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The board decided to keep our license and the Islander is staying exactly where it belongs. I am truly stunned by the outcome and I know this only happened because of the time you all took to speak up. Please keep checking in on our neighbors as we settle back …

May 28, 2013

Save the Islander Restaurant

Save the Islander Restaurant

🏆 Won — 113 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Vanessa J.
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social b.
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social b.
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social b.
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modular h.
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green m.
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yango S.
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Leo C.
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Michael M.
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Audrey E.
+103 more
Started by Anonymous 13 years, 5 months ago
The Islander Restaurant is located at 12th and U Streets, NW in the midst of a commercial nightclub district; with at least 10 nightclubs and restaurants within a two-block radius of the Islander. Yet, individuals and the condominium association built next door to the Islander after it had been in existence over 10 years have chosen to target the Islander and attempt to close it. The residents have transmitted petitions, letters and other e-transmissions which include information that has not been documented. Moreover, the ABC Board conducted a months-long investigation, which found the Islander conducted its business within appropriate noise limits and issued one citation, based on noise on the outdoor terrace when the Islander conducted a voter registration drive. The Islander is a historic Caribbean restaurant whose night time crowd demographic includes those over 50, and those who enjoy jazz, caribbean, reggae music and sports; while other clubs in the area feature rap and punk rock music, have had altercations inside and outside of their premises; and on one occasion someone was killed outside of the club. However, the neighbors and the ABC board are questioning the license of the Islander. The District of Columbia ABC Board will vote to remove the Islander Restaurant liquor license, based primarily on noise complaints which we believe are unjustified, inappropriate and cannot be traced back to the Islander especially given the number of clubs within the 2 block radius of the Islander. For this reason, we ask that the ABC Board dismiss the complaint, allow the Islander Restaurant to retain its license and rethink its regulation of nightclubs which were in existence in a commercial nightclub zone when developers chose to build in a commercial district (and residents chose to purchase in area zoned for and having nightclubs).

Updates

May 9, 2013

I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people have stepped up to defend the Islander this week. This momentum belongs entirely to the community that understands what this place truly means to our neighborhood.

Reached 100 supporters

May 9, 2013

6 Comments

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Pat Perez
13 years ago Featured

Total joke. The clubs down the street are way louder but they target the jazz spot smh

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Brenda Nguyen
13 years ago Featured

I been going to the islander for bbq since the 90s. keep our history downtown instead of turning everything into generic glass boxes

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David Parker
13 years ago Featured

THEY LITERALLY MOVED IN NEXT TO A RESTAURANT AND NOW WANT IT GONE?? absolutely ridiculous.

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Anthony Sinclair
13 years ago Featured

This is gentrification plain and simple. tired of seeing all the good spots pushed out for people who dont want to live in the city.

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Marcus Pratt
13 years ago Featured

This place has been a staple for way too long to just shut it down because some new condo people dont like the music. Leave it alone.

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Sarah Herrera
13 years ago Featured

The food is amazing and the vibe is always chill. Never had any issues with noise there. Stop picking on them.