ANC Opposes Liquor License for Penn Avenue Sportsbook; ANC 6B Report

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ANC Opposes Liquor License for Penn Avenue Sportsbook

ANC 6B RepoRt

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Commissioners voted 6-2 with one abstention to protest an application for a new liquor license from Handle19, a sports betting restaurant planned at 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, formerly Stanton Greene. The proposed venue would include dining on the main floor, while the second floor is earmarked for televised games and betting at eight kiosks.

When businesses are purchased, licenses are passed along with the sale, including Settlement Agreements (SA) between the licensee and the community as represented by the ANC. This is a new application, however, and no SA has so far been negotiated, but ANC 6B Alcohol Beverage Committee (ABC) Chair Chander Jayaraman (6B08) said it was likely that the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), which regulates licenses, would compel the parties to do so, given community feeling.

Handle19 does not need an alcohol license to operate a “sportsbook” or sports betting venue or to serve food. Handle19 Attorney Ian Thomas, who appeared at the meeting, said that he did not know how plans would be affected if the applica-

A pedestrian walks by 319 Pennsylvania Ave SE in September, 2020. At their November meeting, ANC 6B voted to oppose a liquor license from an applicant planning to open a sports book at the venue. Photo: E.O’Gorek/CCN

tion is denied. He said that owner Shane August has a partner to provide food and beverage services.

Two different groups of residents have declared themselves parties in opposition to the application. At the meeting, one representative cited statistics showing that a sportsbook would increase neighborhood crime. Commissioners in opposition argued that sports betting does not belong in a residential neighborhood and will increase both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area.

Other commissioners argued that the ANC should pursue a SA rather than oppose the application, saying that many of the concerns about Handle19 did not differ from those about any other restaurant, despite the role of sports betting. A date for the hearing before ABRA has not yet been set.

ANC Opposes Boys & Girls Development Until ANC Gets Answers

Commissioners voted to approve a letter to DC Council requesting that the city deny a new term sheet for redevelopment of the former Eastern Branch Boys and Girls Club (261 17th St. SE) unless the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) responds to ANC questions about the project and Reservation 13. The letter also included a request that DC Council not consider the matter before Dec. 1 to allow for further community discussion.

Developers are seeking an extension to the agreement on disposition of property, which expires Dec. 4, and to contract terms. The latter would involve changing plans for the development from a 50 percent affordable condo build-

Remembering John Franzén 1946-2020

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John dedicated his boundless energy to Capitol Hill’s oral history project from its beginning, ensuring excellence and success. More than 200 interviews are now available on our website. He also implemented the Overbeck Lecture Series of lively presentations on neighborhood history. His impact can be clearly seen at CapitolHillHistory.org.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

on THE Hil l

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