COUNCILMEMBER LAUNCHES WAR AGAINST PIZZA

WJLA, DC - A proposed crackdown on single-slice pizza sales in Adams Morgan has many patrons of the nightlife hot spot perplexed, especially considering the area's other issues, including violent crime.

But Ward 1 D.C. Councilman Jim Graham, who represents Adams Morgan, says the pizza parlors selling single slices along 18th Street, some of which are open until 4:30 a.m., are part of the problem when it comes to a recent rash of street fights, stabbings, muggings and even a shootout involving two plainclothes police officers.

"Even though it's a legal business and everything, they have become a nuisance," Graham said. "Behaving the way they do in terms of music, in terms of letting people hang out and also in terms of tolerating a certain level of violence.". . .

For many, a slice after a night out has been a part of the tradition of visiting Adams Morgan for decades. . .

Adams Morgan resident John Sawyko agrees the late night congregating is at times overwhelming and down right scary, but he says blaming pizza is absurd. "The crowd out here in general is the problem," Sawyko said. "The pizza places are a small part of the issue."

While most people who spoke with ABC 7 in Adams Morgan thought the proposal was a joke, Councilman Graham said he is very serious. He says he's already talked to the mayor about the issue and is drafting legislation.