D.C. Parking Meter Rates Set to Skyrocket
• July 7, 2016

D.C. parking meter rates are set to go up June 1, a lot. All will increase to $2.30 per hour. That’s a 30-percent increase in Premium Demand and Commercial Zones and it more than triples the cost of residential-area parking meters, currently $.75 per hour.

The District Department of Transportation stands to take an additional $2 million out of street-parkers’ pockets during the four months in fiscal year 2016 that the new rates will be in effect. The added funds are expected to help pay for the Metro system’s operations and deferred maintenance.

Noting the recent $5 increase in the cost of parking tickets in D.C., AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend said, “It is the latest case of motorists getting nickel and dimed for parking. … Now in two weeks, they will pay even more to park as parking meter rates jump more than 200 percent at some meters, and 15 percent at most.”

But there is some belief that the higher cost to park will increase street-parking turnover and relieve traffic congestion. According to DDOT: “The goal of good parking management is to regulate the parking assets (spaces) in a manner that ensures that a percentage of spaces are available at any given time for short term parking. This is vital for maximizing the potential flow of customers to the District’s retail and dining establishments. Additionally, controlling congestion and improving traffic circulation are becoming increasingly important.”

Weekend Round Up July 7, 2016
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“Chinamania” after hours at the Freer and Sackler Galleries, an elegant evening at the Embassy of Barbados and 1930s horror films at the National Gallery of Art…

Graham Hotel Sold for $37 Million
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The Graham may have changed owners, but its staff and other features remain the same. The sale shows that D.C.’s hotel scene is hot.

‘Deer Hunter’ Director Michael Cimino Is Dead
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The body of the revered, remote film maker was found by police at his Beverly Hills home.

ANC Meets July 5: 2715 Penn. Ave. Zoning, Domino’s Pizza Property, Grace Street Food Space
• July 5, 2016

ANC 2E will meet next Tuesday to discuss EastBanc’s Pennsylvania Avenue apartments and Bob Elliott’s plans for Prospect Street residences.

Weekend Round Up June 30, 2016
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Here comes the Fourth: fireworks by land and sea, plus the National Independence Day Parade and “A Capitol Fourth” (fireworks-free dress rehearsal on Sunday)…

July 7 Meeting Set for Georgetown-Rosslyn Gondola
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Attend a public meeting, just across Key Bridge, about the fantastical Georgetown-Rosslyn aerial gondola, if it ever comes to be.

Weekend Round Up June 9, 2016
• July 1, 2016

Events at the National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and the National Archives. Meanwhile, in Virginia, “The Rape of Lucretia” at Wolf Trap Opera and an adaptation of Richard Thompson’s “Cul de Sac” at Encore Stage.

D.C. Statehood Poll: What Should We Call Ourselves?
• June 30, 2016

Follow @TheGeorgetownr to vote on a new name for D.C.

The Shocks, and Aftershocks, of Brexit
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The referendum in Great Britain on whether to stay in the European Union kind of snuck up on Americans.