The Georgetown Metropolitan

GM wrote back in July that the city was mounting a downright feeble response to the Coronavirus in terms of making the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Specifically, GM was writing how unlike many other cities that were taking dramatic steps to redesignate large stretches of road to non-motorized vehicle-use, DC was merely establishing a handful of “slow streets”. It was, in GM’s words, better than nothing, but not by much.

Two months later, and this wan effort has yet to make a single appearance in Georgetown. Although, as GM reported, the city had been exploring introducing some slow streets to Georgetown, none have been formally proposed, let alone implemented. Continue reading →

Photo by Geoff Livingston.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Nice write-up on the efforts to research and restore Mt. Zion Cemetery.
• After being forced to leave campus last spring, many students later learned GU threw out their stuff (despite it being left in storage).

1500 block of Wisconsin Ave.

Back in May, GM encouraged readers to do their civic duty and respond to the Census. At that point, Georgetown’s response rate was pretty bad, compared with the rest of the country. Georgetowners had responded at a rate of only 51%, compared with 56% percent city-wide response, and a 60% national rate. Now four months later, Georgetowners have made some progress, but time’s running out.

As of yesterday, East Georgetowners had responded at a rate of 58% and 65% (more below on why there are two numbers). West Georgetowners still have only responded at a rate of 54%. Ten years ago, both sides of the neighborhood eventually responded at a rate close to 70%. But you only have until September 30th to self-respond. And this year the Census is curtailing its in-person door-to-door counting. So you may simply not count if you don’t respond. Continue reading →

Photo by Vincent.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• How the pandemic is destroying retail, including in Georgetown.
• John Thompson’s virtual memorial service is planned for Oct. 3.

3200 block of O St.

After many, many years of disregard and disrepair, the Montrose Park tennis are back in pristine condition. The three courts have been rehabilitated as part of a wider renovation project for the lovely park. While they are not officially open yet, the nets are up and GM has already observed tennis players sneak on to get a sneak peek.

The more eastern two courts (across from the old Hurt Home) have been restored in the same alignment they have been all along. The two courts that were along the Parrot Rope Walk have been consolidated into a single court, which was the original alignment. Continue reading →

Photo by Joe Flood.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Nice guide to pick-up and delivery spots around Georgetown.
• Speaking of good restaurants, Chez Billy Sud offers reservations for their lovely outdoor patio.

Towpath

Photo by Ben Shumin.

This week on Georgetown Time Machine, GM is going back only a very short time ago: to 2006. The above photo was taken in December of that year, and shows what the Georgetown Waterfront Park used to look like. GM came across it recently, and was taken aback by it.

This was so recent. Most readers probably can even remember this. Hell, GM started the Georgetown Metropolitan only two years after this photo was taken. He remembers this clearly. It may be 14 years ago, but it still feels like yesterday.

But still, even having seen it with our own eyes, it’s shocking to be reminded just how awful this scene was so, so very recently ago. Where Fords and Toyotas once parked, a lush tree-filled park now stands:

Continue reading →