1101 6th Street NE

Biz Journal Article on Englert

Here is a new Business Journal Article on Joe Englert and his projects on H Street.

Rising Foreclosures & Increasing Home Values

Yesterday's Washington Post included an article on how the rising number of foreclosures is tied to the rapidly rising home values. The article looks most closely at Philadephia, and some of the piece is not applicable to DC (our foreclosure rates are very low). At the same time, the article is worth reading because it calls into question not only the wisdom of using certain mortgage products, but also whether we might not have gone too far in encouraging everyone to buy a home.

Fashion One Sign Down!

The Fashion One sign on the front of the building is gone (the side sign is still there). Is Fashion One closing its doors? Are they just getting a new sign? What shall become of THIS dilapidated storefront??

Ward Liasons for DCRA

Maybe this would help DCRA be more responsive to the community on issues like problem liquor stores and fast food restaurants being automatic certificates of ocupancy. From the HSMS listserv:


Dr. Canavan, please accept this signed, electronic copy of the letter until the
original arrives by postal service.

Councilmember Graham, our ANC has been dealing with a number of issues with DCRAover the past few years. We believe establishing ward liaisons would not onlyhelp the Commission, but significantly reduce the time the "system" takes to
respond to basic issues and inquires. As you know, most of the challenge is
just finding the right person or office that can provide assistance.

Early morning regards, Joe Fengler.

Ms. Nelson, please post on our website.

Text of attachment:

May 18, 2005

Dr. Patrick J. Canavan, Director
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
941 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 2200
Washington, DC 20002

Re: Recommendation for Ward Liaisons

Dear Dr. Canavan,

On May 12, 2005, ANC 6A voted unanimously to send this letter recommending thatDCRA establish Ward liaisons.

ANC 6A recommends that DCRA create Ward liaisons similar to those employed bythe District Department of Transportation and the Office of Planning. These Wardliaisons would answer questions and respond to inquiries on building permits,certificates of occupancy, abatement of nuisance property, and other issuesunder the jurisdiction of DCRA.

While we appreciate the efforts of DCRA staff such as Mr. Joseph McCarley, we
feel that the DCRA’s scope of responsibility and the number of issues that
regularly emerge in our ANC and Ward would justify the creation of multiple
staff positions with Ward-specific responsibilities and accountability.

If you have any questions or need further information about this recommendation,please contact Commissioner Cody Rice, Chair of ANC 6A’s Economic Developmentand Zoning Committee at 544-3734.

Respectfully yours,



Joseph Fengler
Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A


cc: Councilmember Jim Graham
Councilmember Sharon Ambrose

Cluck-U-Chicken

The proposed Cluck-U-Chicken opening on the 1100 block of H Street (next to Family Dollar) has put up a coming soon banner. Despite a bit of neighborhood controversy, it appears that we soon have yet another place to pick-up spicy wings.

Kotkin Says Cities Less Well Off Than Thought

Here's a piece (from the The New Republic) arguing that American cities are not doing as well as we all think they are.

The Housing Boom's Effect on Poor Neighborhoods

An article from The Wall Street Journal.

Madonna at Holy Name

Temporarily adorned with flowers. 900 block of 11th Street.

Flag on K Street

Additional Protections for ANC Commissioners?

Today's Washington Post featured this article on pending legislation to increase penalties for those who harm, intimidate, or impede commissioners in conducting official ANC business.

Corner of Morse & Montello

Historic Preservation in Poor Neighborhoods

Here's a short (pro-preservation) article on historic preservation & historic districts in poor neighborhoods (from the Phildelphia City Paper).

Alley

From the wholesale food district.

Farmers' Market & PSA 504 Meeting Tomorrow

Don't forget about these!

The Fresh Farm market will be open again tomorrow:
8-12:30
600 block of H Street


The PSA 504 meeting is tomorrow:
10-12
Bethesda Baptist Church
1808 Capitol Avenue NE

Garage Door

Alley behind the 1100 block of Florida Ave.

Businesses & Neighborhood Opposition/Support

DCist posted a story about the closing of N-A-Minit conveniance store (near Lincoln Park). The closing follows the recent closing (under great community pressure) of the notorious Excello Liquors. The story is short, but it touches on many of issues we are currently dealing with on H Street. Particularly, the article cautions against being too quick to issue blanket judgements against business types (for example, those with alcoholic beverage licenses) without looking at individual business owners. One notable difference is that the vacant space in the article will soon be replaced by condos...on H Street, a vacant space is likely to remain vacant (at least for the present).

H Street Playhouse

1300 block of H Street.

Alcoholic Beverage License Protests

Here is an article (from today's Washington Post) talking about the District's law that gives groups of 5 or more District residents the right to challenge a business' alcoholic beverage license. One interesting point about the law discussed is that, although the five citizens must be residents of the District, the law says nothing about them being residents of the business's home ward, ANC, or neighborhood.

Mark Your Calendar for Tuesday's ABL Meeting

[Update: This meeting is now cancelled. The business will instead be dealt with at the June 21st meeting.]

It looks like next Tuesday's special ABL meeting with Joe Englert will go on as scheduled (Mr. Englert will file his applications sometime this week). This should be a very interesting meeting, and I expect (based on what I saw at a recent ANC6A01 meeting) it will probably draw a crowd. You should should plan to attend if you have an opinion on the voluntary agreements that are being drafted, if you have an opinion on these proposed restaurants and taverns, or if you just what to know more about the businesses (Joe Englert will be there to provide information).

7-9pm
Sherwood Rec Center 10th & G

Intersection of 12th & I Street

Englert Restaurant on Georgia Ave

Here is a link (via Petworth News) to a piece on Temperance (a new Georgia Ave establishment associated with Joe Englert). The original article is available in pfd form from Capital Community News.

PSA 504 Meeting this Saturday

PSA 504 Meeting
10am-12pm
Saturday May 21st
Bethesda Baptist Church
1808 Capitol Ave, NE

ANC 6A ABL Committee Meeting

The ANC 6A Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee will meet tonight to look at recent ABL applications. There will be another meeting (involving Joe Englert & the drawing up of voluntary agreements) on May 24th (same place, same time).

7-9pm
Sherwood Recreation Center (10th & G NE).

Sanctuary

1355 H Street. A gallery & performance space (with very unusual hours).

Illegal Dumping at The Salvation Army

It happens pretty much every night. It's individuals dumping all manner of unwanted junk on the sidewalk in front of The Savation Army (1300 block of H Street). Sunday seems to be the must popular day to dump, probably because one can abandon items in broad daylight (since The Salvation Army is closed Sundays). This particular photo (taken a couple of weekends back by R&B's Alphonso Morgan) shows people lounging (one was sleeping earlier) on an abandoned living room set. Dumped items include everything from old refridgerators to boxes of broken dishes to dresser shells (minus the drawers) to moldy clothing. If you happen to see anyone dumping items illegally, you should note identifying info (car color, or type & license plate) & call 727-1000.

Sites of The Joe Englert Related Taverns & Restaurants

1224 H Street. The future site of The Bee Hive: a Mexican restaurant with a summer beer garden out back. The Bee Hive will feature a jukebox, but no live music

The sites of The Olympic (1206) & Show Bar (1210) flank Stella Bleu (a boutique & hair salon). The Olympic will have a sports theme. The Olympic has been awarded a CT (tavern) license, but Joe Englert has said he might operate it as a CR (restaurant) instead. Show Bar will have an 1800s circus theme. It may feature live acts such as performers lying on beds of nails. Circus related items will be on displace. Circus oriented food will be included on the menu. The gray building on the right shall house Red and Black. Red and Black, which seeks a tavern license, is to be a New Orleans style bar with live music upstairs.

1234 H Street. The proposed home of The Pug (or The Pugilist), a boxing themed tavern featuring a pool table and a juke box, but no live music.

The Rock and Roll Hotel will occupy this former funeral home. A hotel in name only, this restaurant will feature a 1940-50s style hotel look downstairs. The upstairs will consist of 12 rooms that will be available for parties & events. Each of the 12 rooms will be decorated by a different artist. Heavy appetizers will be served on room service trays.

Joe Englert is planning other enterprises on H Street, but these mentioned above comprise the licenses he is currently applying for, or has already received. With the exception of the building occupied by Looks and the hair braiding place, all of these buildings were vacant at the time they were photographed.

Info on Alcoholic Beverage Licenses in DC

Here is a link to information on ABC licenses & fees in the District. I thought this would be useful as we all think about the restaurants and taverns proposed for H Street. I am going to try to post photos of the proposed sites for these establishments this weekend.

Carry-Out

1300 block of H Street.

Don't Forget The Farm Fresh Market Tomorrow

600 block of H Street.
8:30am-12:30pm

Conflict Over Revitalization in One Neighborhood

Again, this is in Baltimore, but I think it's really interesting to look at what's going on over there. Baltimore has many of the same issues we deal with in parts of DC, and their City Paper, which is far superior to ours, always has great stories. This story is about how to revitalize one neighborhood.

Article on School Photo Exhibit

This is in Baltimore, but it's a nice idea. Check it out.

New Caribbean Restaurant @ 6th & H

A banner advertising "Taste of Jamaica" just went up on the northwest corner of 6th & H. Located across from Murray's, this space has long been vacant. It most recently (briefly) housed a Ghanaian fish place that closed about three years ago. This will be the third Caribbean restaurant to grace H Street. The other two places, both located on the 1300 block, are Caribbean Best (provides the option of enjoying a Red Stripe upstairs at Rose's Dream), & Phish Tea (offers a sit-down experience & sometimes features jazz, or other entertainment).

Flowers Bloom on H Street

Someone has planted flowers in the tree box outside of the Popeye's on the 1200 block. The flowers make a nice change from the H Street norm, but they do, unfortunately, have a little company in their box from a hunk of concrete & plenty of cigarette butts.

Rusted Memorial

In an alley behind 2nd & K.

Barracks Row Development Controversy

Here is a brief DCist piece mentioning minor controversy on 8th Street SE over the proposed opening of an Ethiopian night club. Opponents of the club have raised the familiar alarm that the opening of this business, combined with the recent awarding of new liquor licenses will transform the street into Adams Morgan

Clubs, Taverns, Restaurants & the ANC on U

Today's Post features an article on the relationship between the ANC and U Street businesses. The focus of this article is on the ANC flexing its muscle to moderate noise and behavior on U. I thought this would be of interest considering what we are looking at on H (although I think the major concerns I hear for our area involve parking). One thing the article makes clear is that businesses are not free of ANC influence even after they open.

Interesting Thoughts for H Street

Joe Englert, who seeks to open a number of restaurants and taverns on H Street, has recently taken to sending ANC6A listserv subscribers tidbits about inquires he receives from entrepreneurs looking at H Street. Among the recent mentions:
-various chefs interested in opening restaurants.
-a chocolateur considering opening a sweet shop.
-a small repertory theater with a draft-house that could show classic/cult films(like Bethesda Theater Cafe).
-a nationally known baker interested in opening a wine & dessert bar.

Lion

On 4th(?) Street.

Hill Rag Article on Phish Tea

The May issue of Hill Rag features an article on Phish Tea (1300 block of H Street). Phish Tea, though it has sometimes been known to have a service issue or two, seems to be growing into its role on the corridor. I was there recently for brunch (they were running a bit late with the buffet, but we survived by nursing mimosas at the bar). The food was quite good (better than the appetizers I had tried a while back that were just okay). I particularly liked the salmon balls and the soup. It was perfect Sunday morning fare for a decent price (I think around $13). Phish Tea is also featuring several recurring evening events, including live jazz.

Farm Fresh Market Returns Tomorrow

H Street's own farmers' market returns to the 600 block tomorrow. The market runs from 8:30am-12:30pm.
They offer a variety of tasty treats (obviously varying from week to week) including:
veggies
fruits
cheese
chicken
eggs
pork
jams

There will be a chef demonstration tomorrow at 11am. Jill Peterson, of Williams Sonoma, will make an asparagus frittata.

I noticed this morning that someone has replaced the windows at the former home of Elite Motors (1244 H Street). The broken painted windows are no more. In their place site plain glass. Plasitic sheeting hung on the inside hides from view whatever working is being done inside the building.

Birdland Four Sisters Cuisine

1100 block of H Street. I noticed this morning that the right window (which had been removed sometime last week) was being replaced by a brick pillar. I imagine that another window will go in, but the brick pillar suggests to me that the owner is going to replace the yellowed plexiglass with something a bit more aesthetically pleasing. I am eager to see what exactly they are doing to this place.

Interesting Meeting Tonight

This was my first anc6a01 meeting (I don't live in anc6a01, but I do live right across the street from it). It was their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, but I can't help but think that anytime you circulate a flyer with a title that inflammatory you ask for others to come out and respond to an issue that will have an effect upon us all. There was a large crowd, and the bar issue was obviously the main draw.
Primarily, the discussion of the proposed establishments focused on parking issues. Personally, I think parking issues are inevitable in this neighborhood. Residents simply have more cars than the streets (having been laid out quite a long time ago) can accommodate for parking. In addition, we have many condos and denser developments planned for the area. Plus, as was pointed out at the meeting, any businesses that go into vacant spaces on H Street are hopefully going to draw patrons, and some of them will probably drive their cars. What we can do is come up with the best possible parking, and public transportation options for those who patronize H Street businesses. And certainly people are hard at work coming up with plans to deal with the issue.
One attendee objected to the fact that none of Joe Englert's establishments explicitly targeted an African American audience. Joe Englert responded by saying (something along the lines of) that the bars and restaurants (many of his applications are now for alcohol serving restaurants, rather than for taverns) reflect his own personality (he compared his bars to his home), and that are meant to be inclusive places that would welcome everyone. The resident responded by saying that he is not going into Joe's home, but rather Joe is going into his. Essentially, the resident seemed displeased by what he perceived as a large number of establishments targeted to a primarily white clientele (and the lack of new taverns/restaurants specifically targeted to African Americans). To be honest, at this point things did become a bit tense (not between Mr. Englert & the resident, but rather within the audience).
Clifton Humphries, the man opening a martini bar at 1236 H Street also spoke. He said (when questioned) that he planned for his bar to be a mixed race establishment catering to a primarily over 30 crowd. He was asked by a resident if it was really necessary for all these new licenses to be for the maximum (this does not mean the businesses will actually operate all of these hours, only that they will be allowed to do so) number of days and hours (7 days a week until 2am).
Another issue that came up towards the end was safety. As part of the discussion one attendee characterized typical patrons at Joe Englert's bars as safe individuals (by offering up the example of a law student as a typical patron). He asked if people would be afraid of a law student (as opposed to some of the shady characters who currently frequent H Street). Some voices answered "yes," and said that anyone with a little alcohol in them could be dangerous. But we're not talking about banning alcohol here, and virtually any restaurant that opens up on H Street will likely seek to serve alcohol. The meeting was called to a closing (amid multiple voiced frustrations regarding the bar issue), and attendees were asked to take their concerns before the ABL Committee on May 24th.
So overall, frustrating to some, but I think it was a good meeting if only because it will (hopefully) galvanize people to go to the May 24th meeting. In addition, it is always a good thing when residents get actively involved in the decision making process.

Additional Info on the 4 Recent Alcoholic Beverage License Applications

I should have posted this earlier. This is a (cleaned up a bit due to formatting) portion of the ABL Committee meeting minutes as sent out on the anc-6a listserv. This is more recent than my earlier post describing the businesses, but it may still be out of date.

Four New CT applications:
Presentation by Joe Englert. Mr. Englert has 4 applications in the
works, none are officially filed yet. Mr. Englert will own three of the
new establishments and the last owned by Mr. Anthony Tomeldon.

The applications are for CTs. He is not opposed to
applying for some of them as CRs but feels that he may not be able to meet the 50% food sales criteria for a restaurant.

1212 H Street. Mr. Englert will own the building. Name: The Red and the Black. New Orleans style bar with live music on the 2nd floor. Occupancy: 120 patrons plus 5 employees.

1224 H Street, NE. Mr. Englert will own the building. Name:Beehive. Mexican food is the feature with a jukebox (no live music) and he is applying for a summer garden there. Plans to have some kind of tenant on the 2nd floor, residential or a small nonprofit. Occupancy: 49 & 20 on patio plus 5 employees.

1353 H Street, NE.
Largest building with 7,000 square feet. Name: Rock and Roll Hotel. Two levels--first level a forties or fifties style grand hotel with big chandeliers, bar like a front desk. 2nd level twelve separate rooms done by 12 artists to rent out for parties, events, etc.
Occupancy: 349 including the upstairs plus 20 employees.

1234 H Street, NE. Name: The Pug or the Pugilist
with a boxing theme. Pool table. Few booths. Jukebox or
prerecorded music. Small bar. Occupancy: 79 to 89 with 5 employees.

Questions raised about the number of
restaurants, bars and theatres in this stretch of H Street and the parking and noise problems this will cause in the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Englert is working with the Atlas Theatre and the H Street Theatre on parking strategies. Options include a local church lot; the Auto Zone; Hechinger Mall plus Mr. Englert is investigating a shuttle service from Union Station.

Additional discussion about subsequent sale of properties and changes to licenses and voluntary agreement. Mr. Englert agreed to share copies of his applications for ABL review prior to discussing and signing a voluntary agreement. Chair Beatty will provide Mr. Englert with our standard voluntary agreement after the applications have been filed
with the ABC Board.

Phish Tea -Night Life on H

COME OUT TONIGHT & SUPPORT A LIVELY NIGHT LIFE ON H STREET.
HOLY NAME CHURCH
7PM
900 BLOCK OF 11TH STREET NE

Restaurants vs Taverns vs Nightclubs

Okay, I did not write most of this post. I am re-posting something left by Joe Fengler as a comment to an earlier post (also see this post if you want more info on these establichments, but do understand that these are not the most current descriptions) on the topic of these same bars. I'm doing this because Mr. Fengler is an ANC commissioner and I believe his comment clearly explains the differences among the definitions for restaurants, taverns & nightclubs. Because currently we just keep seeing the vague term "bars" getting tossed around, and I think we should look at what is actually on the table here. Also, Mr. Fengler explains the process a license applicant must go through.

Joseph Fengler said...

Just a few comments (well maybe not so short).When Joe Englert
appeared at the ANC 6A Alcohol Beverage and License (ABL) Committee, he did so because he wanted to. He felt it was important to discuss his applications before he filled them. I do believe he plans on filing liquor applications this week. Assuming he files this week or next, Commissioner Beatty will request that he appear at next month’s ABL committee and discuss the specifics of the applications (May 17 at 7:00pm at Sherwood Recreation Center). Our Commission has developed a very detailed and extensive voluntary agreement for nightclubs, taverns and restaurants (which can be on our web site) – that cover noise, litter, sidewalk maintenance, hours among a few things. While I can’t speak for the ABL committee, it would be reasonable to expect that they will ask him to sign an agreement for each of the licenses. When Englert was applying for the Olympic and Showbar, he initially filed for a CN (nightclub). Based on the ABL
committee’s concerns, he voluntarily downgraded the both applications to CT (tavern).

Note. What is the difference between nightclubs, taverns and
restaurants? From DC Law, Title 25, Alcoholic Beverages "Nightclub" (CN license) means a space in a building, and the adjoining space outside of the building, regularly used and kept open as a place that serves food and alcoholic beverages and provides music and facilities for dancing."Tavern" (CT license) means a space in a building which: (A) Is regularly used and kept open as a place where food and alcoholic beverages are served; (B) May offer entertainment, except
nude performances, and may allow dancing for its patrons only; and (C) Does not provide facilities for dancing for its employees or entertainers.A tavern license (CT) shall be issued only for a tavern. The size of the dance floor in a tavern shall not exceed 140 square feet; provided, that the licensee whose establishment on September 30, 1986 contained a regularly used dance floor in excess of 140 square feet and who is occupying the same establishment shall not be disqualified under this limitation."Restaurant" (CR license) means a space in
a building which: (A) Is regularly used and kept open as a place where food is served; (B) Keeps its kitchen facilities open until 2 hours before closing and for which sales of food accounts for at least 45% of the establishment's gross annual receipts; and (C) May offer entertainment, except nude performances, and facilities for dancing.A restaurant license (CR) shall be issued only for a restaurant. The licensee shall file with the Board quarterly statements, on the dates and in the manner prescribed by the Board, reporting for the preceding quarter: the gross receipts for the establishment; its gross receipts for sales of alcoholic beverages; its gross receipts for the sale of food; its total expenses for the purchase of food and alcoholic beverages; its expenses for the
purchase of food; and its expenses for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. The Board shall make a licensee’s quarterly statements available for the purpose of allowing a protestant of a license to determine the gross annual receipts of a licensee.I anticipate one of the questions folks will ask Englert is whether or not any of these proposed tavern applications can be downgraded to restaurant applications. On face value, that seems like a reasonable request. But, given the above restrictions, and that you can lose your license if you don’t hit 45%
of gross receipts, this request needs to be put in the proper economic context. The real question is: Will our community support a restaurant (meaning dining) that has a liquor license? And finally, this is not an easy request because it requires a more robust investment to have a larger kitchen than one might have with just a tavern.That being said, I do plan on working with Englert to see if we can’t convince him to change some of the planned taverns to restaurants. Maybe the ideal situation is one restaurant for every tavern. Like I said, it is an easy request; but then it is not my money on the line. Englert prefers
taverns – his version of a tavern has a very robust menu – to avoid situation of having to hit food targets. Also keep in mind that none of these establishments fall in my single member district. I have the south side of H Street between 8th and 13th. All of the Englert establishment currently fall in Robyn Holden’s (north side of H Street from 7th to 13th) or Marc Borbely’s (south and north side of H Street from 13th to 15th) single member districts. But all of these applications fall in ANC 6A.In close, I am a relative new comer to H street issues. But I have been working on zoning and development on H Street for close to three years on behalf of our ANC. While I have to wait for all the facts, I am very happy that someone of Englert’s reputation is willing to take a risk. I
hope to see you all at the next ABL meeting on May 17th to hear the facts first hand.

Big Meeting Tomorrow About H Street's Future

This email is straight from the listserv (vital stats follow):

While I was tooling around the neighborhood today, I came across a flyer for an ANC6A01 SMD meeting about "Do you want 8 bars to open at the same time on H Street?" The flyer says it is a joint 6A01 - H Street Main Street meeting, and
that Anwar Saleem, chair of H Street Main Street, will be speaking.

Alas, this meeting conflicts with the ANC6C Planning and
Zoning Committee meeting so I won't be able to go and see the fireworks.

It's at 7 pm, Weds. May 4th, at Holy Name Catholic Church on the 900 block of 11th Street NE.

Meeting: "Do you want 8 bars to open on H Street at the same time?"

Time: 7pm

Place: Holy Name Catholic Church (900 block of 11th Street NE)

FYI -The title of this meeting is intentionally misleading. Even if all of Joe Englert's bars restaurants (and the Martini bar) do all eventually open, they will not all open at once. This meeting's name is clearly engineered for maximum shock value, rather than truth and accuracy.

Biz Journal Article on H Street

Courtesy of the HSMS listserv: There is a recent article on H Street and how much the retail prospects have changed recently. Here is a link, but because the article requires (free) registration you have to go to the Washington market (upper right side of the page) and then search for "Atlas."

The Atlas (with New Lettering)

I need some new night time shots of The Atlas. 1300 block of H Street.

Perceptions and Actualities on H Street

I spent last weekend giving tours of my house in an event to rent out one of the other rooms. As part of the interview I would ask people what, if anything, they knew about the neighborhood. I definitely feel a need to address the issue knowing, in years past, of a few instances where tenants move into nearby group houses only to break their leases either after a week of walking from the bus stop at night, or after noticing the derth of neaby entertainment options. A good number of people I asked had heard that H Street was coming back, but none really new specifics.
On Saturday I met with a friend (who lives south of H Street) at R&B to discuss how my search was going. We also talked about a recent brea-in she and her housemates had experienced. The break-in was the second in a month at their place (the first happened while some residents were asleep), and it really had them spooked because the intruder had obviousbly spent time going through their things, in addition to robbing them. That, and he had also, um...defecated on a futon in the livingroom. So the house is breaking up. Some people are staying, others looking for other housing on the Hill, and one seeking a "safer" neighborhood.
After we finished our coffee we walked down H to about 11th and were saying our goodbyes and walking apart when a middle-aged African American male walking by turned to my friend and in the most unpleasant tone he could muster spat out "Yeah, have a nice day WHITE GIRL." (I think he said he said "girl"). It 's not like that's the first time that's happened, but it might be hard to pick a worse time for it to happen.
After that I countinued down H where I passed a man (this guy was not homeless) deciding to turn the parking lot of the H Street Connection into his own personal toilet (and I'll bet he wasn't coming from any bar). Heading home, I turned off H and stopped in the corner store. The man in the line next to me was causing a scene because he wanted to pay $1.25 for his malt liquor instead of the $1.75 asking price. Saturday was not showing my neighborhood in its finest moments.
On Sunday I showed the house again, and I ended up taking one girl (currently a resident of Foggy Bottom) down H Street to R&B Coffee. At the time, the place was really busy (it seemed to have a large crowd from the Atlas). The whole space just seemed really alive with this great energy. I'm very excited to know that these are only the early effects of the Atlas. We split a pannini and the girl seemed genuinely impressed by R&B. H Street was looking pretty good. The rest of the afternoon was even better. I've always liked that most people in this neighborhood are very friendly. They will make eye contact and say "hi" when people in other neighborhoods just look at the street and walk by. And when I was back on H Street a couple of hours later I saw Alphonso Morgan, the owner of R&B run out and yell at a guy across the street (again clearly not homeless! I saw his car, and I should have checked the tags. I'll bet they were Maryland) who was about to urinate on a building. I was so pleased, I could almost ignore the pile of junk that kept growing outside The Salvation Army Store all afternoon.

4th & H

H Street Farm Fresh Market to Return Saturday

The farmers' market is set to return this Saturday. The market is held in a parking lot in the 600 block of H Street. The hours (new hours) are from 8:30am-12:30pm. Remember to show up early for popular items (particularly the breads from Atwater Bakers).