VOLUME XL | ISSUE 8 | OCTOBER 2015 WWW.CAGTOWN.ORG MAKE THE CLUB SCENE AT GEORGETOWN GALA 2015 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 // 7-11PM // FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

t’s almost here! Get your tickets for style, and allure. Our gala committee, chaired the glamorous annual gala that brings by Tricia Huntley, Leslie Maysak, and Jennifer Many thanks to our Gala together hundreds of Georgetown Altemus, has planned a cool night-club vibe Corporate Sponsors: Iresidents, organizations, businesses, and for the elegant evening at the Four Seasons Cornerstone Patrons politicos to celebrate our amazing community Hotel, with complimentary valet parking. Chesapeake Management Group and further CAG’s mission of historic Coldwell Banker Corporation The auction offers some spectacular prizes, preservation and community improvement. EastBanc from a week at a cozy Aspen condo to This year’s spectacular evening will highlight beautiful artwork, sumptuous wine, an Georgetown Exxon / Georgetown Shell Georgetown’s unique combination of history, incredible Redskins home game experience, Georgetown Park The JBG Companies The Levy Group The Koches Family Foundation Long & Foster Georgetown MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Rooney Properties Trammell Crow Company Dumbarton Donors Capital Asset Management Group / John & Colleen Girouard Clyde’s Restaurant Group Creel Printing / Digital Lizard PNC Bank Enjoying the 2014 Gala Continued on pg. 4 DIG WE MUST? DC WATER’S PLAN TO STOP POLLUTION OF THE POTOMAC RIVER WALTER GROZACK

C Water will outline plans to rainstorms and snowmelt – and they are abate the overflows from sewers old; some were built over 125 years ago. into the Potomac River at a public When too much rainfall or snowmelt Dmeeting on October 7 at 6:30pm, at St. drains into the sewer, the runoff volume John’s Church, 3240 O Street. This “Green can exceed the sewer’s capacity, causing Infrastructure” initiative could entail major overflow to be discharged directly into the construction in the streets, alleys, and river, without going to a sewage treatment sidewalks of Georgetown. plant. There are six combined sewer overflows in Georgetown: three are along First, a bit of background. Georgetown’s the waterfront between sewers are combined sewers – that is, they and Rock Creek; the other three, numbered carry both sewage and runoff from 027, 028, and 029 (“the three sewers”), are The drill used to dig large underground tunnels Continued on pg. 8 “GOODNESS IS THE ONLY INVESTMENT THAT NEVER FAILS.” - Henry David Thoreau

As a leader in Georgetown’s real estate community, our firm proudly supports the Georgetown community. We are proud to sponsor the following events and organizations:

Citizens Association of Georgetown Friends of Volta Park Concerts in the Park Georgetown House Tour (St. John’s) Park Conservancy Georgetown Jingle Friends of Book Hill Park Reception (Georgetown University Hospital) Friends of Hyde-Addison Elementary School Gala Friends of Rose Park

Georgetown Brokerage 1206 30th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 I +202 333 1212 I ttrsir.com

Sotheby's GTC AD 2015.indd 1 2/2/15 11:58 AM

2 GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 President’s letter JAM-PACKED OCTOBER!

The alley has been used by these properties for Come to the meeting to ask questions and over one hundred years. Some of the owners weigh the trade-off of temporary disruption have recorded easements for use of the alley; for installing this green infrastructure against all others have easements by proscription. the permanent disruption of the Georgetown To avoid litigation, CAG supports requiring Waterfront Park. the DC government to acquire the alley lots through eminent domain, thus eliminating The Georgetown Gala on October 23 any threat of disruption of access for the at the Four Seasons will be an elegant event n keeping with CAG’s mission to preserve residents. for all who attend. This year’s theme, “Bar the historic character, quality of life, and 1878: Georgetown After Dark,” highlights aesthetic value of Georgetown, we are Yarrow Mamout Site. At a hearing before Georgetown’s unique combination of Icurrently involved in two actions dealing the Board of Zoning Adjustment, CAG history, style and allure. With cocktails and with zoning and land use. will advocate on behalf of residents of the an exceptional dinner menu, plus dancing to 3300 block of Dent Place NW. The owner the BroadSound Band, the Gala promises to Eminent Domain. I will testify before the of 3324 Dent Place, the former site of the be a jubilant evening. City Council in support of a bill authorizing Yarrow Mamout home, is seeking variances the use of eminent domain to ensure to permit construction of two residences that Public Meeting on the West Heating continued access for neighbors of an alley are inconsistent with the R-3 single-family Plant. CAG has scheduled a public meeting that connects Potomac and 33rd Streets zoning in Georgetown and would have a on October 28 at Visitation School at 7pm to between N and O. negative impact on parking for neighbors. discuss the proposed alternative architectural If this goes ahead, the creation of two designs for the West Heating Plant with Background. Incredibly, with no prior notice substandard lots and narrow attached row architect David Adjaye and developer to the neighbors, these alley lots were houses would obliterate a site important Richard Levy. The public is invited to ask sold at a tax auction to a speculator who to the history of both Georgetown and the questions and to express their preferences now seeks to build structures that would District of Columbia. and concerns about the proposed designs. It deprive the residents of access to their alley, should be an interesting presentation. as well as preventing city services such Georgetown Goes Green. On the utility as trash collection, plowing, and general front, we have been working with DC In Memoriam. Finally, our heartfelt maintenance. Water to explore how green infrastructure condolences to Diane Colasanto, former techniques in west Georgetown could reduce CAG board member and Chair of the the size of the mammoth retention tunnel Public Safety committee, on the death of her from south of the Kennedy Center to beyond husband, Andrew Kohut. Andy, a preeminent Key Bridge – a tunnel that would disrupt the leader in the field of public opinion survey New Neighbors? Georgetown waterfront with its large service and analysis, was head of both the Gallop shafts. The green infrastructure changes organization and the Pew Research Center. Help CAG would need to reduce the sewer outflows Many of you will share our memories of into the Potomac during heavy rains that Andrew around the neighborhood – from Welcome Them! currently force a mixture of storm runoff and chance encounters walking his dog, to sewage to flow directly into the river. his astute presentation on the presidential primaries at a membership meeting back Please let CAG know when you have DC Water will hold a public meeting on in 2008, to enjoyable socializing at various new neighbors. Email or call us with October 7 at St. John’s Episcopal Church at dinners and galas, and his presence around their names and address and we will 6:30 pm to discuss plans to: the neighborhood send them a “Welcome to Georgetown and CAG” package with helpful • install pervious pavements in alleys materials about the neighborhood— and street parking lanes Bob vom Eigen, president and the Citizens Association. It is • expand tree boxes along sidewalks also helpful to be notified when neighbors move away so we can update • install rain barrels to collect roof our mailing (and emailing) lists. run-off [email protected] | 202.337.7313. • create rain gardens to serve as retention ponds.

GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 3 GALA 2015 AUCTION ITEMS A spects ofGeorgetown: #1 Aspen Condo: Spend one week at this #6 Nantucket House: Located 30 miles Treatment, Haircut and BlowDry, followed cozy condo in Aspen with 2 bedrooms and south of Cape Cod, the island of Nantucket is by a weekly BlowDry for 51 weeks. (A missed 2 baths. Whether you ski, hike, kayak, or like stepping back in time with its cobblestone BlowDry appointment may even be given to simply sightsee, you will feel welcome in main street and historic architecture unlike a friend!) this authentic mountain playground! (Dates any other seaport in Massachusetts. Relax and to be mutually agreed upon/excluding dream for one week* at the charming historic #11 Premium Parking: What convenience! holidays. Max 4 guests.) Laytham 1800s farmhouse with 3 bedrooms. One unlimited parking space for 3 months “Innovative architecture inspired by history in any Colonial Parking garage in the area! #2 Exquisite Case of Wine: When an and perfected by time,” as described by Cape In the District of Columbia alone, 90% of experienced wine connoisseur chooses a Cod & Islands Home Magazine. (*Mutually all commuters are estimated to work within wine, you know it’s going to be good! Pamela agreed upon date; excluding May 15– two blocks of one of Colonial’s 220 facilities. and Richard Hinds have graciously donated October 1.) Now that is valuable real estate. a case of 1990 Chateau Montrose La Dame de Montrose, Saint-Estephe, France. This #7 Redskins Experience: Are you a diehard #12 Four Seasons NYC Getaway: lovely wine is drinking beautifully now, so Redskins fan? Get ready to place your bid. Every so often, residents of Georgetown place your bid to take home twelve bottles Package includes two tickets to the Redskins crave the Big Apple. Enjoy your 2-night of delight! vs. Saints game on Sunday, November 15th at weekend stay in Manhattan like never 1:00 pm, along with a parking pass and two before! After experiencing the energy of #3 Georgetown Artist Photography: field passes. The lucky winner also gets lunch the city, relax in a classic room at the NYC A piece of art should not just decorate at Cafe Milano with NFL media analyst and Four Seasons to include daily breakfast for 2 your space, but feed your soul. We are former general manager of the Redskins, and complimentary parking. Chic comfort. honored to offer three unique Georgetown Mr. Charley Casserly (to be arranged at a Spacious accommodations. Top rated chefs. photographs* by local artist Ramin mutually agreed upon date.) Endless views. This luxury package is worth it! Abrahim. This set includes stunning views of the Potomac River and Georgetown just #8 Vermont Escape: Vermont is a place after sunset. The works have been described where you can enjoy quiet time while as “fusions” that capture the spirit of our surrounding yourself with the best nature has village. The photographs are printed on to offer. One of our generous Georgetown a 30”x 20” sheet of aluminum and float residents has donated her historic home with mounted. (*Appraisal provided) four bedrooms and two and a half baths. Enjoy nearby hiking trails, summer theater #4 Paris Trip: What’s not to love about and the scenic Green Mountains. Available Paris? Enjoy 4 days/3 nights in the historic June or August 2016/no pets. and hip Marais district. This charming  apartment on rue St. Paul includes 2 queen #9 Personal Portrait: The years fly by so bedrooms and 2 baths with a sofa bed in quickly….capture your loved ones in a  the living room for a max of 6 people! The stunning portrait to make the memories last  vintage boutiques, quaint restaurants, art forever. Philip Bermingham is considered  galleries, and museums of Paris are endless. to be one of America’s leading portrait photographers. He has photographed #5 July 4th Extravaganza: Close your numerous world leaders, including Queen eyes and imagine a fully-catered party for 20 Elizabeth II as well as Presidents Nixon, lucky friends on a scenic waterfront rooftop Reagan, and Bush. This auction package on the 4th of July in Washington DC! OK, includes a personal consultation and portrait open your eyes and make a bid! The space session with Philip and an 8 x 10 inch has been graciously donated by our friends portrait. at Foley & Lardner Law Firm, with catering by Italian specialty market Via Umbria. #10 Salon Package: Imagine having a standing appointment at one of the best salons in Georgetown for a year! Kick off your year-long package from Madeline Wade Stylist Studio with a Moisturizing Steam

4 GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 A spects ofGeorgetown: REFLECTIONS EDITH SCHAFER he Czech writer Milan Kundera certain fish or herbs, or tribal chieftains in In my summer life, I am asked to give to observed that happiness is the hopes of acquiring memory benefits or something called Island Readers and Writers. longing for repetition. Hmmm, superior mental abilities. Probably none of This group provides books and classes for Tthat makes quite a lot of sense — if we those things was very effective, but we all children who live on rather remote islands enjoy something, we look forward to doing have our little mnemonic devices that enable off the coast Maine. Their fathers are likely it again. Or consider places we like, they us to move from one life to another without to be lobstermen. This is an appealing cause, resonate with us and we fit in seamlessly losing our bearings. Having Georgetown be so would I rather make my donation to it when we revisit them. In particular, I go one of our lives is good, it’s often a perfect or give it a struggling senator in the party of to the same place every summer and so do counterbalance to our other lives. And there my choice? Our lives are full, almost too full. many members of my family. We do the are plenty of interesting people here, one things we have always done. This is generally can almost count on finding someone with Recently in Montrose Park, I saw a young a plus, we see relatives from far off places, similar interests, predilections, hang ups, couple holding hands, carrying a hamper observe how their children have grown, and neuroses, whatever. A predilection is a bias and a blanket, as they walked down a newly in general feel interconnected, a feeling that in favor of something. Over time, I have mowed greensward toward the big tree that is harder to come by in fast-paced mobile developed a bias in favor of Georgetown and you can’t miss going down from Montrose Washington. when I leave it and people ask me where I to . I watched with live I am pleased to tell them. There is one bated breath to see if they were going to Memory makes it all work, it assures us that problem with living in Georgetown, though. spread the blanket out at the base of the tree we are the same person in spite of the passage Everyone assumes you are affluent and they and have supper. They did. I would give this of time. Without memory, we would be in ask you for money. Often we approve of a 10 on the heartwarming scale. big trouble. People have eaten walnuts (on their enterprises and would like to support the theory they look sort of like the brain), them, but we are not all Donald Trump.

GEORGETOWN GALA ... Continued from pg. 1 Gala Hosts or a beautiful rooftop party. Also up for Dr Tina Alster & The Georgetown Dish John D. Richardson bidding are a getaway week in a historic Ambassador Paul Frazer The Georgetowner Nancy & Nicholas Robert Bank of Georgetown Nantucket farmhouse and a relaxing Pamela & Richard Hinds Securitas Security August Georges / Just Perfect Collection / Services USA summer getaway in scenic Vermont. Deborah Winsor Jackie Pletcher Mr & Mrs Roger Stevens Cherry & Pete Baumbusch Kenny Kraft Ann & Bob vom Eigen Gala invitations were mailed in September and EagleBank Jane & Tim Matz Helgi Walker tickets are available online at www.cagtown.org. Councilman Jack Evans Patrick H. McGettigan Washington Fine So gather your friends and neighbors, don a Georgetown Business Nancy McKeon Properties / dazzling dress or dashing suit, and join us for a Improvement District Pamla & Powell Moore Nancy Taylor Bubes wonderful night. The Georgetown Current Karen & Rick Murphy The Washington Post

Helgi Walker graciously hosted a meeting of the 2015 CAG Gala committee. Here she thanks CAG for its effort in preserving the open space around the former Alexander Memorial church development CAG Gala 2015 Committee (first row, l-r): Florence Auld, Helgi Walker (and Cache-Cache), Leslie Maysak, Louise Jacob, Amy Looney, Jennifer — next door to her home. Altemus, Cheryl Gray, Tricia Huntley, Sara Stone, Nancy Taylor Bubes, Cathy Kerkam, Jennie Buehler, (top row l-r) Tina Nadler, Nancy Carpenter, Nancy Miyahira, Darla Jackson, Jackie Pletcher, Pam Hinds, Lisa Koches, Ada Polla, and Betsy Cooley. Not shown: Cherry Baumbusch, Pamla Moore, Colleen Girouard, Natalie Grasso, Lesley Lee, Erin Mullan, Constance Chatfield-Taylor, Michele Evans, Marcie Connolly, Tina Alster, Annemarie Ryan, Debbie Winsor, Barbara Rothman, Beth Webster, Robin Jones, Karen Murphy.

GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 5 ADDITIONAL 2015 PUBLIC SAFETY DONORS (from March 15 to September 16)

Thanks to the generosity of the following people, CAG has raised more of the required revenue for the 2015 Public Safety Program. We urge everyone else to contribute soon. Detailed information is on the website (www.cagtown.org) and you can also donate online. All donations are tax deductible.

PUBLIC SAFETY Sally Hamlin Epiphany Catholic Church Nancy Gray Pyne COMMUNITY PARTNER Wilhelmina Holladay Karen & Baruch Fellner Rosanne Heller & Angel Rabasa Washington Fine Properties Nancy Itteilag Greg & Alicia Fishbein Michael Reilly GUARDIANS Felix A. Jakob Doris P. Gamser Suzanne Rigby Cloisters West Philip G Levy Antonia Gordon Victoria & Douglas Rixey Homeowners Association Stephen Lintner Leslie Smith & Joe Goulden David & Nancy Roll Georgetown Kiwanis Foundation Patrick H. McGettigan Art & Margaret Heimbold Marion & Robert Rosenthal Chiswell & Barbara Langhorne, Jr. Susan Spencer & Tom Oliphant Wayne Koonce & Harriet Hentges Mrs. Kveta Schlosberg Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Prince Michael Higgins Victoria Stack SENTINELS Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst Stanley Street Maria Carter & Robin Hill Harriet Swankin Tim & Jane Matz Luis & Elizabeth Torres Elizabeth Hylton Benjamin & Rebecca Taibleson Edward J. Mathis Frank & Denie Weil Adam & Hannah Isles Melanie Tu John D. Richardson Deborah Winsor Shelley & Bruce Ross-Larson Francis Tyler Mr. & Mrs. Rutherfoord Elsa Walsh & Bob Woodward James Lowenstein Gwendolyn van Paasschen Dr. & Mrs. John Lynch Mary White Elizabeth Stevens CUSTODIANS Ann & Tom Korologos Mr. & Mrs. Thacher White Priscilla B. Alfandre PROTECTOR Pamela Aall & Charles McPherson Jeffrey M. Zell Ingrid Beach John & Karen Ferguson Bill & Tracy Moroney Richard H. Bernstein OTHER John & Elizabeth Newhouse DEFENDERS Dan Booker Mary Ellen Connell Rula & John Norraegaard Anonymous Stephen Breyer Billie & Steven Fischer Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Nigra 2501 Q Street Apartments Ellie & Bob Budic Harold Goald Matthew & Elizabeth O’Connell Amb. Elizabeth Frawley Bagley Suzanne Cavanagh Lois & Dirk Jecklin Jose & Christina Ortiz Baumbusch Foundation — Patricia Destiny Clark William & Sally Brooks Meadows Cherry Baumbusch Adam Kemerer & Josiah Osgood Julia Diaz-Asper Rebecca Merwin Max Berry Mr. & Mrs. Michel Pascal Judi Cochran Mr. & Mrs. Edward T. Miller Joe & Annelise Brand William Pecau Kimberly Cox Philip & Karen Morrison Calvin & Jane Lipton Cafritz Diane Peterson Karen & James Cruse Thomas H. Quinn Faya Causey Leezee Porter BJ & Carol Cutler Diane Salisbury Chatel Real Estate Richard & Anne Poulson Karen Daly — Alison Schafer Mr. & Mrs. Edward L. Emes, Jr. Laura Harper Powell & Doc Powell Jackie Pletcher & Charles Eisen Mrs. Christine J. Steiner Phillip & Elena Fletcher

Eco TIP DRINK DRY-FARMED WINE! From 2003 to 2013, we used more water than was replenished in 21 of the world’s 37 aquifers. Much of it went to thirsty farms and vineyards. But wine quality is generally improved with less or no irrigation. Frog Leap Winery in Napa, for instance, makes acclaimed wine while saving 65,000 gallons per acre every year by dry farming! — LEE CHILD Georgetown Garden Club

6 GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 YOU ASKED FOR IT: INFORMATION ON SECURITY CAMERAS JOHN RENTZEPIS & RICH HINDS, CO-CHAIR, CAG Public Safety Committee

Recognizing that there are financial and For some applications, a wireless solution location limits on CAG’s camera program, may be the only practical choice, even several residents have asked about installing though resolution may not be as high as their own cameras in the front of, back of, a wired camera. Exterior Wi-Fi cameras or alleys adjacent to, their houses, to provide with on-board recording ability that can be more security and deterrence. The cost monitored using a house Wi-Fi system have of exterior cameras rises with the desired been recently introduced. Range extenders resolution, night vision capability, location, are available to extend the house Wi-Fi signal he Citizens Association has found and method of installation. Most high-end to cameras out of range of the existing Wi-Fi surveillance cameras to be a useful high definition exterior cameras with low signal, but most cameras need to be wired adjunct to its Public Safety Program. light optics and/or infrared lighting built in for power (some use rechargeable batteries TNot only do they provide deterrence to must be hard wired to electricity and to a but only record when motion across the criminals on the blocks where they are central digital recording device (DVR) that camera triggers recording of the event). located but since word is out that CAG can be accessed from the internet through a has installed cameras in Georgetown at building’s Wi-Fi system. CAG’s cameras fall For the interior of a house, there are several undisclosed locations, we believe they into this category, but are not appropriate choices available, including whole house provide deterrence Georgetown-wide. As for most residential uses because of their systems that permit operation of cameras CAG continues to add cameras, the goal specialized nature and cost. and several other devices such as lights and is to provide further coverage of important HVAC systems. These systems are relatively entries and exits to Georgetown, such as Q In addition, a system that might work well inexpensive and capable of being installed Street and Reservoir Road. (The Georgetown in one house may not be a good choice for a by a homeowner, so they provide a low- Business Improvement District has installed different house configuration. For example, a cost alternative for camera surveillance. See cameras on Wisconsin Avenue and M Street.) camera that does a good job covering a well- below for an interior system recommended lighted doorway may not do such a good job by employees of M.C. Dean. Besides acting as a deterrent to crime, the covering an unlighted rear yard. While lights CAG cameras have been useful to the police in the rear on photocells or motion detectors Lastly, several security vendors that specialize in identifying descriptions of suspects, their can help, a specialized night vision camera in monitored alarm systems (which should be cars, and license plate numbers. Thanks to may be the better choice in that location. considered a high priority for all homeowners a generous contribution from the M.C. Accordingly, if you want a good high- in Georgetown) can provide interior and Dean Foundation and other donations to definition external camera system, your best exterior camera systems to their packages. the Public Safety Program, CAG will have option is to contact an independent camera Some CAG members have reported that as many as eight cameras installed and installer and get a bid on a system that would ADT’s camera system provides good results. maintained throughout the neighborhood. be best for your situation and needs. Listed If you use ADT or another monitored alarm As a reference point, installation and at the end of this article are two firms that system, ask that company about adding maintenance add several thousand dollars have been recommended by CAG members. cameras to your existing security package. to the approximate $2,500 cost of each two- CAG itself does not endorse either of them. lens camera.

Exterior Cameras There are many wired Do-It-Yourself Interior Wireless Cameras: Other interior camera systems are sold online and wireless exterior cameras on the market Suggestions from M.C. Dean Representative direct or through Amazon, and at stores but the choice of which cameras to use and such as Best Buy, Costco, and Home Depot. how to connect them to your house (via Piper. The Piper has a night vision system Wi-Fi or hard-wired) is a job best left to called Piper NV. The other camera which Monitored Alarm Companies professionals. One resident has expressed works best with lights on is the Piper Classic. The NV is ~$269 versus the ~$199 Frontpoint Security (Self-installed but satisfaction with a camera package by monitored by Frontpoint. Has camera options.) Wirepath Surveillance, which was installed for the Classic. The NV with night vision Visit frontpointsecurity.com professionally. Visit wirepath.com. also has a 3.4 megapixel camera versus the 2 megapixel that the classic has. You can Simplisafe (Self-installed but monitored Independent Residential Camera Installers have up to five Piper units in your home on the network. by Simplisafe. Does not have camera Steve Adams, owner Strategic Home Media: options) Visit simplisafe.com 410-643-3335, strategichomemedia.com, Each Piper comes with a camera, siren, [email protected] microphone, motion detector, z-wave hub ADT Visit adt.com/home-security (for expansion to sensors), and built-in Jonathan Tapper, Security Professionals: temperature sensor. Visit getpiper.com AT&T Visit att.com/shop/digital-life.html 410-224-3028, marylandsecurity.net, Vector Visit vectorsecurity.com [email protected]

GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 7 DIG WE MUST! The first approach could be for property Continued from pg. 1 owners to install barrels and cisterns to collect at the foot of 33rd Street, near the Aqueduct rainwater from downspouts, periodically Bridge, and west of the Washington Canoe emptying them during dry weather. Club. A second approach would be to carve out space from sidewalks and streets to create The consent decree. DC Water and the bio-retention cells and bio-swales, or expand Federal government recently entered into the size of tree boxes. A bio-retention cell is a an amended consent decree that requires vegetated depression that temporarily stores DC Water to act to decrease these overflows the stormwater runoff before it flows in to a into the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. The combined sewer. decree requires construction of a 30-million- Friends of Rose Park Dedication gallon stormwater retention tunnel, buried A third approach would require excavation deep underground near the east bank of the of streets and alleys and the placement of event for the Margaret Peters Potomac River. subsurface reservoirs — chambers that retain and Roumania Peters Walker the runoff before slowly releasing it into a Rose Park Tennis Courts Under the consent decree, DC Water will combined sewer. undertake a demonstration project to The fourth approach would likely have Join friends of the Peters and Walker determine the effectiveness and practicability the greatest impact on west Georgetown, families, community leaders, of using Green Infrastructure to eliminate and be long-lasting. Georgetown alleys overflows from the “three sewers.” If the neighbors and Friends of Rose Park and parking lanes would be excavated to demonstration project shows these green for the unveiling of a bronze memorial a depth of 3.5 feet or more, removing the measures are not sufficient, the consent plaque and photographic exhibit of clay and dirt beneath and replacing the soil decree requires DC Water to increase the the Peters Sisters. with stone aggregate. The existing paving capacity of the Potomac River tunnel by an would be stripped away and a new pervious additional 10 million gallons. (permeable) surface laid, allowing rainwater Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Rose Park tennis courts The Green Infrastructure demonstration to drain rather than flowing into gutters. project. Before amending the consent decree Come to the October 7th meeting to learn and introducing these green measures, DC more, ask questions, and voice your opinion! Speakers include: Water surveyed the 515 acres serviced by the Mrs. Fannie Walker Weekes “three sewers”, and determined that about daughter of Roumania Peters Walker 280 of these acres represented impervious James Walker, Jr.,Esq. surfaces – roofs, roadways, sidewalks, alleys, son of Roumania Peters Walker and parking lots where rainwater runs off rather than draining into the soil. Using a The Honorable Jeh Johnson Cabinet Secretary, mathematical model, it was determined U.S. Department of Homeland Security that Green Infrastructure measures would control about 30 per cent of the runoff in The Honorable Tom Birch the impervious areas of west Georgetown ANC Commissioner covered by sewers 027 and 028. The Honorable Monica Roache ANC Commissioner DC Water envisions that four different approaches could be used in west Georgetown Mr. Keith Anderson to achieve this control. Director, DC Department of Parks & Recreation Rev. Adam Y. Park JOHN D. RICHARDSONJOHN D. RICHARDSON COMPANY, COMPANY,LTD. LTD. Epiphany Catholic Church church attended by the Peters Sisters JOHN D.Established RICHARDSON 1976Established COMPANY, 1976 LTD. Established 1976 Mr. David Dunning Custom RenovationCustom & Building Renovation & Building Master of Ceremonies, Custom Renovation & Building President, Friends of Rose Park 1516 34th Street,1516 N.W. 34th Street, N.W. 1516 34th Street, N.W. Light refreshments will be served Washington, D.C.Washington, 20007 D.C. 20007 following the dedication Washington, D.C. 20007 [email protected]@johndrichardsoncompany.com p) 202-342-7424 p) 202-342-7424 www.johndrichardsoncompany.comjohn@johndrichardsoncompany.comwww.johndrichardsoncompany.com f) 202-342-0245 p) 202-342-7424 f) 202-342-0245 www.johndrichardsoncompany.com f) 202-342-0245

8 GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 SPECIAL MEETING WILL REVEAL LATEST DESIGNS FOR THE WEST HEATING PLANT WALTER GROZACK, Historic Preservation & Zoning Committee

special meeting to present two All five consultants found contamination, alternative designs for redevelopment ranging from asbestos to heavy metals of the former West Heating Plant on and certain organic compounds, such as 29thA Street NW will be held on Wednesday, polychlorinated biphenyls. The most recent October 28, at 7pm in the Heritage Room testing also detected volatized mercury in the (second floor) of the Georgetown Visitation air within the plant, at levels far exceeding School, 1524 34th Street. the permissible value. (The plant’s decades- long burning of coal is the likely source of The designs will be presented by David the mercury.) An extensive and expensive Adjaye, OBE, the project’s award-winning remediation of this contamination would be British architect. Adjaye, whose prestigious required before the plant is safe for human portfolio ranges from the Oslo’s Nobel Peace occupancy. Center to DC’s own National Museum of African American History and Culture, In April 2015, the DC Historic Preservation is the latest recipient of MIT’s prestigious and Review Board voted against either Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts. designating the West Heating Plant as a District Landmark or nominating the plant The first design option is an updated version for inclusion in the National Register of of the owner’s initial submission that responds Historic Places. CAG supported that outcome to comments made by the Old Georgetown in its comments to the Review Board. CAG Board in 2013. This update would retain noted that, although construction of the the existing west façade, and use a ceramic plant was completed in 1946, within the screen to re-create the general appearance of period of historic significance, the structure the other three sides. was not deserving of special recognition. West Heating Plant The second option represents a new design of several courses of exterior brick, and an The Path Ahead by Adjaye, employing a much freer hand. inner wall of ceramic tile. The brick and This new design does not memorialize the tile envelop a hollow cavity running the full The plant’s owners plan to file an application current structure’s appearance. There will be height of the wall. Filling the cavity is steel to demolish, at a minimum, a substantial an opportunity to ask questions, and those cross-bracing, which anchors the windows, portion of the plant. As the plant is considered attending may voice their preference. and protects against a wall collapse in high “historic,” demolition is prohibited under DC law. However, they can apply for an CAG is nearing its fifth year of intensive winds. The steel is rusting and deteriorating from water seeping into the cavity. exception, allowed for projects of “special involvement with the West Heating Plant, merit,” which will be determined by the beginning with the initial disposition Both engineering consultants agreed that Mayor’s Agent after a public hearing on the steps taken by the General Services the entire interior tile portion of the wall application. Administration, and continuing with the should be completely demolished. They also current owners’ proposed redevelopment of agreed that much of the exterior brick is so The law provides for this exception if the the site as a Four Seasons Residences. cracked or otherwise damaged that it needs proposed project satisfies at least one of to be replaced. As new brick would not be several criteria. The relevant criteria for Recent Reviews of the Plant identical to the original brick, replacing the West Heating Plant are “exemplary architecture” and “social and other benefits In the spring of 2013, the Old Georgetown the damaged sections could result in an having a high priority for community Board, as part of its review of the initial unattractive, mismatched appearance. And services”. (Environmental contamination of design, asked for a peer review of the retaining the percentage of original brick a historic building is not a specified criterion structural engineering report on the that is currently would impose a significant, allowing its demolition.) condition of the plant. A second structural periodic inspection and maintenance cost on engineering consultant, Wiss Janney Elstner, the owners. If demolition is allowed, the next step would was hired to assess both the plant’s condition In 2014, an environmental consultant be a public hearing held by the Zoning and the findings of the owner’s engineering Commission before it assigns a zoning consultant, Robert Silman Associates. sampled environmental contamination levels within the plant. During the previous classification, which would set height and similar limits. The hearing would also weigh The review centered on the integrity and decade, four other different consultants the developer’s offer to provide community deterioration of the plant’s brick walls. The hired by the government had tested for the benefits, such as a new public park south of north, east, and south walls are freestanding, presence of hazardous and toxic substances. the existing plant. with no lateral support. These walls consist

GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015 9

OCTOBER COMMUNITY EVENTS AND CALENDAR

Sat. Oct. 3 Taste of Georgetown, 11am – 4pm K Street between Wisconsin Ave. and CITIZENS ASSOCIATION Thomas Jefferson, and along theWaterfront. www.tasteofgeorgetown.com OF GEORGETOWN 1365 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 200 Sun. Oct. 4 Volta Park Day 3-6pm. Rides, games, music, and food. The annual East v. Washington, DC 20007 West Softball Game starts at 2pm. Free. www.voltapark.org. 202-337-7313 / Fax: 202-333-1088 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cagtown.org Sun. Oct. 4 Phantom of the Opera at St Johns Episcopal Church, 3240 O St. 6pm showing of the original 1925 silent movie, accompanied by Todd Wilson on the church’s pipe organ. Tickets $30. www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org/concertseries/ BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Bob vom Eigen Vice President: Jennifer M. Altemus Wed. Oct. 7 Book Hill Park Fall Event 6-8pm at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Treasurer: Robert Laycock Naeve, 1692 31st St. Tickets $150. Contact Julia Diaz-Asper at Secretary: Barbara Downs [email protected] or 202-333-0077.

DIRECTORS Wed. Oct. 7 DC Water’s Public Meeting 6:30pm on the Clean Rivers Program and its Karen Cruse Green Infrastructure Plan for Georgetown. St. John’s Church, 3240 O St. Hazel Denton Hannah Isles John Lever Mon. Oct. 12 Columbus Day. Federal Holiday. Christopher Mathews Pamla Moore Thu. Oct. 15 Spirit of Georgetown Benefit. 6:30-8:30pm at the home of Ellen Charles. John Rentzepis Tickets at www.spiritofgeorgetown.org or 202-338-830. John Richardson Victoria Rixey Thu. Oct. 15 Georgetown Book Club discusses the 2015 DC Reads book, All Aunt GENERAL COUNSEL Hagar’s Children. 7.30pm at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library on Reservoir Road. Email [email protected] or call the library at Richard deC. Hinds 202-727-0232. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sat. Oct.17 Georgetown Community Day. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Organized by the Betsy Cooley Georgetown Community Partnership to bring the University community and the neighborhood together for food, music, and games to get to know and PROGRAM & support one another. And raffles too! Contact Candace Mosely at COMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS [email protected] or 202.687.5677. Louise Jacob Amy Looney Mon. Oct. 19 Georgetown Preschool Preview, 6-8pm at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, 4700 Whitehaven Pkwy. Information and representatives from OFFICE ASSISTANT Georgetown preschools and playgroups. Beth Nielsen Fri. Oct. 23 Georgetown Gala — Bar 1878: Georgetown After Dark. 7-11pm STANDING COMMITTEES at the Four Seasons Hotel. For tickets, go to www.cagtown.org or phone Alcohol Beverage Control: 202-337-7313. Karen Cruse & Jennifer Altemus Concerts in the Parks: Hannah Isles Sat. Oct. 24 Dumbarton Concerts kicks off its new season with “A Far Cry: Historic Preservation & Zoning: TransAmericana”. 8pm at the Historic Dumbarton Church, 3133 John Lever Dumbarton St. Tickets www.dumbartonconcerts.org or phone: Meetings: Diana Rich & Sue Hamilton 202-965-2000. Parking: Hazel Denton Public Safety & Guard: Wed. Oct. 28 Special Meeting on West Heating Plant. Architect David Adjaye will John Rentzepis & Richard Hinds present the latest design options. 7pm in the Heritage Room (second floor) of Georgetown Visitation School, 1524 34th St. Transportation: Christopher Mathews Trash & Rodents: Patrick Clawson & Georgine Anton Sat. Oct. 3 Halloween Trees for Georgetown: Betsy Emes Mon. Nov. 2 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2E Meeting. 6:30pm in Published by DHM Media Group LLC the Heritage Room at Georgetown Visitation, 35th & Volta streets. Agenda available at www.anc2E.com. Call 202-337-7427 for more information.

10 GEORGETOWN CITIZENS | OCTOBER 2015

CITIZENS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGETOWN 1365 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20007 202-337-7313 [email protected] www.cagtown.org

DEDICATED SUPPORTER OF The Citizens Association of Georgetown

Georgetown Office 202.944.8400 1680 Wisconsin Avenue NW | Washington, DC 20007