Topic – Public Realm/Road Construction Projects
Presentation by Scott Hammons and AJ Guy, co-owners of Social Restaurant
Social is new restaurant/bar to be opened at the southwest corner of 14th and Meridian, NW, just north of Allegro Apts.
Building currently under redevelopment.
Third owner is Tim Korzep
Trio is very experienced in the restaurant/hospitality field – opened Hotel Helix in Logan circle, Houston’s Restaurant, etc.
Social will be “an extension of your home and living room”, a “comfortable alternative to upscale restaurants”.
Focus will be on small plates and shared dishes,
Also entrees for one, aka “self indulgence”, will be available.
Larger sizes for groups available.
Not to be confused with tapas – not necessarily a strictly Spanish influence.
Influences from all over the world
Sample dishes include Short Rib Sloppy Joe Sliders with Port Reduction and Jumbo Shrimp with Cajun Cocktail Sauce
Also serving brunch
Pricing – small plates around $8 each
Plan on liquor/beer/wine – currently pursuing liquor license
Focus on high quality, but reasonably priced
Will occupy two floors of building
Also sidewalk café, patio off second floor
Seats 75 inside, 25 in sidewalk café (maybe less), 25 on patio (maybe less)
Hours – TBD, likely not late
Please direct questions to Social14thStreet@gmail.com
Presentation by Clark Ray, Director, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, on status of 11th and Monroe Park
DPR has been receiving lots of community feedback on the 11th and Monroe park.
Parents complaining that kids cannot go to park, as it is not safe.
Defacation/urination in park
Currently, there is no capital funding available to fund a project for the park
Over the past few years, there has not been an increase in capital funds available for projects
2010 is likely the earliest that work could possibly begin on the park, but there would need to be funding made available in the 2010 budget.
The deadline for this is October 2009.
Recommended that the community get in touch with Jim Graham to ask that funding for 11th and Monroe be set aside for the 2010 budget
Another avenue to make funds available for the park is a Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF).
There are currently NIF funds available.
Graham can designate the 11th and Monroe park a NIF project, which would allow this available funding to be used.
Currently, there are funds set aside for “14th Street Parks”
Includes 14th and Ogden/Oak, 14th and Girard ($2 Million)
These could be redirected to help with 11th and Monroe, but this would have to be ordered by Graham.
There are park rangers on staff of DPR
They do not have authority to make arrests, but they can kick people out or call MPD
Fence and lock seem to have helped somewhat, but there are still a lot of issues.
Basic redesign of park would include new flooring and playground equipment – likely would cost a minimum of $850K.
Extensive engineering, including drainage redesign included
Unable to begin any design until funding is available (design team costs $$)
Design will have to include community meetings, incorporating all stakeholder groups. Neighbors, current users, families with kids who want to use the park, etc.
Questions should be directed to:
Clark Ray – clark.ray@dc.gov (cell: 202-550-5889)
Bridget Stesney – 202-671-0453
Next NCHCA Meeting – Wednesday, April 1, 2009 (Topic TBD)
Email Jeff Zeeman, President NCHCA or Adam Aaronson, Secretary NCHCA with ideas/recommendations
Jeff Zeeman – zj2000us@yahoo.com
Adam Aaronson – Adam.l.aaronson@gmail.com