Posts by Geoff Hatchard — Editorial Board Alum
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Blame for the Shaw’s Tavern mess does not lie with the city
Shaw’s Tavern closed last week because the restaurant has not yet been granted a liquor license. Several commentators blamed DC’s liquor license regulatory system. But Shaw’s could be serving alcohol already if the management had done a little legwork. The tavern got into trouble with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) for allegedly… Keep reading…
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Can a commercial enterprise succeed if hidden from view?
Yesterday, we discussed the plan for Prince George’s County first Whole Foods store. Besides the inappropriate strip mall design, it also contains a huge “buffer” between the development and Route 1, which could fatally damage the ability for this area to be successful. Both the 2007 and 2008 versions of the project planned for a wooded buffer along Route… Keep reading…
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Want a Whole Foods? Add residences, or face traffic
A mixed-use development right on Route 1 in Riverdale Park turned into a giant strip mall with a Whole Foods, after residents opposed the initial plan. But now residents fear the new plan will bring in too much traffic. If residents want a more sustainable growth pattern in the area, they need to help the county step away from its history of suburban sprawl, such as by supporting walkable… Keep reading…
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Paint is cheap, but makes a big difference on roads
The 11th Street Bridge Project has a pricetag of $300 million. DC’s new streetcar network will cost tens of millions of dollars. Transportation infrastructure is obviously expensive. Not all the time, though. Sometimes, a couple gallons of paint can improve or create new transportation infrastructure as well. For as little as $8 a gallon, (plus labor costs), the streets… Keep reading…
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DCRA fines Uline Arena owner for unpermitted signs
DCRA has decided that large billboard-style signs on the side of the Uline Arena are illegal. Keep reading…
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DC turns blind eye to developer’s potential sign infractions
Since Douglas Development acquired the Uline Arena, the company has added three large signs to the side of the building, strategically placed to catch the eyeballs of those on passing Metro, MARC, and Amtrak trains. A look at DC’s signage rules suggests these advertisements may not be legal. But they also may be profitable, and Douglas Development owes the city… Keep reading…
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Station expansion and “reverse rider rewards” could address Capital Bikeshare capacity needs
Capital Bikeshare has been so successful, bikes or open docks are getting harder to find at popular stations. But a large round of expansion, discussed at a public meeting last night, and a new “reverse rider rewards” program may soon help keep the system in balance. At last night’s meeting, Councilmember Muriel Bowser praised the program, saying that it… Keep reading…
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What’s the longest street in DC with no traffic control?
West Virginia Avenue forms the boundary between Gallaudet University and Trinidad. A fence lines the university property, making diffusion between the school and the neighborhood difficult. Were it not there, crossing West Virginia Avenue would still be very difficult, because traffic doesn’t have to stop anywhere along this boundary. The road is often busy with… Keep reading…
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Metro discontinues bag searches
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. Today, Metro police chief Michael Taborn announced that WMATA will cease the much maligned random bag searches. This will allow MTPD to focus their time and resources on a new tool in the fight against the serious and imminent threat of terrorism on Metro’s trains. “Bag searches have become too predictable,”… Keep reading…
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How should DC redraw ANC boundaries?
The US Census Bureau will be releasing detailed data for the District of Columbia this week, which will kick off the decennial process of adjusting DC’s wards and, also very importantly, the boundaries for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). The ANC boundaries are very important. ANCs have a role in everything from liquor licenses to bike lanes to new housing constructed… Keep reading…