WASHINGTON — DC’s historic H Street, NE, is riding a wave of optimism, thanks in part to its annual H Street Festival. Neighbors and businesses at Monday’s neighborhood meeting felt the influx of people and positive energy couldn’t have come at a better time, as the neighborhood's restaurants and bars had been reporting a significant downturn in business earlier this month.

Business owners attributed the slow start to the end of summer, coupled with the chilling effect of a highly visible federal police surge . Yet, following the festival, the mood has shifted, with many now believing the street has finally turned a corner.

The Summer Setback

The beginning of September was described as a “bust” for many H Street businesses. The summer slump was compounded by a controversial federal pr

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