Sarah Payne

1 month ago | hillrag.com | Sarah Payne

The lights are off for good at Brookland’s Finest Bar and Kitchen. “We just couldn’t make it with the new costs,” owner Tony Tomelden said of the decision to close his popular neighborhood eatery last month. The rising costs of food, liquor and labor, he said, ultimately forced the establishment to shutter. Tomelden fears closures across the city, including his other establishment The Pug (1234 H St. NE), will grow without intervention.

1 month ago | hillrag.com | Sarah Payne

In an effort to navigate the shifting landscape of the District’s economy, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced a new economic growth plan at a press conference Monday morning. The plan prioritizes “strategic investments” that aim to revitalize downtown, add jobs to the local economy and support restaurants, businesses and the entertainment industry. Most notably for voters is the Mayor’s propoal to repeal Initiative 82 as part of the FY2026 budget.

2 months ago | hillrag.com | Sarah Payne

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met March 11 via Zoom. Commissioners Artilie Wright (7D03), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Commissioner Mike Davis (7D04, vice chair) was absent. Single Member Districts (SMD) 7D01 and 7D02 are currently vacant.

2 months ago | hillrag.com | Sarah Payne

Joshua Taborn will fill the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D01 vacancy after defeating opponent, Charles Boston, in Saturday’s special election. In compliance with Board of Elections (BOE) rules, 7D commissioners hosted the in-person election at the Kenilworth Recreation Center (4321 Ord St. NE). Only residents within the Single Member District (SMD) had the opportunity to vote. According to commission chair Brian Alcorn, Taborn received 40 votes while Boston received 27 votes.

Mar 17, 2025 | hillrag.com | Sarah Payne

The District is encouraging the House to pass a Senate bill that would restore DC’s FY2025 spending. But, at a press conference Monday, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) also emphasized the District’s financial dependability. The Senate passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 Friday to avert a shut sown and fund the government through September. President Donald Trump (R) signed it into law Saturday.