have first-rate residential, retail and transportation.  I first moved to Dupont Circle in 1998 because I loved the vitality and architecture of the neighborhood.  I also enjoyed the walkability of the neighborhood and the many small independent restaurants and businesses.  

1) Affordable Housing:  I will work with the city and new developers to provide options for low-income residents, and not to push out longtime residents with increasing rents.  I believe in giving developers incentives to place affordable housing within new condo buildings (i.e. "inclusionary zoning").

2) New Development:  I believe we need to work with developers before a project is completed to plan for the needs of current residents as well as the impact of future residents.  New developments should add value to our community.  

I also want to help create a vibrant mixed-use corridor on the west side of 14th Street, and feel that most of my neighbors want the same.  Since moving to the northeast side of Dupont, I've read about proposed new residential and retail along 14th Street NW (between S and U Streets NW).  HOWEVER, take a walk along the west side of 14th Street.  NOT MUCH has changed in 40 years - vacant lots and even an abandoned warehouse (see photo #1) (see photo #2) (see photo #3).  This side of the street is located in the Dupont Circle ANC.  Take a walk along the east side of 14th Street, and you'll see a big difference.  The east side of 14th Street is located in the Greater U Street ANC.  

3) Transportation:  I believe in improving the Transportation services through Dupont Circle and U Street areas by providing more bus service on the "S lines" along 16th Street, on the 52, 54 lines on 14th Street, and the various bus lines along U Street.  In addition, I support improved infrastructure for Pedestrians AND Bicyclists by improving sidewalks and streetscapes and adding dedicated bike lanes to major thoroughfares.