The One and Only Marion Barry
• December 4, 2014

He never really left the stage. Now he’s gone. For nearly 50 years, Marion Barry was a force to be reckoned with. There were those who idolized him and saw him as their only champion. Others detested him and viewed him as an odious, destructive presence.

One thing that cannot be taken away from Barry: he was a very successful politician. He was elected Mayor of the District of Columbia four times. The last time was truly amazing. He had been in prison for six months just a few years before but came back in 1994 and reclaimed the highest office. Even hobbled by poor health during his last days, he was still an elected official, representing Ward 8 on the District Council. He could have served there forever.

Barry, a self-proclaimed “situationist,” formulated himself to fit each and every situation. In 1974, when he was first elected to the D.C. Council, he was a dashiki-clad militant activist. He won citywide for the at-large position. Four years later, he needed to moderate his image. So, he became a pin-stripe politician who romanced the residents of Georgetown and Cleveland Park in their living rooms. He won them over and began his reign as mayor.

In 1982, Barry was supposed to face a formidable foe in former Cabinet secretary and former Ambassador Patricia Roberts Harris. The story is told that while Harris was testing the waters for her potential run, she ventured out to Anacostia. After giving a speech, she felt quite satisfied and thought she had connected with the crowd. She sat down. Seated next to her was Barry. He leaned over and whispered into her ear, “I’m going to kick your ass.” That’s exactly what he did. He cleaned her clock, winning seven of eight wards. I dare you to name his 1986 opponent.

To those who did not want D.C. to have more home rule, Congressional representation and ultimately statehood, Barry was the perfect and ideal justification for saying, “No.” His personal life, the bloated government payroll and corruption by close aides and friends all added up to hold D.C. back. We, the citizens of D.C., suffered — even today.

As a person, Barry was not vindictive or mean-spirited. He once told me that there was only one person in this city he would not speak to. Barry played the race card when needed. But more than anything he was a big-city mayor of the Richard J. Daley, Boss Tweed, Boss Crump and James Michael Curley vintage. That’s the way I believe he wanted to be remembered.

Regularly contributing to The Georgetowner and The Downtowner, Mark Plotkin is a political analyst and contributor to the BBC on American politics and also a contributor to TheHill.com.

Woman, Dog Pulled From C&O Canal
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A woman and her dog were rescued from the C&O Canal near 31st and M Streets NW on Nov. 21, according to NBC4 News. It is unclear how and why the woman and the dog were in the water, with temperatures hovering above freezing. They likely fell in the water on a morning walk, around 8:30 a.m. Neither the woman nor her dog was injured.

Jogger Hurt at 28th & Q
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A car struck and seriously injured a pedestrian around 4 p.m. on Nov. 26 at 28th and Q streets NW, according to police. The man, who was jogging at the time, was pinned under the car for almost an hour. D.C. Fire officials removed the man from under the car and brought him to the hospital. He is in critical condition following the accident.

Multiple-Assailant Sexual Assault at G.W.
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Three suspects allegedly sexually assaulted a female student at George Washington University in an alleyway near the intersection of 24th and I streets NW on Saturday, Nov. 22, according to the GW Hatchet. D.C. and university police are asking members of the community for help in identifying the suspects, who have been described as “white males in their 20s” by police. One alleged assailant was about 6’3”, wearing a shirt that said “Fitch.” Another was shorter and wore a dark-colored, short-sleeve v-neck shirt and a black Nike fuel wristband.

Georgetown Law Student Sues University, Synagogue
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A student at Georgetown University Law Center is suing the university, Kesher Israel and National Capital Mikvah, according to NBC4, over the alleged actions of Rabbi Barry Freundel, who is said to have recorded women during a ritual bath in the synagogue.

The female student, NBC4 reported, “was taking Rabbi Barry Freundel’s Jewish studies class at Georgetown when he suggested she write her research paper on the mikvah ritual and required her to participate in the immersion.”

The plaintiff’s statement accuses that those named in the suit “turned a blind eye to Freundel’s increasingly bizarre behavior, ignoring bright red flags,” according to WJLA.

Meanwhile, Kesher Israel, the Orthodox Jewish synagogue at 28th and N Streets, NW, formally fired Freundel, who also must move out of his home – owned by the synagogue — on the 3000 block of O Street NW in less than a month.

“We are horrified by the behavior reported to have taken place at the mikvah,” a statement from Georgetown University read. “The university is . . . conducting its own investigation of Rabbi Freundel’s conduct.”

The following is part of the synagogue’s termination statement on Freundel: “The alleged acts leading to this step were a gross violation of law, privacy, halakha, and trust. . . . Our collective heart breaks for the consequences, both seen and unseen . . .”

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Neam’s Property Under Contract to Roadside Development
• December 1, 2014

Known for its mindful remaking of historic properties, Roadside Development has the old Neam’s Market property at 3215-3217 P St. NW, also known as the Marvelous Market property, under contract.

Roadside — which is the development firm that recast the old Sears and Hechinger property in Tenleytown with retail and residential units and is set to remake Frager’s Hardware on Capitol Hill — is still in the planning stages for what to do with the closed building with a 13-car parking lot at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and P Street, where the last Marvelous Market stood until the end of April. The legendary Neam’s Market closed in 2001.

“We don’t own the Marvelous Market property,” Richard Lake, one of Roadside’s founding partners, told The Georgetowner. “We have it under contract. We aren’t talking about plans because we haven’t formulated them completely.”

Roadside has listed the property on its website as part of its portfolio: “Prime Georgetown Retail space available. Ideally situated at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue, NW and P Street, NW, this marquee corner location has 13 dedicated retail parking spaces. The site offers tremendous branding, visibility and unparalleled accessibility.” According to Roadside, the building space totals 5,873 square feet.

“It’s a really cool corner, and it has a lot of history,” Lake said. “Neam’s Market was on that site for years. The corner is a Washington institution. Obviously, it’s a small piece of property. We want to do something neat there, if we are able to.”

Led by founding partners, Lake, Armond Spikell and Todd Weiss, the D.C.-based Roadside also redeveloped the old market hall at 8th and O Streets into the Market at O with a new Giant food store along with a condominium and Cambria Suites hotel. It also has projects in Virginia and Maryland.
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Shopping, Skating and Holiday Cheer in Georgetown
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People are getting set for Thanksgiving, even as the sights and sounds of the holidays are about to pop. So, get ready, Georgetown, here are a few selections to begin the season.

Small businesses make up 73 percent of Georgetown’s retail offerings, according to the Georgetown Business Improvement District, and it has switched into overdrive to promote Georgetown as the place to be — and to shop and dine — just days before Thanksgiving and weeks before Christmas arrives.

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, is the day after Black Friday, and is an event begun by American Express, to promote small businesses across the nation.

Here is a fun BID project: Brighten up the holiday season with the Third Annual Georgetown Holiday Window Competition, which 19 merchants participated in last year. Throughout the neighborhood there will be light art installations and festive decorations. Windows should be completed by Monday, Dec. 1, and voting will take place from Dec. 3 to 17. Photographs will be posted on the official Georgetown Facebook page, and the shop window that earns the most “Likes” will announced as the winner.

The annual Swedish Christmas Bazaar will take place Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience and learn about Swedish Christmas traditions — including St. Lucia Day — and shop from a number of different Swedish vendors. The bazaar is at the House of Sweden at 2900 K St. NW, next to Washington Harbour at the Georgetown waterfront.

The Washington Harbour Ice Skating Rink is open now through March. Washington Harbour — 3050 K St. NW — is the largest skating rink in the D.C. area and will host many events through the season.

The Georgetown Glow Winter Public Art Exhibition is an outdoor display of public art and light installations and sponsored by the Georgetown BID. It will be on display Dec. 12 through Dec. 14. The installations will be lit nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The artwork is by local and regional artists, and the art of international artist Luisa Alvarez of the Spanish art collective, Travesias de Luz. The BID will create a program brochure and map for the weekend that will feature the public art installations as well as local in-store holiday promotions, activities and events.

Helping Out and Dining Out in the Spirit of Thanksgiving
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Not everyone is fortunate enough to dine out on Thanksgiving or to buy all the ingredients for one at home. Here are some opportunities for charity and volunteering to help others in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Before your Thanksgiving dinner go for a run at the 13th annual Thanksgiving Day Trot For Hunger held by So Others Might Eat. The 5K run/walk will begin at Freedom Plaza at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Money raised from the race will benefit homeless families and adults, by providing food, clothes and healthcare. $35 for timed participants.

Another opportunity for a Thanksgiving run will be at the Arlington Turkey Trot, which supports local charities. This 5K race will start at 8 a.m. at the Christ Church of Arlington, 3020 North Pershing Drive.

Capital Area Food Bank’s mission is to provide food the hungry in the Washington metro area and now through November 30, CAFB is running its Thanksgiving campaign Turkey @ Every Table, which provides senior citizens with a turkey and other Thanksgiving foods. 4900 Puerto Rico Ave. NE.

Sign up for a shift to prepare food or deliver meals with Food & Friends on the days leading up to Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving Day. Food & Friends provides food to people living with life-challenging illnesses like cancer and HIV/AIDS. 219 Riggs Road NE. 202-269-2277.

Meanwhile, looking for a restaurant for your Thanksgiving dinner? Here are a few places around D.C. where you can go to enjoy Thanksgiving 2014.

The Grill Room at Capella — 1050 31st St. NW — has a brunch and dinner buffet available on Thanksgiving. On the menu: pan-roasted diver scallops with pumpkin and carnaroli risotto. The buffet is $95 per person. 202-617-2424.

Martin’s Tavern — 1264 Wisconsin Ave. NW — is one Georgetown classic not to be missed. This is where Jack Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier in 1952.

Peacock Cafe — 3251 Prospect St. NW — is another Georgetown classic. While best known for its weekend brunch, the friendly place is ready for Thanksgiving and has excellent vegan selections. And, yes, previous occupants of the White House have dined here. 202-625-2740.

1789 Restaurant — 1230 36th St. NW — is yet another Georgetown classic for dinner. The ’89 tastes and looks the part. This is where President Barack Obama took German Chancellor Angela Merkel for an intimate dinner in 2011. 202-965-1789.

Equinox Restaurant — 818 Connecticut Ave. NW — offers Thanksgiving Day Dinner, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: $65 per person for three courses – $90 with wine pairing; $35, children 12 and under for three courses. The wide selection includes leek chowder, beet salad, quail, venison, pork, scallops or turkey, along with pumpkin tart, chocolate torte or coconut cake.

Tony and Joes — 3000 K St. NW — where you are skate and dine this year for Thanksgiving. For $20, enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner. Also, enjoy fall cocktails and ice skating at the Georgetown Waterfront. 202-448-8005.

Bourbon Steak– 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW — is offering a three-course set menu on this day with seating from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The set menu is $110 per person and can be seen at www.bourbonsteakdc.com

Cafe Milano — 3251 Prospect St. NW — will offer a sparkling brunch buffet, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, enjoy familiar favorites from the regular dinner menu from 6 to 9 p.m.

Old Ebbitt Grill — 675 15th St. NW — will be having a traditional turkey dinner along with stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Adults, $25.95; children’s portions, $15.95. 202-347-4800.

Nage Bistro — 1600 Rhode Island Ave. NW — is having a Thanksgiving dinner with Southern favorites. The menu includes Cajun deep-fried turkey, cornbread, mac and cheese and more. 202-448-8005.

Cafe Dupont and Bar Dupont — Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW — will have a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu with a choice of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. $55 per person. 202-797-0169.

Ardeo and Bardeo — 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW — has a three-course Thanksgiving dinner available, serving gnocchi, sweet potato, apple soup and, of course, turkey. The meal is $45 per person and $23 for children 10 and under. 202-244-6750.

DBGB Kitchen + Bar — 931 H St. NW — is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu: $65 per person; children under 12, $35; noon to 8 p.m.

Former Mayor Marion Barry: D.C.’s Most Famous, Powerful Politician Dies at 78
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Almost from the moment he arrived in Washington, D.C., as a young, firebrand civil rights activist, Marion S. Barry, Jr., captured the imagination of the city, as he made headlines and news, for better and worse. He was mayor of D.C. for four terms and dubbed “Mayor for Life.”

He was at the center of a political firestorm in the infamous 1990 drug bust at a downtown D.C. hotel room. He went to prison and returned in a kind of triumph to become mayor again. He would rise again to become Ward 8 City Council member, and time and time again, through sickness and health, a censure by the District Council, and most recently, a controversial autobiography, Barry made news. He was admired and loved and often when spoke, he outraged more than a lot of people. He was a seemingly endless fodder for stories and headlines.

Here is the latest—but not probably not last—headline about him: “Marion Barry, Four-term Mayor of the District of Columbia, Dead at 78.”

Barry, who had entered the hospital over the weekend, died in the early hours of Nov. 23, after being released to his home. He had been battling various illnesses for a number of years. He died at United Medical Center.

The last time we saw Barry, we interviewed him during lunch at the Fours Seasons Hotel in Georgetown about his autobiography, “Mayor for Life: The Incredible Life of Marion Barry Jr.” It is a book which proved revealing about his deep South upbringing that forged his politics and thinking. It also provides some shocking details about that 1990 sting operation that led to his prison term.

Mayor Vincent Gray issued this statement about Barry’s passing: “Marion was not just a colleague but also was a friend with whom I shared many fond moments about governing the city. He loved the District of Columbia, and so many Washingtonians loved him.”

As the Ward 8 Councilmember, Barry supported an embattled Gray in his bid for re-nomination as the Democratic candidate in the April primary, which was won by Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser, who was then supported by Barry and went on to win the general election.

Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser, “shocked and deeply saddened” by Barry’s passing, said in a statement: “Mayor Marion Barry gave a voice to those who need it most and lived his life in service to others. … He has been a part of my family for decades, and he will continue to be an example to me and so many others.”

Former mayoral candidate and the longest-serving member of the District Council, Jack Evans wrote: “Mayor Barry never backed down from the belief that Washington, D.C., should do more, should be more, for every person who lives here.”

Barry is survived by his wife, Cora, and one son, Marion Christopher Barry.

Memorial services are pending. Mayor Gray said that he will speak with the Barry family and the District Council about government ceremonies that would be “worthy of a true statesman of the District of Columbia.”