In our neighborhood, judging from the lively stream of people visible on their way to and from work, at restaurants and cafes, and browsing shops, our current economic crunch is not immediately obvious. And, during tough times, DC typically enjoys some economic insulation (see my post from 10-17-08). However, there are many people in neighborhood in need of shelter, food, and medical services. This weekend (and again on 11-22-08 on the National Mall) there's an opportunity to help people experiencing homelessness - You can participate in a Mini-Walk that's cosponsored by Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) and FannieMae Help the Homeless for the benefit of Charlie's Place, which provides nutritious meals, clothing, classes, barbering services, space for personal hygiene and a stable address to receive and send out mail, and connections with other social service providers. So, consider helping by participating in either this weekend's mini-walk (see flier), the November 22 Annual Walk for the Homeless on the Mall, and/or by donating to or volunteering at Charlie's Place.
The health of our neighborhoods hinges on a ample supply of engaged residents and businesses, and I hope you will join me in supporting not only our local providers of social services, but also our businesses, who generously donate food and services to community organizations. Also, there are several organizations, that you may already know about, working to help to promote our neighborhood businesses; here are some of their websites:
http://www.dupontcircle.biz/
http://dcmap.org/default.aspx
http://www.freshfarmmarkets.org/
http://www.14andufarmersmarket.com/
http://www.thinklocalfirstdc.org/
http://www.midcitylife.com/mbamain.html
Thanks,
Ramon
Ramon Estrada
Chair ANC2B
SMD ANC 2B09
raestrada2b09@gmail.com
ramon.estrada@dupontcircleanc.net
Friday, October 31, 2008
A Friendly Reminder
Judging from the lively stream of people visible on their way to and from work, at restaurants and cafes, and browsing shops, our current economic crunch is not immediately obvious. And, during tough times, DC typically enjoys some economic insulation (see my post from 10-17-08). However, there have been some long standing establishments that have recently closed, including Olson's Records and Books.
The health of our neighborhoods hinge on a ample supply of engaged residents and businesses, and I hope you will join me in supporting our businesses through this slow period. There are several organizations, that you may already know about, working to help to promote our neighborhood businesses; here are some of their websites:
http://www.dupontcircle.biz/
http://dcmap.org/default.aspx
http://www.freshfarmmarkets.org/
http://www.14andufarmersmarket.com/
http://www.thinklocalfirstdc.org/
http://www.midcitylife.com/mbamain.html
Thanks,
RAMON
raestrada2b09@gmail.com
ramon.estrada@dupontcircleanc.net
The health of our neighborhoods hinge on a ample supply of engaged residents and businesses, and I hope you will join me in supporting our businesses through this slow period. There are several organizations, that you may already know about, working to help to promote our neighborhood businesses; here are some of their websites:
http://www.dupontcircle.biz/
http://dcmap.org/default.aspx
http://www.freshfarmmarkets.org/
http://www.14andufarmersmarket.com/
http://www.thinklocalfirstdc.org/
http://www.midcitylife.com/mbamain.html
Thanks,
RAMON
raestrada2b09@gmail.com
ramon.estrada@dupontcircleanc.net
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
UPCOMING
Monday, November 3rd:
Dupont Circle Citizen's Association Monthly Membership Meeting
Topic: DC's Financial State
Guests: Dr. Natwar Gandhi, DC CFO & Councilmember Jack Evans
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: German Historical Institute (GHI) 1607 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thanks for Your Support
Your support and endorsements are making this campaign a tremendous success.
Thanks to all who have hosted 'Meet & Greets,' organized fundraisers, contributed, and issued endorsements including:
Dan Gamber, Caroline Street Residents Association, who says “Ramon has strived to balance the interests of the business (particularly locally owned) AND residential communities. He does not oppose liquor licenses but does try to ensure that the result is not a night club that destroys our sleep (see history of Cada Vez and Club U). He does not oppose major construction projects like now proposed for the Hilton and the 14 & U corner, but works to ensure that they will be good neighbors. I fully support Ramon's reelection. Not only is his approach to development balanced, he knows a lot about working with DC departments and about the history of our area.”
Kay Eckles, long time resident of T Street, community activist and President of the Residential Action Coalition and recent recipient of a DC Council honor, endorsed me as one who has served as an “ally working for balanced growth, historic preservation, licensing, planning and zoning. These are the fundamentals that guarantee and sustain the quality of community life. Mr. Estrada offers us the gift of historical memory and years of community involvement.”
The Nolando Condominiums on T Street issued a notice of support for my Re-election Campaign.
Ellen Mercer, former director of the Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) and resident of 16th Street, also expresses her support of our campaign by saying that “Mr. Estrada has served our neighborhood incredibly well. Anyone who is paying attention (to the issues) would vote for Mr. Estrada."
The Campaign would also like to thank local business owner Carlos Buruca, El Paraiso Restaurant on 14th Street, for serving as a gracious host of one of our fundraisers!
Monday, October 27, 2008
What's really going on at 14th & T Streets, NW
Several neighbors have called asking about a flier that was placed in their mail slots by my opponent for the ANC2B09 seat. On both his flier and on blogs, my opponent talks about the purchase of 1840 14th Street, NW by Room and Board and suggests a detrimental effect on the community and local businesses because it “will push out several local business owners.”
So, what is this all about… ? Yes, the subject is the large, yellow brick building at the southwest corner of 14th and T Streets, with the graffiti around the perimeter, which has stood empty for a couple of years since the plans for a mixed use condo project were abandoned, with 'For Lease' signs posted. (See my earlier post on the building's history and developments over the years.) Yes, the building is still empty - unoccupied, not leased - so no businesses are being displaced from the building by Room and Board coming in.
The displaced businesses mentioned in the flier and on blogs refer a group of several local business owners who presented a concept plan to the ANC this summer (for a 24-7 diner, comedy club, yoga and dance studio). Since then, we were told that the group was still in the process of lease negotiations. More recently, I learned that the building was for sale.
It is unfortunate that the local business group was unable to lease or purchase the property. And, contrary to some rumors being disseminated, the ANC was not involved in any of these matters. In fact, because there was no lease, nor ABC applications, the matter never came before the ANC for any approvals. And, despite my opponent's suggestions otherwise, it is not the role of the ANC Commission to undo contracts. It's too bad that my opponent chooses to mischaracterize the situation and my record in his attempt to promote himself. I can assure you that I'll continue to bridge constituent concerns and business objectives in our area and I'll continue to support, facilitate and recruit local businesses to our neighborhood.
Everyone wants to see this property improved and occupied and the DC-based property owner tells me that the building will be renovated in keeping with its historic character. This is great news for the community and is in keeping with the ArtsOverlay. Since this news was reported, I've been receiving messages from nearby residents that they are elated that the building will be restored and occupied.
The particulars of why the local business group didn't finalize the signing of a lease, or ultimately purchase the building have not been reported. The building owner did confirm that Room and Board is in a position to move forward. And, as has been the case in our neighborhood and in other neighborhoods across the city, adding a national entity with resources to improve historic buildings and create additional activity has shown to enhance and complement the local business scene. We saw this happen with the additional of Whole Foods on P Street, NW.
At this at this juncture, it would probably be more productive to assist the businesses, which were vying for the location, by suggesting other possibilities for space in the neighborhood.
There are many spaces for lease along the 14th & U corridor.
Thanks for your time. Feel free to be in touch 202.412.9434 or raestrada2B09@gmail.com
So, what is this all about… ? Yes, the subject is the large, yellow brick building at the southwest corner of 14th and T Streets, with the graffiti around the perimeter, which has stood empty for a couple of years since the plans for a mixed use condo project were abandoned, with 'For Lease' signs posted. (See my earlier post on the building's history and developments over the years.) Yes, the building is still empty - unoccupied, not leased - so no businesses are being displaced from the building by Room and Board coming in.
The displaced businesses mentioned in the flier and on blogs refer a group of several local business owners who presented a concept plan to the ANC this summer (for a 24-7 diner, comedy club, yoga and dance studio). Since then, we were told that the group was still in the process of lease negotiations. More recently, I learned that the building was for sale.
It is unfortunate that the local business group was unable to lease or purchase the property. And, contrary to some rumors being disseminated, the ANC was not involved in any of these matters. In fact, because there was no lease, nor ABC applications, the matter never came before the ANC for any approvals. And, despite my opponent's suggestions otherwise, it is not the role of the ANC Commission to undo contracts. It's too bad that my opponent chooses to mischaracterize the situation and my record in his attempt to promote himself. I can assure you that I'll continue to bridge constituent concerns and business objectives in our area and I'll continue to support, facilitate and recruit local businesses to our neighborhood.
Everyone wants to see this property improved and occupied and the DC-based property owner tells me that the building will be renovated in keeping with its historic character. This is great news for the community and is in keeping with the ArtsOverlay. Since this news was reported, I've been receiving messages from nearby residents that they are elated that the building will be restored and occupied.
The particulars of why the local business group didn't finalize the signing of a lease, or ultimately purchase the building have not been reported. The building owner did confirm that Room and Board is in a position to move forward. And, as has been the case in our neighborhood and in other neighborhoods across the city, adding a national entity with resources to improve historic buildings and create additional activity has shown to enhance and complement the local business scene. We saw this happen with the additional of Whole Foods on P Street, NW.
At this at this juncture, it would probably be more productive to assist the businesses, which were vying for the location, by suggesting other possibilities for space in the neighborhood.
There are many spaces for lease along the 14th & U corridor.
Thanks for your time. Feel free to be in touch 202.412.9434 or raestrada2B09@gmail.com
To Answer Your Questions
About 1840 14th Street, NW
Several neighbors have called asking about a flier that was placed in their mail slots by my opponent for the ANC2B09 seat. On both his flier and on blogs, my opponent talks about the purchase of 1840 14th Street, NW by Room and Board and suggests a detrimental effect on the community and local businesses because it “will push out several local business owners.”
So, what is this all about… ? Yes, the subject is the large, yellow brick building at the southwest corner of 14th and T Streets, with the graffiti around the perimeter, which has stood empty for a couple of years since the plans for a mixed use condo project were abandoned, 'For Lease' signs appeared. (See my earlier post on the building's history and developments over the years.) Yes, the building is still empty - unoccupied, not leased - so no businesses will be displaced by Room and Board coming in.
It appears that my opponent, in his reference to displaced businesses, is talking about several local business owners who presented a concept plan to the ANC this summer (for a 24-7 diner, comedy club, yoga and dance studio) and told the community that they were amidst lease negotiations and alcohol license applications for the location. When we didn't hear back from this group, I talked with the owner of the yoga establishment who told me that lease negotiations were still underway. More recently, I learned that the building was for sale.
Now, it has been reported that the owner of the building has accepted a purchase contract by Room and Board . And with this news, I've been receiving messages from nearby residents that they are elated that the building will be restored and occupied. I have also talked with the owner of the building who confirmed that the building has been sold and that it will be restored in keeping with its historic character. This is great news for the community and is in keeping with the ArtsOverlay.
The particulars of why the local business group didn't finalize the signing of a lease, or ultimately purchase the building have not been reported. However, my opponent's assertions that ANC 2B disapproved plans by the group are simply untrue. Neither I, nor the ANC, had any control over leasing arrangements or whose contract was accepted by the owner. I wholly support our local businesses and will continue to support, facilitate and recruit local businesses to our neighborhood. However, in this instance, the current owner of the property is DC-based and has signed a contract with Room and Board, a nationally known furniture company, which has resources to move forward. And, as has been the case in our neighborhood and in other neighborhoods across the city, adding a national entity with resources to improve historic buildings and create additional activity has shown to enhance and complement the local business scene.
And, despite my record of serving to bridge constituent interests and local businesses, "undoing" a contractual agreement, as my opponent is suggesting, is NOT a role of a ANC Commissioner. My role is to represent constituents of ANC2B09, who have expressed overwhelming support for Room and Board coming to this location.
My opponent continues to mischaracterize my record as part of his campaign. He also contradicts his claim that he is representing your views for more development at 14th & U by attempting to foil the prospect of Room and Board's purchase of 1840 14th Street, NW. It is truly unfortunate that the local businesses, to which my opponent refers, were unable to lease or purchase the building; however, at this juncture, it would probably be more productive to assist them in finding another space in the neighborhood.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me: raestrada2B09@gmail.com
Several neighbors have called asking about a flier that was placed in their mail slots by my opponent for the ANC2B09 seat. On both his flier and on blogs, my opponent talks about the purchase of 1840 14th Street, NW by Room and Board and suggests a detrimental effect on the community and local businesses because it “will push out several local business owners.”
So, what is this all about… ? Yes, the subject is the large, yellow brick building at the southwest corner of 14th and T Streets, with the graffiti around the perimeter, which has stood empty for a couple of years since the plans for a mixed use condo project were abandoned, 'For Lease' signs appeared. (See my earlier post on the building's history and developments over the years.) Yes, the building is still empty - unoccupied, not leased - so no businesses will be displaced by Room and Board coming in.
It appears that my opponent, in his reference to displaced businesses, is talking about several local business owners who presented a concept plan to the ANC this summer (for a 24-7 diner, comedy club, yoga and dance studio) and told the community that they were amidst lease negotiations and alcohol license applications for the location. When we didn't hear back from this group, I talked with the owner of the yoga establishment who told me that lease negotiations were still underway. More recently, I learned that the building was for sale.
Now, it has been reported that the owner of the building has accepted a purchase contract by Room and Board . And with this news, I've been receiving messages from nearby residents that they are elated that the building will be restored and occupied. I have also talked with the owner of the building who confirmed that the building has been sold and that it will be restored in keeping with its historic character. This is great news for the community and is in keeping with the ArtsOverlay.
The particulars of why the local business group didn't finalize the signing of a lease, or ultimately purchase the building have not been reported. However, my opponent's assertions that ANC 2B disapproved plans by the group are simply untrue. Neither I, nor the ANC, had any control over leasing arrangements or whose contract was accepted by the owner. I wholly support our local businesses and will continue to support, facilitate and recruit local businesses to our neighborhood. However, in this instance, the current owner of the property is DC-based and has signed a contract with Room and Board, a nationally known furniture company, which has resources to move forward. And, as has been the case in our neighborhood and in other neighborhoods across the city, adding a national entity with resources to improve historic buildings and create additional activity has shown to enhance and complement the local business scene.
And, despite my record of serving to bridge constituent interests and local businesses, "undoing" a contractual agreement, as my opponent is suggesting, is NOT a role of a ANC Commissioner. My role is to represent constituents of ANC2B09, who have expressed overwhelming support for Room and Board coming to this location.
My opponent continues to mischaracterize my record as part of his campaign. He also contradicts his claim that he is representing your views for more development at 14th & U by attempting to foil the prospect of Room and Board's purchase of 1840 14th Street, NW. It is truly unfortunate that the local businesses, to which my opponent refers, were unable to lease or purchase the building; however, at this juncture, it would probably be more productive to assist them in finding another space in the neighborhood.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me: raestrada2B09@gmail.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Interview Q's + A's for GreaterGreater Blog Post
- for readers interested in reading the Q + A from my interview with neighborhood blogger David Alpert, click here.
- feel free to be in touch: raestrada2B09@gmail.com or 202.412.9434
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