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Gary Tischler • June 22, 2015

The annual meeting of the Citizens Association of Georgetown presided over for the last time by President Pamla Moore at Sea Catch Restaurant this week was many things for many people—a way to catch up with old acquaintances, the passing of leadership batons, and appearances by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans, both feeling chipper after the District Council approved an $13 billion spending plan without too much blood on the floor, after weeks of sometimes heated arguments and disagreements.

It was an evening to honor Georgetowners who contributed to maintaining the health, the practical get-things-done spirit and the citizen values of Georgetown.

Evans showed up to for several reasons himself.  He gave a reprise of the budget—which includes lots of money for affordable housing , little in the way of tax raising , help for transit and schools.  “And,” he said, “I’m happy to report that there will be money—three million—to repair and renovate and get up and running again the C&O Canal in Georgetown, so that we’ll have the boat again in operation.”

That drew cheers from a large gathering, as it should, since the canal boat and the canal itself are physical and traditional  manifestations of Georgetown, not to mention a tourist attraction.

Mayor Bowser was also pleased with the passing of the budget, and lauded Evans for “as you know being my best friend on the council.  We went up to New York to present our financial status, and we came back with our bond rating being upped.  And I’ve put a lot of pressure on Jack by tasking him to be the council’s representative on the Metro board.”

“I think after six months in office I can say we can be proud in making progress,” Bowser said. “We have great people doing important jobs. In education, we’re trying to find the proper balance between our public schools and charter schools. We have the best police chief in the country, as far as I’m concerned. We’re getting the basics done and going beyond that toward our goal of becoming not only the best national city but a world-class city.”

Evans was awarded the Charles Atherton Award “for Exceptional Service by a Dedicated Public-Sector Professional Public-Sector Professional for Outstanding Work Preserving and Protecting Historic Georgetown.”

Barbara Downs  who seems to have quietly served on an impressive number of  organizational boards in Georgetown for years, including several CAG boards (she is a former CAG president) and committees, the Friends of the Waterfront Park, the Jackson Art Center, and as a volunteer for numerous village projects.  She has done this with grace and class, in a style and manner that befits the definition of Georgetown citizenship.  Downs was awarded the Peter Belin Award for Distinguished Service to the Georgetown Community, presented to her by Harry Belin, Peter Belin’s grandson.

The William A. Cochran Community Service Award (named after the late architect, CAG president and preservation leader) was given to Dr. Sachiko Kuno, President and CEO of the S&R Foundation, which has in short order become a prominent intellectual, cultural and educational presence in Georgetown with the  purchase of two iconic Georgetown properties, Halcyon House and Evermay.

The Martin-Davidson Award for an  Outstanding Business Serving the Community and Enhancing the Historic Character of Georgetown was given to the law firm of  Foley and Lardner LLP.

Special Appreciation Awards were given to Lauralyn Beattie Lee, who was Associate Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at Georgetown University for the past 13 years; Diane Colasanto who was on the CAG Board of Directors for seven years and effectively co-chaired CAG’s public safety program, and Cory Peterson, who is Director of Neighborhood Life at Georgetown University.

The meeting was also an occasion for the passing of leadership batons, with the membership unanimously voting to elect a new leadership slate consisting of Bob vom Eigen, President, Jennifer Altemus, Vice President, Barbara Downs, Secretary, Bob Laycock, Treasurer, and directors Karen Cruse, Hazel Denton, Hannah Isles and John Rentzepis.

“My favorite kind of election,” Evans quipped, “where there’s only one candidate.”
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Georgetowner •

Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

May 28th, 2015 at 07:00 PM | 55.00 | orsuzy@viaumbria.com | Tel: 202.333.3904 | Event Website

The owners of Italian specialty shop invites you to a special wine tasting on Thursday, May 28, at the home of Sue Cimbricz. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria, as well as featured guest chef Simone Priori Pesci.

Prepare yourself for a night of exceptional wine and delicious Umbrian bites at this memorable and intimate evening. To RSVP and for tickets, click the event website link.

Address

Bethesda, Md.

The Army Historical Foundation Inaugural Classic

May 29th, 2015 at 08:00 AM | Event Website

Join us for a morning of golf to support Army history and the National Museum of the U.S. Army. The 18-hole scramble will be played on the Fort Belvoir Golf Course, providing views of the future site of the National Museum of the United States Army. The tournament course will be designed from a combination of holes from both the Gunston and Woodlawn courses to challenge even the experienced golfer. All levels of experience are welcome.

Address

Fort Belvoir Golf Club; 8450 Beulah St, Building 2920; Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Workhouse Arts Center Carnival and Art Party

May 29th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $5-$15 | info@workhousearts.org | Tel: 703-584-2900 | Event Website

Three day carnival at the Workhouse. Rides, games, music, vendors, food and fun will be on the baseball field on the south side of the Workhouse campus. Celebrate our military with us later in the evening on Saturday and Sunday as we host a special outdoor film screening and on Sunday afternoon for the kickoff of our special “Stars on Sunday” performance series! Parking is $5, but free with a military ID. Admission is free; rides and activities will require additional fees or tickets.
Address

9518 Workhouse Way; Lorton, VA 22079

Awesome Con 2015

May 29th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | $79.32 | Tel: 240-346-0399 | Event Website

Awesome Con embraces all aspects of geekdom and pop culture, with special guests from TV, film, comic books, and the literary world, with a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, anime, original art, cosplay, and more. Special events include discussion panels, costume contests, trivia contests, gaming tournaments, and tons of activities for kids.

Price includes: 3-day Geekend pass. Single day tickets also available.

Address

Washington Convention Center; 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Two Gallery Demos and New Works in May

May 29th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | Event Website

Principle Gallery will feature two demos next month and an exhibition of new works by local artists Teresa Oaxaca and Robert Liberace. D. E. Hunt Burke of Burke & Herbert Bank will model for one of the demo nights. The talent these two artists display is incredible and we’re pleased to exhibit their newest works the month of May.

Address

Principle Gallery; 208 King Street; Alexandria, VA 22314

Twilight Jumpers

May 29th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | General admission is $30 per car. | Tel: 540-253-5000.

This event, on selected Friday nights through Sept. 19, features two jumping competitions, a giant tug-of-war for kids, wine tasting and dancing.

Address

Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, Virginia.

Georgetown BID/Heart of Georgetown

May 30th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $25.00 | Event Website

A delightful walking tour of Georgetown — with history and cupcakes

The tour will begin at Dumbarton House and make stops at Baked & Wired, Sprinkles, and Georgetown Cupcake to pick up our pre-ordered cupcakes, meaning you get to skip the long lines!

Ticket includes one cupcake from each shop. Spring flavors are in full swing! Perhaps this month you’ll try Lavender Earl Grey, Strawberry, or Key Lime (Flavors subject to change).

Address

27th & Q Streets NW

Great Falls, Va., ArtFest on the Green 2015

May 30th, 2015 at 09:00 AM | FREE | GreatFallsStudios@gmail.com | Event Website

Celebrate.Great Falls Studios Spring Art Show & Sale under the big tent and a few little tents.Plein air competition and quick draw. Prizes and reception, Sponsored by Arts of Great Falls. Grand finale “Blues Explosion” to close the weekend and start the season of Concerts on the Green by Celebrate Great Falls.. Remember – an unforgettable weekend in our artful village.
Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.
For complete schedule and updates visit www.greatfallsart.org

Address

The Village Green in Great Falls at the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066

Drink The District’s Rock the Core Cider Fest

May 30th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $39-$50 | ilovebeer@drinkthedistrict.com | Tel: 2026183663 | Event Website

A celebration of cider, Rock the Core transports the orchard to your mug with over 30 ciders and 20 beers offered on site. Sip on a McIntosh, swig a sweet Golden Russet and discover untapped apple flavors while savoring local eats and live music. During two sessions, participants will be able to sample ciders and beers, while enjoying the area’s finest food trucks, lawn games and musical entertainment.

Saturday, May 30th

Session 1: 1:00 -4:00pm

Session 2: 6:00-9:00pm

Address

The Block; 500 New York Avenue NW

Upperville Horse Show

June 1st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | Tel: 540-687-5740 (or 540-592-3858 during the show only).

The oldest horse show in the United States, Upperville extends a full seven days and involves more than two thousand horse and rider combinations. Call to make special arrangements, reserved parking or box seats.
Address

8600 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville, Virginia.

Spotlight on Design: Ehrlich Architects: The Evolution of Multicultural Modernism

June 2nd, 2015 at 06:30 PM | $12 Museum | $12 Student | $20 Non-member. | Tel: 202-272-2448 | Event Website

The work of Ehrlich Architects is guided by “multicultural modernism,” a humanistic approach that melds classic California modernist styles with multicultural and vernacular design elements. Founding partner Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, discusses the firm’s architectural evolution in light of its recent receipt of the 2015 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Firm Award. Following the talk, he signs copies of the firm’s latest book. 1.5 LU HSW (AIA)

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F Street NW

The Seven Show Fashion Event

June 3rd, 2015 at 12:30 PM | $0 | bethb.eller@gmail.com | Tel: 334-322-2010 | Event Website

Clear your calendar – It’s going down! The Seven Show kicks off on June 3rd, and you’re invited to take part in the festivities. The event will showcase fashion and styling inspired by the seven deadly sins. Merchandise and talent will emanate from local DC area fashion designers, small businesses, and art institute fashion students. The fashion show will further cultivate and promote the arts in the local DC metro area. RSVP at thesevenshow.splashthat.com.

Address

Artisphere; 1101 Wilson Boulevard; Arlington, VA 22209

Harbour Nights at The Washington Harbour

June 3rd, 2015 at 06:30 PM | Free | info@thewashingtonharbour.com | Tel: 2022955007 | Event Website

Come and relax on the plaza, enjoy the outdoor restaurants, and hear local bands performing live each Wednesday on the Georgetown waterfront at the Washington Harbour, June 3-September 30. Band schedule is subject to change and weather dependent. For confirmation and updates, check the Event Calendar at TheWashingtonHarbour.com, and TheWashHarbour on Facebook and Twitter.

Address

3050 K Street NW

Georgetowner •

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.

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.
 

Kelly Byrnes •

Two persons killed in a house fire near Dupont Circle during the early morning hours of June 3 were reportedly Georgetown University students, according to Sherri Kimbel, representative for Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans.

The identities of the victims have yet to be released. The college students, reportedly a male and a femaie, who lived on the third floor of the rowhouse on the 1600 block of Riggs Place NW, were trapped as flames engulfed the first floor.

During an Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2F meeting on the evening of June 3, Kimbel announced the victims as Georgetown University students, through information obtained by neighbors of the property. (ANC 2F serves such neighborhoods as those around Logan Circle, Thomas Circle and the Washington Convention Center.) Thomas Lipinsky, communications director for Evans’s office said that this report was neither confirmed by the D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department nor the Metropolitan Police Department.

Georgetown University spokesperson Stacy Kerr could not confirm at this time to the Georgetowner whether those killed in the fire were, in fact, Georgetown student or their identities.

Five others, including three firefighters, sustained minor injuries in the blaze, which began around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday. An investigation is ongoing.

Robert Devaney •

It was a very good year, it seems, if you attended the Georgetown Business Improvement District’s annual meeting, held June 10 at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place at Washington Harbour on the Georgetown waterfront.

Office and retail space is renting well, consumer spending remains strong and consistent, the C&O Canal, a jewel of Georgetown, will get funding from the District government for rehabilitation — and four restaurants received major honors. To boot, the BID issued its third annual State of Georgetown report and redesigned and upgraded its website.

Now a park, the historic canal which connects the town to its working waterfront past took center stage.  “The C&O Canal is a unique feature of our region and a living piece of America’s history,” said Joe Sternlieb, CEO of the Georgetown BID. “It’s a window into the story of our industrial past, and is also a place for exercise, recreation and reflection.”
 
As previously reported in The Georgetowner and other news outlets, D.C.’s 2016 Budget includes $3 million for restoration and education efforts for the Georgetown section of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.

The BID and other community leaders founded Georgetown Heritage, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization “with the mission of promoting and presenting the history of Washington D.C.’s oldest neighborhood.” Georgetown Heritage made fixing the C&O Canal its first mission and now works with the National Park Service on repairs, safety efforts and buying a new canal barge.
 
“I am pleased to report today that my efforts to get the city to support the C&O Canal initiatives in the Georgetown 2028 agenda have been embraced by the Council,” Ward 2 D.C. Councilman Jack Evans said.  “We have approved $3 million to the C&O Canal efforts of the BID and Georgetown Heritage.  These funds will be used to fix Lock 4, build a new canal boat and support comprehensive planning efforts to improve lighting, the towpath, wayfinding and interpretation.”

Evans also said, “The city is on board” with not only the canal work and money but also lighting under Key Bridge and the Whitehurst Freeway. Pulling from his standard celebratory stump speech, the longest serving councilman recalled the first year of the 21st century, when Georgetown was known for its exploding manhole covers and its “Little Dig,” torn-up streets because of work on its infrastructure as well as major building going up around town, such as the Ritz-Carlton and the large southwest dormitory complex at Georgetown University. “In Georgetown, nothing is ever easy,” Evans smiled.

Besides the $3 million from the District government, Georgetown Heritage promises to raise $3 million from the private sector.

The goals of fixing the canal and getting a new canal boat is only part of the action agenda items that are contain in the BID’s Georgetown 2028 Plan, “an ambitious agenda of 75 action items aimed to improve Georgetown’s transportation infrastructure and management, public spaces and economy” and “created by the Georgetown BID and community stakeholders and officially launched in January 2014,” the BID says.

Along with awards and discussions, the meeting brought together some interesting aspects of Georgetown business and its people.

Andrew Blair, CEO of Colonial Parking, who said “To hell with U Street,” introduced Paul Cohen, who founded J. Paul’s, Paulo’s, Old Glory and other restaurants in Georgetown. Cohen was recognized by the BID for the his lifelong achievement in town. For his part, Cohen saluted the legacy of “the Laythams, the Millers, the Laniers and the Snyders.” He gently acknowledged of Georgetown: “We’re in a unique situation that not everyone knows.” Cohen’s newest restaurant is Boss Shepherd’s at 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Other awardees included Marcus Brown of the BID’s Clean Team and Georgetown Galleries, a consortium of art galleries in town.

The Park Service’s Kevin Brandt was saluted as “Community Leader of the Year.” Brandt noted that the bicentennial of the C&O Canal is 2028, the same year which ends the BID’s 15-year action plan program.

He said that his ideas for the canal jived with the BID’s and that he was “optimistic” about the canal’s future “despite federal cuts.”

The BID’s economic development director Josh Hermias noted that there is 48,000 square feet of retail space under construction or in the planning stage — considering the 3220 Prospect Street project and the old Georgetown Theater reconstruction.

Herb Heiserman of Streetsense, which helped design such spots as Bandolero and ShopHouse, talked about restaurants and retail shops and how people experience those spaces. Heiserman brought up the fact that “rents have exploded.” He lamented the intrusion of the clothing store, Francesca’s, on Bistro Francais, which owns only half of the space it used.

Restaurateur Ian Hilton sat down briefly to discuss his work and restaurants with Steinlieb. Hilton opened Chez Billy Sud in October 2014 at 1039 31st St. NW., and it quickly become a neighborhood favorite. It is
in the old Cafe LaRuche space — he said he tried to buy the property.

Of Georgetown, Hilton, who grew up in Capitol Hill and now lives in Arlington, said: “It’s almost not D.C. I’ve always thought of Georgetown as this little town that I’ve always loved. . . . I think people are rediscovering how special Georgetown is, and with more and more people biking in the city I had this vision of people biking in to be in the neighborhood and eating at our beautiful spot. We wanted to open in a pretty space, serve good food at a good price and serve the neighborhood.”

Hilton also quipped that “the celebrity chef climate” was “kind of the apocalypse.” He added his two cents to the conversation about Georgetown’s liquor license moratorium: building new restaurants “can’t be done in the current liquor license environment.”

As the crowd adjourned, Fred Moosally, director of the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, reminded business folk of the four liquor licenses now available for Georgetown with application beginning June 25. Moosally also noted that the town’s liquor license moratorium expires Feb. 3, 2016.

In its State of Georgetown report, the BID highlighted:

= Strong office sector performance for a third year in a row, with vacancy dropping to 7.1 percent—outperforming all other submarkets in the region.

= Retailer interest remains high, evidenced by a net gain of 19 new stores and services, a total collection of over 350 retailers, rising rents and property values, and a retail vacancy rate of 2.7 percent at year-end 2014.

= New LEED certifications for six office and retail spaces accounting for 671,000 square feet (12 percent of total rentable building area in Georgetown), signaling growing interest in renewing buildings.

= Turnover in the restaurant industry produced exciting, critically praised concepts like Fiola Mare, Chez Billy Sud, a revamped Grill Room helmed by Chef Frank Ruta, and Dog Tag Bakery.  Georgetown hotel occupancy rebounded, moving slightly above the five year average to 71.5 percent, and revenues increased to $72 million (up 12 percent from 2013).

Visit the BID’s revamped website to download a copy of the report, or click 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.
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