Tomorrow's New Town Hearing

I wanted to share the following email recently sent out by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, and a point by point response from J Street Development and Gallaudet University. Enjoy-

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From: Thomas, Harry (COUNCIL) [mailto:HThomas@DCCOUNCIL.US]
Sent: Mon 9/29/2008 5:06 PM
To: Thomas, Harry (COUNCIL)
Cc: Leonard-Chambers, Victoria (COUNCIL)
Subject: CALL FOR ACTION TO TESTIFY AT OCTOBER 2 HEARING ON FLORIDA AVENUE MARKET

September 29, 2008

RE: Request for Ward 5 Civic and Business Leaders to Testify at October 2, 2008 Hearing on Legislation Affecting the Future of the Florida Avenue Market

Dear Ward 5 Leaders:

I am calling upon you to testify in support of B17-0931, the "New Town Geographical Amendment Act of 2008." With the projected FY09 budget deficit of $131 million, it is imperative that we take the steps necessary to ensure Ward 5 projects are in line to receive TIF, PILOT, and other types of public financing. Passage of this bill forward is critical to the moving forward with redevelopment of the Florida Avenue Market and maintaining its place in the public funding pipeline.

The hearing on the bill will be Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 1 pm at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 412. To sign up to testify, please contact Vicky Leonard-Chambers at vleonardchambers@dccouncil.us or 202.727.8204 by 3pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

The bill excludes properties owned by Gallaudet University and J Street Development along the Sixth Street corridor from the New Town footprint for several reasons.

1. Development plans for these properties are on a slower track than development plans for the rest of the site. Gallaudet has indicated that the University must complete an internal development review process that has already been underway for several months. The University also has acknowledged that its process will likely take many more months, with no definitive date as to when it will conclude.

2. Gallaudet and J Street do not offer an ownership interest to the Market's merchant tenants, whereas the New Town Plan does. In fact, in a September 26, 2008 letter to me, the University and J Street outline the importance of maintaining an equity stake for the Market's property owners, but don't mention the tenants at all. For me, providing equity participation to the tenants is a must.

3. Gallaudet and J Street have not fully embraced the public benefits that the Act requires, including affordable housing, recreational facilities, and a public library, among other things. These public benefits represent amenities that the community has indicated it wants at the site.

4. Gallaudet and J Street have no plans to maintain the wholesale functions that make the Florida Avenue Market so unique and important the fabric of Ward 5.

Redefining the New Town boundaries is a win-win for everyone. It allows both Gallaudet and J Street to develop their properties as they see fit and on timetables that work best for them. It also allows New Town Development Partners LLC, the city's designated master developer, to move forward more quickly with the project and bring to reality the vision of the New Town law enacted by the Council in 2006. If Gallaudet and J Street successfully complete their discussions with the Deputy Mayor and the developer, the Council may still include these parcels in the Final Conceptual Plan it approves.

We cannot perpetuate the status quo of flagrant health code violations and pedestrian unfriendliness that currently define the market experience. The New Town plan accomplishes the District's revitalization goals for the market and creates a unique destination venue for residents and visitors.

And as you know the New Town Plan has had broad community support and has been vetted through numerous community meetings and City Council hearings. And as the Plan moves forward, all stakeholders will have many more opportunities to provide input before the Executive Branch, the City Council, and the Zoning Commission.

As a Ward 5 civic leader, your voice on this matter is very important. I ask that you testify on behalf of B17-0931, the "New Town Geographical Amendment Act of 2008."

Sincerely,

Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.

Ward 5 Councilmember

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Response to Statements Made to Community by Councilmember Harry Thomas


Statement: The bill excludes properties owned by Gallaudet University and J Street Development along the Sixth Street corridor from the New Town footprint for several reasons.

1. Development plans for these properties are on a slower track than development plans for the rest of the site. Gallaudet has indicated that the University must complete an internal development review process that has already been underway for several months. The University also has acknowledged that its process will likely take many more months, with no definitive date as to when it will conclude.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: The University indicated clearly last spring that we would have the conceptual elements of a plan in October of this year. To that end, we have been vigorously engaged in a planning process that has been openly shared with neighborhood residents and owners and merchants in the Market area. Our internal marketing analysis will be completed in a few weeks and the first phase of the land plan has been completed and will be shared with Council Members this week.

The University and EAJ are ready to proceed.

2. Gallaudet and J Street do not offer an ownership interest to the Market's merchant tenants, whereas the New Town Plan does. In fact, in a September 26, 2008 letter to me, the University and J Street outline the importance of maintaining an equity stake for the Market's property owners, but don't mention the tenants at all. For me, providing equity participation to the tenants is a must.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: Gallaudet does not disagree with Council Member Thomas’ views and welcomes further discussion. We have always believed that to maintain the character of the Florida Avenue Market, we must continuously involve other landowners and merchants in the vicinity. A coordinated effort between EAJ, Gallaudet, New Town and individual property owners is in the best interest of not only the property owners but residents and visitors.
For that reason, our plan has taken into consideration – from our initial foray into the Market – participation and input from tenants. We have been very involved and transparent with the Merchant’s Association via their president, Paul Pascal, and have had countless meetings – one-on-one and in groups – with various tenants and landowners and will continue to do this. We have also tried repeatedly to meet with New Town to discuss ways we could work together with no interest returned on their part.
EAJ/Gallaudet has been the team that has put its money on the table – we have fee simple ownership of over 25% of the Market properties east of Fourth Street. Together we own more land in the Market area than any other property owner. We have shown respect and consideration for the tenants and owners within the Market and have demonstrated total commitment to working as a team with a number of developers, owners, the City and Market tenants.

3. Gallaudet and J Street have not fully embraced the public benefits that the Act requires, including affordable housing, recreational facilities, and a public library, among other things. These public benefits represent amenities that the community has indicated it wants at the site.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: This team fully supports the valuable role affordable housing and public amenities play in a vibrant community and, in fact, as local residents and investors, have a vested interest in how those amenities would be integrated into any plan for the Market.

We believe the plan we are developing allows for these kinds of facilities be an important part of the market.

4. Gallaudet and J Street have no plans to maintain the wholesale functions that make the Florida Avenue Market so unique and important the fabric of Ward 5.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: This is inaccurate. The EAJ/Gallaudet team has every intention of maintaining the Farmers Market at Florida Avenue. As owners of this parcel, we have made this clear to tenants and in meetings with various stakeholders over the last 6 months. The Farmers Market is a unique, character-rich feature of Washington D.C. proper and, as such, would be treated as the exciting core of the project, making this a vibrant draw for neighbors and visitors.
EAJ/Gallaudet, along with Williams & Dame, is the ONLY team that brings world class experience and proven results in the development of vibrant public markets to this important community development.

We are excited to share our plans with the stakeholders and begin the process of urban revitalization of the Market.

Notes From Closed Meeting RE: New Town

These are my condensed very unofficial personal notes from the meeting. I just tried to capture the highlights and overall tone. I also have included my comments in italics. Nothing is verbatim unless it says otherwise. This was a closed meeting for the developers, landowners, and merchants, but commissioners from ANC 5B were also invited. As you can see the topic was the Capital City Market/Florida Market and the New Town proposal. You can find lots of other info on this by searching this blog for the words NEW TOWN. You can also check out the link just above to the Capital City Market blog to read articles from elsewhere. Here's an old Post piece from late 2006 that offers a bit of history.

Harry Thomas Jr. [Ward 5 Councilmember]- Expressed his dislike for eminent domain.

Paul Pascal [represents the Florida Avenue Market Merchants and Property Owners Association]- What about the Washington Business Journal article that is currently online and comes out in Friday's print edition? Why does it mention eminent domain [Thomas was interviewed for the article]?

Thomas- We [the Council] never tried to institute eminent domain and have never tried to force anyone into agreement by clamping down on zoning or other violations in the Market. [The legislation did include eminent domain language and the District has ramped up various enforcement efforts in the Market. I attended a 5-D CAC, 5th District Citizens Advisory Council, meeting where a rep from the Mayor's office discussed such ramped up enforcement and showed pictures of dumpsters and trash in drainage grates and advised people not to shop in or go to the Market because it was dirty and unsafe. She was unable to identify the locations where the photos were taken and when challenged that many merchants were not in violation, there are hundreds of merchants, conceded that one or two might be in compliance.]

Thomas' comments also seemed to indicate that rather than resume the Office of Planning's Small Area Plan, which is a great tool for community input and information sharing, this new plan, which differs in a very significant way from the old legislation, would simply go to the Council for approval. This differs notably from what ANC 5B's counsel had previously been told by both a representative from the Office of the Deputy Mayor and a representative from the Office of Planning. These two representatives indicated that the Small Area Plan would resume, be completed [perhaps in September], and then that could be used as a guidepost for the development legislation.

Pascal- I've been kept out of many discussions. Merchants and landowners haven't been included. Is District owned land part of the 50 percent required for approval [DC is a large landowner in the 24 acre Market]?

Thomas- Yes, District owned land will be included in the 50 percent. Pascal has been included in all government sponsored meetings [Pascal had previously indicated that he received no notice of this government sponsored meeting]. We must act now because funds are limited. We must look at DC's bond rating because that will limit how long funds are available. All ANCs in Ward 5 are on record as supporting New Town [actually ANC 5B is on record, per a letter sent to all Councilmembers, and to which Councilmember Thomas responded, as opposing New Town. It's just that this was a change in the ANC's position]. The New Town legislation is not expired because there is a difference between the temporary legislation and the permanent legislation [both contained David Catania's 180 day language so the latest possible expiration was in October of 2007. Plus, removing the land owned by Gallaudet and J Street materially changes the legislation, so this would be new legislation. It's either expired or not, you can't just change it and say it's the old legislation, but certain provisions now don't apply. Plus, should we really spend limited District funds on a developer with no previous development experience].

Landowner- I haven't heard anything for over a year, and that's a long time. Pascal who reps the landowners and merchants association didn't get notice of this meeting. How many land owners here feel they haven't been informed or included in the process? [Many hands are raised].

Thomas makes a frustrated reference to a slowdown due to a group that got ANC 6C involved.

Merchant or Landowner- Will you be using eminent domain?

Thomas- I haven't sought it, but it can't be ruled out. It might come from the executive branch.

Landowner- I'm concerned about eminent domain and not being included in discussions [not contacted by the city/New Town developer].

Jim Simmons [Apollo Development, a NY based firm that is partnering with Choi, the new town developer and its rep John Ray- There are many different owners in the Market. The time frame made it impossible to talk to them all. We talked to the largest owners first. We tried to include landowners. We will eventually talk to them all. The creature itself is a creation of the Act. It has been discussed with the Office of Planning, the Executive branch, and the Developer. We have met with 15 landowners [there are around 70].

Landowner- This violates due process, and is therefore Unconstitutional.

Simmons- This is a public/private partnership and the process has therefore been bifurcated with the developer just promising to develop, and the legislative branch drawing up the plan.

Landowner- This shows disdain for landowners and merchants. You are treating us like children.

Thomas- This is the legislative process. We passed the legislation.

Landowner- The Market isn't blighted. We're at 100 percent occupancy with others waiting to get in. It isn't hard to rent out space in the Market. It's a thriving business community.

Thomas- the Market is full of violations of all sorts. Everyday the District protects and helps the Market by not going in there to inspect. This legislation could be our last chance to save the Market. Look at Eastern Market. The District didn't maintain it and look what happened to it [Part of Eastern Market burned down. It has since been replaced with a bustling temporary building and the District is renovating the original building. Interestingly Eastern Market was almost torn down in the 1960s to become a parking lot, but this was averted due to community pressure].

Landowner [Ms. Pascal]- The Market is safer and cleaner than it was in 1955 when I brought my husband into the Market [Ms. Pascal is a second generation landowner in the Market]. At that point we actually had livestock, like living chickens and such, in the Market. I didn't see a copy of the plan until it was in its second iteration. This is railroading. Apollo should apologize to the merchants and landowners.

Thomas- There is always disagreement. We need to look at large landowners first for feasibility reasons. I'd be willing to have weekly meetings out of my office.

Fred Weiner [Special Asst to the President for Planning for Gallaudet University]- I see frustration because people don't see a way to get involved. Would you accept alternative ideas if stakeholders submitted them?

Thomas- Fred, I've met with you I don't know how many times. We don't have time to wait for Gallaudet because of the economy. We could accept submissions of alternative ideas.

Simmons- There is some misunderstanding here. There was a plan in place when Apollo came to the table. The plan came from the legislation. We merely inherited it. [Everything in the findings section of the legislation is non-binding and it clearly states it merely provides ideas for negotiation].

Pascal- This is the first time post-legislation that the plans have been laid out. The original New Town developer, Choi, and John Ray basically drafted the legislation. The Association is merely a conduit for distributing information. I don't represent any of the merchants or landowners personally.

Landowner- asks Simmons how much support among landowners they have for the project.

Simmons- Around 40 percent of the landowners if you exclude the land owned by Gallaudet and J Street, but include the land owned by the District. We can't say which landowners without their permission because we had them all sign confidentiality agreements by which both sides are bound.

Pascal- This is not the same legislation as the passed New Town Act because it doesn't include Gallaudet's land, or that owned by J Street, and that materially changes the legislation.

Thomas- J Street came to the table late. Gallaudet and J Street can still participate, or not participate. Their land just won't be part of the 50 percent necessary for approval.

Brady Pate [Representative of development team J Street and EHA]- We've been told that the Act is expired.

Thomas- My office never told you the act was expired. The government never told you the act was expired [I'm currently looking at a July 2007 letter from the then Attorney General for DC stating that the temporary legislation, which I believe was passed at the same time as the permanent legislation, would expire in October of 2007. This would be the same for the permanent legislation because the expiration was dictated by an internal 180 day clause].

Landowner- Would it be possible for a coalition of landowners, if the land was large enough, to be excluded from the Act like you've excluded J Street and Gallaudet if we didn't want to do anything with our land?

Thomas- So what does that mean when you say you don't want to do anything with your land? So you are saying you just want to leave it...

Landowner- No, I meant not be part of this plan. Do our own thing.

Thomas- No, not feasible.

Landowner- This is discrimination. This is a sham.

John Ray [agent for New Town developer Choi who is partnered with Apollo]- Apollo did not create this plan. DC wants housing. It wants 20 percent affordable housing here [Harry Thomas' website says the development will include between 20 and 40 percent affordable house. I think the original Act called for a minimum of percent affordable housing, and a goal of 40 percent]. DC wants a YMCA [a potential inclusion in New Town]. The City came up with the plan. We need a zoning change. Your taxes just came in higher, and J Street got involved, out of anticipation of this plan. Pascal met with me early on and he told me he would organize the merchants and landowners. We thought he was your agent. You could have come to the Small Area Plan meetings at Gallaudet earlier [Choi/Ray/Apollo successfully requested that the Small Area Plan be paused, thus rendering it totally ineffective if it is never completed. Even if the Small Area Plan is completed it only becomes binding if approved by the Council]. The 180 days clause was always meaningless because there is no penalty specified for violating the expiration time limit. This Act always had to come back to the Council for approval. [Actually the Act created a grant of administrative power that lapsed when the 180 days ended]. The Council has the power to change all of it at any time. The Council laid out the plans. You will benefit when your property values rise, but your property has to be changed from a warehouse.

Thomas- Look at other developments and TIF [Tax Increment Financing] funds. Look at 14th Street. You aren't seeing the opportunity. [Another good, but unmentioned, option would be to utilize Community Development Block Grants for existing merchants to fix up their own places, while also allowing new development in the Market].

Weiner- We've been in conversations with a lot of people. We intend to work with everyone, the city, the other developers, the landowners, the merchants, the Office of Planning, and the residents with, or without, the legislation. The New Town legislation shouldn't exclude land owned by Gallaudet and J Street.

Alexander Chae [represents an Asian merchants association]- I sampled merchants just before this meeting, and that's why I came in late. The legislation should include J Street and Gallaudet. 30 percent were very interested in the New Town idea. 70 percent would look at other considerations such as the economy, nearby construction, and taxes. 20 percent of the 70 percent would support the idea of New Town if their concerns were adequately addressed.

Thomas- The exclusive development rights proposed under New Town would include a provision stabilizing merchant rents for 2 years. We need a continuing flow of revenue for these businesses to survive and that is only possible with large scale development by 1, or a few parties because of the number of violations in the Market. We go in there and we'll have to start shutting people down until they comply. We talking about people not conducting business for at least a year if things are done right and these places would go out of business.

Landowner [Ms. Pascal]- We're not like 14th Street. 14th Street was destroyed and mostly burned to the ground in the 1968 riots. We're not looking at a place where you can just come in and rebuild from vacant lots. We are talking about thriving businesses here.

Thomas- We don't want this to be about national chains. This is about local merchants. Read the legislation.

Simmons- It is very difficult, at least I'm told, to stage a PUD [Planned Unit Development] process. You've got to do it all at once, not piecemeal. Any rezoning can only increase your land value. We've already been told that the buildings are historic, so we'll have to preserve them [although the Office of Planning did refer to many Market structures as historic, none have been officially designated as such, and they are thus not protected. The language in the New Town Act acknowledges that the structures are historic, but only requires them to be preserved if the developer and the Office of Planning find it to be impractical. That's not a high bar, and I'd say the commitment from Apollo/Choi/Ray is dubious considering that the partnered on the adjacent Gateway Market Residences and they demolished an identical historic building in the process].

Some other comments did follow, but they basically repeated what is related above.

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UPDATE
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I have made some changes to the post above. Most were typos, or adding links to explain certain terms. A few added context or clarified, but a couple were substantive. I went back and verified the original language about affordable housing [20 percent minimum with a goal of 40 percent], and the language regarding the historic preservation was IMPRACTICAL, not INFEASIBLE. Otherwise things are pretty much the same. Also, Harry Thomas' YES was in answer to the question of whether DC owned land would be included in the 50 percent required for approval.

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UPDATE
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I've just been told the Small Area Plan is going to be restarted, which is great news. I guess I misinterpreted Councilmember Thomas' comments on that issue. The Small Area Plan is very important, and it's a great way to keep everyone involved and informed. The Small Area Plan is not about New Town, but is rather a parallel feasibility study of the Market and its various potential uses. Once completed, aspects of the Small Area Plan can be used to guide the development process.

New Town Hearing Tomorrow

In 2006 the Council passed the New Town legislation that gave New Town Development Partners LLC exclusive rights to develop the 24 acre parcel currently occupied by the Florida Market / Capital City Market. The legislation required that before a final blessing was given to move forward the developer had to obtain [within 180 days of the legislation taking effect] the consent of the owners of at least 50% of the land in the Market. At that point the city would force the other landowners to go along with the developer's plan. The developer was unable to obtain the necessary level of consent. In fact, they still are at 50%. In part, this is because Gallaudet and J Street own large parcels of land in the Market. Combined, Gallaudet and J Street own over 25% of the Market land east of 4th Street. This is more land than is controlled by any other owner in the Market, including New Town Development Partners LLC.

Basically, your pal and mine Mr. John Ray, who is the lobbyist for New Town [you might remember him from such quality projects as the Shell Station at 14th and Maryland, or the slot machine initiative] convinced Councilmember Harry Thomas that the Council should reward the developer for failing to meet the consent threshold. By which I mean that the Councilmember has this new legislation [which he was going to try to get through as emergency legislation, but then he backed off that idea] that excludes any parcels owner by Gallaudet or J Street. So it basically just makes it easier to get the required consent because it eliminates the two largest objectors.

Read the legislation yourself here- http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20080919131328.pdf.


The Commitee on Economic Development is holding a public hearing tomorrow 2 October 2008 at 1:00PM. Those wishing to testify should contact John Adams at jadams@dccouncil.us or by telephone at 202-727-6683 by 5:00PM on 1 October 2008. Those testifying should bring 15 copies of their written testimony and also submit them electronically.

Re: Last Night's Market Meeting

I attended last night's Office of Planning meeting regarding the Florida Market (A.K.A. The Capital City Market). This meeting was the first of the phase two meetings (there are only two phases to the overall planning process). The process culminates in a report that OOP will release and submit to the Council in January. If the Council adopts the report it could become law and would then have teeth that would affect future development at the Market. I'd like to make several points with this post:

1. These meetings organized by OOP are very important. We should all make an effort to show up to them (turn out at last night's meeting was pretty low). The Office of Planning has turned out some pretty good presentations and you are missing out on a lot of good info if you skip these meetings. Last night there was another reference to a not really released (but referenced in the Post a few years back) comprehensive plan that included the Market. The reference was to possibly establishing a cooking school there that could train people for careers in the culinary arts. Mostly last nights meeting just focused on the sorts of uses people might like to see, where they might like to see those uses, and what that might realistically mean (examining factors like building height).

2. These meetings aren't about New Town, but they are inextricably linked to it. Many people seem confused about the New Town proposal, and how it fits in with the OOP efforts. The OOP stuff is a parallel effort that was funded because of the New Town legislation, but it isn't a part of New Town. The OOP process is totally non-binding, unless (and until) the council turns it into law. That said, going to the meetings is useful because you get a good look at what is in the Market now, what could be there, and what effects might result from making certain changes. It's also a chance to ask any questions you might have and to hear other people's opinions.

3. People don't know much about New Town. Here is the legislation. Read it (really). Some highlights:

a. The historic preservation language is ridiculously weak. The plan will preserve the orginal historic market buildings "unless it is found impractical to do so by the Developer and the Office of Planning." Sec. 3(o). Impractical? Not exactly a high bar there.

b. The reference to blight at 3(d) previously referenced "blight" as defined in DC Code
2-1219.01(6). The definition relates to triggers for eminent domain power. The legislation requires the approval of the owners of 50% of the land to progress to its later stages. This 50% seems to get mischaracterized a lot as being 50% of the land owners, which is not the same thing. Sec. 6. Section 7 requires the Mayor to obtain the Council's approval before exercising eminent domain. Also note that contrary to the suggestion of the language in 3(d), that "[t]he Market is becoming an attractive place for criminal activity, homeless
inhabitants," crime is not increasing, but rather declining in the Market. This passage used
to end with "and is detrimental to public safety, morals, or welfare," but I guess that part
got slashed.

c. The construction will take more than 5 years. Sec. 3(q).

RP: Florida Market Redux

Richard takes another look at the New Town issue and muses generally about groups from outside coming into remake an area. He mentions H Street, and the fact that many of the new places generating the most press are associated with Joe Englert in one way or another. Richard is in no way comparing the revitalization on H Street, which I think is far more organic, to the New Town plan. Just for the hell of it, let's compare the two:

What was there before (or what is there now in the Florida Market)?
H Street: some existing and new businesses, some construction, and lots of vacant building (I believe the Argonaut was the only Englert place to move into an occupied building).
Florida Market: lots of thriving, if sometimes "gritty," family owned businesses that cater to both wholesale and retail buyers. Vacant spaces are rare.

How did/will the outside buyer obtain the properties?
H Street: Mr. Englert & his associates purchased the buildings one by one like any other buyer. No existing businesses were forced out.
Florida Market: The New Town proponents own some of the land, but would need the city to give them lots of land, and also seek to force existing businesses out (they even requested eminent domain power to do so, and you know my feelings about bogusness of the right to return stuff here).

How did/will the outside buyer attempt to work with the existing businesses/neighborhood?
H Street: By talking to surrounding businesses, and residents. Also, hiring some neighborhood residents to work in the establishments. Renovating vacant buildings to house the new businesses.
Florida Market: By trying to force out the existing businesses (even if they are given the option to move to the new digs the rents will undoubtedly be much higher because this is new construction). By avoiding talking to residents in the areas most affected by the change. Who cares what existing residents or business owners think as long as you've got the cash and the Counsel votes, right?

What will the area look like once the plan is "complete"?
H Street: The new businesses will be open, they'll generate a little buzz and hopefully attract more businesses and patrons to the area.
Florida Market: The uniqueness of the area will be gone (we'll pretty much be bulldozing much of the area), and some vendors might return. We might have a hotel, probably a bowling alley, maybe an outdoor arena, probably some kind of community center, and also some housing, about 20% of which will be "affordable."

New Town Signed By All 12 Council Members

The New Town proposal (to replace the Florida Avenue Market) went before the Council again yesterday (not the last time) & it doesn't appear to be going away. One provision that could make or break the bill is a recently (last time arount) inserted provision from David Catania that requires approval from owners of at least 50% of the land (as opposed to 50% of the landowners) within 120 days after the passage of the emergency legislation. Check out this great Washington Post article on the lingering problems with the proposal and the way it came about.

Recent Market News Round-Up (not links previously posted here):
1. In Shaw: Where the Fk is Litteri's?
2. Rebuilding Place: The Real Issue With The Florida Market (Revised)
3. Rebuilding Place: The Florida Market Bill Before City Council
4. Rebuilding Place: Not the Last Word on the Florida Market
5. Rebuilding Place: Back and Forth Conversation About the Florida Market
6. Blue Coyote Laughing: Politics Photography and Art and... (Click around to find more of her photos of the Market. She shoots there a lot.)

And not new, but very infomative is this DC North piece "Is New Town the End of the Florida Ave. Market?: Market Unlikely to Survive Proposal Say Vendors" (also appeared in the Hill Rag) from last summer.

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This post previously said something about 50% of merchants. Sorry, I must have already lapsed into vacation mode. I've made the correction above. Apologies, because the two are really not the same. Merchants will have no voice under this provision unless they happen to also be landowners.

Hill Rag: New Town (the Capital City/Florida Market)

I've been waiting for the story to go online & it's now available here. The article is about the New Town vision that a group is proposing for the Capital City Market. The proposal basically calls for leveling the area, building a new strucure to house any remaining merchants (I haven't heard any plans to temporarily relocate any merchants during construction, but even if there is such a plan, you are going to have some attrition), and then adding affordable(by whose definition?) housing, a medical clinic, an outdoor ampitheater, a bowling alley, a movie theater & more. There are many obstacles to the plan:
1. many of the 69 land owners in the market area don't want to sell;
2. Gallaudet (which owns more than 1/3 of the land) doesn't want to sell;
3. DC owns almost 1/3 of the land & would likely be asked to donate such land;
4. the area is zoned commercial/light industrial, so you couldn't currently have housing there (and that would be a major zoning change);
5. There is no secured financing for this project (will the city end up paying for it?)
6. The plans are poorly developed & not fleshed out.
7. Backers of the plan have requested special legislation that would allow the major to exercise emminent domain so that they can get their hands on the land.


Inside the DC Farmers Market.

Demolition is occuring even now. This is the U.S. Beef building (which had been vacant).

I'd like to offer the following quote from Ellen McCarthy (Office of Planning): "It's very hard to point to a great neighborhood that was created from scratch." Ms. McCarthy isn't talking about the New Town development (she's talking about the area around the baseball stadium -actually you should read this article too because it addresses some relevant issues), but I think the quote could apply here as well. I just really don't get the point of tearing down the historic buildings & putting the existing vendors in jeopardy for what appears to be a very half-baked plan. I've said before that I think the best move is to work with the existing buildings & existing vendors to incorporate more retail (mostly have existing vendors become a little more retail friendly), maybe a coffee shop & some restaurants eventually. I also like the previously proposed idea of a small cooking school (this could be a great opportunity for real hands on vocational training). The Capital City Market could continue to cater to the existing wholesale customers, broaden its appeal to retail customers, and as DC's last market district (I'm not going to include the Waterfront), even appeal to tourists (as does the Italian Market in Philadephia). To see photos of the Italian Market click here. To see photos of the Capital City Market, scroll to the bottom of the sidebar & click on the photo set for the Wholesale Food District.

Globe St.: New Town @Capital City Market

Here's another story on Apollo's recently announced involvement with the New Town proposal. Although the story doesn't mention it, the project requires not only Council approval, but the approval of the owners of 50% of the land in order to trigger the eminent domain provision the developer needs in order to seize the rest of the land. The New Town proposal concerns the Florida Market.

More on that Vincent Orange/Sam Wang Thing

Choi demolished the US Beef building in 2006, but failed to break ground on his planned development

The Titan of Trinidad has another post confirming that the mystery councilmember #1 who intervened on behalf of Sam Wang Produce was in fact also Vincent Orange. In that post the Titan also details contributions from Mr. Choi, and associated parties to V. O.'s campaign over the years. The Washington Post covers David Catania taking issue with V. O. directly interfering with the imminent temporary closure of Sam Wang for Department of Health violations.

Recent Market Articles

Due to a busy schedule recently I've missed a few articles that should have made it up here. Here are three pieces on the Florida Market that you might want to check out (with comments):

Market for Change (Washington Times, 9/16/07):
-Last time I check Catholic was in Northeast, not Northwest
-The article incorrectly states that Catania's provision requires the approval of 50% of the 69 land owners. The requirement actually says that New Town needs the approval of owners of 50% of the land (based on the way the land is chopped up, that would be [you would need all the larger land owners] way less than 50% of the 69 owners). So does that mean that when Thomas says 45%, that this means owners of 45% of the land, or 45% of the land owners?


*Quotes to notice:
-"Fewer than 100 markets of its type remain across the country, said David O'Neil, a senior associate with the New York-based nonprofit Project for Public Spaces." *You might remember the Project for Public Spaces from the starburst Plaza meetings.
-"Through the years, Capital City Market has remained the foremost wholesale supplier for most restaurateurs in the region. "
-"Gallaudet University, which owns nearly four acres on Sixth Street where the wholesaler's warehouse would go, also has no interest in seeing such a structure on its land."

-"So Gallaudet would once again be walled off from the community — which, of course, we would object to." *Gallaudet is one of the largest landowners in the Market.

-"They can build the Taj Majal here as long as the community is considered for the jobs and gets a piece of the pie," said Wilhelmina Lawson, an D.C. advisory neighborhood commissioner in the area." *Interesting approach to planning for the future, no?

Florida Avenue Market Faces Dueling Development Plans (DC North 9/2007)

-just a quick blub at the bottom about the New Town plan and the Office of Planning's Small Area Plan

Shop Around at the Capital City Market (Washington Post Sunday Source 9/30/2007)
-link to addresses here.
-There is also an easy to miss map hiding in the page. To download it click on "Read +"

You may also wish to check out Gallaudet's page on the Market. I think the letter (5/2007), is particularly interesting.

WP: Plans Advance for Florida Market

The DC Council gave preliminary approval yesterday to the New Town plan calling for the bulldozing and remaking of the Florida Market (also called the Capital City Market & the Union Market). The plan, which many have criticized as ill conceived and a favor to special interests, refers to the market area as blighted (an earlier version of the plan requested eminent domain power). Many current merchants oppose the plan and fear, despite promises that they will have a right of return, that this many be the end for their businesses in the market area. The thing about the right of return is that many of these are small family owned businesses, and the expense and ordeal of moving to a new location (likely one outside of the District), and then being given the opportunity to pack up and move back a few years later probably means that many of the business owners either could not afford to return, or would not choose to do so at that point. In my opinion, it almost amounts to a defacto eviction. Recently a meeting was held in our ANC regarding the New Town plan. This is actually quite rare, because, although the boosters have held many meetings in ANC 5C, and other areas, they have largely avoided holding meetings in ANC 5B (which actually contains the Florida Market). The meeting, which was held about a month ago, was a "public meeting," yet it was not advertised by flyer, mailing, or on any area listservs (at least I didn't get any flyer or mailing, and no one I know received one). The organizers also did not inform ANC commissioners (including the one in whose SMD the Market resides). The boosters of this project claim to have ANC support, but this is not exactly true. Though some ANC commissioners did testify in favor of the project, they don't all live close to it (Kathy Henderson, a commissioner who is in 5B testified in favor of the project). Wilhelmina Lawson, the commissioner for the Market's SMD testified against the project. People need to be informed about this project, and that means more than just watching a slick presentation by an even slicker lobbyist. It also means actually going to the market, which is always busy, and seeing what really goes on there.

One Clarification re: the Florida Market

I still need to take a look at all the comments on the Florida Market stuff. I wasn't on top of it at the time because I preparing my own testimony. A friend alerted me to the fact that some of the comments may imply some unsavory things about Councilmember Thomas. Let me say for the record, both as a Ward 5 resident, and and ANC, that any implication that Harry Thomas was improperly influenced was not my own. I do not believe he was improperly influenced. Though I completely disagree with him on many of the New Town issues, I believe he is acting in what he believes to be the best interests of his constituents in Ward 5. I respect that completely.

I disagree with his method, but I will not question his motives on this issue. I will question the process and the wisdom of his choices, but not his motive. That is his own. Although he may have received donations from the developer, and the lobbyist, John Ray, the contribution amounts were small overall, and I can't honestly believe that a man in his position would be so easily swayed by such small amounts. It just doesn't make sense. Councilmember Thomas has done some great things for the District and Ward 5. I expect great things from him in the future.

I just want to make it clear that when I object to New Town, I'm objecting to portions of the legislation [which does have a co-sponsor, by the way], and not to the man. Let's please make sure we keep any comments above board. BTW- this was a spontaneous thing on my part [prompted by a friend's concerns, and not anything otherwise external].

DOH Troubles at Sam Wang

Reader Pat alerted me to Department of Health problems at Sam Wang Produce (300 Block of Morse, in the Florida Market) that were discovered just before Christmas. Titan of Trinidad first broke the story, and has posted the list of violations (which include rats, freezers issues, and a lack of hand washing). Another key element of this story is that Vincent Orange, and an unnamed Councilmember (who may also be Vincent Orange) intervened on behalf of Sang Oh Choi. Mr. Choi is the owner of Sam Wang Produce. He is also a repeat contributor to Vincent Orange's campaign. If his name sounds especially familiar, it may be because he was sort of the man with the plan behind the New Town redevelopment proposal (originally introduced by, and strongly supported by, Vincent Orange). While the New Town proposal ultimately failed (for a variety of reasons), Mr. Choi is currently partnering with Edens (who redeveloped the DC Farmers Market into Union Market) to build on the former US Beef parcel located at 4th and Florida Ave.

WBJ: Florida Market Follies

I missed this Washington Business Journal editorial when it came out in August, but you can still catch it online. It's short, but touches on most of the reasons that, as the author makes clear, the New Town legislation stinks big time. Yes, let's redevelop the Market, but let's do it right. You can also read the letter written in response by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas. Check out these other recent Biz Journal articles on New Town.

Read more about the Market at the Capital City Market blog.

I'd also suggest checking out my August posting of notes from a closed door meeting where Harry Thomas was talking to the landowners and tenants.

DCMUD New Town

Someone at DCMUD reads some development literature and is convinced Sang Oh Choi/John Ray is like the second coming. The post is about New Town, and as you can see from the comment I left on the site I think they tell only a very small part of the story and in a way that is somewhat less than accurate. But what they did get right is that Gateway Market Center Inc., which is a subsidiary of Sang Oh development, went before the Zoning Commission last night to ask the commission to start the zoning review process [this project would need some big zoning changes].

ANC5B Special Meeting

When: 6:30pm Tuesday July 22nd
Where: Joe Cole Rec 1200 Morse Street
What: a special meeting to discuss and vote on approval of the the Gateway Market Residences. The Gateway Market Residences is a mixed use [residential, retail, office] PUD [Planned Unit Development] proposed for the lot located at 4th and Florida NE [catty corner to Two Rivers Charter School]. The developer intends to construct a ten story building with residences on the upper five floors. The development is part of the larger [23 acre] New Town plan put forth by the same developer. I would urge people to attend this meeting because this is a very important development project, and I think we need to make sure we get it right. On Thursday July 24th this matter will return to the Zoning Commission for approval or modification, so this is really a last chance to have a voice in the matter.

For reference I'm reposting my recap of the June 6th Zoning hearing on this matter [as well as some links to past coverage]--

Last Night's Zoning Hearing -A Briefing
June 6, 2008

This hearing was regarding the Gateway Market Residences a proposed PUD at 4th and Florida.

ANC 6C representatives submitted a filing and were present at the meeting [Phelps and Velasco, both in opposition]. Single Member District representatives Bernard and Lawson [both in opposition] were present from 5B. ANC 5B Chairman Shelton [proponent] was scheduled to appear, but was a no-show. The hearing began at 6:30pm and the ANC 5B meeting began at 7:30pm, so there was a scheduling conflict between the two meetings.

Mr. Choi and his representatives were present, as were some spectators. A representative from Harry Thomas' office delivered testimony in favor of the development, and I believe it also contained opposition to granting party status to ANC 6C. No representative was present, due to scheduling conflicts, from Tommy Wells' office, but his office did submit a letter supporting party status for ANC 6C.

The Zoning Commission granted party status for ANC 6C, but refused to grant them great weight without some additions to their filing. They intend to make such additions to obtain great weight.

The Chairman of ANC 5B had submitted a letter of support purporting to speak for the entire ANC, but it was not taken as the official stance of ANC 5B because it was deficient on several grounds, including that it made on mention of a binding vote by the ANC. This is because there was no vote on the issue at the May 1st meeting when applicant last appeared before the Commission. The last time ANC 5B voted on this development was more than two and half years ago. A copy of the letter issued following that vote was attached. The Zoning Commission declined to accept that vote as the official stance of ANC 5B because of its age and the tremendously changed circumstances surrounding the project during that time period. The Commission also stated that the filings in opposition from two commissioners indicated that there was some division in ANC 5B on this project.

The Commission granted a continuance until July 24th. Essentially this means that the Applicant was able to present the plans, and the Commission gave them comments on the presentation. The Commission asked that ANC 5B hold a special meeting with a binding vote prior to the July 24th hearing, and that all representatives, and any other individuals, or groups wishing to testify in this matter appear at the July 24th hearing. The Commission urged both ANCs to speak with the developer's agents to resolve issues before that date to the extent possible. I would urge any interested persons to attend any and all public meetings on this issue prior to the July hearing date.

One of the issues drawing the most interest was that Applicant's plans call for retail to face inward, rather than towards the street. Considering that Applicant's plans also call for windows on most sides of the project this brought up concerns that this would result in the street facing windows being filled with stock rooms.

Zoning: Gateway Market Residences June 3, 2008

Yeah, That's Pretty Much the Problem April 12, 2007

New Town/Market Info [check out the Capital City Market blog for more in-depth coverage and more stories]

Florida Avenue Market Faces Dueling Development Plans DC North September 2007

A letter from Gallaudet May 24, 2007

There's a Stench From the Florida Market Examiner December 8, 2006

The Insider's Market Washington Post May 3, 2006

Walking Tours of Interest

The crowd for last year's Walking Town DC Florida Market tour.

I'm skipping out on following/leading tours this time due to finals, but that doesn't mean you should miss out. I've compiled a list of tours that seem particularly of interest to me and residents of this neighborhood. Within the list I've highlighted [in blue] the onces that sound most tempting.

Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market
Saturday 9 - 11 am
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (Florida Avenue exit)
Ends at Litteri’s Italian Deli, 517 Morse Street, NE
The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. The tour will stop at restaurants and vendors that sell to retail customers, including the DC Farmers Market building, and address development issues such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

Capitol Hill
Saturday 10 am - 12 noon
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station
End at Eastern Market, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place of business, law, and politics. But “the Hill” is much more. Dating to the 18th century, the neighborhood is home to the historic Marine Corps Barracks, an alley that once housed more than 100 people, a Gothic Revival church, and Eastern Market. Led by Dwane Starlin and presented by Cultural Tourism DC and Washington Walks.

Alley Living in Capitol Hill
Saturday 12 noon - 2:30 pm
Meet at the northeast corner of Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (next to the SunTrust Bank), three blocks from the Capitol South Metro station
End at Gessford Court, SE, near Eastern Market
Alleys were used for stabling horses, industry, and housing the poor in the 1800s and early 1900s. Housing reform, zoning regulations, and urban renewal made most of these uses illegal. Visit Capitol Hill alleys and one of the city’s only remaining hitching posts. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Alley Residents of Washington, Citizens Planning Coalition, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

Capitol Hill

Saturday 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station
End at Eastern Market, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place of business, law, and politics. But “the Hill” is much more. Dating to the 18th century, the neighborhood is home to the historic Marine Corps Barracks, an alley that once housed more than 100 people, a Gothic Revival church, and Eastern Market. Led by Dwane Starlin and presented by Cultural Tourism DC and Washington Walks.
Special Instructions: American Sign Language interpreter will participate in this walk.

Eckington - 100 Years of Capital Traction

Saturday 1 - 2:30 pm
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (Florida Avenue exit) in front of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Headquarters, corner of N and Second Streets, NE
End at Rhode Island Avenue Metro station
Once a tranquil country estate, this neighborhood tells the story of Washington’s first electric streetcar and maps the expansion of the city along the well-worn tracks of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad. Led by Brian Kraft and presented by the DC Preservation League and the Eckington Civic Association.

From the Beatles to XM Radio, the Evolution of NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue)
Saturday 2 - 3:30 pm
Meet and end at the New York Avenue Metro station (M Street exit)
This up-and-coming neighborhood just north of Union Station is home to landmarks such as the Washington Coliseum, site of the Beatles first US concert in 1967. The New York Avenue Metro station opened in 2004, igniting the pace of development in NoMa, and with lead anchors like XM Radio; US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms; and NPR, a new mixed-use neighborhood is taking shape. Led and presented by Elizabeth Price, president, NoMa Business Improvement District.

Capitol Hill and the Landmark Eastern Market
Sunday 10 - 11:30 am
Meet at Eastern Market Metro station plaza (east side toward Eighth Street)
End at Eastern Market, Seventh and C Streets, SE
Trace the evolution of the 135-year-old Eastern Market from the Navy Yard to its present location, a Victorian-style masterpiece designed by political radical and architect Adolph Cluss. Hear stories about market culture and how, despite a ravaging fire in 2007, local efforts have persisted in maintaining this vital neighborhood hub, where shoppers are greeted by the familiar faces of generations of vendors. Led by Carole Kolker and presented by Cultural Tourism DC. Special thanks to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

H Street NE Alley Tour
Sunday 10 am - 12:30 pm
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (south exit at M Street, NE)
End at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1300 H Street, NE
This tour traces the development of the H Street neighborhood along the railroad, and discusses how alleys became locations for stables, industry storage, and housing. The tour includes a stop at two occupied alley dwellings. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space blog, Frozen Tropics blog, and the Citizens Planning Coalition.

Gallaudet University Campus Tour
Sunday 11 am - 12:30 pm
Meet and end at Gallaudet University, EMG Building lobby in the Visitors Center (Eighth Street and Florida Avenue, NE entrance)
The world’s only university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students is located right in DC. Given in American Sign Language, with voice interpreters, this tour will explain the origins of the nation’s first deaf school and university traditions, point out one of the nation’s first swimming pools, and visit the spot from which former President James Garfield made his final public speech. Led and presented by Gallaudet University Visitors Center staff.

Capitol Hill and the Landmark Eastern Market
Sunday 1:30 - 3 pm
Meet at Eastern Market Metro station plaza (on the east side toward Eighth Street)
End at Eastern Market, Seventh and C Streets, SE
Trace the evolution of the 135-year-old Eastern Market from the Navy Yard to its present location, a Victorian-style masterpiece designed by political radical and architect Adolph Cluss. Hear stories about market culture and how, despite a ravaging fire in 2007, local efforts have persisted in maintaining this vital neighborhood hub, where shoppers are greeted by the familiar faces of generations of vendors. Led by Carole Kolker and presented by Cultural Tourism DC. Special thanks to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

Gallaudet University Campus Tour
3 - 4:30 pm
Meet and end at Gallaudet University, EMG Building lobby in the Visitors Center (Eighth Street and Florida Avenue, NE entrance)
The world’s only university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students is located right in DC. Given in American Sign Language, with voice interpreters, this tour will explain the origins of the nation’s first deaf school and university traditions, point out one of the nation’s first swimming pools, and visit the spot from which former President James Garfield made his final public speech. Led and presented by Gallaudet University Visitors Center staff.

Local News Round-Up: Ramen & The Little Grand Coming, O-Ku & The Eleanor Opening, & Solid State's New Home

We have a bit of a news places news round-up this morning. A little over a year ago a post from the @TheX2Bus twitter account caught my eye with news that IMM on H Thai & Sushi Lounge (1360 H Street NE) was expanding into the space next door at 1362 H Street NE. At the time, they appeared to be actively working on the space. It seems plans have shifted a bit. Laura Hayes of the Washington City Paper tweeted Monday that Kitsuen Ramen + Hookah Bar is now coming to 1362 H St. NE, and that the new ramen restaurant will share owners with the nightclub Saint Yves (1220 Connecticut Avenue NW).

The H Street Farmers Market is Back this Saturday

The H Street NE farmers market reopens this Saturday (April 7th) for its 15th season. As in previous years, you'll find the local FRESHFARM outpost just off 13th & H Street NE.  Most vendors are returning, and you'll also notice some new additions.

Please Vote Tomorrow, and on General Election Day

DC is a funny animal in that are primaries pretty much decide the game for major local elections. So while I know that some might be tempted to vote in the primary and skip out on the general election (I did it once myself when I first rolled into town and got busy at work), but it's really important to vote in the general election, not just for the big seats, but also for smaller stuff like ANC candidates. Unpaid, and as mixed in quality as they may be in our fair city, are the most direct line between the people and the District government. So they can help you out when DCRA just isn't responding to that persistent problem of people squatting in the vacant house next door, or the crappy developer down the street digging an illegal massive car sized pit in the alley.

I'm spending tonight reviewing endorsements and news articles to make sure that I vote the best way I can in the mayoral primary.

For those who care, here are my endorsements for Councilmembers for Wards 5 and 6:

Ward 5: Harry Thomas. Some people have expressed surprise that I'm supporting Harry Thomas because we have butted heads before, most notably on the New Town/Capital City Market/Florida Market issue.  But the fact is that, while I don't think he's been a perfect Councilmember, he's actually done a good job. Over in Trinidad we've got a renovated Trinidad Rec, a renovated Wheatley Education Campus, and a new Joe Cole Community Center. While the projects were in the pipeline, I can personally attest (at least in the case of the Joe Cole Community Center) that the Councilmember was instrumental in speeding up the process, and correcting some proposed mis-steps. I can also say that Mayor Fenty (and I personally saw this) sought to block Harry Thomas' moves on some fronts. If you don't believe me look up the recent interview in which Mary Cheh  says the same thing about the way Fenty treated her.

I recently attended a blogger breakfast with Councilmember Thomas (held at the Capital City Diner prior to the Kathy Henderson sign stealing fiasco), and I was able to talk to him a bit about issues important to our area. One major issue I've had is that I think we don't cross political borders enough to address issues (again, this came up with the Market project), but I think he's honestly learned to play well with others. The proof is in the pudding, and the pudding in this case is the re-routing of the H Street Shuttle. The Shuttle, which serves Wards 5, 6, and 7, as it passes along H Street now takes a detour to bring visitors up to Bladensburg Road businesses such as the Capital City Diner, Sullivan's Southern Style Seafood, and Jimmy Valentine's. In order for this to happen, Harry Thomas' office had to reach out to various people, including the office of Tommy Wells (Ward 6). I think that this is a really positive sign of things to come. We have the unique ability to capitalize on the development on H Street.  It would be a huge lost opportunity if we had a Councilmember who didn't capitalize on that.

The Washington Post endorsed Delano Hunter, which came as a bit of a shock to me.  First, I don't think Delano Hunter really has the experience to lead Ward 5.  While many accuse Harry Thomas of the same offense, I think he has really matured during his time in office.  Second, Delano Hunter's campaign has been largely financed by the National Organization for Marriage ("NOM"). That's interesting because he's got Twitter people tweeting happily away about how he did pro-gay stuff while he worked at Nike. So I'm kind of left wondering if he's just up for the highest bidder.

One key reason to support Harry Thomas is that Harry took a strong stand on the marriage equality issue. True, first he kind of seemed to waiver a bit, issuing some conflicting statements, but he ultimately came through. And, make no mistake, he actually took on the greatest risk of any Councilmember in supporting gay rights on this issue. Ward 5 is a very diverse mix of residents, and marriage equality wasn't as easy of a sell as in Ward 6, or some other Wards in DC. Harry Thomas took a big political leap to do the right thing. I'm sure it wasn't an easy choice.

The City Paper, and Greater Greater Washington, have both endorsed Kenyon McDuffie. I like Mr. McDuffie a great deal, but I don't think he has the votes to bring it home.  I hope to see more of him in DC's political future, but I fear that his unintended role in this election is as a spoiler candidate.

So, I'll be voting for Harry Thomas tomorrow.

Ward 6: Tommy Wells. No surprise there. I've like most of what Wells has done. Before he was elected last time around a lot of detractors said that he'd ignore H Street. Well, he hasn't. Conversely, he's been there every step of the way. He's been a terrific Councilmember, and (as the Post noted) he deserves to be re-elected.