The Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association held its regular monthly meeting on June 12, 2008 at Town.  Vice President Christine Szathsmary chaired the meeting.  Historic Preservation Office's Deputy Director Steve Callcott was the featured speaker, and introduced new HPO staff person Eldra Walker who will be reviewing projects in the Greater U Street Historic District. 

 

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Mr. Callcott described the work his agency does to preserve the architectural integrity of historic neighborhoods like U Street.  The Community Grants program which helps low income property owners with historically correct improvements was reviewed.  The next round of grants has a submisssion deadline of August 1st.  Information on this program is available on the Historic Preservation Office web site. Among the issues raised by those attending was the status of the proposed boutique hotel on the site of the current Rite Aid at 13th and U and new regulations regarding signage.

Bill Spieler, owner of DC9 on 9th Street, presented visual representations of the proposed new roof deck for the establishment.  CSNA voted to draft a letter of support for the project.

Christine Szathsmary updated the group on the status of Republic, the new nightclub in the 1300 block of U Street.  The new owners are inviting the community to an open house on Monday, June 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  CSNA encourages neighbors to attend and meet the new owners.

Phil Spalding discussed the impending Ethiopian soccer tournament which will be held at RFK from June 28 to July 5.  It is anticipated that tens of thousands of fans from around the country and the world will attend the tournament and that many events will be held in the U Street area for these fans.  Some establishments are asking for extended hours to serve food and beverages. 

CSNA welcomes soccer fans to the neighborhood but has concerns regarding the expansion of alchohol regulations and the need for additional security for the neighborhood.  The DC Alchohol and Beverage Commission will hold hearings on the matter on June 23 and representatives from CSNA will testify. 

CSNA will keep the neighborhood apprised of the situation going forward. In a unanimous vote, CSNA set aside up to $750 for the spring and fall newsletters. The next meeting of CSNA will be held on July 10 at its usual location the Public Welfare Foundation building, 1200 U Street. 

The topic of the July meeting will be the proposed business improvement district and small business taxation.