The delightful bagel shop, Call Your Mother, has recently emerged victorious from a zoning dispute, securing its spot at the corner of 35th and O Streets NW, Georgetown. This self-proclaimed “Jew-ish deli” has been serving its clientele fresh bagels and sandwiches ever since it opened its doors back in 2020, albeit not without challenges, especially from irked neighbors who have raised concerns about noise, cleanliness, and general disruptions.
After months of contention, city zoning officials deliberated and decided on June 11, 2024, giving Call Your Mother the green light to operate as it has been. Notably, this is not just any approval; the deli has achieved the rare status of being recognized as a corner store within this predominately residential area, which is mostly characterized by historic rowhouses, surrounded by the charm of Georgetown University.
What have the neighbors been complaining about? Well, they have cited issues such as patrons leaving trash behind and even munching their bagels on nearby stoops. Amid these complaints, Call Your Mother has taken steps to improve its management practices, especially surrounding crowd control and waste disposal, which played significantly to its advantage during the zoning board meeting. The Board of Zoning Adjustment met with mixed reactions from the community, resulting in Tuesday's decisive 4-1 vote forwarding this favorable ruling.
Community board member Carl Blake weighed in on the matter, acknowledging the duality of Call Your Mother's appeal, stating, "To the extent the community is torn, it’s because it is an attractive neighborhood amenity. But it’s also a distracting and disruptive neighborhood amenity." This statement captures the essence of the community's dilemma: they love the bright pink and quirky charm of the shop but grapple with the noise and messiness it can bring.
Since its inception, Call Your Mother has grown not just as a deli but as a local social hub where people gather to enjoy quality food. Last week, it was reported by the Washington Business Journal how the two-story building housing the deli was sold for $1.7 million. The new owner has expressed commitment to maintaining the deli, something co-owner Andrew Dana is excited about. He shares his enthusiasm by stating, “We are excited for a new owner who is committed to keeping us there for the long haul.”
Despite the new developments, the challenges experienced by Call Your Mother highlight broader themes of growth and gentrification. Locals and new businesses often find themselves at odds over shared spaces. Though their food has garnered popularity, it frequently places them at the center of zoning disputes, as residents navigate changes within their neighborhoods.
The deli originally had to fight to change its classification from being just any food establishment to being recognized for the charming, family-friendly spot it has become, complete with colorful decor and mouth-watering bagels. Initially, it faced fierce lease battles as neighbors worried about how the foot traffic would impact their daily lives.
During the hearing held earlier this month, vocal supporters of Call Your Mother were joined by residents who voiced their discontent. This mix created palpable tension, with witnesses citing the deli’s impact on local quality of life: standard complaints of heavy noise levels, parked cars obstructing driveways, and the occasional overflow of brunch-lovers gathering outside. Meanwhile, Call Your Mother’s fans passionately countered these accusations, insisting the stop has helped re-energize neighborhood camaraderie.
Residents against the deli have even claimed it poses hygiene and safety issues, pointing to litter and debris as significant culprits. It’s not lost on us just how such feedback could lead to enforcement battles as the community attempts to redefine what is permissible within their neighborhood, traditionally distinguishable from commercial enterprises.
Nonetheless, Call Your Mother has consistently shown accountability and is now mandated to maintain clear communication lines with the neighborhood as part of the new conditions for operating. Called for by the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the deli will have to designate someone as their point of contact for any future community complaints. This initiative aims to quell some of the tension and allow for cooperative dialogue moving forward.
Despite the zesty controversy surrounding their existence, many locals agree: Call Your Mother holds its own charm, providing not just food but nurturing the community’s social fabric. Customers flock from all over to find the perfect Rye bagel paired with salty lox or sumptuous cream cheese.
No matter how you slice it, this zoning battle has opened dialogue on urban living and the dynamics of community desires. Residents want to protect their home vibes and minimize disturbances, but the presence of local businesses enhances vibrancy. Indeed, it’s sometimes tough to obtain the right balance, and Call Your Mother continues to personify the growing pains of local enterprises striving to coexist with their residential counterparts.
With the renewal of its lease, Call Your Mother stands as proof of resilience and adaptability, proving once again how local favorites can weather storms and continue calling themselves home – at least for now. The outcome reflects how communities shape identities around food and culture, magnifying the emotional investment locals have wrapped up within their cherished haunts.
How this dispute and resolution will influence future zoning hearings and community interactions remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain—Call Your Mother may be safe for now, but as they grow and evolve, there will always be more conversations to be had.
