Latest News

Georgetowner • June 22, 2015

Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E will hold its monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., June 1, at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 35th Street and Volta Place, NW, Heritage Room, main building, second floor. This following is tonight’s meeting agenda, as provided by ANC 2E.

Approval of the Agenda

• Approval of June 1, 2015, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative

• Approval of March 30 and May 4, 2015, Meeting Minutes

• Public Safety and Police Report

• Financial Report — 2nd Quarter Financial Report approval

• Transportation Report

• Discussion with the District Department of Transportation about rush hour congestion and other transportation issues

Community Comment

New Business

ABC

• Events DC Nation’s Triathlon Sept. 13, 2015

• GBID Temporary weekend sidewalk widening on 3200 block of M St.

• West Heating Plant procedures for dealing with environmental information

• After Peacock Room ABRA-095964, 2622 P ST NW
–amendment to extend hours to 11 p.m.

Old Georgetown Board
?
?Public Projects
??
1. Government of the District of Columbia Department of General Services

3219 O Street, NW Hyde -Addison Elementary School Alterations to fence and gates
Concept ?

Private Projects ?

?1. SMD 03 OG 15-214
1405 34th Street, NW
Residence Alterations, window replacement, cameras
Concept
?
?2. SMD 03 OG 15-219
3317 P Street, NW
Residence Basement addition
Concept
?
?3. SMD 05 OG 15-199
1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Commercial Sign and blade sign – Onward Reserve Permit
?
4. SMD 06 OG 15-207
1250 28th Street, NW
Residence
Porch replacement, new front stoop
Concept
?
?5. SMD 07 OG 15-208
2703 P Street, NW
Residence
Replacement stairs, site work
Permit

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming June 4, 2015, 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, May 29, 2015.

?1. SMD 02 OG 15-220
1661 35th Street, NW
Residence
Three-story rear addition, in-fill areaway, one-story side addition, alterations
Permit
???
?2. SMD 02 OG 15-201
1623 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Commercial
Alterations to storefront
Permit ?
?
3. SMD 02 OG 15-212
1740 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Commercial
Front and rear alterations
Concept

??4. SMD 03 OG 15-204
1537 33rd Street, NW
Residence
Brick wall repair
Permit
?
5. SMD 03 OG 15-210
1318 34th Street, NW
Residence
Garden wall
Permit

?6. SMD 03 OG 15-197
3206 N Street, NW
Commercial
Addition, alterations, stair, signs
Permit
?
7. SMD 03 OG 15-121
3301 N Street, NW
Residence
Rear addition, alterations
Concept — revised
?
?8. SMD 03 OG 15-180
3112 O Street, NW
Christ Church Rectory
Demolition, rear addition
Concept – revised
?
?9. SMD 03 OG 15-206
3211 O Street, NW
Commercial
Sign — Crumbs & Whiskers Cafe
Permit

?10. SMD 03 OG 15-218
3252 O Street, NW
Residence
Two-story rear addition
Permit
?
?
?11. SMD 03 OG 15-188
3300 O Street, NW
1316 33rd Street, NW, 1318 33rd Street, NW
Residence
Demolition, addition, alterations
?Concept – revised ?

?12. SMD 03 OG 15-213
3129 Dumbarton Street, NW
Residence
Replacement windows, site work
?Concept ?
?
13. SMD 03 OG 15-198
3410 Prospect Street, NW
Residence
Alterations to rear, terraces
Permit ?

?14. SMD 03 OG 15-153
1513 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Mixed-use Rooftop and rear additions, trellis
Concept – Design development

?15. SMD 05 OG 15-217
3225 M Street, NW
Commercial Alterations, lighting, sign — Warby Parker
Permit ? ?
?16. SMD 05 OG 15-216
3000 M Street, NW
Mixed-use Partial demolition, addition, alterations
Permit
?
17. SMD 05 OG 15-179
3286 M Street, NW
Commercial
Signs, alterations to parking lot
Concept – revised
?
18. SMD 05 OG 15-184
3295 M Street, NW
Commercial
Alterations, signs — Club Monaco Permit

?19. SMD 05 OG 15-215
3210 Grace Street, NW
Mixed-use
Fenestration alterations, new chimneys
Concept
?
20. SMD 06 OG 15-135
1212 28th Street, NW
Mixed-use
Two-story plus basement rear addition
Concept — revised

?21. SMD 06 OG 15-168
1324 30th Street, NW
Residence
Rooftop solar panels
Permit
?
22. SMD 06 OG 15-162
2708 P Street, NW
Residence
Replacement doors and windows at rear
Permit
?
?23. SMD 07 OG 15-196
1617 29th Street, NW
Residence
Brick paving, aluminum fences, pool
Concept
?
?24. SMD 07 OG 15-101
1609 31st Street, NW
Residence
Demolition, new residence, site work
Concept – revised

Government of the District of Columbia: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E
3265 S St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
202-724-7098
anc2e@dc.gov
www.anc2e.com

Robert Devaney •

Residents of a high-end, 72-unit building on the Georgetown waterfront will be moving out temporarily for repairs to a structure just over ten years old.

With a lawsuit settled between owners of units in the condominium building at 3303 Water St. NW and its builder and seller EastBanc and its CEO Anthony Lanier, construction work is set to begin this month.

The Washington Business Journal reported May 29: “Details of the mass exodus from 3303 Water St. NW are scarce. We’re told that residents will be leaving as soon as the second week in June and were offered the opportunity to relocate to a D.C. Ritz-Carlton at a cost of $12,000 for a month.”

The Journal continued: “In 2011, the 3303 Water Street Condominium Association sued EastBanc, its president Anthony Lanier, and EastBanc’s contractors, alleging the design, construction and installation of drywall, bathtubs, and ventilation shafts ‘fail to meet the requirements of the applicable building code and industry standard, and creates substantial risk to the health and safety of unit owners and residents, as well as risk of and actual damage to property.’ ”

“It is one of the most beautiful condos in Washington, D.C.,” Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Partner S. Scott Morrison, attorney for the condo association, told the Journal. “The interior finishes are first rate. The views out over either Georgetown or the river are spectacular. The problem in this building stems from poor management of the construction process by Lanier and a refusal to take appropriate steps to remedy those deficiencies. The association was left with absolutely no choice but to sue Lanier and the defendants.”

Morrison told the newspaper the issues were discovered after a sprinkler head burst, damaging six units. Contractors discovered “serious deficiencies” during the ensuing repairs, which required drywall removal. The lawsuit alleged: Gypsum wall board is discontinuous and/or omitted in concealed areas. Steel wall studs were severed and/or cut out for piping “in a manner that is not in compliance with applicable fire and building codes.” Bathtubs were improperly supported and installed, and a retention flange was omitted, allowing “water to enter the wall assembly.”

The condominiums were built by EastBanc in 2004. The lawsuit, which includes money for the construction job and moving costs, was settled in November 2014.

One source familiar with the address said that residents would be moving in stages, not all at once.

One of 3303 Water Street’s units is on the market for $9 million.

Robert Devaney •

Late Thursday night, U.S. marshals and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Daron Dylon Wint, 34, the prime suspect in the May 14 murders of Savvas Savopoulus, his wife, Amy Savopoulos, their son Philip, and a housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroa, at the Savopoulus home in Woodley Park.

A massive manhunt ended on the 1100 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE. “A police helicopter joined the pursuit from above, and officers eventually got between the two vehicles in northeast Washington. Wint surrendered without a fight and showed little emotion as he, three other men and two women were taken into custody,” according to the Associated Press. One of those arrested was Wint’s brother. The scene on Rhode Island Avenue involved about 25 vehicles.

“Just got him,” announced MPD Chief Cathy Lanier around 11:30 p.m., May 21, of the person accused of multiple slayings, which Mayor Muriel Bowser, called “an act of evil.”

After tracking Wint to New York and back to D.C., the fugitive task force detected him near a Howard Johnson hotel in College Park, Md., and followed a sedan and box truck into the District. Police also found at least $10,000 in one of the vehicles and did not rule out other possible suspects.

According to the New York Post, Wint took a taxicab from Brooklyn to D.C. to escape police: “He’d been staying in his gal pal’s Canarsie apartment since Sunday — but wasn’t concerned about getting caught until he was named as a suspect Wednesday night, a law enforcement source said. Wint was ‘shocked’ by the warrant for his arrest, the source added. He called his parents in Maryland, then hopped in a livery cab, forking over hundreds of dollars to get back to D.C., the source said.”

Wint is set to be arraigned Friday afternoon on a charge of first-degree murder while armed.

After the dramatic arrest of the suspect, accused of a heinous crime which attracted local, national and international attention, the Savopoulos family offered a statement: “While it does not abate our pain, we hope that it begins to restore a sense of calm and security to our neighborhood and to our city. We are blessed to live in a community comprised of close circles of friends who have supported us and grieve with us. Our family, and Vera’s family, have suffered unimaginable loss, and we ask for the time and space to grieve privately.”

Because of DNA left on a crust of pizza at the crime scene and a criminal record, Wint matched the forensic evidence, and the pursuit began.

“He is wanted pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Murder One while Armed,” MPD announced May 20. “He is described as a black male, approximately 5’7” in height, weighing approximately 155 pounds.”

“For residents of the District who are rightfully scared and want answers as to why and how this family may have been involved, we want to give you as many answers as we can,” said Lanier at a midday press conference May 21.”What we can tell you right now is that we do believe there is a connection between the suspect in this case through the business. So right now it does not appear that this was a random crime.”

Wint is reported to have worked as a welder for American Iron Works in Hyattsville, Md., where Savvas Savopoulus was the CEO. Wint went through Marine Corps boot camp in 2000 but left after five weeks. He is also an ex-convict.

On May 21, CNN reported: “On Thursday, U.S. Marshals and NYPD detectives questioned a woman believed to be Wint’s girlfriend, according to two law enforcement sources involved in the investigation. The sources said the girlfriend, who lives in Brooklyn, told authorities that she spoke to Wint and that he was planning to turn himself in.”

The May 14 murder of Savvas Savopoulus, 46, and his wife, Amy Savopoulos, 47, as well as their 10-year-old son, Philip, who attended St. Alban’s School, and a housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroa, 57, has shocked friends of the family, which lived blocks away from Washington National Cathedral and the home of Vice President Joe Biden. After the attacks, the Savopoulus house — valued at $4.5 million — in the 3200 block of Woodland Drive NW was set on fire. The suspect or suspects fled the scene with $40,000 in cash, obtained from Savopoulus.

Savvas Savopoulos and his wife Amy were known around town and were involved with school and other social benefits. The couple’s two teenage daughters were at boarding school at the time of the murder and are safe.

A June 1 funeral service is planned for Savvas, Amy and Philip Savopoulos at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Massachusetts Avenue. The remains of Veralicia Figueroa will be sent to her native El Salvador after a funeral here.

Carolyn Landes •

In Washington, House and Senate members play hardball in politics everyday, but on a steamy, late, spring evening in June, after months of preparation and grueling 6:30 a.m. practices, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle gathered around the diamond at Nationals Park to play partisan ball of a different kind. 

It was the 54th Annual Congressional Baseball game, held June 11 – a storied political showdown that pits Democrats against Republicans in a time-honored fight for victory on the field – and later, bragging rights throughout the halls of Capitol Hill.  This year’s game had been especially highly anticipated as the Democrats and Republicans were playing a tie-breaker game, each party entering with a overall record of 38-38-1.

Only one person could heighten the drama and excitement of the game: the President of the United States. Yes, the real president, Barack Obama, did show up at the game – especially when he needed votes for a critical trade bill, as a few staffers noted.

Baseball fans who attend Nationals games at the South Capitol Street stadium are used to seeing a few presidents, especially those racing presidents, George Washington, Tom Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Bill Taft.

It was a major surprise for the crowd of around 10,000 gathered for the Congressional game, when Obama arrived during the third inning, toting two dozen bottles of White House-brewed beer, reserved for the winning team. The president wore slacks, a dress shirt and black Ray-Ban sunglasses, visiting both parties’ dugouts and staying about a half hour before leaving, as the Democrats led 3-1.

While the Dems continued their lead, extending their six-game winning streak by taking home a victory after the tie-breaker was dispelled with a final score of 5-2, it was the recipients of three D.C. area charities who really came out on top.  Though members play to win and bragging rights are coveted, over the years the ballgame has evolved into a fundraiser, raising money for the Washington Literacy Council, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. 

This game was truly a win-win for all, no matter your politics.
[gallery ids="102103,133881,133884,133863,133878,133875,133871,133867" nav="thumbs"]

Peter Murray •

UN Women, a body designated by the United Nations to support the empowerment of women around the globe, announced Thursday that Georgetown University has joined the HeforShe movement and outlined specific steps the school will take to push for gender equality within its walls and beyond.

A number of other multinational corporations, such as Twitter and Vodafone, as well as international universities, including Oxford and Stony Brook University, have also pledged to forward the movement, launched with a powerful speech from actor Emma Watson on feminism that went viral last year.

According to Time Magazine, Georgetown University President John DeGioia committed to advancing gender equality “through research compiled by Georgetown’s Institute for Women, Peace & Security, which will soon unveil a new study on women’s political participation in ending conflict.” In addition, G.U. recently instituted a new education program on campus to help faculty and students better identify harassment and sexual misconduct.

Georgetown is joining the fold as a part of the UNWomen’s IMPACT 10x10x10 initiative, which engages 10 leaders each from three sectors — public, private and academia — in the organization’s broader push for gender equality. The organization announced the first five leaders from the private sector and academia, respectively, to make commitments to the HeforShe movement earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. G.U. was already technically involved in the movement, coordinating with early pledge-taker Tupperware Brands to conduct research on how women’s confidence affects their economic success.

Georgetown and Stony Brook are the only American academic institutions involved in the initiative, with other schools represented hailing from all over the world.

Other commitments made include Barclays’ pledge to provide 2.5 million women around the world with financial programs, Oxford University’s expansion of its “Good Lads” workshops on consent for men on sports teams and in social clubs, and the University of Sao Paolo’s implementation of a zero-tolerance policy in dealing with on-campus violence against women. (The University of Buenos Aires and the Autonomous University of Mexico have joined the University of Sao Paolo’s efforts.)

UN Women and HeforShe have yet to announce commitments from 10 public sector leaders that would further gender equality.

Georgetowner •

Scheduled repairs for the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge, which crosses over Rock Creek and its parkway between 28th and 26th Streets NW, have begun.

The following is the latest from the District Department of Transportation:
“DDOT will close one lane in each direction on the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge over Rock Creek Parkway, beginning Wednesday, June 3, from 9 pm until 5 am, the following day, weather permitting. These nightly closures will continue until Saturday, June 13.
 
“These lane closures are needed so that DDOT can conduct repairs and preservation activities on the bridge. A single lane in each direction will be maintained at all times.
 
“Moderate-to-heavy traffic delays are expected. DDOT encourages motorists to stay alert and look for workers and traffic devices as they travel through this work zone.”

The immediate repairs are part of a larger 15-month plan to rehabilitate the bridge, which has been tagged “structurally deficient” by DDOT. Designed by Civil War Gen. Montgomery Meigs, the bridge was constructed in 1860 and re-constructed in 1913.

In its March 25 issue, the Georgetowner reported that “falling debris from the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge closed the southbound lane of the Rock Creek Parkway and brought engineers to the scene to assess the damage on March 24. U.S. Park Police said that a parkway driver reported debris on the road below the bridge around 1 a.m. Tuesday. When structural engineers arrived on the scene for repairs, they were greeted with a flurry of falling debris with pieces as large as golf balls falling on them from underneath the bridge.”

Georgetowner •

Indigo Girls

June 4th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | Event Website

The folk-rock duo that brought you “Closer to Fine” returns for a night of “acoustic arrangements with a side of gorgeously hoarse and shimmering vocal harmonies” (E! Online)

Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, Va. 22812

Thursday Night Rock

June 4th, 2015 at 10:00 PM | $10 | tbarnes@entertainmentdc.com | Tel: 301-441-8899, Ext. 5 | Event Website](http://nexusrockband.com/)

The popular rock band Nexus will headline “Thursday Night Rock”, a new weekly concert debuting on June 4, 11, 18 and 25 (every Thursday) at the historic Fire Station 1, 8131 Georgia Ave. in downtown Silver Spring, Md. The band will perform rock/pop classics and originals from 8-11 p.m. on June 4; 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on June 11; 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on June 18; and 8-11 p.m. on June 25. Admission is $10 at the door. For more information, call (301) 441-8899, Ext. 5 or visit www.NexusRockBand.com.

Address

Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Brewery Co., 8131 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 20910

Our City Festival

June 5th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | 0-$10 | kendra@kendrarubinfeldpr.com | Tel: 202-681-1151 | [Event Website](http://ourcityfestival.org/2014/ocfwebsite/)

Celebrate D.C.’s culture, people and creativity through film, music and literature. Presented by public relations and marketing firm, KRPR, in partnership with the D.C. Public Library Foundation, the weekend-long event showcases films about D.C. and hosts live performances featuring Kokayi, Feedel Band, Easy Hand Dance Institute, deejay Sam the Man Burns, Bumper Jackson’s Chris Ousely, Free Minds Book Club, members of the Chuck Brown Band and many more. Check out the full schedule for more info on tons of free events.

Address

D.C. Public Library; 901 G St NW

Volta Park Cocktail Party

June 5th, 2015 at 04:30 PM | $100.00 per person | donations@voltapark.org | Tel: 202-342-0233 | [Event Website](http://www.voltapark.org/)

The Friends of Volta Park

Cocktails & Auction benefiting Volta Park

June 5th, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Food and Drink Compliments of 1789 Restaurant

Address

Georgetown Visitation School,Founders Hall, 1524 35th Street, NW (at Volta Place)

Glover Park Day 2015

June 6th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Free | paul.marengo@prometheanfundraising.org | Tel: 202-705-2890 | Event Website

Glover Park Day, now in its 26th year, is an annual festival that celebrates the Glover Park. It is co-sponsored by the Glover Park Citizens Association and the DC Parks Dept. Glover Park Day will feature the best of Glover Park: good friends, great food, live music, crafters, community organizations, local businesses, kids’ activities and much more. Glover Park Day will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 11am – 5pm on the grounds of the Guy Mason Recreation Center.
Address

3600 Calvert Street, NW

Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend

June 6th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Free | dkmuseums@gmail.com | Tel: 202-785-2040 | [Event Website](http://www.dkmuseums.com/)

Stretch your legs and your mind during the 32nd Annual Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend. Seven diverse museums will open their doors free of charge for this weekend-long celebration in one of Washington’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Enjoy touring the museums, viewing exhibitions, and participating in special programming. More information available at www.dkmuseums.com.

Address

2118 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Louisiana Swamp Romp

June 7th, 2015 at 02:00 PM | Event Website

Dance to infectious Cajun and blues tunes at Wolf Trap’s cherished New Orleans-style summer party featuring live music, food, and dancing—this year’s lineup includes the award-winning “Southern Knight” who “brought the New Orleans sound to the national stage” (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and more.

Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, VA 22812

Free Chamber Concert

June 9th, 2015 at 07:30 PM | Free | info@dumbartonhouse.org | Tel: 2023372288 | [Event Website](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-chamber-concert-by-the-friday-morning-music-club-registration-15668003420)

A community of music lovers and musicians, the Friday Morning Music Club, Inc., has promoted classical music in the Washington area for over 120 years. Join us for the enchanting outdoor season finale of the Tuesday concerts at Dumbarton House

Address

Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007

Dispartment of the Nightwatch

June 6th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | $20.00 | katetaylordavis@gmail.com | Tel: 202 321-2878 | [Event Website](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dispartment-of-the-night-watch-tickets-16777151913)

Artist Jared Davis Displays and Destroys Painting

DC Artist Jared Davis has painted a large format painting that he claims must be destroyed. Nightwatch, measures 16’ X 9’ and is a figurative painting using models that are primarily pulled from the DC burlesque/side-show scene.

Tickets are $20 and entitle each ticket holder to an 8”x 10” section of the painting. Tickets available at http://thenightwatch.eventbrite.com/.

Address

Anacostia Arts Center; 1231 Good Hope Rd SE

Kelly Byrnes •

A retrial was granted by a federal judge June 4 to continue the case of the man convicted of murdering Chandra Levy.

Ingmar Guandique, who was sentenced in February 2011 to 60 years in prison for the murder of Levy, will be tried before a new judge and jury, it was announced by D.C. Superior Court Judge Gerald Fisher.

“Unless there is something else to be said, I would grant the motion for a new trial,” Fisher said.

The decision has been anticipated by Guandique’s defense attorneys, who have argued that a false and misleading testimony was given during the 2010 trial by his cellmate Armando Morales. Prosecutors believe the jury was correct for convicting Guandique, but added that the “unique circumstances” of the case makes the request for a retrial hard to oppose.

Levy was a 24-year-old Washington intern, when she disappeared in May 2001. Her remains were found in Rock Creek Park the following year. The case garnered national media attention when Levy was traced to be having an affair with former Rep Gary Condit (D-Calif.) Although investigators initially suspected Condit in Levy’s disappearance, he was later cleared. 

There has been no forensic evidence nor eyewitnesses to link Guandique, 34, to Levy’s murder. However, he has been accused of assaulting other women in Rock Creek Park, and was serving a 10 year prison sentence for assaulting two women at knifepoint at the time he was charged with Levy’s death.
  
The new trial will be presided by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin, who set a June 12 hearing to schedule the trial for later this year or possibly in 2016.