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Sheridan-Kalorama residents push back against new strip club

By Kathryne McCann


WASHINGTON – Residents at a Sheridan-Kalorama neighborhood meeting Monday night voiced their concerns about an increase in noise, violence and littered bottles as a result of a strip club that recently opened in the area.

The new club, Assets, is located at 1805 Connecticut Ave. NW; it is replacing the club Royal Palace. While Assets is located within the boundaries of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B, because it is 600 feet away from ANC 2D – in the Sheridan-Kalorama neighborhood – the two commissions share joint jurisdiction.

Discussion surrounding the new establishment began when Metropolitan Police Sgt. Jonathon Pongratz notified those present at the meeting that a robbery took place outside of Assets after a man was kicked out for picking up the dollar bills that had fallen from the dancers. This has been the first and only issue that has occurred outside of Assets since it opened three weeks ago, he said.

Pongratz’s report sparked a wave of complaints against Assets from residents, who cited increases in littered bottles and cans on front lawns, as well as disruptive noise during the afternoon within the past week. Those present at the meeting said they had been told a Wawa grocery and convenience store would replace the strip club that had been there since 1975; they were disappointed to find that another one had opened.

“It doesn't belong in a residential neighborhood,” said Ellen Goldstein, a longtime resident of the Sheridan-Kalorama area and past commissioner for ANC 2D. “I don't know where it belongs but it doesn't belong here; it's degrading to women.”

Present at the meeting was Gabby Miller, the owner of Assets, to see what the community’s complaints were and to work with them so her business would not cause any issues.

“We are doing what is only going to help our business and the neighborhood,” said Miller. “So we are keeping the noise down, we’re keeping it safe, and people aren't leaving with bottles in their hands and stuff. People can't get too drunk in our establishment and we make sure they clear the sidewalks and leave.”

Despite pushback from the community, Miller is not worried that her business will be affected.

“I have rights – I mean I’m there by right legally,” said Miller.

Commissioner Jeff Nestler for ANC 2D understands where the residents’ concerns come from, but he is unsure how much can be done to satisfy their demands.

“I think some of the concerns are valid that the strip club was originally built in 1975 and the neighborhood has changed significantly over the past 44 years,” said Nestler. “But whether the ANC can do anything about it remains to be seen.”

What residents can do, said Nestler, is file a protest seeking to place more restrictions on the strip club since they cannot get rid of it. Some of the restrictions may include changing or limiting the hours they are open, requiring more security or cameras, and determining whether they can serve hard alcohol or just beer.



Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Jeff Nestler and David Bender sit together at the ANC 2D meeting on Oct. 21 in the Sheridan-Kalorama neighborhood. At this meeting they discussed the opening of Assets, a new strip club in the area.

(Photo by Kathryne McCann)

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