The Georgetown Metropolitan

ABCA has released the list of applicants seeking a medical marijuana retailer’s license. This initial group includes stores that were previously operating under I-71 (i.e. the “gifting” stores), which were given first dibs for the new licenses.

There are eight establishments seeking a license to be located in Georgetown. That list includes (the third column is the proposed location and the fourth column is the previous location the store operated in, if any):

Being on this list merely means an application was submitted. It is not an indication that ABCA has cleared the applicant for placarding. So far only two have reached that point (UpnSmoke and Georgetown Supply). They are both in the process of hammering out a settlement agreement with the ANC.

Not all of the remaining applicants will be able to get a license, at least for the locations identified in the application. 1432 Wisconsin Ave. (“Delorean”) is too close to Hyde-Addison to receive a license. 1263 Wisconsin (both “DC Capital Connect” and “Funky Pharmacy” identified this location) is too close to where Georgetown Supply is set to occupy. So those two applications should be rejected. 1671 Wisconsin Ave. (“Fat Munchiez”) is too close to 1620 Wisconsin Ave. (“Luxury Soil”). Since Luxury Soil put in its application first, it will get priority and will block Fat Munchiez.

So, at least initially, there will only be three applications that can move forward. More applicants may arise later, but it appears that we will have substantially fewer pot shops than we have now.

Of course that reduction depends on the city shutting down the I-71 shops that did not apply for a retailer’s license. Recent legislation from the council clarified that ABCA has that authority. As ANC commissioner, I will be encouraging that they use it poste haste.

• Big drama in the Georgetown club scene (no, not that sort of club scene…)
• A report on our recent ANC meeting.

This is the time of year when parents of young children looking to make plans for next fall start applying to nursery schools. And with that in mind, please consider my heartfelt recommendation: the Children’s House of Washington.

The Children’s House of Washington (or C.H.O.W.) is a Montessori school located in the Dumbarton Methodist Church right here in Georgetown. It doesn’t get quite the same attention as some of the other nursery schools around Georgetown, but my daughter had three wonderful years there, and I can say with confidence that it was absolutely one of the best decisions my wife and I have made for her.

Teaching children 2-6, the school follows the Montessori method, which may be unusual for some people. In Montessori, students pursue their education at their own pace, working on their skills via a variety of “work” activities in which they have been trained. It would seem that it should be chaotic, but well run Montessori classrooms hum with productive activity as the teachers move from group-to-group ensuring that they are on track with whatever task they’ve chosen. And C.H.O.W. is one of those productive Montessoris.

The school attracts a great mix of families. Most are from the Georgetown neighborhood, or a neighborhood close by. Many are international families, here either permanently or for a few years. Most of my daughter’s friends from C.H.O.W. speak (at least) two languages. And regardless of whether they are international or not, the families were all incredibly lovely.

I can also speak from experience that the Montessori method works. My daughter moved on to Kindergarten already reading and comfortable with math and other important areas. And she has continued to thrive ever since. The arts program is also superlative and instilled a creative drive in GM’s daughter that has lead to a house full of projects too precious to throw away.

It is a wonderful, small, and affordable school right here in the heart of Georgetown. If you are looking for a preschool (either for now or next year) I highly recommend you check out C.H.O.W. Drop me a line if you want to learn more!

• Here is the correct link to article yesterday about Jackie Kennedy’s house being sold to Eric Schmidt.
• Great African American cultural walking tour for Georgetown.

Longtime ANC2E Executive Director Peter Sacco is stepping down from this role to take up an exciting position in the DC government. He will be greatly missed by the ANC and the community. And not just here in Georgetown. Peter was executive director of ANCs in Dupont and Foggy Bottom as well.

Peter is leaving big shoes to fill, and maybe your feet can fit! ANC2E is currently hiring Peter’s replacement. This is a great job for a civically minded resident looking for a part time job. We are also open to exploring a similar arrangement that Peter had with the other ANCs. Please reach out to me at 2e02@anc.dc.gov if you have any questions or are interested!

Here is the full job description:

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Former Google CEO bought the former Jackie Kennedy house.
• GU students trying to get renowned union-buster, Starbucks, off campus.

Sherwin Williams will be covering the earth with paint from a little further up Wisconsin Ave. The store is leaving its longtime location at 1805 Wisconsin Ave. and moving up to Glover Park.

I have not confirmed, but I believe this departure is in connection with the approved construction of a new apartment building on that corner:

This building will occupy the Sherwin Williams space as well as the former Next Day Blinds and the parking lot. The project was supposed to begin construction back in 2022, with delivery by this year. But it clearly was delayed. I hope that Sherwin Williams moving is a sign it is finally moving forward.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Yesterday was the anniversary of Georgetown losing its legal independence.
• Coco Health salon robbed last week.

Longtime readers will know that one of my great worries with Georgetown is the risk that Dessert Deserts might arise. These are desolate stretches of commercial strips where a poor soul will have to travel as far as two blocks to find a purveyor of frozen treats. When last I looked into this situation, I found that two dessert deserts were emerging along Wisconsin Ave. Sadly today those stretches are still somewhat bereft, moreover, the overall ice cream situation in Georgetown is stable, but still presents some concerns.

Back in 2018, there were seven shops selling ice cream or frozen yogurt. After a few closures and openings, we stand at the same level in 2024. Or, at least we will once Ice Cream Jubilee opens in the old District Donut spot on M St. This should shore up Georgetown’s western defenses. But with the closures of Ben And Jerry’s and Cream and Crepes, our eastern flank is woefully exposed. Hagan Daas is the thin maroon line that separates us from total chaos.

So if you happen to find yourself on the eastern end of the neighborhood on a hot summer day, you’re going to actually earn that Rocky Road as you schlep up to four blocks to your “closest” shop.

Stay tuned for more Dessert Desert news as it evolves.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Some business ins and outs.
• Events around Georgetown for Black History Month.