ANC 5C Votes Against Big Bear Cafe Liquor License
Well, this may be the last update on this for a while: At its general public meeting this evening, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C unanimously voted to oppose a liquor license for the Big Bear Cafe in Bloomingdale. As noted last week, a group of nearby residents had organized in outright opposition to the license, forgoing the voluntary agreement process. This week, those in opposition presented the ANC with a resolution declining to support Big Bear owner Stu Davenport's application, with a list of whereases based around the unholy trinity of parking, trash, and noise (plus zoning).
The commission took one last lightning round of comments from audience members before another lengthy procedural debate, in which commissioner Gigi Ransom took Davenport to task for failing to engage the community and provide requested information. When the vote was finally called, no one voted in his favor (commissioner John Salatti, the Big Bear's biggest supporter, was not able to attend). It's still technically possible for the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration to approve the license, but such an unequivocal thumbs down from the ANC could be the end.
It probably didn't help matters for Davenport that he was preceeded by Brian Brown, who came asking for support at the ANC's September meeting for a liquor license at his new restaurant/event space/lounge at the firehouse on North Capitol and Quincy. The bank is much more comfortable under writing construction, he explained, if the community gives its support–which it had, as former commissioner Robert Vinson Brannum pointed out, four years ago when the restaurant was first proposed. Some neighbors opposing Big Bear's license gave the arrival of Brown's spot as an additional reason why more nightlife could overwhelm their peace and quiet.
10:53 pm
Lydia, you forgot to mention in your article (I hope not conveniently) that the ANC commissioners exposed in their resolution that big bear,as a coffee shop,is currently in violation of several dc zoning and other laws. How could they possibly turn a blind eye to those facts when considering their final vote
The ANC acted admirably, not because they fell on the side of those against bb but because they followed the rule of law and showed no partiality to a fellow commissioner
12:52 am
Ms. DePillis, for accuracy, the ANC5C vote was not as you write an "unequivocal thumbs down." ANC5C voted not to support the application "at this time." Moreover, it is important to note the Big Bear Cafe application, as noted on another Bloomingdale blog, was "withdrawn".
Robert Vinson Brannum
rbrannum@robertbrannum.com
7:07 am
So, having Big Bear Cafe serving alcohol to its patrons is a horror of horrors.
But having the liquor store across the street serve alcohol to drunks and homeless men who then hang out all day at the two parks across the street is perfectly ok.
But of course, race and gentrification had nothing - NOTHING - to do with any of this.
7:43 am
That's a shame, another victory for NIMBYism in DC. Shades of the Comet Ping Pong controversy a few years ago. ANC districts are too small, there aren't enough quality candidates to go around, and commissioners frequently run unopposed. As a result, anti-everything crackpots have a disproportionate say in local issues, versus those of us who have day jobs and don't have time to attend meetings and rabble rouse in general.
8:42 am
Amen Mr T. ANC5C is full of buffoons. These meetings are cartoonish and the debates insufferable. I would rather pour acid in my eyes than talk to these fools for two hours. Speaking to a lamp post would be more productive. Putting any local high school student govt in charge would yield better results. These picayune debates that prevent business development take place near open-air drug markets, black-market activity, loitering, child abuse, public drunkenness and public stupidness. Congratulations for another job well done ANC5C!
9:32 am
The ANC's in this town are nothing but a bunch of little Napolians who get in there and become power crazy, it time that ALL ANC's to be disbanded!
9:41 am
i've been embarrassed by my fellow big bear cafe patrons and supporters throughout this process.
1. they played the race card, which is disgusting and more insulting than they seem to realize.
2. they played the anti gentrification card, again disgusting in their attempt at divisiveness
3. they have constantly ignored the fact that big bear cafe is zoned residential. and the issue of big bear have had alcohol on premises without a license.
4. they ignorantly claim that the anc loves liquor stores. have they not followed the Sunshine liquor store uproar? have they even been to an anc meeting covering liquor license before? people are always trying to shut liquor stores down. that they don't know that is ignorance, but the fact that they dont understand that a liquor store is not at all like a on-site liquor license is stupidity.
5. they dismiss the concerns of neighbors without the slightest respect for their rights.
6. they simply have not understood the protesting and VA process at all.
7. they have said ignorant and insulting things about fellow neighbors on blogs and this may have come back to bitten us all.
8 i resent that their immature whining has delayed this even further
in short, they have become bad neighbors in their desire for BBC.
9:53 am
Simply put - Ignorance is Strength
10:00 am
So what was the fictional amount that Brian Brown claimed this time that he's spent on the firehouse? Last I heard it was 500k to clean up the inside and half paint the outside. Oh, forgot the nebulous design fees.
It's a shame the city turned this over to someone that has been shown to be so inept at getting anything to stick
10:45 am
The ANC5C failed its constituents. In granting its support to the firehouse and not to Big Bear the ANC5C did not address a single issue of concern to neighbors. Parking, trash and noise will be a much bigger issue if the firehouse opens as a restaurant/bar. The neighbors who opposed Big Bear will come down against the firehouse as well. In fact should the firehouse post a placard I am certain neighbors will put forth protests. Big Bear is not operating illegally in any way. It has complied with all the laws and formerly submitted for and received a zoning exception to operate as a restaurant. Commissioners who opposed the liquor license request were bandying about the term illegal as a means of coercing the response they preferred. Given the next opportunity I for one will be voting against every currently seated commissioner.
As for the neighbors who opposed the BBC license, they were asked to submit their voluntary agreement requests and given a time limit. They failed to do so. Hopefully ABRA and the ABC will realize the advantage to having a restaurant with liquor available in this neighborhood and ignore the idiots who seem to be running the ANC5C
10:59 am
. Given the next opportunity I for one will be voting against every currently seated commissioner.
You might want to keep Stu Davenport on the ANC.
11:30 am
You can only vote for the ANC whose SMD you are in. You can hate the ANC in SMD 5C01 or 5C02 all you want, but if you live in 5C03, it doesn't matter. But you can give $25 to the candidate of your choice.
11:34 am
Sally- you sound like an idiot!!! you think the fact that Stu is white sealed the fate of Big Bear not being granted support for liquor license... wow!!!!
At any rate, I am disapointed at how this turned out for Stu and Big Bear.
11:36 am
Which leads to all sorts of perversities. Why are Barrie Danneker and Gigi Ransom, who live in completely different neighborhoods, claiming to represent "the community" when it comes to Big Bear Cafe?
2:21 pm
Big Bear Cafe screwed themselves. They tried to get a CR license with out the proper zoning, use or occupancy for the space they are in.
@Daniel---you have no idea what you are talking about! The ANC researched this very well and have the documents to prove it which were on hand last night! So please don't try to paint this differently. So before you jump down on ANC5C…get your facts straight!
@Sally-Your racist comments are out of line and you should frankly be ashamed of yourself. Had BBC done the right thing and gotten its permits and zoning straight this wouldn't have been an issue, but no Stu bought a building that is an R-4 with an old market grandfather in and never took care of the occupancy and zoning issues. Therefore he screwed himself.
@JustME—It’s obvious you are not well versed in the DC ANC’s. Although I don’t represent 5C03, I do get a voice on votes coming before ANC5C, which is our community! As for representing this community, I do so for no pay or benefits to be active and to give back to the community. As Chair of the Economic Development and Zoning committee for ANC5C, this matter was referred to my committee. Each Commissioner serves on several committees in ANC5C. And since BBC has operated without proper zoning and permitting is was within my assigned responsibilities.
However the key question on this application…Should an ANC approve a stipulated CR license when the owner has run a business illegally in DC for almost 5 years? All you bloggers who come out with your outlandish comments need to take a good look at the facts. I am confident if we approved or gave support for this, all you bloggers would be the first to say we treated BBC different because Stu is a commissioner. Well not on my watch! Let BBC get their house in order and straighten out its mess with the city and zoning. Permits, etc. before ask for the golden ticket…a CR liquor license…so get real! I am not rewarding anyone, either new business or old business in ANC5C if you have operated outside the law and claim you didn’t know, or “Oh I thought I had that it was done” It’s a bunch of bull that was stated by the supporters, especially fellow Commissioner Salatti who is an attorney and was assisting BBC in this matter. Geez…you think a lawyer would know better! Sorry he missed the meeting because I was prepared to go head to head with him over the bull he has put out in the air in Bloomingdale; it’s a good old whiff of horse shit!
Get your facts right and do the right thing. No matter how unpopular it is; you have to be on the right side of every issue! The right side of this issue was to oppose the application at this time. Stu needs to get his business in order and not just fake it! Once those matters are resolved, I am sure he will find it a lot easier to obtain a CR.
As for the Firehouse and boundary Stone…both these LLC’s are locating there establishments in a commercial zone, not in an R-4 zone. Both have hired firms to take them though the ABRA process, along with zoning etc. Both have come to the ANC.
Frankly, I am confident we will not run into the craziness BBC put us through. Good business persons have their ducks in a row. Something all business looking to come to ANC5C should note.
Furthermore, comments have been made about ANC5C being anti-business, which is far from the truth. We have been working very hard over the past 4-5 years on business plans for various business looking to locate in ANC5C. Unlike Commissioner Salatti who started a petition against a business owner who is within the proper zoning, permitting, occupancy and licensing of his cleaning business at First and Seaton Sts NW. So, please don’t be fooled by some of the fools in ANC5C. Get the facts do your homework and come to an educated and informative decision instead of running you month off about matters that you haven’t a clue.
2:25 pm
I'm so sick of the stupid NIMBY freaks in this town. They all need to get a little perspective. It's not like anyone has proposed opening a hog-rendering plant, giant casino or building a 150 story skyscraper here, or in Tenleytown, Takoma Park, Cleveland Park, or Mt. Pleasant. People, you live in a world capital - let it be a vibrant, growing place. Why don't you NIMBYs focus on eliminating crime and improving the schools instead of hindering legitimate businesses struggling to survive in a tough economy?
2:39 pm
Commish, Mr. Brannum: Not trying to be a smart-ass, cuz I honestly don't know, but...If BBC is operating w/o proper zoning and permitting, why hasn't DCRA and/or MPD shut it down? If you are committed to being objective and insisting on legal ducks being in a row (which I applaud), how has BBC been open for 4-5 years now? Again, I just don't get it.
2:58 pm
Daneker has been hammering this "BBC is operating illegally!!111!" for many years when in fact Stu has properly handled any zoning and business issues for a long time. Daneker has been consistently angry and hostile towards the BBC and is using the issues as a springboard to promote his own liquor-license application plans. He hopes that by stymieing the ability of businesses to continue to operate and expand in peace, by dragging everything to a halt, we will go to him to relieve the problem by adopting his ideas.
Daneker is, once again, a man not associated with Bloomingdale who doesn't really know where the big bear cafe is, having never been there, who nevertheless claims to represent "the community's" views on the establishment while furthermore endorsing a resolution submitted by a few dozen people calling the BBC a poor corporate community member. A bunch of distant outside ANC members walked up to the Bloomingdale community and not only spit in our face but then went on to claim that they're representing us and working in our best interests.
What we have here is an ANC that is out of control, holding meetings on the issue far, far removed from the community in which it serves while at the same time claiming to be the community's "representatives."
3:30 pm
I am amused at the comment "the firehouse has hired a firm to get them through the ABRA process'. What this means is that smaller businesses get the shaft and only those with really really deep pockets are able to open businesses. Its long been my opinion that the ANC system is heavily weighted against non-corporate entities.
3:33 pm
Also, can we in bloomingdale be annexed by Wards 1 or 2, it would help. Thanks.
3:43 pm
As a Bloomingdale resident on one of the busiest streets in the neighborhood, I can assure you that the issue is not one of NIMBY. I live within three blocks of the Big Bear Cafe and I have two children. With all of the other loiters surrounding the properly zoned and commercially established places that sell liquor, why would I want to add more. Why would I want to have yet another worry added when it comes to the safety of my neighborhood. I should not have to worry about someone stumbling out of Big Bear hitting on my 17-year old daughter.
For all of you who have commented about how foolish the neighbors are, or how we have taken a NIMBY approach to this matter, I would respectfully ask that you consider residents with families. We love having Big Bear Cafe, but not Big Bear Bar.
Many nights I have been awakened at 2 or 3 am by people walking from Florida Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue--loud, drunk, and disrespectful to people trying to sleep. I know that this nuisance would only continue.
You can not compare Bloomingdale to other neighborhoods such as Takoma Park, Dupont Circle, and Barracks Row where there are designated commercial zones and measures and voluntary agreements with the residents have been put into place.
We have a commercially designated zone between on 1st Street between Rhode Island Avenue and Seaton Place NW. That is where Big Bear should be if it wants to operate as a bar.
3:53 pm
Crack Hoes for Jesus!
3:57 pm
Glennette, I really feel it is inappropriate to portray those of us who want to have a drink with our meals at a sit-down place down the street as dangerous loiterers who are going to hit on your underage daughter. That's insulting both to your neighbors, BBC patrons, and just about any of us who (and you might not be included in this group and don't understand!) people who go out to eat. Slandering BBC as a messy, poor corporate neighbor as the fringe group of ANC protesters did was completely wrong.
4:06 pm
Censure-y Delicious! Way to call the race card "racy." Ms Ransom.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1v3W8F/www.edgewooddc.org/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/anc5c_resolution_to_censure.pdf
4:28 pm
I'll repeat here what I've said in private to a couple of Bloomingdale activists: it's time for us to saddle up and do everything we can to get every last one of these NIMBYist motherfuckers off ANC5C and get representatives we deserve. Daneker and Ransom, your days are numbered.
4:35 pm
Another thing that was noted on Twitter was that the anti-BBC protesters also made complaints about the local farmer's market, which may well turn out to be their next target. Glennette has already indicated that BBC should move away from its location up the street if it wants to serve alcohol (or perhaps exist at all). It sounds like there are also rumblings to dismantle the local farmer's market as well: and make no mistake-- efforts to get rid of the farmer's market will be spearheaded by ANC members that live far, far away from Bloomingdale.
4:39 pm
I find it laughable that Commissioner Ransom took Davenport to task for failing to engage the community. Really? What community? Commissioner Ransom does not live anywhere near the community. In fact, according to her ANC page she in fact lives closer to Ft. Totten approx. 2.7 miles away from Big Bear Cafe. Let me put that in perspective, the Capitol Building is closer to Big Bear Cafe than Commissioner Ransom. The Verizon Center is closer to Big Bear Cafe than Commissioner Ransom. Even Dupont Circle is closer to Big Bear Cafe than Commissioner Ransom! Wow, just wow. This whole fiasco is just too absurd to even be mad at anymore.
6:05 pm
First off, I just wanted to say that I live within the magical 600' radius of BBC and would have liked things to have worked out so I could have had a nice drink and some food after 6. I would have liked to have been able to attend last night, but these meetings frequently interfere with my work schedule. That being said...
...as I have stated on this blog before (and Commissioner Davenport responded to, but it seems never acted upon), in that 600' radius, neither myself nor my neighbors saw him at all. So yes, this may be a NIMBY issue. As one in the impacted area, but where are the 600' people really tallied up? Commissioner Ransom points out that the petition in favor of BBC had numerous signatures in favor that were from VA and MD. But does anyone have the actual numbers for the 600' folks?
Second...
@The Commish: I can understand that you are angry and frustrated at the treatment that you have received on this blog, Twitter, and other forms of (largely internet) communication. From what I have read coming from Commissioner Ransom, it sounds like you are not alone in them. But you decided to run for that seat that you hold and this is part of the territory that you willingly signed up for. I find your post above (as well as what Commissioner Ransom has been posting on various list servs...but I know that you are not responsible for the actions of anyone but yourself) to be highly unprofessional. Are you getting a lot of backlash? Yes, absolutely...but you had to know that would happen. We elect Commissioners who understand that fact and will maintain their level of professionalism throughout whatever backlash their might be to their rulings. I firmly support you and the other Commissioners in acting to uphold the law and do what you think is best for 5C. But as a Commissioner you are also held to a higher standard than what you have demonstrated above and I think you (and several other Commissioners, but I will address their own behavior with them directly) owe people an apology.
6:12 pm
GET RID OF ALL ANC'S NOW!
7:46 pm
@Justme--BBC has operated since it opened with the improper use and zoning for the building. This is a fact, it is public record. If you were more involved in this matter you would know that he came before us to ask for a zoning exception and then ever followed up with zoning. BBC just applied on May 27th for the zoning change. So please get it right. As for my own liquor license, are you kidding me! That's the funniest thing I have ever heard! I'm and accountant and financial services executive, not a restaurateur. Please get a grip on the reality you are putting out. Karma! As for my ideas, I didn't author the new guidelines; I just introduced a motion to accept them. Big difference. Also, I am very pro-business unlike your favorite Commissioner Salatii who really has done an injustice to Bloomingdale with his petition to keep out a dry cleaning business. Frankly, I have lived here 5.5 years in Bloomingdale and my family has lived in the Metro DC area since 1732. I didn't step of the bus last week! So please spare the sound bites! As for our meetings, again, Justme, you are very mistaken, we move the ANC meetings around the ANC Ward on purpose so people can at least have one meeting in their SMD. I suggest you look at a map of 5C, because you really don't know where you live or what community you are in, it’s 5C on BOEE’s web site. As for you comments about BBC not being a good corporate citizen, somewhat agree. I am not anti-BBC and I am on record supporting their request to get a zoning exception. I think BBC has been a great asset to the community, but all in all you cannot ignore your responsibilities and for operating your business under the law. I believe that Stu will get his ducks in a row on that at this point! It's in the news! DCRA and Zoning are aware of the violations, etc. It is now in their hands to deal with BBC.
@ Mr Rez—thanks for your comments---You may not be aware, BBC came before the ANC a few years back for a zoning exception which was supported. At that time the commission was under the impression that BBC had gone and filed for the exception. Since Commissioner Davenport would have received the notice of Zoning changes, it was never brought to the attention of the Chair or the ANC that the zoning exception was never filed or granted. It wasn’t until the CR license application came along that it was discovered, that BBC only applied for it on May 27, 2010. DCRA is very well aware of the issue. I hope that helps to explain. As a noted my the author of the article, maybe we should ask Mayor Fenty, who is a patron, exactly how this could happen? Maybe he should also explain how he gave an award to BBC year before last; which was well deserved!!!!!, but his staff never vetted the awarded which has happened several many times in the past few years.
@Eric--most establishments do hire a firm to take them through the process. As you can see there are many hoops to do through. It's not anti-small business at all; it's more like a defendant representing himself has a fool for a client. Most newly requested CR licenses have followed this path by using a firm to handle it, however it is not required. You do realize that most CR license holders in DC are small business!
@CJ2201--thanks for your comments. I think you are right on target. As for a higher standard, I am only human. I am neither a priest nor a reverend. I realize that public officials are open to backlash. However, we have a responsibility to respond and get the facts out into the public. With blogging there has to be a limit on what people put out in the universe. I feel it is very appropriate to fight back with the facts and the truth. It's the only way to combat the misinformation, lies, and bull from becoming urban legend. I agree it's been nasty, and I would have loved to stay above it, however my values of fairness have gotten to me, and feel complied to respond to some of these posts. They sell papers, I sell the truth. I hope you can understand and I appriecate you and your comments, it was very nice!
7:49 pm
@ Daniel-you'll be voting for only one ANC commissioner in your SMD...not all of them!
8:50 pm
@The Commish - You are, by your own words, an unprofessional boor, a racist, and a nincompoop with a vendetta against a business you don't like.
The fact that you post under an idiotic name like "The Commish" when everyone knows who you are just exemplifies your lack of professionalism. You're an elected official jackass. If you're going to be badmouthing a small business that's trying to serve what's clearly a local customer demand, at least have the common courtesy to do it with your actual name.
The fact that you're on various online blogs attacking a small business in your community raises some serious questions about your compliance with the Hatch Act and ethics requirements.
It also makes it crystal clear that you're not fit to serve as an ANC commissioner. By your own words, you have exposed your racist prejudices. And you don't even get to hide behind anonymity since everyone knows your identity. Shameful.
@Glennette: Do you really think your daughter is more likely to be verbally assaulted by someone enjoying a glass of wine with dinner at Big Bear Cafe, rather than the batches of homeless men who "patronize" the various liquor stores in the neighborhood?
Come on! Who are you trying to kid?
By your own words, you don't want Big Bear Cafe in the neighborhood. And if I was the company - or ANY other small business - why on earth would I want to locate in the neighborhood if I was going to be treated far worse than the homeless drunks who basically live in the neighborhood parks and make it unenjoyable for families?
9:11 pm
Daneker, you have been very up front about the fact that you want people to be the go-to guy to create a liquor license process based on the one your father had in Rhode Island (the state, not the avenue). You've said this publicly over and over again, and you've used the BBC liquor license application process as an excuse for grandstanding on this issue. If you had just made sure the process for a great local business would go about the liquor license process unimpeded instead of joining in with the hysterical opposition, then you'd have no reason to claim that the process is a failure and everyone should adopt your father's process. You have little capacity to stay in the background as a public servant ensuring that everyone goes about their business unimpeded. Instead you contribute to waste and knee-jerk bureaucratic opposition for which DC is known because it gives you more attention.
11:06 pm
To Commish: whoever you are...
I live on S Street. You complain about Salatti opposing the dry cleaners. We already have a dry cleaners a block away. How many fricking dry cleaners do we need in a one block radius??? Salatti was just pointing out to the owners that their f__ing business model sucks, because there is only so much dry cleaning needs. Why don't you purchase Big Bear and open a third dry cleaners.
Jesus Christ, all i want to do is sit down and drink a beer with my meal within walking distance to my house. Why is that so hard to understand???? Why are you supporting having 17 dry cleaners within one block of my house? Why am I, a married man who is 41 years old, being accused of the same despicable behavior as the drunks who hang out on the corner?
If the BB was not properly zoned, how did the prior establishment that was there operate? Take a look at the big picture "Commish"... I want my elected rep to be a reasonable person and understand that sometimes we don't need a dry cleaner on every corner, sometimes I want to get food and a beer and not have to drive to get it.
Yes, liquor stores are a different type of business, but they provide a seemingly freely flowing source of alcohol to masses of people that don't seem to live near me (based on teh number of sob stories about needing bus money to get home that I encounter). Glennette, you're using the alcohol argument against this??? That train has already left the platform. If you take up arms against the drunks that urinate in public, then I am right there with you, however if you say that I am part of the problem because I want to sit and eat and have a beer with my dinner, then I am not with you.
12:35 am
you all seriously need to chill.
online flame war is admirable bit very 90s, just like almost entire anc5c :)
anc is not untouchable and clearly will be dealt with during the elections, abra and other dc offices are really ones making the decision on allowing business to operate
heck, even voluntary agreement is not necessary for a business to open. it is more of a courtesy.
to all those opposing bbc due to noise and parking, well you live in a city. noise and parking will always be an issue. you cant fight it, its the way cities operate
firehouse with 3 floors and massive occupancy creates much bigger threat to your peaceful, happy well being.
just maintain some respect towards each other, whether you are disliked Barrie Danneker or happy go luck bloomingdale resident :)
the concern about liquor stores and public drunks on corners of florida and first/florida and north capitol is far more important than a restaurant that allows to serve alcohol. i see people urinating by the bus stop, while asking me for a cigarette. don't you think its a bit ridiculous?
last advice, when you are about to type something mean and offensive, take a deep breath and ask yourself if its worth it.
im glad people got to vent during the anc5c meeting, its important to communicate to each other.
you can always focus all your built up negative energy on helping that lady on T st take care of her flower boxes :)
keep calm and carry on! :)
8:10 am
"NOT ON MY WATCH" - Hey Commish, Batman you ain't. Go grab a broom and clean up all the litter and shit off my street.
11:00 am
@ Sally—First of all if you knew me or my family you would be very surprised to learn we are very diverse across both race and creed, so for you not even to know me to call me a racist is just plain ignorant and outlandish! As for the name Commish at least I put out there in the public exactly who I am and I don’t hide that fact! As for being pro-business, you best check your facts! I am a strong pro business advocate for over 25 years. I’m small business owner myself. So wrong again Sally! I supported every request BBC have asked for…I am not against BBC! Just because I have admitted I don’t patronize BBC, doesn’t mean I am against it. I’m a Dunkin Donuts coffee fan. Furthermore, you should be thankful you have a commission that doesn’t just blindly approve zoning and ABRA requests with regard to the residents or the law. As for dishing on BBC, these are the facts they are not my opinions. Shall the commission be ignorant to these facts? Take a few minutes and do some homework on BBC. Better yet show up to the next ANC and take a look at the certified documents from various DC agencies; all public records. You will learn BBC has flaunted the law for years. I think BBC has been a great addition to Bloomingdale, and I hope that BBC gets there business and permits in order so they can move forward.
@Justme—Let me correct something here…it was my uncle who was a liquor commissioner in RI, so I do have some references to rely on. I never stated I wanted DC to adopt a new process. And I only made the statement once to the Ms. DePillis the reporter of this story. What I do think is that DC should include cordials and liqueurs (15%-30% ABV) in the DR license which would then allow dessert shops and coffee houses to serve beer and wine, and a bit of Bailey’s for your coffee! As for advising BBC, I had... long before this became a huge issue in the ward. But BBC didn’t want to hear it! Not once have I said I thought the process was wrong or flawed and I wanted to implement a new one! Have you been to any of these ANC meetings to hear the discussions? It appears you are relying on this blog and a few sound bites for all your information. I’d be more than happy take some time and explain to you the process and help you to understand why the ANC voted UNANIMOUSLY to oppose the application, AT THIS TIME! As for impeding on businesses, it would have been nice if BBC would have taken the effort to straighten out there issues before attempting to get a CR. Instead BBC attempted to skirt the zoning laws and permits and garner public support and Commissioner Salatti’s advice and machine; obviously not a wise choice.
As for attention, I give of my time and energy for many organizations here in DC, and it’s not for attention! I am very self confident; I need not have public recognition to maintain happiness. Furthermore, many who know me form various organizations will tell you when name on programs, host committees names, and donor names are listed; I refuse to have mine listed. I do so because it is a value instilled in my family for generations; you give to give, not to be recognized; all charity should be unostentatious.
@ Dave—Yea I do complain about the petition. It’s anti-business. As I have stated before, “competition is good for business the last time I went to business school”, which wasn’t that long ago. You might want to research the demographics of Bloomingdale and or contact the DC Economic Development-Steve Burke-- who will inform you that retail and service sector of Ward 5 is under served, so two dry cleaners in Bloomingdale isn’t outrageous. Mr. Choe I am sure has done his homework! He is in a commercial space and has a big investment in, all on board. What is outrageous is Commissioner Davenport (his SMD) was notified of the use changes and construction permits for Mr. Choe’s Cleaners. Now after he has spent money, Commissioner Salatti, (outside of his SMD again!) starts a petition to stop him from opening. THAT’S ANTI-BUSINESS… Furthermore, what would MR. Salatti know about a business model? He’s a lawyer who teaches lawyers how to write, where is his accounting or business degree? Dave think a bit more about this; Mr. Choe’s business is likely to help consumers not hurt them.
As for the zoning of BBC…the prior business was a corner store in business prior to 1950, when DC finally adopted some zoning regulations; therefore it was grandfathered. However any change of use or occupancy would require an exception. The prior business occupancy was 8. BBC came before the ANC in 2007 requesting a change in zoning to address these issues, which was approved. However, BBC never followed through on the change and since Commissioner Davenport would have been the notified of the change, ANC5C thought it was completed back in 2007, only to learn during this CR process that it was never filed and finally got filed on May 27, 2010.
As far as being reasonable, I am very reasonable. I attempted to help BBC, it wasn’t taken. The opposition taken by the ANC was “NOT AT THIS TIME”. I even spoke to Stu about the fact when he gets his issues with occupancy and zoning completed, he should re-apply.
As for the liquor stores and corner stores, it’s the Commissioner of the SMD should be cracking down on the owners for the issues you bring up. I have two in my SMD and frankly they have been very well looked after and we have had no complaints, no issues and they respect the VA that we have on file for them.
@Tooltime— Charity starts at home! But if you really need the help on your street feel free to contact me. What street is that? As far as Batman,..no not Batman at all..more like fair and equitable. No different strokes for different folks!
11:44 am
Hey, Barrie and Gigi, looks like Stu just thoroughly pulled the rug out from any of your blather about Big Bear operating illegally.
Seriously, somebody out there must be willing to run against these two idiots.
11:51 am
For the record, I do think Salatti was being a bit of a tool with his "petition" whining about the opening of a dry cleaners. People who complain about local businesses tend to have little interest or ability to open businesses themselves and instead demand that they be able to micromanage and dictate the terms of how other businesses operate. In that sense, Salatti has a bit of the local NIMBYism that's rubbed off on him. Seriously, why would anyone open a business in this neighborhood when you have random people down the street telling you what hours you can stay open? We have laws that noise ordinances that cover that kind of thing.
Do DC zoning laws state that cafes must close at 10 pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends? No? Well, then, that should be allowed. Do DC zoning laws state that neighbors need to be notified 1 week in advance if there is a special event that is going to be held? No? Well then, that should not be a condition of a liquor license. If you have the desire to micromanage a business that is run to your personal and specific specifications, you should, you know, start an actual business rather than trying to run everyone else's.
2:22 pm
I assume it's not really possible to know the exact zoning for a particular building unless it's certified by the zoning office. Otherwise surely we'd hear 5C commissioners complaining about all the OTHER businesses - not to mention community residence facilities, public recreation and community centers, personal service establishments, etc. - in their district who are operating in an area (a far too monolithic area, IMO) zoned R-4.
Let's get real. These commissioners who claim scrupulousness is behind their decision didn't make sure each of these establishments was certified as an exception. They only noticed BBC because one or two of their colleagues forced them to, and thereby made what might have been a difficult decision easy.
I'm not going to name the businesses. Anyone who cares to can look at a map, but I don't want to give anyone an excuse to target them too. They're small and DC makes it hard enough for small businesses to operate as it is. Yes, we heard it right. DC has such complex regulations that business owners are EXPECTED to have a big enough bankroll to hire attorneys. (That's modern America, small businesses are tolerated - yes, mostly with a wink and a nod somewhere along the way - as long as they don't try to become medium sized businesses.)
Yep, DC's regs (not just on this, but on EVERYTHING) are so complex that it takes ANC reps several terms to become generally familiar with even a fair chunk of them ... unless, of course, an ANC rep has a perpetual hard on for one specific business, then she will dedicate every last drop of energy to nosing out and memorizing them one by one.
If BBC is deemed to have been operating "illegally" because of the zoning thing, Stu should ask for a refund on all the commercial real estate taxes he's paid over the years. And the commercial area in north Bloomingdale is not the ONLY one. Both sides of that whole stretch of Florida Av near BBC are zoned commercial, and BBC should, for all practical purposes, really be considered a part of it. After all, the only thing between the cafe and Florida is a tiny park.
Commissioners tell on themselves when they accuse Stu of trying to skirt the law. Any commissioner who retained some objectivity would give him the benefit of doubt, and allow that he might just be confused, or even incompetent. If something is complex enough to require the services of an attorney, then someone without an attorney cannot automatically be assumed to have nefarious intent.
Yeah, so maybe Stu OUGHT to have had his shit together better. He must've suspected this would be a hot issue. Because when it's all said and done, race IS a huge factor. Why wouldn't it be? Racial issues in Bloomingdale have been simmering underneath for a long time. If whites had been more observant and less self-absorbed, they'd've seen it coming.
When a large group of affluent people - especially of a different skin color and cultural background - moves into a poorer area, it's up to THEM to reach out to existing residents. If not, they should EXPECT anger and resentment to build. The offensive and defensive teams have been pre-selected.
Instead, too many whites have harped about things that are "entirely unacceptable" and an "affront" to civil society. Complaints this vague are always culturally based. Underneath it all, some people (not all white) want all street activity to disappear, and others (not all black) realize a certain amount of street activity is inevitable when a large number of laws and policies attempt to regulate citizen's behavior. These can only be enforced haphazardly if we are to maintain a free society.
People are afraid of people that aren't like them. And fearful people will always demand that the behavior of those "others" be controlled. They don't see that they're ensuring the opposite.
When they feel the group that's unlike themselves is not being controlled (or when they feel it's trying to control THEM), that's when everything gets ugly. We don't have a lot of "live and let live" around here.
PS Salatti's petition did not try to block the new dry cleaning business in any way. He politely asked the owners to consider another sort of business. Since this type of dry cleaners just provides a pickup/drop-off service (actual dry cleaning is usually performed off-premises at a dry cleaning plant with special devices to control polluting emissions), this doesn't seem like a a huge deal to me. The petition won't impact the success or failure of the business in any way. Idealistically, Salatti hoped it would lead to more diverse retail in the area. But it just gave people whose religion is business something to be indignant about ... and put another weapon into the hand of Stu's detractors.
I would say, if Bloomingdale residents don't like getting what they want, let them consider some other neighborhood. I'd even welcome a lot of them in mine, which is very nearby. But please, not all of them. Some would be intolerable, and if I were a long-time Bloomingdale resident and thought all the new people were like them, I'd be upset too.
2:25 pm
its fascinating that the commish is getting all the hate, but the vote was unanimous.
5:07 pm
@JustME--well we agree on something i.e. the petition, which just might open the door for one second for you to consider I am very pro-business and I was the first one on this commission to call Salatti out for such a lame move. We're trying to promote Bloomingdale Center and N. Capitol St retail not put up road blocks with petitions. I’ve meet with Steve Burke from the DC Economic Development. I am very well aware of the needs of DC and efforts to reach out to retailers and encourage them to come the DC.
As for as the dictation of hours for cafe's, this really was a great bargaining chip. Stu could have used that chip to his advantage so that residents to not oppose his CR application. ou must understand that BBC is in a R-4 zone. Had it been in a C-2 no one could say anything about the hours as long as the law was abided by. Frankly, if I were running BBC I would have asked for a DR, served beer and wine, closed at 11 on weekday with the kitchen closing at 10 and on weekends at midnight with the kitchen closing at 11pm. Otherwise all you have in the place is a few people just drinking until 2am, and that’s more of a tavern type establishment. Furthermore I hear all about sit down restaurants; BBC is not going to be a sit down full service restaurant. Stu has explained it will be a self service (no waiters) where you can find a seat if there isn’t a butt in one already. Furthermore, it's completely different world when you are attempting to run a commercial (not to be confused with a home based business which also requires a permit) business in a residential area. There is “give an take” in such circumstances. BBC should have been a bit more give and a lot less take in this matter.
@gland---thanks for your support...as you know I am only attempting to get the facts out on this issue and I appreciate the point you have called out.
@Jason--I'd check everything Stu is saying. He wasn't up front and he has admitted he hadn't followed the law...so the rug is firmly under my feet. When I see the certified docs, then I will believe it. To pick out an old saying, “believe none of what you hear and half of what you see". After the half bake excuses, the misinformation presented, would you trust his word.
Furhermore, he made a commitment to the ANC and this community. He has missed some many meeting it’s disgraceful. His excuse was he was going through some personal issues, i.e. a divorce. I lost my significant other this past year in a very tragic accident and I managed to make it to meetings. I have missed only 4 meetings (I’ll let the ANC minutes speak here). You make a commitment you keep it, or you resign. We all have issues problems and personal matters that can make life difficult, but you don’t use that as an excuse to shirk your responsibilities. But one’s character speaks to this; , it’s obvious that Stu shirked his responsibilities to get the proper permits and zoning too!
@leigh--Don't assume, it is possible to find out any zoning based on plot and lot numbers, but furthermore it is not in the ANC's duties to ensure zoning is being followed by everyone, that would be DCRA and DC Zoning. The ANC only became aware of it due to the application. The ANC is not the one stop of everything in the neighborhood, although at times it seems people believe we are responsible for everything.
I think you bring up a valid point about the taxes, I have to check the tax records to see if the space has been paying commercial or residential taxes...Hope they have because that will be another issue for BBC to deal with if they have been only paying residential taxes. But a word to the wise on real estate deals ...when you buy a pig and a poke building with these issues you have to be prepared to go through the pig pen and crap to get more out of it. Considering the issues with the property I am sure Stu paid much less because the building is R-4 instead of C-2. As for the map changes your refer to on Florida avenue, I disagree totally. That zoning map had been around long before BBC and there are plenty of examples of tiny triangle parks that provide buffers between C-2 and R-4 thanks to L'enfant and his design. How do you think the building got zoned R-4 in the first place. As for giving Stu the benefit of doubt, trust me this ANC did. What happened was he contradicted himself on several occasions and out right lied to the commission. As for race…I happen to be white so your theory is full of faults. Frankly I think it's awful that anyone even bring race up. Why would you even say that? As I stated earlier, I am from a very diverse family and maybe because I grew up a bit further north than DC, I don't get it. I realize DC has some race issues, but I can honestly tell you anytime I have faced it, I open my mouth about it. It's just not acceptable in the 21st century...so get off the race card and get along with one another…living together! As for Salatti's petition, I disagree anytime to threaten a business, it's anti-business. If he had any sense, he would have approached Mr. Choe and not start a petition. It’s typical Salatti tooting his own damn horn again for his own personal political gain! Furthermore, it's not even in his SMD so he's out of line, out of step and out of his mind!
6:30 pm
Once again, Salatti didn't threaten anyone! Have you actually READ this petition? Or did you, like so many others, read the words but ascribe an entirely different meaning to them? Perhaps some of those people are so influenced by the perverse ethic inherent in their own "perception management" jobs that they routinely assume any message composed for the public is carefully wrought to obfuscate or deceive in some way. Or perhaps the petition is written in a secret code that non-cognoscenti like me cannot penetrate, and I'm just naive in thinking it means exactly what it says. Or, since it seemed to give business people the sorest butts, MAYBE they know something the rest of us don't: that starting a business in this country is currently so risky that unless we nurse and coddle every last investment attempt, the "invisible hand of the market" could fall limp and still. I suppose if the second dry cleaner fails, that'll be because of Salatti's "boycott"! That's the trouble with exaggeration ... it's self-replicating. Sure, he could've approached the owners, but what good would that have done? And Commissioners don't relinquish their right to be active as citizens, as long as it doesn't compromise their ability to represent their constituents. In my book, that's far less troubling than publicly accusing a fellow Commissioner of self-promotion ... and then impugning his sanity.
Anyway, I don't even KNOW the race of every 5C Commissioner. But the fact is, there IS racial tension in the community whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. And I say "race" reluctantly, because it's likely based more on cultural differences than racial ones. There is a color mix in both camps, but when I see people I KNOW have an issue with whites lining up on one side, and people who are consistently insensitive toward blacks (whether they realize it or not, and most of them don't which is the whole trouble) lining up on the other, am I really supposed to pretend race has not influenced peoples' opinions on this issue?
I'm tired of us pretending if we just say "skin color doesn't matter" and "we are a diverse community" enough times the whole thing goes away. If we don't acknowledge this now and begin to discuss it so that it can eventually be resolved (at least partially), it will only get worse. Don't say I didn't warn ya.
8:24 pm
@The Commish:
Your comments continue to show you are unfit to be deciding the matter, you're clearly biased in the matter, and you're likely violating the Hatch Act by your numerous postings on various blogs.
And keep telling yourself you're not a racist; at least you believe it, even if no one else does. You're simply a thug in a position of semi-power.
12:17 am
Dear Commish, I am shocked and saddened you would invoke the Different Strokes theme in this debate at a time when many of us in this community are still mourning the loss of Gary Coleman. We all need to take a "time out." Yours in the struggle - Snooks
7:42 am
@leigh--Oh I read the petition and I agree that is does ask for Mr. choe to open another type of business. Again the messae it sends is still anti-business. The approach was all wrong! As for the race card, again this wasn't and issue that involved race, know one is being denied benefits or rights based on discrimation.
@Sally--Read the Hatch act...I am niether a federal or DC employee. I am not running for a partisian elected postion. ANC are non-paid, non-partisian positions. Useless I'm reading something wrong here, the Hatch Act of 1939 was to protect influnece of partisian ship in government. you might let me know the citation you are looking at, as I am more than willing to learn something. As for your comment about racisim, you might want to ask many of the people in this community, fellow commissions, your couniclman or just many some of my family about that! You might just learn something and refrain from calling people such a nasty thing when you are clueless about their lives, attitudes and values. We just had that happen right here in the Argculture Dept and now you see many eating crow. How do you like it like your crow?
@ Mr. Sad Head--So sorry that you took that statement to heart and recalled Gary Coleman. I love Gary and I have actually met in years back in LA in 1991. I believe it's orgin is from the 50's in the south and refers to the difference in treatment between blacks and whites, although it might have been insensitive, it makes a point of no mater who you are we should all be treated in the same manner! I hope it clarifies my point that no get a free ride or special treatment, we must be fair.
8:49 am
Whatchoo talking about Commish? Thanks for the education. Your point that we should all be treated in the same manner brings to mind Mr Drummond's support of white supremacist speech in Episode 9, Season 8 of Different Strokes. Arnold is quite upset about the racists at his high school but Mr D schools him on the First Amendment. Are you raising this issue to imply something about white supremacists and BBC?
9:58 am
@ Sally- go drink poison
We have no right calling people of color racists, it's called white priviledge accept it and move on. Damn!
11:15 am
These posts got stupid.
11:33 am
@MrSadHead---LOL! You're a real fan! No I mention it here because others on this blog have intro race as a factor in this BBC CR applicaiton along with stating that I and some fellow commisisoners are racist! Race has nothing to do with it, and surely wanted people to realize that and understand no matter who you are the ANC treats everyone the same.
1:19 pm
I am a super huge fan and would love to hear more about your time spent with Gary Coleman. Let's meet up at Big Bear Cafe for a Different Strokes viewing. I'll bring a big jug of wine and we can get all messed up, dancing through Bloomingdale at 2 AM screaming the Strokes theme song at the top of our lungs. That would be so much fun.
2:26 pm
@TheCommish: You're really going to refer to the events in someone's personal life as an excuse? Your vendetta against Stu is clearly personal. You're an embarrassment, you're disgraceful, and you are scum.
2:36 pm
@TheCommish: And since you've started crossing personal boundaries, maybe the fact that you only missed four meetings after your significant other died in a tragic accident isn't something you should brag about. If nothing else, it shows that being on the ANC is probably the only thing in your life that validates your petty little ego.
4:52 pm
Has anyone compared The Commish to Hitler yet?
6:13 pm
@The Commish: I appreciate you pointing out above that you are neither a priest nor a minister. However, your behavior on this blog still continues to be unprofessional and falls short of the apology I suggested was owed. That tells me a lot.
7:22 pm
a community representative is not a professional position.its not even a position that garners any respect. its a volunteer job that demands people listen to and humor ignorant citizens, waste a lot of time, just to ease the burden on council people. all for no thanks whatsoever.
sometimes they run uncontested and the number of people voting is often less than the number of facebook friends they have.
and you all expect "professionalism"?
double ha!
5:53 am
@TheCommish:
I hate to skip all the nonsense of these comments, but have you spent 2 seconds reading any of the legit responses to your rants? Big Bear has not been operating illegally, and if it had been then you picked an interesting (i.e., convenient to your views) time to make an stink of it. You have been posting on just about every blog that has highlighted this issue and you have been spouting the nonsense that Stu Davenport is somehow a criminal. These words of mine are basically wasted breath...er, well typing...but I've spent more than half my life dealing with online forums, so I know you're kind. You have been called out again and again about your claim of the Cafe's illegal business, but you stick to it despite the facts. Zoning laws, history, building use...I realize you aren't paid for your position but do not, for one moment, claim you know what you are talking about without addressing ACTUAL statutes.
@Glennete: I will simply echo the words of other commentors - if you are so concerned about your children, then perhaps you should make a concerted effort to deal with the businesses that ARE allowed to operate in Bloomingdale. Ya know, the ones that specialize in malt liquor and other habits of the perpetually drunk. While you're at it, perhaps you can complain about the ongoing drug trade my friend who lives at W and 2nd witnesses on a daily basis.
1:44 am
I'm depressed by this rancor, and especially at the spectacle of an ANC official lashing out in such a hostile manner. It really convinces me that there is a personality issue involved here. At the next election, let us all support someone who is interested in bridging differences rather than picking petty fights.
10:46 am
Thanks for all your opinions...we'll let the zoning board, DCRA, and ABRA to settle the manner. These were the facts presented to the ANC. We can only act to oppossed the application for the suptilated license. Frankly, it's a huge disappointment to many that BBC just didn't have it together that is the point. there have been times when BBC operated and was not in complance of the law, that is a fact! As far as it being personal between Stu and myself, it's not personal in any way shape or form. Stu's a nice guy and he trys, I believe that! As for the attendence issue those are his words "not mine." I feel as a commissioner you have an obligation to meet your commitments is all.
@MrSadHead--now all we need is Tootie to do a guest star appearance to make it really fun!
@New Bloomingdale--sorry you have come to Bloomingdale at a time when we have a very misunderstood and contentious issue. However, you must realize is issue is not the only one facing this community. I hope you become involved to learn more about them and the people who are actively working to move this community forward and to embace change.
11:53 am
The disgraceful conduct displayed by the ANC commissioner in this conversation is quite unbelievable. Unprovoked attacks on a fellow commissioner... ugly words about a neighborhood businessman (and in the next breath, unconvincing wishes for his success)... and many, many low blows to anonymous commenters.
Someone remarked that the main power an ANC possesses is to say "no." Under such circumstances, isn't it essential to have ANC members who exercise restraint? Who possess an even temperament?
The ANC commissioner posting in this conversation is anything but restrained. As for his temperament, he displays animosities toward everyone.
To the ANC commissioner: progress in Bloomingdale is more important than you. It is more important than the owner of Big Bear, Stewart Davenport, and what you all think of each other.
There can be no doubt that there is a strong interest in this community for a restaurant with a license to serve alcohol. If the recent denial of that license is, as you maintain above, simply a process issue of Big Bear's owner "getting his ducks in a row," then I will look forward to seeing you work diligently and amicably with everyone involved to achieve a positive outcome quickly.
If, on the other hand, you are acting out of personal animus, then you have no place in public office.
I look forward to meeting you soon, and I am hoping for the very best.
12:57 pm
Barrie Daneker is not the only intemperate person here. Each of you who have harshly criticized him and the ANC decision should ask yourselves whether the arguments and words you are using here are best calculated to achieve a good result. Even if there is racism involved, does it abate racist tension to lash out with charges? Even if you have given up on a Commissioner, does it really help to declare his or her days numbered? This is a public forum. When you vent here, it has much bigger consequences than simply permitting you to blow off steam.
At the same time, Barrie Daneker is a public official with special responsibilities, and he's revealed some personal animosities here which should concern everyone. Petty personal difference should have no part in his remarks or actions on public business. I could not agree more than neighborhood development is much, MUCH bigger than Barrie Daneker, Stu Davenport, John Salatti, or any other individual involved here.
The measure of character for us all should be whether we can set aside bad feeling and achieve positive results. Will critics and Commissioners confine commentary to issues at hand and use a respectful tone? Will the ANC make good on its suggestion that Big Bear will be favorably considered when it complies with narrow requirements?
Like it or not, there are different people living in this small area, and there will be for a very long time. Our civic purpose must be to accommodate each other in our differences and work hard to discover what we can share.
7:10 pm
How admirably antidemocratic of some of you to call to abolish the ANC, the bodies set up to ensure that communities are adequately represented in the city's business.
As some of you point out, it is easy for anyone including "crackpots" (aka people who disagree with you) to get elected to ANCs. Which also means that some of you could have gotten off your lazy asses and been part of the ANC, rather than sitting on your couches flaming about it.
The unpleasant fact is that there are actual people out there, your neighbors, who don't want BBC to have this license, and they appear to have a few fairly decent reasons for that. They may not be as loud as you people, or as clever at using the internet, but they organized, ran for offices, and participated.
So the system favors people who participate, over people who sit at home and complain on the internet. (Looking at you, Mr. T in DC, who seems to spend the entire day on various blogs). And that's how it should be.
11:16 pm
Dearest Commish, I pray you are not toying with me! Can you really get Tootie to jam with us at BBC!?!? I love you. I'm so glad I finally said it out loud. Yours diff'rently, Sad Head.