Latest News

Robert Devaney • March 7, 2016

Former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray announced today that he is running for his old District Council seat—ending the guessing game on the least-kept secret about one of Washington’s local election campaigns in 2016. He will be vying to be Ward 7 Council member against incumbent Yvette Alexander.

Seeking reelection in 2014, the former mayor lost the Democratic primary to now Mayor Muriel Bowser amid indictments and guilty pleas of several of his political associates for what U.S. Attorney Ron Machen called a “shadow campaign.” Gray himself was never indicted and has always maintained that he knew nothing about any illegal activity done in his name. Two months ago, federal prosecutors said they were formally closing the case.

The 73-year-old Gray made the announcement on WAMU’s “Kojo Nnamdi Show” Feb. 4. “I’ve made a decision . . I’m going to run for the Ward 7 seat,” said the longtime Ward 7 resident during the interview on the radio show. “Ward 7 is home.”

Gray said after the WAMU interview that he did not make his decision to run as part of a strategy against Mayor Bowser. “There’s no way I would do this to seek retribution,” he said. It was the decision by Walmart not to build its store in Ward 7, as previously agreed to when he was mayor, that has caught Gray’s ire. “It was a dastardly act to do to the people of the District of Columbia,” he said. “Folks on the east end got shafted.”

Ward 7 lies east of the Anacostia River and borders Maryland on its east. It is north of and borders Ward 8 along Nicholson and 25th stress and Naylor Road. Its population in 2010 was 71,000. The highest poverty rates in Washington, D.C., are in Wards 7 and 8, where one-in-three residents lived below the poverty line in 2012.

D.C.’s Democratic Primary is June 14. While behind Alexander in fundraising, Gray’s new website—VinceGray2016.com—went live yesterday and is seeking donations.

See the Georgetowner’s Jan. 13th column on Vince Gray by Mark Plotkin for additional insight.

Lexi Rodencal •

Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, the longest serving council member since 1991, was unanimously elected chairman of the board of directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Jan. 28.

Evans takes up the reins as the transit agency continues to struggle and is under criticism for operational and financial problems. A new full-time general manager for Metro, Paul Wiedefeld, started in November.

With an extensive past in working for the District, Evans also serves as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue, as well as serving on the Committee on Transportation and the Environment and the Committee on the Judiciary. Previously, Evans served as chair for both the Board of Directors of WMATA and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Evans lives in Georgetown, which does not have a Metrorail station.

The 16-member WMATA board is made of appointees from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland — as well as the federal government.

Georgetowner • February 18, 2016

Equus

JANUARY 14TH, 2016 AT 08:30 PM

Alan Strang is a troubled teenager whose dangerous obsession with horses leads him to commit an unspeakable act of violence. Psychiatrist Martin Dysart investigates to uncover the motivation behind Alan’s shocking brutality, and finds himself drawn in by the devotion and desire that fuel his young patient. Ritualized worship and sexual ecstasy entangle in this theatrical masterpiece featuring a chorus of human horses.

Address

Source DC: 1835 14th Street NW

Falu’s Bollywood Orchestra

JANUARY 15TH, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | $22-$27 | WOLFTRAP@WOLFTRAP.ORG | TEL: 703-255-1900 | EVENT WEBSITE

Fronted by one of India’s most influential musicians—who’s collaborated with masterminds including Yo-Yo Ma and A.R. Rahman—this ethereal ensemble combines the timeless elegance of Bollywood’s musical golden age with an inventive modern style. Catch Falu’s highly acclaimed vocals backed by an orchestra of Eastern and Western instruments for a one-of-a-kind performance.

Address

The Barns at Wolf Trap; 1635 Trap Road; Vienna, VA 22182

Workhouse Cabaret Series: Welcome to the Speakeasy

JANUARY 16TH, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | $20-25 | JOSEPHWALLEN@WORKHOUSEARTS.ORG | TEL: 7035842900 | EVENT WEBSITE

One of our most popular titles of 2013 is back! Join us for a raucous ramble through the Jazz Age as our talented performers tackle the tunes inspired by the gin-joint atmosphere. Take one part Broadway, add a dash of hot jazz, shake well and you’ve got the perfect musical martini, served up by a sizzling cast of singers. Featuring both classic and contemporary songs that echo the spirit of the speakeasy! Join us for the music and laughter, and soon our risque hideaway won’t be secret for long!

Address

9518 Workhouse Way Lorton, VA, 22079

Steven Beck: The Goldberg Variation

JANUARY 16TH, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | $30-$35 | OFFICE@DUMBARTONCONCERTS.ORG | TEL: (202) 965-2000, EXT. 100 | EVENT WEBSITE
Steven Beck, “one of New York’s finest pianists (The New Yorker) and a renowned interpreter of Bach, has made his Barge Music performance of J.S. Bach’s masterwork, The Goldberg Variations, a New York institution. Steven will be taking time out from his work as pianist with the New York Philharmonic, and his distinguished solo career, to bring one of the greatest works of the chamber canon to DC. He will also perform Bach’s Italian Concerto BWV 971, and the Concerto in D minor (Marcello).

Address

3133 Dumbarton Street NW

E-reader Rescue Weekend

JANUARY 16TH, 2016 AT 01:30 PM | FREE | JULIA.STRUSIENSKI@DC.GOV | TEL: 202-727-0232 | EVENT WEBSITE

Did you receive a new e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other digital device over the holidays? Want to use it to access streaming and downloadable library resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, and electronic versions of popular magazines?
Then join us for a special hands-on instructional session from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., where library staff will provide one-on-one assistance with all of your digital library resource needs.

Address

Georgetown Neighborhood Library; 3260 R St. NW

Miniature Wargaming: The Battle of Cowpens Writ Small

JANUARY 17TH, 2016 AT 12:00 PM | FREE | INFO@SPYMUSEUM.ORG | TEL: 202-393-7798 | EVENT WEBSITE

Ever wanted to watch a battle unfold from above? The Battle of Cowpens will come to life at the Museum…in very small scale. 235 years ago today, the Continental Army won a dramatic victory over the British Army near the town of Cowpens, South Carolina. Drop in as David Fisher, owner of Your Hobby Place, leads a miniature re-enactment of the Battle of Cowpens. The Spy Museum’s historian, Dr. Vince Houghton will answer questions.

Address

International Spy Museum; 800 F Street, NW

ART TALK: Conserving Your Collection

JANUARY 19TH, 2016 AT 06:30 PM | FREE | CONTACT@APROOF.NET | TEL: 2028032782 | EVENT WEBSITE

The art of properly caring for your collection will be made simple by this panel of prominent conservators and appraisers. Learn how to protect the value of your works of art by sitting down with our moderator, Blair Wunderlich (Fine Art Insurance Specialist, Huntington T. Block) and our distinguished panelists: John Jacobs (CEO, Artex), Tiarna Doherty (Chief Conservator, Smithsonian American Art Museum), and Jessica Wessel (Vice President, Business Development, Gurr Johns).

Address

1533 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Robert Devaney •

The blizzard of 2016 has come and gone—now the digging and melting start. The Jan. 22-23 snow storm hit a big part of the East Coast and left snow totalling about 18 to 24 inches in Washington, D.C., and more in the suburbs—and a record for Baltimore.

Georgetown fared better than most and enjoyed the snow—with some restaurants and stores open, such as Martin’s Tavern, Scheele’s Market, il Canale Ristorante, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Via Umbria, Clyde’s and the Tombs. [gallery ids="102373,124215,124210,124205,124197,124181,124189,124161,124171,124222" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Secretary of State John Kerry praised Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, imprisoned by Iran for 545 days, as the two headlined the opening of the new Washington Post offices at 1301 K St. NW Jan. 28.

America’s top diplomat Kerry negotiated Rezaian’s release a week ago and gave a stirring defense of liberty and freedom of the press at the opening. Each speaker honored Rezaian, who was the surprise guest of honor.

Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan emceed the grand opening event on the fourth floor studio of the 139-year-old newspaper and now digital news and video platform.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe also spoke at the opening.

Owner Jeff Bezos—”beta tester #1—cut the red ribbon digitally on a video of the K Street office facade and mentioned the Washington Post’s “badassness” and said that it should maintain a combination of swashbuckling and professionalism.
[gallery ids="102379,123745,123756,123752" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

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

Approval of the Agenda
• Approval of February 1, 2016, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

Administrative
• Approval of Jan 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes
• Public Safety and Police Report
• Financial Report
• Transportation Report
• Environmental Report

Community Comment

• “Black Georgetown Remembered” 25th anniversary, Feb.24, Georgetown University

New Business

• Marine Corps Marathon

ABC

• GoBrands, Inc. t/a GoPuff – Rive, ABRA-101261, 3401 Water St (online retailer)

• Dean & DeLuca Settlement Agreement

Zoning and Planning

Old Georgetown Board

Public and Major Projects

1. SMD 01 OG 16-110 (HPA 16-182) 3800 Reservoir Road, NW (MedStar/Georgetown Univ. Hospital) New hospital building Concept

2. SMD 05 OG 16-107 (HPA 16-179) 1051 29th Street, NW (West Heating Plant) Multi-family residence New building, site work Concept

3. SMD 05 OG 16-108 (HPA 16-180) 1051-1055 29th Street, NW Industrial Demolition Permit

4. Duke Ellington School of the Arts Design Updates for HPRB

Private Projects

1. SMD 03 OG 16-068 (HOPA 16-114) 3420 P Street, NW Residence Addition, demolition, replacement windows, site work Concept

2. SMD 03 OG 16-116 (HPA 16-188) 1525 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Rooftop mechanical equipment and ductwork — Existing alterations without review Revised permit

3. SMD 05 OG 16-100 (HPA 16-172) 3222-3236 M Street, NW Commercial Storefront alterations and back-light signs — Anthropologie Concept

4. SMD 05 OG 16-090 (HPA 16-138) 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Commercial Alterations to roof pergola Concept

5. SMD 05 OG 16-071 (HPA 16-119) 1044 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial One-story addition, alterations, sign — Sweetgreen Concept

6. SMD 05 OG 16-118 (HPA 16-190) 3101 N Street, NW Commercial New pavers at driveway Concept

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming February 4, 2016, 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, Jan. 29.

1. SMD 02 OG 16-044 (HPA 16-076) 1617 33rd Street, NW Residence Replacement windows Permit

2. SMD 02 OG 16-045 (HPA 16-077) 1679 35th Street, NW Residence One-story rear addition, porch enclosure, demolition Concept

3. SMD 02 OG 16-092 (HPA 16-159) 3300 Q Street, NW Residence Replacement windows, alterations Permit

4. SMD 02 OG 16-074 (HPA 16-122) 3417 R Street, NW Residence Three-story rear addition, alterations, demolition – Design Development Concept

5. SMD 02 OG 16-032 (HPA 16-044) 3401 Dent Place, NW Solar panels Permit

6. SMD 02 OG 16-091 (HPA 16-146) 3212 Volta Place Residence Fence Permit

7. SMD 02 OG 16-066 (HPA 16-112) 1740 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Alterations Permit

8. SMD 03 OG 16-096 (HPA 16-096) 1239 33rd Street, NW Alterations to rear window Permit

9. SMD 03 OG 16-083 (HPA 16-131) 1417 33rd Street, NW Residence Alterations to carport Permit

10. SMD 03 OG 16-094 (HPA 16-162) 1561 33rd Street, NW Residence Fence replacement Permit

11. SMD 03 OG 16-105 (HPA 16-177) 1431 36th Street, NW Residence Roof replacement Permit

12. SMD 03 OG 15-285 (HPA 15-531) 3301 N Street, NW Residence Rear addition, alterations — Existing alterations without review Permit

13. SMD 03 OG 16-097 (HPA 16-165) 3259 O Street, NW Residence Door replacement Permit

14. SMD 03 OG 16-085 (HPA 15-558) 3300 O Street, NW Residence Replacement windows at basement Permit

15. SMD 03 OG 16-103 (HPA 16-175) 3323 O St., NW Residence Alterations Concept

16. SMD 03 OG 16-119 (HPA 16-191) 3422 P Street, NW Residence Alterations to carriage house Permit

17. SMD 03 OG 16-106 (HPA 16-178) 3526 P Street, NW Residence Roof replacement Permit

18. SMD 05 OG 16-109 (HPA 16-181) 3001 M Street, NW Commercial Signs – Mykita, and light fixtures Permit

19. SMD 05 OG 16-112 (HPA 16-184) 3150 M Street, NW Commercial Alterations Revised permit

20. SMD 05 OG 16-111 (HPA 16-183) 3209 M Street, NW Commercial Glass awning Permit

21. SMD 05 OG 16-046 (HPA 16-078) 3241-3245 M Street, NW Commercial Storefront alterations, sign – & Other Stories Concept

22. SMD 05 OG 16-041 (HPA 16-073) 3299 M Street, NW Commercial Alterations, sign – Peet’s Coffee & Tea Permit

23. SMD 05 OG 16-081 (HPA 16-129) 3600 M Street, NW (Car Barn) Mixed-use Alterations, replacement windows Concept

24. SMD 05 OG 16-013 (HPA 16-021) 3121 N Street, NW Residence New front porch Permit

25. SMD 05 OG 16-115 (HPA 16-187) 3340 Cady’s Alley, NW Commercial Sign and banner – Resource Furniture Permit

26. SMD 05 OG 16-102 (HPA 16-174) 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Flashing and re-pointing of balconies Permit

27. SMD 05 OG 16-048 (HPA 16-080) 1055 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Mixed-use Mesh frame Permit

28. SMD 05 OG 16-114 (HPA 16-186) 1057 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Back-lit sign – AT&T Permit

29. SMD 06 OG 16-120 (HPA 16-192) 1308 28th Street, NW Institution Security cameras Permit

30. SMD 06 OG 15-323 (HPA 15-599) 1423 28th Street, NW Residence Roof replacement Permit

31. SMD 06 OG 15-345 (HPA 15-622) 1340 29th Street, NW Residence Solar panels Permit

32. SMD 06 OG 16-117 (HPA 16-167) 2707 N Street, NW Residence Rear additions Permit

33. SMD 06 OG 16-121 (HPA 16-193) 2801 N Street, NW Institution Door replacement and security cameras Permit

34. SMD 06 OG 16-098 2804 P Street, NW Residence Alterations at rear Permit

35. SMD 07 OG 16-099 (HPA 171) 1502 27th Street, NW Residence Front porch, site alterations Permit

36. SMD 07 OG 16-122 (HPA 16-194) 1609 31st Street, NW Residence Alteration, addition, site work Permit

37. SMD 06 OG 16-123 (HPA 16-195) 3015 P Street, NW Residence Rear addition and dormer Permit

38. SMD 07 OG 15-321 (HPA 15-596) 3001 Dent Place, NW Residence Replace retaining wall and fence on public space, site work Permit

39. SMD 07 OG 16-003 (HPA 16-009) 3029 Dent Place, NW Residence Rear addition, alterations Concept

40. SMD 08 OG 15-330 (HPA 15-606) 1221 36th Street, NW Institution Addition/alterations – de la Cruz Gallery of Art Concept

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

Juliana Zovak •

On Jan. 26, the Arlington County Board approved a Multiparty Memorandum of Agreement to help fund a feasibility study for an aerial gondola between Rosslyn and Georgetown, according to the Washington Post.

The study will determine whether a gondola could be a viable form of transportation, alleviating traffic on the Key Bridge and compensating for Georgetown’s lack of a Metro rail station.

Under the agreement, Arlington County will pay $35,000, the Post reported. The Georgetown Business Improvement District will contribute $75,000 toward the total cost of $250,000 with Georgetown University, the District of Columbia Department of Transportation, the Rosslyn Business Improvement Corporation, JBG Associates L.L.C. and Gould Properties/Vornado making up the difference.

According to the board, Arlington County will also lend staff and technical support to the its executive committee as it investigates the possibility of an aerial gondola across the Potomac.

The schedule on the board report indicates that the study will begin by March after a consultant has been awarded a contract and will conclude by October of this year.

Lexi Rodencal •

One man was fatally stabbed and another was injured at Barcode nightclub late at night on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Barcode, located near 17th and L streets NW, is a popular D.C. venue for lunch, happy hour specials and dancing.

The Metropolitan Police Department reported that the incident happened inside the bar at approximately 11:40 p.m. Both men were transported to area hospitals, where one then died at 12:42 a.m. The other victim is expected to recover fully.

Further information regarding the homicide has not yet been released. Police are still investigating the case and have not yet announced any details of a suspect(s).