Mayor Opens Georgetown Main Street
By • October 26, 2017 0 1044
Calling D.C. fiscally strong and welcoming the 16th Main Street to the nation’s capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser inaugurated the Georgetown Main Street program Oct. 25 at the third-generation-owned small business, the Phoenix boutique, on Wisconsin Avenue.
In the store filled with business persons and supporters, Bowser presented a certificate to Georgetown Main Street, designating the area as a full member of the DC Main Streets program.
“We continue to enhance our city’s economic engine by investing in corridors like this one,” she said. “Many small businesses have been able to thrive because of DC Main Streets, and now we are proud to bring this community-oriented program to the small businesses of Georgetown.”
Bowser was welcomed by the Georgetown Business Association, the grantee for the Georgetown Main Street program, which is receiving $175,000 to promote businesses along Wisconsin Avenue, from the waterfront to Whitehaven Parkway. The program is awarded by D.C.’s Department of Small and Local Business Development.
The Main Streets mission is to support the traditional retail corridors in the District, according to DSLBD, which adds, “We revitalize communities by retaining and recruiting businesses, improving commercial properties and streetscapes, and attracting consumers. Leaders in these neighborhood organizations assist businesses and coordinate sustainable community-driven revitalization efforts in their neighborhoods.”
GBA President Sonya Bernhardt said that small business owners along Wisconsin Avenue’s “commercial corridor have our support as we cultivate new ones.” GBA Vice President Hope Solomon thanked DSLBD Interim Director Tene Dolphin, who said, “The proven Main Street model will support Georgetown with retention of the long-time businesses that are increasingly at risk.” Ward 2 council member Jack Evans, who lives in Georgetown, recognized GBA’s Bernhardt and Solomon, who he said persistently pushed him on attaining a Main Street for Georgetown.
After the remarks, the mayor held the big scissors, with group that included Samantha Hayes, owner of The Phoenix, and cut the ribbon. With that, Bowser acclaimed, “Sweet 16! Now, go shopping.”
Hope Solomon, Sonya Bernhardt, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Samantha Hayes and Tene Dolphin. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.
GBA’s Sonya Bernhardt and Hope Solomon with Council member Jack Evans. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Martin Smith of Barracks Row Main Street and GBA’s Sonya Bernhardt. Photo by Robert Devaney.
GBA’s Hope Solomon and lawyer Alice Haase. Photo by Robert Devaney.
The GBA’s Sonya Bernhardt welcomes Mayor Muriel Bowser to the Phoenix. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.
The crowd was eager to meet Mayor Muriel Bowser. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.
