Downtowner News: Hotel Harrington, D.C. Evictions Triple
By • January 8, 2024 0 1844
The Hotel Harrington Bids Adieu
The Hotel Harrington said goodbye early last month after 109 years in business in Washington. While it never was the best hotel (the AC was always on the fritz, bathrooms were less than stellar, and the occasional bug would crawl by), it was an affordable way to see D.C. It also had a great location at 436 11th St. NW, near the White House and National Mall. The hotel has had a bit of infamy in recent years — Hundreds of Proud Boys gathered there to march for former President Donald Trump in 2020. Ollie’s Trolley, near the hotel, has also closed its doors.
Wondering Where to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree?
From now through March 2 (for procrastinators!), Christmas tree collection begins for homes serviced by the DC Department of Public Works. Trees should be placed in the tree box closest to your home, or curbside if no boxes are available. The city will compost the trees and residents are welcome to pick up bags of said compost at the Fort Totten Transfer Station throughout the year. If you want to drop off your tree, the closest available option is 3600 Calvert St. NW at the Guy Mason Recreation Center.
D.C. Christmas trees can be disposed of all the way through early March. Courtesy WJLA.
Woman, 18, Killed at NYE D.C. Hotel Shooting
D.C. police released a photo of a suspect who’s wanted for killing a woman at a New Year’s Eve party at the Embassy Suites in Friendship Heights. Ashlei Hinds, 18, was killed by a fellow party attendee and was found inside a room on the seventh floor of the hotel. As of press time, police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The murder marks the first homicide of the year for the District.
D.C. Evictions Tripled in Last Year
Almost 200 households were scheduled to be evicted over last year’s holiday season, from mid-November through the New Year. Due to delays in cases from the pandemic and expiring pandemic protections, evictions in the District have tripled in the past year. According to Legislative Director for the Office of the Tenant Advocate Joel Cohn, more evictions will likely occur this fiscal year due to court limitations on the number of applicants to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to only 3,500 each quarter and case backlogs slowing proceedings.
New Laws Approved for Expanded Infertility Health Insurance Coverage
A District law approved late last year to help those who struggle with infertility has gone into effect. Individuals who use D.C. Healthcare Alliance and Medicaid can get three cycles of ovulation-enhancing drugs with infertility diagnosis coverage. Next year, those who get insurance through D.C. employers or D.C. Health Link can become eligible too. Those benefits would include a diagnosis, three rounds of IVF and an embryo transfer to a surrogate (if needed).
