Downtowner DC Dec. 20, 2017
By • December 20, 2017 0 518
‘Rat Warrior’ Testifies to Council
Capitol Hill resident Susan Sedgewick is out for blood — rat blood, that is. Known as the “Rat Warrior,” she has a clipboard with a page of rat information for every home in her area, NBC Washington reported. On Dec. 6, Sedgewick and some neighbors testified in support of a new law requiring restaurants and businesses to better contain the grease and food they dispose of. The penalties would include large fines and a government-enforced cleanup. Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen introduced the bill, which has a name as long as the tails of certain small mammals: “Making Rodent Syndicates Flee Restaurants, Interior Settings, Basements and Yards Amendment Act of 2017.”
Man Accused of Trying to Send Meth Via UPS
On Nov. 28, a man was arrested at a UPS store on 18th Street in Adams Morgan and accused of trying to send methamphetamine through the mail, according to WUSA-9. Investigators believe the vacuum-sealed packages had $30,000 worth of the drug. Records show the case is now an ongoing FBI investigation.
Now Open: World’s Largest Wawa
Wawa celebrated the grand opening of its first D.C. location — said to be the world’s largest Wawa — last week. The convenience-store giant also announced its “Lending a Helping Hoagie” program, in which it will donate part of the store’s first-week sales of hoagies (Philly-speak for subs) to the Capital Area Food Bank. Miss D.C. 2017, Briana Kinsey, was on hand to sing the national anthem and the first 100 customers through the doors of the Dupont Circle store received food samples and other giveaways. More Wawas are on the way, including one in Georgetown.
Duke’s Grocery Expanding to Foggy Bottom
The Dupont burger and brunch spot Duke’s Grocery will expand next year to Foggy Bottom, Eater reported. The new location at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW promises to be its biggest yet, serving up truffle mac and cheese, curries, Sunday roasts and other culinary favorites inspired by the “East London neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Hoxton.”
Dome Completes Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Believe it or not, it has taken 100 years for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to be completed. Thousands of worshippers came out to witness the blessing of the Trinity Dome, 24 tons of Venetian glass, on Dec. 8. The dome was dedicated at a two-hour ceremony and mass led by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington. Just west of the Brookland neighborhood, the basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America.
Downtown BID Unveils 10-Year Plan
The Downtown DC Business Improvement District has unveiled a new 10-year plan for the success and growth of the 38-block area. Downtown in 2027 is being viewed as a place where the experience is world-class and vulnerable residents are cared for. The goals include clean, safe and inviting public spaces and a diversity of businesses, residents and entertainment options, according to Downtown DC BID President and CEO Neil Albert.
Moorish Nationalist Couple Strikes Again
Two people identifying themselves as Moorish Nationalists were arrested Nov. 29 for moving into a vacant Adams Morgan row house. The self-proclaimed followers of the century-old black nationalist movement said they had sovereign rights to the property, according to NBC Washington. Neighbors reported seeing a U-Haul and furniture being moved in. The couple, Antonio Caldwell and Mia Waddell, who attempted to occupy a Rock Creek mansion earlier in the month, had changed the locks, so D.C. police had to break in to arrest them.
Council Supports Access to Birth Control
On Dec. 5, the D.C. government cast the first vote to make birth control available without a prescription at area pharmacies. NBC Washington reported that the move would place D.C. on the list of eight states with similar laws. Many Council members said the city needs to make it easier for women to get birth control. The bill was introduced in response to the Republican effort in Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
