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Take one look at the intersection of M & Wisconsin on any given day, and it’s clear that Georgetown is in for a busy spring. In the first two months of the year, we saw three times more visitors than Bethesda and Union Market, and two times more than The Wharf. This high foot-traffic can be attributed, in part, to the new businesses that are opening every week and keeping Georgetown top of mind.
More than 40 leases have been signed and are expected to open in 2024; most recently, Afghania, Argent, Brompton Bikes, Cabada Contemporary, Catbird, Grace Street Coffee, Greco, Ice Cream Jubilee, La Bonne Vache, Molteni&C, New Balance, Olfactory NYC, Outerknown, Rails, Reverie (reopened), and Smoothie King. Anticipated late spring and early summer openings include Club Pilates, Gold’s Gym, Jinya, Marine Layer (reopening), Poliform, River Club Restaurant and Bar, and Skims.
Georgetown will welcome even more visitors as our events programming ramps up for the season. A neighborhood favorite, the 21st annual Georgetown French Market returns to Book Hill April 26-28. More than 40 local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries will display their discounted items for up to 75% off at the open-air market, in addition to food and drink specials. That Saturday and Sunday, you can also enjoy live music, face painting, strolling stiltwalkers, pop-up book sales, and more. This is one of the most important weekends of the year for our small businesses – and the perfect opportunity to eat all the croissants you can handle.
On Friday, May 17, the BID is also hosting a Bike to Work Day pit stop at Georgetown Waterfront Park. Stop by that morning for free refreshments and giveaways, and celebrate biking as a clean, fun and healthy way to commute. It’s the only time of the year when you can eat a cupcake at 8 am with zero guilt.
As more people come to Georgetown, safety remains a priority. The BID recently hired a new Public Safety Coordinator named Charles Young, who will be working with business owners and the community to reduce shoplifting, create a public environment that feels safe and inviting to all customers, and keep Georgetown engaged in citywide conversations on crime deterrence, reduction and enforcement. We will keep you updated on these initiatives as Charles settles into his new role.
Behind the scenes, the BID is also working on more long-term initiatives. DDOT hosted a community workshop earlier this month for the Georgetown Transportation Access and Circulation Study, presenting draft recommendations and receiving feedback on the study. The BID has submitted our own comments to the project team, requesting additional recommendations that are bold and address current and future issues. If you were unable to attend the meeting, visit engagedc.gov/georgetownstudy to provide your feedback via a short survey, open until April 30.
Looking further ahead, every five years, DC Business Improvement Districts must apply to the Mayor to be reauthorized for an additional five-year term. The Georgetown BID’s current term expires on September 30. We recently submitted our renewal application with a five-year-renewal plan that you can read on our website at georgetowndc.com/five-year-renewal. DSLBD will hold a hearing on our application in June and we anticipate the Mayor will issue our renewal order soon thereafter. We have many projects to tackle in the coming years and look forward to continuing our work to ensure Georgetown remains a thriving commercial district.
Stay up-to-date on our latest news and events by visiting georgetowndc.com, following us on social media, and subscribing to our weekly BIDness newsletter.
Joe Sternlieb is CEO and President of the Georgetown Business Improvement District.
