TL;DR 

DDOT is forcing a small business, Merry Pin, to pay over $25,000 to fix a public sidewalk—a trip hazard the District is responsible for maintaining—by falsely classifying it as "Parking-Right-of-Way" (ROW).

This is an illogical and hypocritical bureaucratic hurdle: DDOT requires a Public Space Permit (a Sidewalk Cafe Permit) for the space, yet denies responsibility for its repair. This catch-22 is blocking Merry Pin from activating this space and puts the business at risk in an already difficult business climate.

We are asking DDOT to:

• Reclassify the space at 7350 Georgia Avenue NW as Sidewalk-Right-of-Way.
• Take immediate responsibility for repairing this critical public trip hazard. 

Who is Impacted?

This issue directly impacts local residents, customers, and the financial stability of a new, but vital community hub.

• Pedestrians and Neighbors: The sidewalk area at the corner of Georgia and Geranium is a cracked and uneven surface, officially confirmed by DDOT to be a trip hazard. This unsafe condition affects everyone walking along this busy corridor, especially families, seniors, and visitors. DDOT's refusal to repair this space is a neglect of public safety.
• Merry Pin's Survival: Merry Pin, a one-of-a-kind café, craft store, and community space, relies on the revenue generated by the planned 24-seat outdoor cafe. Our initial business plan included a significant revenue stream from expanded food, beverage, happy hour, and brunch service that the patio would enable. Without this crucial income the past 16 months, Merry Pin is behind on rent and at risk of defaulting on our SBA loan.
• The Upper Georgia Avenue Corridor: Merry Pin has transformed a corner that was vacant for over four years into a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and commerce. If Merry Pin is forced to close due to this bureaucratic hurdle, the neighborhood will lose a valuable resource. 

What is at stake?

If DDOT maintains the incorrect "Parking-ROW" classification, the following will happen:

• Public Safety Will Remain Compromised: The confirmed trip hazard will persist indefinitely, continuing to pose a safety risk to the community until a pedestrian is injured. 
• A Small Business Will Fail: Merry Pin, a locally-owned business dedicated to community enrichment, will lose a critical revenue stream needed for survival. The required $25,000+ construction cost is beyond our capacity. We simply cannot afford to repave the city's property.
• The Precedent of Hypocrisy: Allowing this ruling to stand sets an arbitrary and unfair precedent for all small businesses along Georgia Avenue. DDOT's requirement for a "Sidewalk Cafe Permit" for a space they claim is for "Parking" exposes their own inconsistency. This must be corrected to ensure fair treatment for all businesses. 

If DDOT changes the classification to Sidewalk-ROW, the District will assume its rightful responsibility for the repair of public space, unlocking the space for immediate use and enabling Merry Pin to:

• Create Jobs: Hire at least 1 full-time and 2 part-time café associates.
• Increase Revenue: Expand cafe and event operations that would allow Merry Pin to more realistically reach projections and stay in business.
• Build Community: Activate the corner into a beautiful creative hub with outdoor seating, creative activities, and an inviting space that strengthens the local economy and sense of place. 

 
Why is Now the Time to Act?

Merry Pin has already been open for over a year without being able to use this key area. We've tried applying for grants and working directly with DDOT, but have been unsuccessful. We have been approved for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit, but the construction mandate remains the roadblock.

Every day that passes without the sidewalk being repaired puts the public at risk and pushes Merry Pin closer to closure. This is not a request for a handout; it is a demand for fairness, consistency, and public safety.

DDOT must immediately reclassify the ROW to align with its actual use as a sidewalk and its own permitting requirements.

Sign this petition to support our small business, protect our pedestrians, and compel the District to fix its own property.