Defing an order from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to "discontinue illegal use," Philly Pizza continues to operate at 1211 Potomac St, NW. The DCRA order follows a unanimous vote by the Board of Zoning adjustment to revoke Philly Pizza's occupancy permit because it is operating as a carryout business, and thus a fast-food establishment, not allowed at that location under the zoning regulations.
To force a shutdown, the District Government is in D.C. Superior Court to seek a temporary restraining order to for the business to close, according to The Current newspapers. "It's our position they are in violation now, but until a TRO is issued we can't enforce it," said Matthew LeGrant, the city's zoning administrator. Patrick Brown, the lawyer for Philly Pizza, however claims that no enforcement can take place until a written order is issued, which can take months. The owner is applying for a new permit as a restaurant without carryout.
Neighbors have mounted a major effort to close Philly Pizza, hiring legal representation, observing the operations of the business and appearing before city agencies to describe its operations. Bill Starrels, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the area has been deeply involved to close it. He joined his constituents to testify against Philly Pizza at the BZA hearing. He pointed out that most of the customers, by far were not eating in Philly Pizza, but "sitting on the stoops of houses, eating out of paper, eating out of boxes."
A hearing on the city request for a TRO is set for Friday, March 5
1 Comment For This Article
Awesome to see that everything else is fixed within DC so we can now focus on the most important matters such as closing down a friendly neighborhood pizza place.
Post new comment