tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post5859221477119865041..comments2023-10-22T10:53:07.976-04:00Comments on 14th & You: Partner of ANC Commissioner Attempts to Scuttle Saint-Ex Agreement; Goes After Policy Employees14th & Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10401615764637283832noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-13833824895426197932009-06-18T14:14:41.467-04:002009-06-18T14:14:41.467-04:00OK, I think things are pretty much going around in...OK, I think things are pretty much going around in circles at this point. There have been some great and thoughtful comments here, on both sides of the issue and in between. This topic will no doubt crop up again, so I'm sure we can engage in further conversation at a later time.<br /><br />Until then, however, I'm closing comments for this thread.Mr. Other Upper NWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536367497290075887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-41315304396416180482009-06-18T14:08:15.498-04:002009-06-18T14:08:15.498-04:00"mr. 14 can't even say if he's talked...<i>"mr. 14 can't even say if he's talked to the people he's writing about."</i><br /><br />I can and I have. I haven't presented specific names, nor will I. But as I mentioned above, I spoke with multiple people closely involved with the negotiations. Also, as I have mentioned multiple times, if there is a factual inaccuracy in my post, please present it to me and I will gladly correct it...although I haven't had any takers on that one yet.Mr. Other Upper NWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536367497290075887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-70283612568364040822009-06-18T14:00:22.433-04:002009-06-18T14:00:22.433-04:00Andrew J. Kline googled: http://www.dcbar.org/sea...Andrew J. Kline googled: http://www.dcbar.org/search/index.cfm?output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=dcbar&client=dcbar&filter=p&start=0&submit=Search&q=kline&site=default_collection&submit=Searchrccolanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-28172983435675940472009-06-18T13:59:10.002-04:002009-06-18T13:59:10.002-04:00Moratoriums do not have to mean stopping restauran...Moratoriums do not have to mean stopping restaurants from coming to the neighborhood. They can be tailored for each neighborhood.solnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-76409987829176961952009-06-18T13:51:16.786-04:002009-06-18T13:51:16.786-04:00don't be ridiculous. your exaggeration and fe...don't be ridiculous. your exaggeration and fear mongering is absurd. documenting crowds outside establishments that are creating a problem for neighbors is routine for abc cases. it's that simple. don't make it into something more. mr. 14 can't even say if he's talked to the people he's writing about. too much bs from disgruntles grunting. if you want to tell the rest of us about the situation, why don't you really research and report? this site is simply a place to trash people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-76098780968571459972009-06-18T11:40:06.545-04:002009-06-18T11:40:06.545-04:00The comment directly above this one is wonderful a...The comment directly above this one is wonderful and, in my opinion, accuarte.<br /><br />Part of the reasons we are having these problems with ANCs and neighborhood associations is that a limited number of people get involved with them.<br /><br />Naturally, the ones who are regulary involved make the ANCs and the DCCA their life's work. They seem to have nothing else to do. And -- yes, I mean this -- these groups/bodies do seem to attract the fanatical element of DC society.<br /><br />When one goes to an ANC meeting and watches the commissioners grill the small business owners, you get the feeling that there is a lot of built-up frustration on the part of the commissioners. Some of them seem to have larger goals and ambtions in life -- unfilled ones. Since they cannot sit on a Senate panel and grill the CEO of Exxon about oil spills, they take it out on local business owner about his trash cans.<br /><br />The solution is simple: More involvement by people who have different views and will take a different approach. Decisions are made by those who show up (as the saying goes).<br /><br />By the way, I think one of the reasons that so many of us keep posing as "Anonymous" is that we are genuinely worried about the likes of Estrada and his partner turning their wrath on us. Frankly, I don't want them videotaping my house! Yes, that is the point we have reached with all this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-9258329727721080892009-06-18T11:03:48.814-04:002009-06-18T11:03:48.814-04:00I think it's important to know that Both Saint...I think it's important to know that Both Saint-Ex and Bar Pilar have Executive Chefs and truly wonderful menus. I spoke with the bartender last night at Saint-Ex and he said the reason to change from CR lic. to a Tavern Lic. was to comply with ABRA about kitchen hours. They wish to close the kitchen at 11:00 pm instead of 1:00am and to comply with ALL CR Lic. establishments you must have your kitchen serving food till 2 hours before you close. They have NO VA from when Saint-Ex opened 6 years ago (and the neighborhood was vastly different... in a bad way) and can be hardnosed by keeping their patio open till 1:00am. They have always listened to T Street residents and closed their patio early on their own volition. They have moved smokers to 14th Street to keep noise down from residents on T. They encourage Metro, bicycles (Mike Benson, the owner, spoke directly to former Mayor Williams about bike racks on 14th & T... I remember talking to him about it because he was concerned about bikes being locked to T Street neighbors fences), walking (creating fun maps) and taxi's (which used to avoid the section of 14th Street below U). They have no intention of becoming a club (it would be financial suicide from their investment in people/equipment/space and they have helped lead the charge for sustainable foods in DC). They (Saint-Ex and Bar Pilar) have helped build the 14th & U Mid-City Business Assoc. with John Snellgrove (the General Manager) on the board. <br />I am very frustrated with Mr. Estrada as his agenda is not in helping his neighbors, but in flexing his arrogance over 2 ANC lines. He has harassed several businesses for the benefit of nothing. I have met him on a few occasions and his rants do seem to be fueled by him wishing to have some self importance. I have not seen him at neighborhood clean-ups (I have seen Mr. Benson and members of his staff). I have not heard Mr. Estrada say nice things about having local/independent businesses on the 14th Street Corridor. He has taken a very angry and negative approach toward any change. Thanks for putting this blog up and continue the good work on informing the neighborhood on issues of substance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-21031791368243945302009-06-18T09:55:45.981-04:002009-06-18T09:55:45.981-04:00Jeff ... Exactly how is the process being abused i...Jeff ... Exactly how is the process being abused in this case?<br /><br />How is the process being abused? <br /><br />Elwin is using his partner's position to muscle the business's that is HOW. His way's are unfair and eventually holds the business hostage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-90512213408426276052009-06-18T09:54:39.856-04:002009-06-18T09:54:39.856-04:00Now the postings are just getting annoying! Seems...Now the postings are just getting annoying! Seems like Mr. Estrada or the Ferrit got wind of this and decided to rally their supporters. Bottom line...when new businesses come to town Elwin and Ramone are at the front lines forcing them into voluntary agreements. The moratorium is a bad idea that would pretty much put a stop to any potential restaurant not just bars. Daytime cafes would not be able to open up nor would other restaurants. I want restaurants / cafes and bars.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-26009682115213501062009-06-18T09:44:19.115-04:002009-06-18T09:44:19.115-04:00To Anon 9:46 and Scott:
Thank you both for such e...To Anon 9:46 and Scott:<br /><br />Thank you both for such eloquent, succinct thoughts. Different points of view, but very well explained.Mr. Other Upper NWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536367497290075887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-49180111675267685092009-06-18T09:41:40.755-04:002009-06-18T09:41:40.755-04:00"If Sir Blog and the businesses you describe ...<i>"If Sir Blog and the businesses you describe understand DC regulations you wouldn't be whining."</i><br /><br />Please explain what regulations Saint-Ex and Bar Pilar were in violation of. I was unable to uncover any, but perhaps your investigative prowess is superior to mine.Mr. Other Upper NWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536367497290075887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-3654223677902932082009-06-18T09:39:44.223-04:002009-06-18T09:39:44.223-04:00Jeff - I will kindly point you to my earlier comme...Jeff - I will kindly point you to my earlier comment where I reference my sources for the post. I'm not inclined to continually re-hash this point, nor am I inclined to divulge sources for this piece for whom anonymity was assured.Mr. Other Upper NWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536367497290075887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-77763958444606562062009-06-18T09:36:59.292-04:002009-06-18T09:36:59.292-04:00"Mr. 14th, just because neighbors 'protes...<i>"Mr. 14th, just because neighbors 'protest' doesn't mean they're anti-business. Just because neighbors document disturbances or violations, doesn't mean they're crazy."</i><br /><br />I've said neither of those things. Nothing in my post indicated that people who protest these applications are anti-business. Nor did I say that people who document disturbances or violations are crazy. You might want to go re-read the post if those were your take-aways.Mr. Other Upper NWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536367497290075887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-60801341744877359782009-06-18T09:28:53.543-04:002009-06-18T09:28:53.543-04:00Wow, intense!
"It’s a stereotype, but DC is...Wow, intense! <br /><br />"It’s a stereotype, but DC is not known for its passionate people with great social skills." <br /><br />hahahahahahaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-21517603235065928002009-06-18T09:17:52.219-04:002009-06-18T09:17:52.219-04:00From the earlier post, what is up with the attorne...From the earlier post, what is up with the attorney, Kline?Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-73311454018925985602009-06-18T09:09:30.517-04:002009-06-18T09:09:30.517-04:00Mr. 14th & You,
Were you present at the negot...Mr. 14th & You,<br /><br />Were you present at the negotiations?<br />Or, is your information second hand?<br />Are you a protestant in the case?<br />Did you speak with more than one of the protestants?<br />Did you interview Mr. Estrada or Mr. Raia or Mr. Ferris?<br />Did you speak with the applicant & his attorney?<br />Did you speak with ABRA?<br />Exactly how is the process being abused in this case?jeffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-19075593181463250362009-06-18T00:30:55.331-04:002009-06-18T00:30:55.331-04:00The solution is obvious: no businesses of any sort...The solution is obvious: no businesses of any sort within the Washington, DC, limits! None! Back to the Manor House, we go! Sheep and cattle farms only! A bucolic country existence. I mean, don't we all know that only tacky people engage in trade? Really, Sir Geoffre, just not OUR kind of people, at all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-11491902466029247782009-06-17T23:52:23.487-04:002009-06-17T23:52:23.487-04:00I don't know Estrada or Ferret. I am a busine...I don't know Estrada or Ferret. I am a businessman, and I expect neighboring businesses to respect the surrounding environment, including nearby residences, and to run their businesses well without imposition on the rest of us. A VA is meant to make this responsibility clear to all the parties. If a licensee can't uphold their end of the agreement, they bear the consequences. If Sir Blog and the businesses you describe understand DC regulations you wouldn't be whining.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-84489267937018429972009-06-17T23:43:45.031-04:002009-06-17T23:43:45.031-04:00Darbow,
I was not aware that he had been committe...Darbow,<br /><br />I was not aware that he had been committed.......yet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-44536040993092283682009-06-17T23:38:03.447-04:002009-06-17T23:38:03.447-04:00Mr. Estrada is not my commissioner, but I've w...Mr. Estrada is not my commissioner, but I've worked with him on civic issues. I found him to be committed, smart, and willing to ask hard questions (of himself and others). I observed his skill as an effective facilitator and appreciated his directness and sense of humor. He showed genuine concern about people, the neighborhood, and making a difference for the city.darbownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-37036066867138316622009-06-17T23:29:19.312-04:002009-06-17T23:29:19.312-04:00This case IS unique, as there were no disturbances...This case IS unique, as there were no disturbances at St Ex or Bar Pilar to document. I think you will find that Estrada has been against every license. He is indiscriminate in his opposition to both good places and bad places. Why be a "good place" when there are clowns like he and Ferris around? If they had real interest in protecting the peace, rather than just harassing businesses, why wouldn't they contact the businesses to work with them instead of videotaping and filing complaints? There must be more interesting hobbies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-87194991509936735532009-06-17T23:18:53.270-04:002009-06-17T23:18:53.270-04:00Elwin The Ferret - I love that name, It's perf...Elwin The Ferret - I love that name, It's perfect for the weasel with the camera!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-40915388488456616732009-06-17T23:11:31.686-04:002009-06-17T23:11:31.686-04:00Mr. 14th, just because neighbors 'protest'...Mr. 14th, just because neighbors 'protest' doesn't mean they're anti-business. Just because neighbors document disturbances or violations, doesn't mean they're crazy. Your blog would be more interesting if you were to present both or multiple sides and more fully analyze the situation. ABC protests and documenting disturbances happen all over the city. This case is not unique.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-88204367892313023942009-06-17T22:03:06.764-04:002009-06-17T22:03:06.764-04:00To the last "poster" who thought through...To the last "poster" who thought through his or her response with such precision and terrific logic and reason -- I do not agree with a thing you wrote, but you make an incredibly compelling argument for a lost cause. Your definition and description of the argument is one of the best I have seen. Still, the process is fatally flawed, and you should know Estrada well and reassess your position. Maybe you should be our ANC Commissioner. I would likely vote for you. Great post and thank you for the time you took to write it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095284393772305956.post-75147839834102931922009-06-17T21:46:54.127-04:002009-06-17T21:46:54.127-04:00At the risk of provoking more strong reactions, I ...At the risk of provoking more strong reactions, I would like to defend people like Mr Estrada. Not Mr Estrada himself because I should say - I don’t know Mr Estrada at all. <br /><br />There are people with deep knowledge of the history of an area, institutions, and the city. When they see something happening that they disagree with, yes often they overreact. My observation is that in many neighborhood situations or conflicts in DC, camps quickly divide and become apparent. Frequently people who end up getting called crazy and NIMBY and the like are the ones with the deepest knowledge of an issue. There are other people who work, for example, directly in the DC government. Lately (last 2-5 years) more and more of them are trending younger and younger – and I don’t mean that I am getting older! Their institutional knowledge is often weak, often they have been in their decision-making or impacting jobs less than a year. They look into an issue and see many people who are middle aged and opposing them in vociferous ways and see them as just plain crazy a lot of times. They are more easily swayed by newer residents who look like them and are closer to them in age, and are, frankly, calmer. <br /><br />And many times that is too bad. <br /><br />It’s a stereotype, but DC is not known for its passionate people with great social skills. It’s a shame that many of these passionate people cannot make their case more sociably, but it is also a shame that more people do not choose to know issues in depth, even to the extent that the long term residents that they are calling NIMBY do. What these “crazy” people know (and one thing that makes them angry) is that they will still be around after the often short-sighted people making decisions have left. These are the people who are still making eye contact with the mayor, with department directors long after others have shuffled off and are kicking the ground in boredom. These are the people who can maintain their concentration long enough to see something through and to understand what’s happening, why it’s happening and what X proposal’s impact will be. And they can explain it. Ad infinitim, and it drives everyone crazy. But, for better or worse, they often really know what they’re talking about.<br /><br />Again, I do not know Mr Estrada, and I’m sorry, I’m not too familiar with this issue, I’m just defending the people who are often seen as obstructionist. (and probably I’m not doing it all that well) but are frequently are most valuable residents. <br /><br />To the self-id’ed Republican, What’s wrong with slow growth? It’s so much better! (Unless the idea is to quickly exploit an area and then get out.) Adrian Fenty and Anthony Williams might well have been Republicans in any other city, one that did not vote 92% for the Democratic presidential candidate. As might, my best guess, one eighth to one quarter of DC residents themselves. We’re really not all that liberal. At least not to this lib.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com