Listening Session Brings 150 Neighbors Together to Discuss Moratorium

Last night, ANC’s from U Street, Logan Circle, and Dupont Circle came together to host a listening session for the community to discuss a proposed liquor moratorium in the 14th and U St corridors. Approximately 150 people were present and almost half of them provided comment to the three ANCs.

I was extremely proud of the neighborhood turnout and the thoughtful input that individuals provided, both for and against the proposal. Those in attendance were predominantly against the moratorium, by a count of about 6 to 1. The following stories have been posted so far in local media:

Borderstan

Dcist

Washington City Paper

Greater Greater Washington

Nick Baumann

Only one question was posed to the ANC Commissioners: how will the input received be used to guide next steps? What I heard last night will weigh heavily on my decision to either support or oppose the moratorium. This is especially true of the statements made by several residents and business owners of 2B09. It was great to hear a range of views and several points were expressed that I had not thought of.

Our ANC will be voting on the matter on May 8 and I’m going to hold several “office hours” sessions in the neighborhood to offer folks another chance to speak with me, in person, about the issue.

I was proud to be at the table last night and to have helped organize the event. This is a perfect example of how our ANCs and our community can work together on issues that impact us all.  Look for announcements of future meetings here and please contact me anytime to chat!