The Georgetown Metropolitan

Triskaidekaphobia refers to the irrational fear of the number 13. There are multiple theories as to why the number 13 came to be regarded as so unlucky, but luckily for us GM is a Colgate University grad. And the number 13 is considered lucky by Colgate since the school was founded by 13 men with 13 dollars and 13 prayers. And that’s all good news for today since today is the 13 anniversary of the beginning of the Georgetown Metropolitan. (And it’s the 13th, to boot!)

GM started this website way back when because he found himself researching the history of Georgetown and the current events affecting it and felt he had to share. Since that first post, GM has published 8,000 articles. GM never thought this little project he started in the winter of 2008 would get old enough to get pimples and braces. But here we are.

So join GM in shedding your triskaidekaphobia and ring in another year!

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• A history of the GU272 movement.
• Sweetgreen going public.

This week on Georgetown Time Machine, GM travels just across Key Bridge a turns back towards the District to be welcomed back home.

The photo, from DDOT’s archives, shows the welcome sign as it appeared in the 1960s. (The sign is technically in Virginia, as the District’s border doesn’t start until the southern shoreline of the Potomac).

The sign was stately and simple with a classy design. Sadly it did not last. GM’s not sure when the greeting was stripped from the structure, but by the George W. Bush presidency it was a clean tableau. GM remembers that to be the case because early on in that controversial president’s term it became host to vulgar messages criticizing or supporting him swapping places as they got whitewashed over.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Reminder: Georgetown Cookie Tour this weekend.
• Eva Cassidy’s “Live at Blues Alley” re-released.

As GM mentioned back in October, he and his family are fostering an absolutely handsome young pup named Socks (formal name Socrates). After a few adoption applications fell through, he’s still with GM. And as much as GM and fam will miss him when he’s gone, he still needs to find his forever home. Will it be with you?

Socks is now about eight months old. He is an absolutely adorable hound mix. He’s about 40lbs now and still growing. And he’s all legs. (GM thinks there’s a bit Great Dane in him). He’s got puppy energy and loves to romp around Volta Park with dogs of all shapes and sizes. GM’s never seen him show anything but pure enthusiasm towards other dogs or to humans. But he also loves a nice long snooze around the house. He’s an absolute goofball.

If you’re interested in Socks and his incredible ears, click this link and submit an application! GM will be so sad to let him go, but thrilled that he’s found his forever home.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Nice neighborhood gift giving guide!
• Looks like Kitchen No. 1 on O St. has closed.

The District Consumer and Regulatory Affairs agency has finally issued the final rules that will govern Airbnb’s in DC. The rules are a long time coming, since they stem from legislation the Council passed in 2018. DCRA first proposed the rules last fall. The final rules are consistent with the legislation and the proposed rules, and, as written, will largely curtail Airbnb’s in the city.

The approach that the legislation and the rules take towards Airbnb is to take the company at its word. Which is to say that Airbnb sells itself as a way for homeowners to welcome guests into their home for unique experiences. The reality, of course, is that Airbnb is largely used by property owners and investors to rent out otherwise vacant properties to visitors looking to avoid hotels. The property owners often own multiple properties and use professional management companies to handle the administration.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• GU covid numbers are back up again…
• In retirement, GM would love to get a job at one of the estate museums around Georgetown. If you already want that, here’s your chance.