(This post is co-located at the Dupont ANC website)

On April 23rd, the Transportation and Public Infrastructure Committee met for the first time. Created in March by ANC2B, the committee helps to coordinate many of the ongoing transportation, traffic, and infrastructure projects in our neighborhood and helps make real improvements to our community.

The committee membership is fantastic and includes five commissioners and five residents, all passionate about transportation and our neighborhood infrastructure.

At our first meeting, we set short- and long-term goals for the year that we believe are achievable and will have a significant positive impact in our neighborhood. 

Detailed minutes, which include timeframes for the above goals, can be downloaded here: 

The committee is also a forum and a resource for anyone in the neighborhood. We encourage you to bring issues to our monthly meetings or to contact us directly. You can contact the committee by emailing TPI@dupontcircleanc.net or contact me, the committee chair, at noah.smith@dupontcircleanc.net.

ANC2B's new Transportation and Public Infrastructure Committee is meeting for the first time this Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at 9 Dupont Circle NW (see map below). 

The Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission announces a special meeting of ANC2B to consider a public space application for Lupo Verde at 1401 T St. NW. 

Date and Time: Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 p.m.

Location: 9 Dupont Circle, NW (Dupont Circle Resource Center)

Because of the timing of the restaurant's submittal, the ANC would not be able to consider the application until mid-May and a permit could not be issued until late-May. As DDOT has already reviewed the application, the ANC has decided to consider this application during a special meeting. If supported, the restaurant may be eligible to enjoy three to four weeks of operation of its sidewalk cafe during the Spring months that they otherwise would not have been able to. The application, which is consistent with their liquor license settlement agreement, requests 22 outdoor seats on T Street, and will close at 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. 

While we do not condone late submittals we believe it is in the best interest of the community and the restaurant to ensure this process proceeds as quickly as possible. As the a majority of commission members were already scheduled to be present for the Transportation Committee meeting on Wednesday, we scheduled this special meeting to coincide. 

I'll post more about the transportation committee this weekend, but in the meantime, mark your calendars for this special meeting on Wednesday April 23 at 7:00, followed immediately by the transportation meeting. And of course, if you have comments on the proposed public space permit for Lupo Verde, let me know! 

About a month ago, Amsterdam Falafel opened at 1830 14th St NW. In talking the owner, Dane Cherry, the restaurant is doing great. There are families in all day and I appreciate another quick and inexpensive option on 14th St. 

The restaurant's trash cans, including grease storage, is being kept in the alley between T and Swann Streets. I've heard loud and clear that neighbors are upset that trash cans are in the alley. There are two specific issues that i've heard: it may difficult to turn your vehicle into and out of the alley and the trash may attract rats. 

First off, I know that the restaurant was inspected by DPW and received very high marks. I've walked by the trash several times and have found it to be in good order. I have never seen oil or grease leaking from the industrial-strength grease barrel. The trash is collected at least six times per week and often seven. This said, we want to respond to the specific concerns from neighbors. 

I met with the owner this morning and I think we've worked out a potential solution. As soon as next week, the grease barrel will be moved to Douglas Auto Repair and will be stored next to their used oil. The empty space next door is owned by a person who leases to Floors on 14th. The owner of Floors on 14th, Kaveh, is in the process of becoming the owner of that property and will then allow Amsterdam Falafel to keep their dumpster behind the gate. 

This is incredibly kind of both owners of these stores. 

The plan will leave 3-4 recycling and cardboard bins in the alley, but it will remove the most harmful trash and will cut the number of containers in they alley by half. This will reduce the risk for additional rats in the alley and will make it easier for people to maneuver in their cars. 

I want to make sure that folks know that both the owner of Amsterdam Falafel and I understand whats going on and are working on a solution.