Ghibellina Sidewalk Seating Endorsed by ANC2F

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2F/Logan put its approval on a request for sidewalk seating on 14th Street for Ghibellina (1610 14th Street NW), an Italian restaurant.

No standing and drinking at Ghibellina

Since opening in May, Ghibellina has operated with a fenced-off but unused front sidewalk space. On one side of Ghibellina is a Thai restaurant. On the other is an oyster bar. Both of them use the abutting sidewalk space.

The ANC's endorsement is for restaurant patrons seated at tables only. Commissioner Walt Cain (district 02) added that the approval was not for an outdoor bar for standing patrons.

Cain is the chair of ANC2F's Community Development Committee, which had reviewed and approved the application before it was presented to the full ANC.

There will be room for two tables with a maximum of four seats each.

The ANC vote was 7-0 in favor. Although present at the meeting, Commissioner Greg Melcher (district 06) did not vote. He was outside the meeting room talking to some constituents at the time of the vote.

The public space permit will now move to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for a final decision.

The vote occurred at ANC2F's September 9 meeting at the Washington Plaza Hotel (10 Thomas Circle).