DMV Office to Reopen Tomorrow, April 29
• May 5, 2014

The Georgetown service office of the Department of Motor Vehicles will open for business on Tuesday, April 29.

Closed since May 19, 2012, for the reconstruction of the Georgetown Park retail spaces, DMV’s office is twice the area as the old center. As it was previously, the office is located in Georgetown Park at 3222 M St., NW.

The new 12,000-square-foot space has 150 seats. On average, the Georgetown DMV has handled 500 persons per day; the new center will be able to handle at least 600 per day.

Entry for the DMV center is at the western M Street entrance of Georgetown Park for DSW and Washington Sports Club. It is on the lower level; hours are 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

ANC Tonight: Public Works and Trash Containers, Exorcist Steps Condos, Baptist Church Condos
• May 1, 2014

The May meeting for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E is 6:30 p.m., April 28, at Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place, NW, Heritage Room, Founders Hall.

The following is this evening’s agenda, as provided by ANC 2E.

Approval of the Agenda

Approval of April 28, 2014, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

Approval of March 31, 2014, Meeting Minutes

Public Safety and Police Report

Financial Report

Transportation Report

Commendation for Peter Prindiville

Community Comment

DPW Director William Howland joins us for a community conversation about the Department of Public Works functions, options for residents regarding the new trash and recycling containers, and other timely topics.

New Business

Georgetown Presbyterian Church picnic in Volta Park on Sunday, Sept. 28

WMATA proposal to remove the northbound bus stop for 30’s buses at
Wisconsin Avenue and Dumbarton Street, NW

DDOT proposal to add 40 feet of No Parking School Days on the east side of 35th
Street, NW, next to Hardy School

Application to remove a gingko tree at 1312 27th St., NW

Old Georgetown Board

MAJOR AND PUBLIC PROJECTS

SMD 07, National Park Service / DDOT / Cultural Tourism DC Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Way-finding signs on lampposts, Interpretive signs at Tudor Place and Dumbarton House, Concept/Final

SMD 05, 3601-3607 M Street, NW, OG 14-113 (HPA 14-220) Residential, New building, Concept

SMD 06, 2709-2715 N Street NW, OG 14-143 (HPA 14-283), Alexander Memorial Baptist Church, New construction, alterations, Concept

PRIVATE PROJECTS

1. SMD 02, 1552 33rd Street, NW, OG 14-150 (HPA 14-319) Residence, Replacement metal fence on areaway, metal gate, Permit

2. SMD 02, 1686 34th Street, NW, OG 14-155 (HPA 14-325) Residence, Alterations: chimney, porch, replacement windows, Concept

3. SMD 02, 3336 Dent Place, NW, OG 14-175 (HPA 14-346) Residence, 3- story rear addition, alterations to front, Concept

4. SMD 02, 1622 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-157 (HPA 14-327) Mixed-use, 2-story in-fill rear addition plus basement, alterations, Permit

5. SMD 03, 3332 O Street, NW, OG 14-171 (HPA 14-342) Residence, Metal fence on brick wall in front yard, Concept

6. SMD 03, 1357 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-084 (HPA 14-158) Commercial, Three-story rear addition, Revised Concept

7. SMD 05, 3600 M Street, NW, OG 14-120 (HPA 14-234) Office building, Demo and reconstruct brick walls, alterations to roof terraces for waterproofing work, Permit

8. SMD 06, 3015 P Street, NW, OG 14-172 (HPA 14-343) Residence, One- story rear addition, dormer, Concept

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming May 1, 2014, agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, April 25.

1. SMD 02, 3205 R Street, NW, OG 14-166 (HPA 14-337) Residence, Alterations to pool house, Permit

2. SMD 02, 3314 Dent Place, NW, OG 14-158 (HPA 14-328) Residence, Alterations to rear, Permit

3. SMD 02, 3520 Reservoir Road, NW, OG 14 -122 (HPA 14-239) Residence, Replacement windows and door, Permit

4. SMD 03, 3310 N Street, NW, OG 14-161 (HPA 14-332) Alterations to stoop, Permit

5. SMD 03, 3106 P Street, NW, OG 14-165 (HPA 14-336) Residence, Rear addition at second floor, Permit

6. SMD 03, 3238 P Street, NW, OG 14-103 (HPA 14-206) Residence, Two- story rear addition, Revised Concept

7. SMD 03, 3306 R Street, NW, OG 14-177 (HPA 14-348) Residence, Dormers, Permit

8. SMD 03, 1236 Potomac Street, NW, OG 14-162 (HPA 14-333) Residence, Replacement windows, Permit

9. SMD 03, 1242 Potomac Street, NW, OG 14-148 (HPA 14-309) Residence, Replacement fence, Permit

10. SMD 05, 1101 30th Street, NW, OG 14-15 (HPA 14-323) Commercial, Back-lit sign – Georgetown Workspaces, Permit

11. SMD 05, 3060 M Street, NW, OG 14-149 (HPA 14-318) Commercial, Replacement windows at rear, Permit

12. SMD 05, 3256 M Street, NW, OG 14-035 (HPA 14-057) Commercial, Rooftop antennas Permit

13. SMD 05, 3286 M Street, NW, OG 14-034 (HPA 14-051) Commercial, Signs, alterations to parking lot, Permit

14. SMD 05, 3314 M Street, NW, OG 14-111 (HPA 14-217) Commercial, Alterations to Cady’s Alley: green screens, lighting, speeding tables, landscaping, Revised Concept

15. SMD 05, 3106 N Street, NW, OG 14-167 (HPA 14-338) Residence, Replace light fixtures – options, Permit

16. SMD 05, 3121 N Street, NW, OG 14-151 (HPA 14-320) Residence, Rooftop solar panels, Permit

17. SMD 05, 1209-1211 Potomac Street, NW, OG 14-070 (HPA 14-112) Commercial, Alteration to first floor window, 2nd floor replacement windows – existing, Permit

18. SMD 05, 3508 Prospect Street, NW, OG 14-169 (HPA 14-340) Residence, Replacement windows and French door, Permit

19. SMD 06, 1521 29th Street, NW, OG 14-164 (HPA 14-335) Residence, Replace metal fence with wood fence, terraces, Permit

20. SMD 06, 1409 30th Street, NW, OG 14-163 (HPA 14-334) Residence, Alterations to rear, rebuild garden wall, Permit – revised design

21. SMD 06, 1231-1235 31st Street, NW, OG 14-137 (HPA 14-277) Front windows, rear additions, alterations, roof terrace, Revised Concept

22. SMD 06, 1409 31st Street, NW, OG 14-168 (HPA 14-339) Residence, Alterations to rear for basement entrance areaway, Permit

23. SMD 06, 2903 M Street, NW, OG 14-147 (HPA 14-307) Commercial, Awnings and sign – Izzy Salon, Permit

24. SMD 06, 2722 P Street, NW, OG 14-124 (HPA 14-263) Residence, Replacement windows, door, shutters, Permit

25. SMD 06, 3011 P Street, NW, OG 14-173 (HPA 14-344) Residence, Garage, Concept

26. SMD 07, 3021 Q Street, NW, OG 14-174 (HPA 14-345) Residence, Alterations to window openings at rear, Permit

27. SMD 08, 3700 O Street, NW, OG 14-159 (HPA 14-330) Georgetown University – Dahlgren Chapel, Installation of Healy Hall crosses in berm, landscaping, Concept

28. SMD 08, 3700 O Street, NW, OG 14-160 (HPA 14-331) Georgetown University – Ryan and Mulledy Hall, Alterations and replacement windows, Concept

Agenda is of noon, April 21. Contact info: 202-724-7098 — anc2e@dc.gov — www.anc2e.com.

Part of K Street to Close for Inspection of Whitehurst Freeway Bridge Over K Street, NW, April 22 to 23
•

The District Department of Transportation will be conducting an inspection of the Whitehurst Freeway Bridge over K Street, NW, from Tuesday, April 22, to Wednesday, April 23. This will require single-lane closures and take place during off-peak hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting.

The required lane closures and inspection activities are scheduled to occur as follows: Whitehurst Freeway over K Street, NW. On Tuesday, April 22, there will be a right-lane closure of eastbound K Street, NW, under the Whitehurst Freeway. On Wednesday, April 23, there will be a right-lane closure of westbound K Street, NW, under the Whitehurst Freeway.

Traffic controls will be in place to warn motorists as they approach these areas

Applicants Camp Out for 4 Liquor Licenses in Georgetown
•

[UPDATED April 11 with list of applicants from ABRA.]

This morning, TV news crews reported on restauranteurs waiting overnight to submit their applications for a liquor license in Georgetown to the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration at 8:30 a.m. The small line-up of tents in front of the Reeves Municipal Center at 14th and U Streets, NW, looked like people waiting to buy concert tickets or the latest electronic gadget. Applicants had to wait in line because of ABRA’s policy of “first come, first served.”

Here is the list of applicants from ABRA:

1. Restaurant Enterprises, Inc. trading as Smith Point (applied for a tavern license)

2. AN & JM (trade name is TBD) (applied for a restaurant license)

3. FR & LH, LLC (trade name is TBD) (applied for a restaurant license)

4. Ching, LLC trading as So MI (applied for a restaurant license)

5. Luke’s Lobster VIII, LLC trading as Luke’s Lobster (applied for a restaurant license)

6. Georgetown Restaurant Partners, LLC (trade name is TBD) (applied for a restaurant license)

7. Restaurants, LLC trading as Yummi Crawfish and Seafood Restaurant (applied for a restaurant license)

8. Prospect Dining, LLC trading as George (applied for a tavern license)

Within the Georgetown Historic District, there are three restaurant liquor licenses and one tavern liquor license available. D.C. law allows six tavern licenses and 68 restaurant liquor licenses in Georgetown. There has been a liquor license moratorium in Georgetown since the 1990s. A tavern license allows an establishment to have a smaller percentage of food to alcohol sales.

Ben Conniff, vice president of Luke’s Lobster, which has one of its seafood restaurants on Potomac Street, arrived yesterday to pick up the proper paperwork from ABRA and decided to stay at the Reeves Center in the line. “A co-worker brought me a tent for the evening,” said Conniff, who was fifth in line. One of those in front wanted a tavern license. So, being at least fourth in line, Conniff said he was hopeful of getting a restaurant liquor license.

Of the available licenses, Amir Yeroushalmie told a Fox5 reporter, “I believe we’re going to get one.” He wants to open an upscale sushi restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue. Another person on line wants to open a crayfish restaurant.

Liquor licenses rarely become available through ABRA in Georgetown. When Gypsy Sally’s recently obtained a tavern license, it had been 20 years since such an opening.

In an earlier Georgetowner report, advisory neighborhood commissioner Bill Starrels, who heads the Alcohol Beverage Committee, said the newly available licenses were “not performing” and said he was “absolutely appreciative of what ABRA is doing here. It showed due process.” Some licenses can sit for years before put back in circulation, so to speak.

“We have some serious restaurant people looking at Georgetown,” Starrels said. “We cannot have licenses sitting on the shelf.” Fox5 News described Georgetown in its April 9 report on the liquor licenses described Georgetown as “red-hot.”

Accused Killer Muth Hospitalized
• April 30, 2014

Here’s the Post account on Feb. 1: “ . . . Muth, the eccentric German charged in the 2011 beating death of his elderly Georgetown wife, has been hospitalized as a result of a hunger strike, sources familiar with the case said Friday. Speaking on condition of anonymity because Muth’s case is pending in D.C. Superior Court, the sources said Muth was removed from the D.C. jail and has been in critical condition at a local hospital as a result of his hunger fast. It is unknown whether his trial, scheduled to begin March 25, will proceed. Muth, 48, is charged with first-degree murder in the August 2011 death of his wife of 22 years, Viola Herms Drath, then 91. Authorities said Muth beat and strangled his wife in their Georgetown home.”

Trial Begins for Accused Killer of Viola Drath
•

The trial of Albrecht Gero Muth, accused of killing his 91-year-old wife Viola Herms Drath in August 2011, has begun at D.C. Superior Court. Jury selection is underway today, and oral arguments are expected to start in a few days.

Delays to the trial start date were due in part to Muth’s failing heath because of his decision to restrict his eating. Judge Russell Canan ruled that the trial start today and have the defendant participate from his hospital bed via video conferencing — and not be at the courthouse, a first for the D.C. court. The jury will hear Muth speak but not see him in his deteriorated condition.

Claiming he is innocent, Muth faces a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Drath.

A veteran journalist and married previously to an Army colonel, Drath was found dead in a bathroom of her home on Q Street on Aug. 12, 2011, after being strangled and beaten. She and Muth were known around town for their dinner parties at her home with a mix of political, diplomatic, military and media VIPs. Drath was 44 years older than Muth.

Seen around Georgetown in faux military garb, Muth was perceived by neighbors and shopkeepers as, simply, a oddball. In recent years, he said that he was a member of the Iraqi Army — which the Iraqi government denied. He went so far as to have arranged a 2010 ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for Iraqi Liberation Day. Muth was also known around government and foundation lobbying circles as Count Albi of the EPG (Eminent Persons Group).

Muth’s hunger strikes began in December 2012 after he was ruled competent to stand trial. In March 2013, a doctor deemed Muth too weak to stand trial. His fast continued. Later, a judge postponed the trial until Jan. 6.

Muth Murder Trial Postponed to Jan. 6
•

Set to begin today, the trial of Albrecht Muth, accused of killing his 91-year-old wife Viola Drath in August 2011, has been postponed again.

Public records indicate another status conference on Dec. 18, according to the Associated Press, with a new trial date scheduled for Jan. 6.

Claiming that he is innocent, Muth will be tried in D.C. Superior Court on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Drath.

A veteran journalist and married previously to an Army colonel, Viola Drath was found dead in a bathroom of her home on Q Street in August 2011 after being strangled and beaten. She and Muth were known around town for their dinner parties at her home with a mix of political, diplomatic, military and media VIPs. Drath was 44 years older than Muth.

Seen around Georgetown in faux military garb, Muth was perceived by neighbors and shopkeepers as, simply, a oddball. In recent years, he said that he was a member of the Iraqi Army. He went so far as to have arranged a 2010 ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for Iraqi Liberation Day.

Muth has been on periodic hunger strikes in a mental asylum cell. His hunger strikes began in December 2012 after he was ruled competent to stand trial. In March of this year, a doctor deemed Muth too weak to stand trial. At that time, a judge postponed the trial until Dec. 2.

Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy Fete at Evermay
• April 25, 2014

The Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy marked the renewed park known as Georgetown’s “Secret Garden.” The group of community and environmental leaders enjoyed another Georgetown treasure, Evermay, on April 16. [gallery ids="101719,142989" nav="thumbs"]

N Street Village
• April 24, 2014

N Street Village, the social services agency that provides shelter and support to homeless and low-income women, held its annual gala at the West End’s Ritz Carlton March 21. The upbeat, always joyous event brought together women who benefitted from the non-profit, volunteers and benefactors, especially those in government and media. Comcast’s Melissa Maxfield and A.B. and Jill Cruz were gala co-chairs; Byron and Kim Dorgan were honorary co-chairs. Founders’ Awards were given to Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and his wife Diana, and also to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). [gallery ids="100727,120805,120801" nav="thumbs"]

Public Works Floods the Town With Trash Containers
• April 23, 2014

D.C.’s Department of Public Works has delivered new trash and recycling containers to residents in Georgetown. But you knew that — and saw that. Georgetown is awash in old and new trash and recycling containers, some of which make no sense for those who in rowhouses that have no side alleys. One resident looked bemused and annoyed and said, “I am not taking that through my living room.” Georgetown already enough trash and recycling boxes or barrels hanging around its sidewalks and front steps.

There will be time to express yourself at the April 28 meeting of the local advisory neighborhood commission at Georgetown Visitation Prep on 35th Street.

Jeff Jones of the ANC offered the following advice:

First, read and follow the instructions in the pamphlet provided with the new containers.

If you plan to keep the new containers:

Please remove them from public space. Containers are to be placed on the point of collection during DPW collection hours only. Generally, public space in Georgetown starts at the exterior wall (or very close to) most all of the rowhouse-type dwelling. Therefore, placing them on the sidewalk up against your home, is likely not within code. Note: disabled or elderly may obtain a waiver to have DPW collect from private space on a case by case basis. Please place the yellow stickers on your old container(s) for removal by DPW, and the current process requires you to call 311 to have those picked up.

If you do not want the new containers:

Most of the residents contacting me prefer this option, due to the larger size of the recycling container, making it more difficult to store on private space. You may place the stickers on one or both of the new containers, and call 311 to have them picked up. Continue using your current container(s) and if you would prefer you may purchase a container from a private vendor. Again, please only place the containers to the POC during collection hours only.

ANC2e is working with DPW in attempt to schedule a wholesale old and/or new container pickup date, but this has not been confirmed. This would negate the current requirement to call 311 for pickup, however please follow the instructions on the pamphlet in the meantime.