ANC2E Quick Wrap-up

Here's a quick summary of what happened at the ANC-2E meeting Monday Oct. 4:

The ANC heard from Georgetown University on plans to issue $90 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds. The matter will go before the District Council this week. The bonds, according to University representatives, will go towards the science building, currently under construction and maintenance on other campus buildings, including a $12 million effort to bring wireless to the campus.

The big topic of the night was Tudor Place; the packed room thinned out considerably once the ANC addressed the issue. In a fairly civil, yet lively discussion, Tudor Place appealed to the ANC to recognize the various changes and adjustments made to the Draft Plan based on neighbor concerns. Neighbors continued to ardently object to the plan for its impact on views of neighboring properties and on the historic property.

The ANC issued a resolution put forth by Commissioner Eason to submit to the Old Georgetown Board (OGB), which meets Thursday. The statement said the ANC endorses the goals in the draft plan and "encourages a dialogue" to continue as the process moves forward. The ANC also asked that the OGB take note of any activity, especially new construction, that might have an effect on neighboring properties and to work to reduce the impact of those changes on neighbors. The commissioners approved Commissioner Eason's proposed resolution without objection.

The ANC also approved a resolution stating no object to the development of fences around tree boxes, asking the OGB consider the design and height of the fences. Though the issue prompted some debate, it was largely agreed that trees are good and so is protecting them. Moving right along.

Wisey's, which recently had a BZA hearing put on hold, lost its bid to win ANC support for an expansion. Neighbors and the property owner were unable to come to an agreement and the ANC told Wisey's to work on addressing neighbor concerns and then to reapply.

The ANC also reviewed several pending liquor licenses. ABRA Director Fred Moosally was once again on hand to answer commissioners' questions. He also informed that ANC of a new license pending for 1010 Wisconsin Ave. a new "American Chinese restaurant with table tennis" to be called "International House of Pong." Yes, please. The last day to protest the application will be Nov. 22.

Liquor Licenses Receiving unanimous approval from the ANC:

• Brush and Blush- The ANC approved a DX License for the educational painting establishment to allow customers, such as tour groups or work retreats, to bring their own beer and wine.
• Zenobia- The ANC approved the principles of the voluntary agreement, though a final decision is pending changes to the application as filed by the restaurant. Zenobia had requested only space for 50, though an outdoor patio brings capacity up to 99.
• Hu's Wear- The ANC approved a voluntary agreement for an establishment with both interior and patio seating.
• Bodega- The ANC approved an outside patio space that was not clearly allowed before and approved a proposed earlier opening to allow for a breakfast service.

Liquor Licenses that the ANC opted to protest to allow for further discussion:

Smith Point- The ANC wanted to explore the legality of a patio space, based on concerns the Citizens Association of Georgetown raised at the meeting.

Come to Eat- The ANC was uncertain how to approach the request by a property owner for a license for a restaurant not currently in existence. The owner is seeking a liquor license and hopes to attract a family restaurant for the space near Hyde Elementary. 

Malmaison- The ANC protested to allow more time to hash out the business plan, which will belong to the same family that runs Cafe Bonaparte and Napoleon. The operation is looking to serve two dessert seatings each night (think dessert instead of dinner)  and will also create the dessert for the other two restaurants. According to one of the proprietors, the family is in the process of recruiting the pastry chef from Le Cirque in New York, NY.

And that's what you missed (depending on how you look at it) at the October ANC-2E meeting.