[More reaction, including from AG, Councilmembers, the Developer and Monumental, after the jump.]

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson and Members of the Council of the District of Columbia, and Chief Executive Officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment Ted Leonsis announced that they have reached a deal to transform and expand the Capital One Arena into a state-of-the-art urban arena that will be the home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals through 2050. Read More

15 Kennedy Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

We have just been given notice that we shall be granted a meeting with the councilwoman and several leaders and stakeholders regarding the development on first and Kennedy. This is going to occur Thursday night 6:00 p.m. at Roots Charter School. the ANC meeting last night with stacked full of people.”

“Dear PoPville,

Spotted this little gal (her name is Sasha) over the last few days in Navy Yard. DDOT markings, I assume it’s to map sidewalks and assess the walkability of the neighborhood?” Read More

Update from an email: “Green Theory is not applying for a “smoke garden”. Green Theory’s original business plan may have included language regarding the hypothetical possibility of applying for a smoke garden, but that is no longer accurate. We have a strict “no smoking” policy in and out front of our property.”

From a press release:

“Late last week the District of Columbia Attorney General’s office paved the way for D.C. to allow “medical marijuana” stores to operate near schools and daycare centers, in violation of a federal law designed to protect children. Yesterday, a group called “1,000 Feet” lodged a formal protest with the District of Columbia’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) opposing the imminent approval of a license for a marijuana dispensary slated to open near several schools in the Palisades neighborhood of NW D.C. Under the Federal Drug-Free School Zone law, it is illegal to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, yet several elementary schools are within 1,000 feet of the proposed dispensary’s location.  Currently, D.C. law allows marijuana stores to operate within 300 feet of schools in direct contradiction to the federal law and bizarrely, to D.C.’s own regulations stating that liquor stores should be located at least 400 feet from schools.  And the regulatory agency overseeing D.C.’s marijuana retailing scheme, ABCA, recently asserted that nothing prevents it from issuing licenses to distribute marijuana in Federal Drug-Free School Zones, even if that violates the law. Read More

From the DowntownDC BID:

“On March 14, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) began enforcing three Drug Free Zones in the District, one of which impacts downtown D.C. Read More

1255 First Street, SE

Thanks to a reader for the heads up. I’m sure it’s nothing…

2100 M Street, NW

Thanks to Tracy and everyone else who passed on the message from Artomatic:

“Artomatic is temporarily closed Read More

14th and Irving Street, NW

Thanks to T. for sending: “Street vendors just cable lock their stuff up but will be interesting to see if they actually clear anything out.”

photo by Mr.TinMD

From DDOT:

“The first application window will open to Preferred Applicants only from April 1 – April 15, 2024.

Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announces the launch of the highly anticipated District E-Bike Incentive Program that will help District residents—particularly of low income—purchase an e-bike using a voucher worth as much as $2,000. The $500,000 program also helps support bicycle businesses within the District. Read More

106 13th Street, SE

CM Charles Allen wrote: “Help save Pacci’s restaurant at Lincoln Park. BZA will be deciding soon whether they can use their second floor for the restaurant. The change is supported by neighbors, our ANC, & me! I’m sending another letter of support & inviting neighbors to co-sign”

The ‘Sign-On Letter to Save Pacci’s and Urge the Board of Zoning Adjustment to Grant a Zoning Variance’ says:

“Councilmember Allen will be sending a second letter to the members of DC’s Board of Zoning Adjustment next week, urging them to grant a variance of use for Pacci’s, located at 106 13th Street, SE on Lincoln Park, to enable the restaurant to use its second floor for dining. We need your support – please sign to add your name to the letter!

Background: Read More