GBA Touts Georgetown Main Street Proposal

The newly proposed Georgetown Main Street program was the subject of the Georgetown Business Association’s July 19 networking reception at Ella Rue on P Street.

Introduced by GBA President Sonya Bernhardt, Martin Smith, executive director of the Barracks Row Main Street, explained the benefits and the pending application of a Georgetown Main Street, which would cover Wisconsin Avenue from K Street to Whitehaven Parkway. The GBA has taken the lead in coordinating the application process.

It is all about getting “feet to the street,” said Smith, who sought participation from the businesspersons in attendance and accepted a donation for the proposed Georgetown Main Street from Ed Solomon, owner of Anthony’s Tuxedo and Wedding Creations, three doors from Ella Rue on P Street.

The Main Street program was originally created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help preserve and revitalize historic commercial districts. There are 12 Main Street programs in Washington, D.C. — from Eastern Market and Shaw to Columbia Heights and Tenleytown. Each district’s designated nonprofit receives a grant from the D.C. government through the Department of Small and Local Business Development.

The fiscal 2018 D.C. budget allows for four new Main Streets — and Georgetown is one of the contenders. A decision on which neighborhoods get one will be made by October. The new programs could be up and running as soon as November.

A website, georgetownmainstreet.com, is on the way, along with an email address: info@georgetownmainstreet.com.

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