ANNOUNCEMENT:
SPECIAL COMMUNITY MEETING
400 H STREET (TRU ORLEANS)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 6:30pm
Toyland 421 H Street NE 2nd Floor
The Owners of Tru Orleans will be present to provide an update on this project and to address community concerns.
Coffee AND Tea will be provided by Sidamo
Complimentary Adult Beverages following the meeting on the 1st Floor at Toyland
For further information contact Commissioner Tony Richardson
Tonyrichardson08[at]gmail.com 202-997-6662
53 comments:
Yet another thing to love about our 'hood. Community meetings to discuss future businesses have really good coffee, tea (?) and adult beverages. Excellent.
I have only one question. Will there be tasty jambalaya?
What are these "community concerns"?
Who's paying for the coffee and drinks? Why? That's pretty unusual for a "community meeting," huh?
Shouldn't the community meeting haven taken place before the ANC supported the zoning relief for Tru Orleans? It sounds like Mr. Richardson is trying to look like he is doing something a few days before the election. Its just going through the motions though... since the ANC has already given its support for the project, this meeting will be nothing more than an exercise in collective venting.
Is it too much to hope for a real po' boy? Because Leidenheimer Bakery has two local distributors.
Please remind me, since it seems silly to ask at a community meeting since my concern is about NFL Sunday Ticket.
Will Tru' Orleans be a sports bar? And if so, will they only cater to the Saints' fans?
does anyone have any updates on the British Pub, Smith Common, atlas room, the Pizza place on 14th or what is going in the next to the atlas theater? I thought the British Pub and Smith Common were suppose to open in oct.
Also Queen Vic, Khan, Greek place, toki underground and Chow?
Good Morning,
I welcome the comments but to set the record straight, I called the meeting based on e-mails and comments I received from residents who are most impacted by this establishment. In addition, there were some changes made to the rendering that was presented at the ANC meeting.
Lastly, I don't need to play politics. I do this job because I care about my community. My commitment and track record are solid. It’s not my commitment or intentions that should be questioned.
I look forward to sipping tea and coffee with my friends and neighbors.
Respectfully,
Commissioner Tony Richardson
Good for you Tony. Most of the negative comments are from people who haven't done anything for the community.
You stood up against the Thug businesses when the vast majority of them would have ran for cover. Keep up the good work and the hell with the haters!
Sorry for the hijack, but has anyone else noticed the gold painted base around one of the NEW light poles in front of Miss. Whiskey’s Golden Saloon? Was this something done by Miss. Whiskey’s as a publicity stunt or did someone else vandalize this light pole? It seems it would be illegal to deface city property like this. Just wondering if anyone else knew about this? Thanks.
Most of the negative comments are from people who haven't done anything for the community.
Most of the comments are from cowardly assclowns who wouldn't ever make such assertions in person. If so, I suggest you show up at Tony's meeting.
Shouldn't the community meeting haven taken place before the ANC supported the zoning relief for Tru Orleans?
Maybe because the first two parts (parking, loading) of the zoning relief are requested by virtually all businesses opening on H Street? And that the third part (a second story) is to the benefit of the streetscape/community regardless of what business opens?
Who's paying for the coffee and drinks? Why? That's pretty unusual for a "community meeting," huh?
Fuck no it's not unusual. Businesses are constantly providing food and amenities for community groups, including neighborhood commissions.
Tony,
Please don't worry about the negative comments. I think it is really cool you are looking to engage the community and sad that there are those with a keyboard that can't appreciate the commitment everyone has to how things take shape on H St.
I would rather have Tony Richardson at the helm than Jennifer Zatkowski (who has never lived north of H Street and moved here from Upper Northwest) or Brian Cox (who also has never lived North of H Street and moved here from the cozy Back Bay neighborhood of Boston).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/24/AR2010102402637.html
I dont know if I saw this in last week's posts. I think they just said "2012". This article says Spring 2012
Unrelated question regarding the lightposts (since someone brought it up). Don't they seem really close together. They are like every 20 feet. Did someone mess up?
Glad to hear Tony is finally starting to read and respond to emails from his constituents. Just 867 unread emails to go (including mine) Commissioner Richardson!
Unrelated question regarding the lightposts (since someone brought it up). Don't they seem really close together. They are like every 20 feet. Did someone mess up?
It supposedly has to do with the streetcars...
No seriously, where did Jennifer Zatkowski and Brian Cox come from? I lived here for 7 years and I never heard of either of them doing anything. Now they come when all the really hard work is done. They seem like opportunist to me. Are they related ? I'm just asking.
If Zatakowski is so committed to the community why didn't she open her business in our neighborhood? She says she lived here for more than 8 years where has she been hiding? I'm just asking
Brian Cox, dude theres nothing about you that would make me believe that you actually care about this neighborhood. You are truly an opportunist! I'm just being honest here. I never saw your ass at anything.
Tony is a stand up guy and from the few interactions I had with the guy I can tell he actually gives a damn! That's what needed these days instead of this fly by nighters. But seriously, I don't know why anyone would that job.
Full of ungrateful people and the pay sucks
Unrelated question regarding the lightposts (since someone brought it up). Don't they seem really close together. They are like every 20 feet. Did someone mess up?
From the drawings I've seen the lightposts are used to support the (gasp) overhead wires for the street car system. But that's just a random guy like me looking at a picture.
Regarding anc6c05, I'll go to bat for Tony Richardson. He's a good guy and has done a respectable job. I hadn't heard anyone complain about his efforts prior to election season.
Wow. This has really turned to politics. But since you went there. I'm curious - has Tony Richardson hosted other similar community meetings for future businesses?
Does Tony Richardson have a website? I found info on Cox and Zatkowski, but nothing for Richardson.
Tony has been great, and he does give a $hit about the neighborhood. Coming from me, that is a MASSIVE statement, considering that I basically consider other commissioners and virtually all posters to this blog a bunch of do-nothing complainers.
Point in case: he eliminated the prostitution problem around 2nd and k st.
What has your eLeCted official done for you lately?
The closeness of the light poles is the same as 8th SE (Barracks Row) and on the 1400 block of Maryland. I agree it does seem like overkill, but not unique to H Street. I like the gold street light base at Miss Whiskey's. I thought they did a nice job, and it makes the streetscape a little more interesting. I would not call it vandalism.
Would you support an array of colors painted on the new lamp posts up and down H St. or just the one in front of Miss. Wiskey's? I think I'll go paint one orange, is that my prerogative. It's definately some form of vandalsim and it should be removed immediatly. If Miss. Wiskey's did it I hope they're heavily fined for defacing the new streetscaping. I think it's completely unacceptable.
It may say something about Richardson's lack of communication with the people in his SMD and the community that he asked ANC6c commissioner Anne Phelps to post this notice on the ANC-6c listserve.
He's NOT on it?
His ANC6c05 blog is "open to invited readers only." https://www.blogger.com/blogin.g?blogspotURL=http%3A%2F%2Fanc6c05.blogspot.com%2F
Open, transparent, and in touch, huh?
My name is Jennifer Zatkowski. I am running for ANC Commissioner. I attended last night’s community meeting with the owners of Tru Orleans. At the meeting, several people expressed serious concerns regarding where patrons and employees would park. Our residential parking is scarce and precious and I understand these concerns.
Tru Orleans stated they would encourage their employees to bike or take public transportation, would look into valet parking and would be monitoring the parking situation when they open. Tru Orleans offered to include these items in the Community Agreement.
However, there is a solution that could mitigate some parking concerns that could be initiated by the ANC Commissioner. DDOT could be petitioned to conduct a transportation study and re-zone one side of the streets surrounding Tru Orleans. That way, one side of the street would be ONLY for Zone 6 sticker holders. In addition, the hours of parking enforcement may be extended until 10:30pm, including Saturdays. This would preserve at least some parking for residents.
Our ANC shouldn’t rely solely on developers to address our neighborhood concerns. Rather, we need a Commissioner willing to offer solutions from within the ANC. If elected, I pledge to search for those solutions to maintain and improve our quality of life.
I ask for your vote on November 2. Thank You.
Jennifer Zatkowski
DDOT could be petitioned to conduct a transportation study and re-zone one side of the streets surrounding Tru Orleans.
It is clear you have little grasp on the parking situation in the area. Not only the zones, but also the process and stakeholders.
First, the majority of the blocks surrounding 400 H Street NE have Zone 6 parking. The one exception is the 800 block of 5th Street NE, which is because of Henry Funeral Chapel. This situation will not change, period.
Second, the two hour grace period renders any attempts to extend Zone 6 parking hours useless. Patrons of H Street businesses might show up at 6:30PM and stay for under two hours, show up at 8:30PM and stay well into the morning, or come from another part of Zone 6 (it is massive) and take advantage of that impunity.
Third, developers don't call the shots when it comes to parking in the District. It's all about code and zoning. And the District's obligation to provide businesses with parking for their patrons.
Fourth, DDOT doesn't need to be "petitioned to perform a transportation study". Infrastructure Project Management Administration (IPMA) has the resources and manpower to very easily look over the zoning and make a determination as to what relief is available.
Our ANC shouldn’t rely solely on developers to address our neighborhood concerns.
Your naïvety and perhaps deliberate mischaracterization of last night's meeting is concerning!
There are very, very few legal remedies available to residents when it comes to how, where, and when a business opens and operates. But there is one great "social" remedy, and that's bringing a business before the community. It's one of the reasons Anthony Cornish didn't open H Street Lounge. It's one of the reasons the 400-block liquor store went "high end" rather than the Mad Dog/Steel Reserve route. And it's one of the reasons Studio 400 didn't go forward with their "revised" business plan.
I still have serious concerns with the plans for Tru Orleans. What they are showing is more of a bar/night club, yet they keep talking about it being solely a restaurant. The layout has two very large bar tops and are not showing needed seating. Only seating on the patio.
not on parker is awfully negative. With all those excuses, he'd never get anything done. Reserving some streets as zone 6 ONLY will help. It has around the ballpark. Of couse it won't completely solve the problem, but it's better than doing nothing!
Sounds like Jennifer is trying to come up with solutions. I applaud her.
Derek raises good questions - particularly considering the other places the developers own.
http://www.stadiumclubdc.com/ which seems to have dropped all pretenses of being an "upscale supper club."
Is there a patio? Or are they planning to allow people to drink outside on those balconies?
The Voluntary Agreements for the other end of H Street are really strict about outside areas, even enclosed patios in the rear, limiting hours and requiring sound buffering. They're even stricter for roof decks. Most are not allowed live music and amplified music is limited.
Those balconies could be a nightmare for the neighborhood at 2 am.
Why didn't Richardson discuss this with the community before the case went to the ANC and then to BZA?
Why didn't Richardson discuss this with the community before the case went to the ANC and then to BZA?
What has Richardson discussed with the community the entire time he's been commissioner? Maybe there have been meetings but I don't recall them. And what has he accomplished south of H?
As far as I know, this is the only community discussion about this. Tony is the one that has been having communications. We should have had this discussion before the ANC presentation.
On the plans: they are not showing any bar stools, tables & chairs inside. Only built in booths in an area that could be a VIP section.
So, if the second floor is open to the outside and it rains, how sealed is the stairwell to the second floor? Plus, when the uni-sex restroom is occupied on the first floor, it would really suck having to go to the cold wet rainy second floor.
How quiet will the traffic be when GIANT moves in?
not on parker is awfully negative.
Yes, because I have dealing with ABRA, DCRA, IPMA, UFA, and MPD for many years. And am acutely aware of their power limitations, willigness to make changes, precedence, and political constraints.
Zone 6 ONLY will help. It has around the ballpark.
Do you know how many City Paper and Washington Post articles (along with intervention by Tommy Wells) it took to get that parking put in place? And are how many other neighborhoods are already awaiting parking relief?
...what they are showing is more of a bar/night club, yet they keep talking about it being solely a restaurant...
Having dealt with the original plans for "H Street Lounge", I can assure you that there are no real mechanisms in our neighborhood to prevent a restaurant from becoming a bar (other neighborhoods have tavern license moratoriums).
Why didn't Richardson discuss this with the community before the case went to the ANC and then to BZA?
Because VAs have nothing to do with zoning?
What has Richardson discussed with the community the entire time he's been commissioner?
Tony brought the gangbangers that ran Studio 400 before the community (the meeting was held at Senate Square). He brought Anthony Cornish and his ghetto business partner before the community (the meeting was held at Will Power after it suspended business).
And what has he accomplished south of H?
How many streets south of H Street are missing trees altogether? How many yards are covered in rap snack wrappers, funions bags, and steel reserve cans? How many streets have regular prostitution solitication? How many properties are on the nuisance list? Houses that have been raided for drugs? Houses that have been burned down intentionally? How many unsecured lots are there? Alleys that radio cars won't drive down?
As far as I know, this is the only community discussion about this. Tony is the one that has been having communications. We should have had this discussion before the ANC presentation.
Do you know how difficult it is to chase down most of these business ownerslet alone convince them to voluntarily go before the community? Most of Tony's conversations with the owners of Kelly's Liquors went through Kenfay at Sidamo.
Those balconies could be a nightmare for the neighborhood at 2 am.
Hours of operation are until 10:30 PM weeknights, 11 PM on weekends and based on the type of license(s) they have, they're legally bound by that.
So, if the second floor is open to the outside and it rains, how sealed is the stairwell to the second floor? Plus, when the uni-sex restroom is occupied on the first floor, it would really suck having to go to the cold wet rainy second floor.
The second floor has a tin roof so it's not fully exposed, but it isn't enclosed either. and IIRC there's plans for bathrooms of some sort on all 3 floors- handicapable one on 1st, a second bathroom downstairs, and the "main" ones on the second floor.
I'm answering these questions based on info in the meeting, I have no affiliation with Tru Orleans. and I think the "Zone parking only" is a non-starter for this area. Yes, they have it by the stadium but just during events. As soon as the restriction goes in place for one neighborhood all others will want to follow suit and we're looking at limited parking everywhere, and you have a tragedy of the commons on your hands.
I've only been in the neighborhood for a couple of years, but parking hardly seems to be a critical issue -- I've almost never had to park more than a block away from my destination. When I have had a problem, it's usually do to a construction project reducing capacity. That problem will dissipate as construction concludes.
Maybe if H st continues to develop and parking actually does become an issue, we should consider Zone 6 only like they have in SE (and around Barracks Row, too, not just the stadium). But until that time, Zone 6 Only designation will only serve to retard our neighborhood's welcoming of folks from around the city to come and spend money on H.
Oh, and to Not on Parker -- 2nd and K is still a pretty active stroll late night. Would love to get that cleaned up.
"Hours of operation are until 10:30 PM weeknights, 11 PM on weekends and based on the type of license(s) they have, they're legally bound by that."
What kind of license (s) does this place have?
I assume you're speaking of the liquor license. Is it CT or CR?
Are they really planning to close at 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights?
BTW, ANC6c doesn't post any of their "community agreements" on their website. Does the community have one with Tru Orleans? What leverage do you have if they change their hours or operations?
I assume you're speaking of the liquor license. Is it CT or CR? Are they really planning to close at 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights?
Restaurant (not tavern) and that's their (proposed) plan. I think that's sorta covered in the "restaurant" liquor license; in order to stay open later they'd have to apply for and get a tavern license, no?
Tony said they'll be drafting an agreement with T.O. shortly.
For the purpose of clarity, for the past two years I have held several Special Community Meetings to discuss matters that directly impact the community. The Special Community Meetings are in addition to the required ANC process. I am one of the few ANC Commissioners to hold such meetings. I do this at my own expense. These meetings have proved to be quite valuable, in fact the participation and effectiveness of these meetings have been greater than that of the procedural ANC meetings.
I didn’t want to go down this road but since the door is open I’m going to take it off the hinges. Since I have been ANC Commissioner, I have successfully led the effort to keep bad business out of our community. With the help of concerned residents we have drafted some of the tightest community agreements in the city. It’s not by accident that our community isn’t plagued with some of the issues that other communities experience sounding neighborhood business. It only takes one bad business to negatively impact an entire community. I stand on my record in dealing with businesses and handling ANC business.
There are several residents, business owners, law enforcement officials and elected officials, who can attest to my commitment and my effectiveness. It’s not expected that residents will attend every meeting or be involved in every issue but before you comment on what I have or have not done, do your research. I’ve spent countless hours in meetings and in public hearings all for the betterment of this community. I can’t say that about my opponents. Both of my opponents have been grossly absent at community meetings. In fact, I’ve never seen either of them prior to this election cycle but this is highlighted by their lack of knowledge of ANC and DC government process. I was heavily involved in community matters prior to becoming ANC Commissioner, so when I took on the responsibility I hit the ground running. There is too much at stake to turn our community over to people who want to play politics or people who want to pad their resume. I do this because I actually care about this community. Nothing Else!
Anonymous - if you want to applaud Jennifer Zatkowski applaud her for finally attending a community meeting. It’s the first time I ever saw her in person. I’m stilling looking for Brian Cox. I’ve seen his signs but I have yet to see him near anything that looks remotely like a community related function.
Tru Orleans has been before the community on two previous occasions. The Special Community meeting wasn’t the first time they had been before the community. My community meetings are void of ANC restraints therefore they are more effective. Trust me, the parking issues have been thoroughly explored. Not on Parker is absolutely correct in his comments about parking. He exposed Jennifer’s inability to fully grasp the problem. Her parking solution is not clearly thought out. We have a solid parking plan in place for Tru Orleans. I stand by that.
I’m having ongoing discussions with the Mayor’s Office, DPW, and DDOT in regards to parking in certain parts of our SMD. Lastly, both of my opponents have publicly displayed their lack of commitment and lack of knowledge as it relates to ANC process.
I hear you the first time....ouch
Although, when you post does not show up you do it again and again. I've done that before. Thank you for speaking up.
For the purpose of clarity, for the past two years I have held several Special Community Meetings to discuss matters that directly impact the community. The Special Community Meetings are in addition to the required ANC process. I am one of the few ANC Commissioners to hold such meetings. I do this at my own expense. These meetings have proved to be quite valuable, in fact the participation and effectiveness of these meetings have been greater than that of the procedural ANC meetings.
I didn’t want to go down this road but since the door is open I’m going to take it off the hinges. Since I have been ANC Commissioner, I have successfully led the effort to keep bad business out of our community. With the help of concerned residents we have drafted some of the tightest community agreements in the city. It’s not by accident that our community isn’t plagued with some of the issues that other communities experience sounding neighborhood business. It only takes one bad business to negatively impact an entire community. I stand on my record in dealing with businesses and handling ANC business.
There are several residents, business owners, law enforcement officials and elected officials, who can attest to my commitment and my effectiveness. It’s not expected that residents will attend every meeting or be involved in every issue but before you comment on what I have or have not done, do your research. I’ve spent countless hours in meetings and in public hearings all for the betterment of this community. I can’t say that about my opponents. Both of my opponents have been grossly absent at community meetings. In fact, I’ve never seen either of them prior to this election cycle but this is highlighted by their lack of knowledge of ANC and DC government process. I was heavily involved in community matters prior to becoming ANC Commissioner, so when I took on the responsibility I hit the ground running. There is too much at stake to turn our community over to people who want to play politics or people who want to pad their resume. I do this because I actually care about this community. Nothing Else!
Anonymous - if you want to applaud Jennifer Zatkowski applaud her for finally attending a community meeting. It’s the first time I ever saw her in person. I’m stilling looking for Brian Cox. I’ve seen his signs but I have yet to see him near anything that looks remotely like a community related function.
Tru Orleans has been before the community on two previous occasions. The Special Community meeting wasn’t the first time they had been before the community. My community meetings are void of ANC restraints therefore they are more effective. Trust me, the parking issues have been thoroughly explored. Not on Parker is absolutely correct in his comments about parking. He exposed Jennifer’s inability to fully grasp the problem. Her parking solution is not clearly thought out. We have a solid parking plan in place for Tru Orleans. I stand by that.
I’m having ongoing discussions with the Mayor’s Office, DPW, and DDOT in regards to parking in certain parts of our SMD. Lastly, both of my opponents have publicly displayed their lack of commitment and lack of knowledge as it relates to ANC process.
...I think that's sorta covered in the "restaurant" liquor license; in order to stay open later they'd have to apply for and get a tavern license, no?
I didn't think ABRA made any distinction with regard to hours for a restaurant (CR) vs. a tavern (CT). It is my understanding the biggest difference is that CR licensees have to demonstrate that 45% of their annual gross receipts were for food. What I have been wondering (for some time now) is how easy the receipts process is to exploit...
Tony, clearly you have come "unhinged!"
Commissioner Richardson,
People are going to vote to re-elect you based on what you have done or haven't done. If you spent 1/2 of the time responding to emails from your constituents as you do attacking your opponents, you would have more people willing to vote for you.
As for the parking issue, you need to do a little more research. There are several blocks in ANC 6A close to H Street that already have Resident Only Parking on one side of block. Its sad that you say your opponents don't know what they are talking about when there when the truth is they know more about the issue than you do.
Richardson's postings and those of his supporters have been relentlessly negative, personally attacking his opponents whom they admit they don't know. Do people in the community know Richardson?
How long has he lived here? Where? How involved are he and his family (does he have one?) beyond the meetings he claims with city officials? What has he actually accomplished beyond getting rid of some hookers who seem to relocate? Shutting down nuisances isn't as impressive as keeping them from opening in the first place. "Ongoing discussions" are not results.
Richardson has been MIA on the redevelopment of the H Street Connection which will heavily impact his SMD, failing to participate with ANC6a, and not weighing in on the issue of parking at the new building to lessen the impact on the community. He wasn't at the critical Zoning Commission hearings.
The heavy lifting on Burnham Place was left to former Commissioner Ryan Velasco. ANC6a had to participate to protect the interests of H Street.
Commissioner Anne Phelps posts updates on H Street construction and other notices affecting his SMD on public listservs. Not Richardson.
Where has he been on the streetcar issue? He skipped those hearing too.
6c05 lags far behind on vacant property reporting which will help get rid of nuisance properties.
Other H Street SMD's have gotten Resident Only parking for side streets to alleviate the stress of visitor parking, but this hasn't happened for his SMD.
What purpose is served by his sitting on the board of HSMS if he doesn't participate in matters related to H Street development?
There is a lack of transparency that should raise questions. Voluntary agreements with alcoholic beverage licensees aren't posted anywhere.
Richardson isn't even on the ANC6c listserv. How does he communicate with his SMD when he has these "community meetings"? Why is there a cost involved? His blog is by invitation only.
How can he fault anyone for not being at "public meetings" that he defines that nobody knows about? Maybe he's not at the many different public meetings that they participate in as part of the community.
As Richardson says, "Don't let resume inflation fool you." But that applies to his more than his opponents'.
For those of you that can't figure it, Anonymous @ 7:11:00PM is Brian Cox, a Richardson opponent.
Do people in the community know Richardson? How long has he lived here? Where? How involved are he and his family (does he have one?) beyond the meetings he claims with city officials?
Brian, let's not pretend your lack of familiarity with Tony is representative of the community's lack of familiarity.
What has he actually accomplished beyond getting rid of some hookers who seem to relocate?
If you had any clue about the magnitude of the prostitution problem that plagued the 200-block of K Street/900-block of 3rd Street, you'd be reluctant to use the term "relocate". It used to be an open air market, with sometimes a dozen different prostitutes working at once. Tony was responsible for putting the Prostitution Free Zones in place that got rid of much of the activity.
Shutting down nuisances isn't as impressive as keeping them from opening in the first place.
Unless of course the business owners exploit loopholes in the DC Code and present the property owners with forged documentation. Tony untangled the Studio 400 mess. And he did keep Anthony Cornish from opening H Street Lounge.
"Ongoing discussions" are not results.
Ongoing discussions lead to results...do I really need to point this out, Brian?
Richardson has been MIA on the redevelopment of the H Street Connection which will heavily impact his SMD, failing to participate with ANC6a, and not weighing in on the issue of parking at the new building to lessen the impact on the community.
Your complaint doesn't come as a surprise, as you live on 8th Street, Brian! And do you have full omniscience as to the conversations that happened between Tony Richardson and 6A? Of course not.
6C05 lags far behind on vacant property reporting which will help get rid of nuisance properties.
Really? Because I (along with Tom Madison of 4th Street) am one of the people who does much of the reporting to DCRA for the area. And if you look through the current assessment database, you will find that ANC6C05 properties are properly classified.
How does he communicate with his SMD when he has these "community meetings"? Why is there a cost involved?
Email? Flyers? What costs are you referencing?
You're throwing around a lot of opinions, almost all of which are based on suppositions you can barely defend.
For those of you that can't figure it, Anonymous @ 7:11:00PM is Brian Cox, a Richardson opponent.
Do people in the community know Richardson? How long has he lived here? Where? How involved are he and his family (does he have one?) beyond the meetings he claims with city officials?
Brian, let's not pretend your lack of familiarity with Tony is representative of the community's lack of familiarity.
What has he actually accomplished beyond getting rid of some hookers who seem to relocate?
If you had any clue about the magnitude of the prostitution problem that plagued the 200-block of K Street/900-block of 3rd Street, you'd be reluctant to use the term "relocate". It used to be an open air market, with sometimes a dozen different prostitutes working at once. Tony was responsible for putting the Prostitution Free Zones in place that got rid of much of the activity.
Shutting down nuisances isn't as impressive as keeping them from opening in the first place.
Unless of course the business owners exploit loopholes in the DC Code and present the property owners with forged documentation. Tony untangled the Studio 400 mess. And he did keep Anthony Cornish from opening H Street Lounge.
"Ongoing discussions" are not results.
Ongoing discussions lead to results...do I really need to point this out, Brian?
Richardson has been MIA on the redevelopment of the H Street Connection which will heavily impact his SMD, failing to participate with ANC6a, and not weighing in on the issue of parking at the new building to lessen the impact on the community.
Your complaint doesn't come as a surprise, as you live on 8th Street, Brian! And do you have full omniscience as to the conversations that happened between Tony Richardson and 6A? Of course not.
6C05 lags far behind on vacant property reporting which will help get rid of nuisance properties.
Really? Because I (along with Tom Madison of 4th Street) am one of the people who does much of the reporting to DCRA for the area. And if you look through the current assessment database, you will find that ANC6C05 properties are properly classified.
How does he communicate with his SMD when he has these "community meetings"? Why is there a cost involved?
Email? Flyers? What costs are you referencing?
You're throwing around a lot of opinions, almost all of which are based on suppositions you can barely defend.
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