Monthly Archives: September 2009

Update On Smartbike Expansion

As discussed by GM in June, the long discussed expansion of the District’s bike sharing program, SmartBike, which was to include a Georgetown station, has been delayed. Today the Director of DDOT Gabe Klein sent out a message giving an update on the delay and what they are currently considering. The email and the takeaway after the jump: Continue reading

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The Great Georgetown Bugaboo: Cars and Parking

At Monday’s ANC meeting there was a near constant theme that weaves itself through just about every ANC2E meeting: cars and parking. It is the received wisdom that parking is a scarce commodity in Georgetown that needs to be defended against all threats of a cut in supply or an increase in demand.

For instance, on Monday night a resident came applying for permission to construct a basement exit to her house. The conversation soon turned to how many square feet the butler’s pantry was in the basement. What does that have to do with a basement exit you ask? A basement with a kitchen and an exit could be turned into a completely separate basement apartment. And in the minds of Commissioners, and many residents, another apartment means another car and another car means one fewer parking spot.

This is how the great Georgetown bugaboo, cars and parking, guides many of the decisions of our elected officials.

But are they basing their decisions on a fair picture of the neighborhood or are they letting their own flawed perceptions and the voices of a loud minority guide them?

GM dug into the numbers and found that the true picture of cars in Georgetown is complicated. The problem is felt by fewer than you’d think and the bulk of the problem may come from the choices of surprisingly few. Find out why after the jump.

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The Morning Metropolitan

Good Friday before Labor Day Georgetown, here’s the latest:

*It is now the policy of the Georgetown Metropolitan to no longer use cute nicknames for felons.

Photo of totally awesome Fiat 500 by Flickr user Muohace DC used under Creative Commons license.

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The Georgetown Metropolis

1700 block of 32nd St.

1700 block of 32nd St.

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Hurt Home Offer Deadline Extended

Hurt Home Bids Deadline Extended

GM reported two weeks ago that the deadline for offers to develop the Hurt Home on R St. were due Friday August 21st. According the office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development the deadline has been extended to September 11th. According to the office, the bidders were having difficulty putting together packages in the middle of vacation time so they wanted a few more weeks.

As inferred by GM, the primary parties interested in the property are residential real estate developers. Interestingly, Dumbarton Oaks took a tour of the facilities but do not seem interested in putting in a bid. It’s not clear exactly what they’d do with it. Continue reading

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The Morning Metropolitan

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

  • Georgetown just got slightly more Schwarzeneggerish.
  • Come out to Nationals Park for Ward Two Night Out September 9th. Pick up your free Nats tickets at Jack Evans office in the Wilson Building by next Wednesday.
  • The Georgetown Current reports that the “Georgetown Panorama”, a 1977 book that contains continuous panoramic photos of M St. and Wisconsin, will be updated.
Photo by Flickr user Bob ♫ used under Creative Commons license.

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1700 block of Wisconsin Ave.

1700 block of Wisconsin Ave.

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ANC Roundup: Marathon Edition

As “prequeled” yesterday, GM attended a brutal marathon-like ANC meeting Monday night. After a long warm-down run and a good night’s sleep, GM is now ready to give an account of the race.

Along the way, we’ll pass sewage pipes, cupcakes, and yet another rejected curb cut. Make sure to carbo load and stretch and GM will see you at the starting line after the jump: Continue reading

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The Morning Metropolitan

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

  • MPD 2D Commander Matthew Klein with the best quote yet about the so-called “Georgetown Cuddler”: “You cuddle someone you love. We’re looking for a criminal.
  • Do not steal this bike.
  • Via the listserv: Apparently it’s illegal to paint a streetlight half-black to bring some darkness to your bedroom and the city will soon switch you back. That’s news to GM, who knows of several lights that have been half-blacked out for years.
Photo by Flickr user CBCastro used under Creative Commons.

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The Georgetown Metropolis

1700 block of 32nd St.

1700 block of 32nd St.

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