| www.downtowndc.org/update |
July 2010 |
|
|
| BID BIZ |
|
Homeless News
 The Downtown BID is forming new partnerships to serve Downtown’s homeless population. A recent success story is the Downtown BID's innovative outreach program with the DC Public Library, specifically Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
(901 G Street). Because homeless people frequently use libraries as a temporary refuge, members of the BID's Homeless Services Team are stationed there where they can engage the homeless directly. The team also trains library security and staff in ways to help those in need. Other Downtown BID partnerships include:
- Martha’s Table – Through Pathways to Housing DC, connect former homeless individuals in Downtown, who are now living in permanent supportive housing, to groceries and clothing.
- Common Ground – Help create a variety of housing stock by supporting the collaboration between this pioneer—which develops supportive housing—and Catholic Charities; they plan to build DC’s first mixed-income permanent supportive housing building.
- Vulnerability Index – Support using this tool for identifying and prioritizing the street homeless population for housing according to the fragile state of their health; the index is a practical application that could revolutionize the speed at which the chronically homeless are placed into housing.
“Expanding our network of service providers, advocates, policymakers and government officials working on behalf of the homeless community can only lead to more and, perhaps, improved strategies to confront homelessness,” said Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID.
This summer, the Downtown BID will release a leadership paper summarizing how it is helping to reduce homelessness through collaborative local, regional and national partnerships.
|
|
|
|
Tracking Streetcars
Now that DC is developing a 37-mile, eight-line streetcar system, the city is weighing how aerial wires will be used to power the project. A DC Council bill, the Transportation Infrastructure Amendment Act of 2010, proposes that the Mayor ban more telephone, electric lighting or other wires from being erected or maintained on or over DC streets, if they didn’t exist before July 1888. The bill authorizes the Mayor to have aerial wires installed to power streetcar transit when necessary or more feasible than existing power sources. However, the bill limits this use to H Street/Benning Road—one of two lines under construction—until a citywide plan for using the wires for additional streetcar lines is developed. For now, the city wants to use more advanced vehicles that can operate for limited distances without an overhead power supply to  preserve critical views and areas with scenic or historical value. Richard Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID and president of DC Surface Transit, Inc. (DCST), testified at a Committee on Public Works and Transportation hearing about the streetcars. He noted the proposed streetcar system has the potential to more positively and dramatically impact community and economic development than Metro. “Other cities,” he said, “are also realizing this potential and we can’t afford, with our economic needs, to be left behind.”
He emphasized that the only streetcar propulsion system that meets the affordability, reliability and serviceability test now and in the future will require overhead wires—for all or good portions of the trip—and need not adversely impact the visual experience of place. With attention to good urban design, streetcar overhead wires can blend seamlessly into the fabric of the public realm. Federal laws constraining the city, he added, pre-date DC’s Home Rule Act and were enacted by Congress in the 19th century. They do not take into account modern streetcar design and technology.
“It is our view,” said Bradley, “that the city should make its own determinations about how it will grow and be sustained into the future. This legislation puts the responsibility for determining an acceptable balance between community development and historic preservation upon the city.” Streetcar service is expected to begin in 2012.
Welcome to the BID
The Downtown BID office is abuzz this summer with new staffers: Alec Stewart, Lindsay Mamula, Kelly Peterson, Danielle Piacente and six summer interns from the DC Department of Employment Services’ (DOES) Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) have joined our busy team. Both Alec and Lindsay are new placemaking interns working full-time this summer, and then part-time during the 2010-2011 academic year, with our streetscape and environmental program and services managers, as well as with our GIS program assistant and director of operations. Alec, a graduate student at George Washington University’s Department of Geography, also has an undergraduate degree in geography from the University of California at Berkeley. Lindsay, a graduate student at the University of Maryland/College Park’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, received an undergraduate degree in psychology from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio.
Kelly is a former transportation program associate now working with DC Surface Transit, Inc. (DCST), a Downtown BID affiliate organization, conducting research on the relationship between streetcar investment and development in DC and the boarder metropolitan area. She is working on a master’s degree in city and regional planning, with a concentration in economic development, at the University of Pennsylvania. Danielle is the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s (NCBF) new communications manager, but she’s not new on the block. As a publicist and manager at Linda Roth Associates, she ran the Festival’s local, national, and international public relations campaign for four years. In addition, she managed community and media outreach for multiple businesses within the hospitality industry. NCBF manages Arts on Foot, the Holiday Market and the Downtown Events Corporation for the Downtown BID, which provides the organization a home and staffing support.
Each year, SYEP interns join the Downtown BID as project assistants as part of a cooperative arrangement with DOES. While we provide them critical real-world skills and allow them to gain valuable workplace experience, they provide much-needed project support compiling data, working on databases and assisting with special projects and surveys. The students are all DC residents, either in high school, enrolled in colleges or engaged in career explorations. They are:
- Alysia Pridgen – Montgomery College
- Bernadette Palmer – Penn State University
- Lauren Marshall – University of Pennsylvania
- Shakia Brockenberry – Ballou Senior H.S.
- Andre Ford – H.D. Woodson H.S.
- Reese Williams – Anacostia SHS
| |
|
|
|
At the SAM of the Month ceremony Kathryn Wat, curator of modern and contemporary art at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, presents a primer on the New York Avenue Sculpture Project.
|
Quiet Determination
The May SAMs of the Month have more than 10 years of experience among them: Maintenance Team Member Gregory Smith and Safety and Hospitality Team Member Crystal Saunders.
 |
|
|
Gregory Smith
|
|
Gregory Smith became a Maintenance SAM in March 2009 because he gets a thrill out of providing service, walking, being outdoors, working with minimal supervision and showing initiative. The former ice cream store manager is a man of few words. “He’s really quiet,” says his supervisor. “He comes to work and goes about his task. ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ is about as much as I’ve gotten out of him.” Smith is a longtime Washingtonian and spends his spare time working on an A+ certification for computers.
Crystal Saunders joined the SAM Hospitality team in February 2001. Impressed by the SAMs she encountered on Downtown
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Maintenance Services Manager Ronald Jones presents a SAM of the Month certificate to Hospitality team member Crystal Saunders.
|
streets, she applied for the job to help others. Saunders says there are two things she likes most about being a SAM—meeting different types of people and visiting Downtown facilities and attractions before they're open to the public. When she’s not on the street, Saunders works the SAM dispatch desk. Says her supervisor: “She’s informed, and she understands that we’re in the business of selling hospitality and politeness.” Saunders has a 15-year-old hearing-impaired daughter and devotes her free time volunteering at her daughter’s school and learning sign language.
Signs of Appreciation
The Downtown BID often receives words of praise from visitors, workers and residents touched in some way by the help and reassuring presence that our Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees, known as SAMs, provide on Downtown streets. The following communication is from one of DC’s finest, Officer M. McConnell with the First District Metropolitan Police Department (MPD):
" I am writing to give accolades to the Downtown SAMs (Cheryl Brown, Freda Mintah, Michael Creed, Khasan Taylor, David Hall, Nickcaro Smith and Charlie Stevenson) who were involved with an incident that occurred on Friday, May 28. As you know, the suspect who was apprehended was a mental health consumer. He was transported and, as it turns out, he had some very serious mental health issues. This suspect could seriously have hurt someone. However, due to the quick radio communication and reporting that was performed by the SAMs, a more serious situation was prevented. I want to commend your staff for being good reporters and witnesses. That is a key part of any investigation. Your SAMs were exemplary in letting me and my fellow officers investigate the scene. At the same time, they were ready with good witness information and ready to lend a hand in any other way that was needed. As the Downtown business beat officer in PSA 101, it is my observation that all the SAMs do a fine job day in and day out across the spectrum of their regular duties. However, this past Friday, I was very pleased to see that with a “partnership of problem solving,” a quick resolution was brought to what could have turned out to be a far worse situation."
Officer M. McConnell
First District MPD
The Downtown BID and the SAMs appreciate your feedback. If you would like to share a story about a SAM who provided exemplary customer service, visit www.downtowndc.org and click on “Contact Us.” |
| DEVELOPMENT DOINGS |
top |
|
 Big Apple Buy In
New York University (NYU) plans to break ground on a multipurpose center at 1307 L Street in September. The nine-story development recently received a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) exception that removes the developer’s requirement to provide parking or loading areas on the 60-foot wide lot. At 75,000 square feet (SF), the NYU-DC Center will feature seminar rooms, meeting spaces, offices, a 200-seat auditorium, housing for some 150 students in NYU’s semester-long academic programs and visitor apartments. The private research university plans to have the building operating by 2012 and is shooting for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification. NYU has 12 major academic centers on five continents. The Downtown site will be NYU's first domestic site outside of New York.
Shining Star
The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) purchased the Evening Star Building (1101 Pennsylvania Avenue) for $180 million last month—making it the third-most expensive building sold in DC last year. The 112-year-old building has 13 floors, 219,627 rental square feet and is 88% leased. It was originally built to house the non-defunct Evening Star newspaper and is listed on the National Register as a historic landmark. The property was completely renovated and expanded in 1989. The building, only on the market for three months, generated plenty of interest—a good sign for DC trophy vacancy rates, which stood at 7.4% in the first quarter, still lower than the city’s overall commercial vacancy rate.
No More Fun and Games
Downtown’s ESPN Zone (555 12th Street) is no more. The sports dining, bar and entertainment complex closed its doors in mid-June after residing for 10 years on the corner of 12th and E Streets. It was one of five ESPN Zone restaurants shuttered by The Walt Disney Company due to the poor economy. The others were located in Baltimore, Chicago, New York and Las Vegas. Disney closed two other locations, in Atlanta and Denver, last year. Its Los Angeles and Anaheim, California, sites will remain open. No word yet on who’s interested in subletting the 35,000 SF of space left by the closure. ESPN Zone reportedly has five years remaining on its lease.
|
| DOWNTOWN DISH |
top |
|
 Staking Out a Prize
Clyde’s Restaurant Group plans to open a 35,000-square-foot restaurant in space now occupied by Borders (600 14th Street). According to the Washington Post, the company signed a deal with the building’s landlord, Shorenstein Properties, to assume Borders' lease. Citing recessionary woes, Borders announced plans to sublease the space last year. Clyde’s Restaurant Group owns 13 local restaurants, including Clyde’s of Gallery Place (707 7th Street) and the Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th Street). A new restaurant, tentatively named Hamilton Square, could open late next year. Borders, which has occupied space in the historic Hamilton Square building since 2000, is set to close by September 1. For more information about Clyde’s Restaurant Group, visit www.clydes.com.
The Real Deal
Amorini Panini, the sandwich shop slated to open in late summer at 906 F Street, promises to indulge Downtown diners with European inspired-Paninis during breakfast and lunch. The new eatery will occupy 1,500 SF, seat 35 people and serve 10 different pressed sandwiches using freshly baked artisan bread. Its owners, Matt Gray and Rich Twilley, hope to franchise the concept regionally. For more information, visit www.amorinipanini.com.
Culinary Standouts
Congratulations to the Downtown restaurants and industry stars that walked away with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) RAMMY Awards. Six Downtown BID area megastars were feted at the annual awards gala commonly dubbed the “Oscars of Washington, DC Area Restaurants.”
The 2010 winners took the top prize in six of 18 categories, including four that were chosen by the public. They are:
| • |
Wine Program – Proof (775 G Street) |
| • |
Chef of the Year – Scott Drewno, The Source (575 Pennsylvania Avenue)
|
| • |
Beverage/Mixology Program – PS 7’s (777 Eye Street) |
| • |
Rising Culinary Star – Nicholas Stefanelli, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca (1100 New York Avenue) |
| • |
Where Magazine Visitors’ Choice Award – The Capital Grille (601 Pennsylvania Avenue) |
| • |
Your Favorite Restaurant – Co Co. Sala (929 F Street) |
Co Co. Sala has been recognized for two consecutive years. In 2009, the public voted it the Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene of the Year.
The RAMMY Awards, now in its 28th year, salute the best and brightest in the local restaurant industry. For more information and a complete list of winners, visit www.ramw.org.
 Taking Notice
We just love it when out-of-town admirers single out Downtown restaurants for their cuisine, ambiance and panache. Such was the case recently when The New York Times noted some of “the  best new ethnic options the area has to offer.” Againn (1099 New York Avenue), the modern gastro pub, was noted for what the Times called “British soul food.” Rasika (633 D Street), a multi-award winning restaurant, received accolades for its “consistently exciting menu that combines re-imagined and traditional Indian dishes.” To find out more about Againn and Rasika, visit www.againn.com and www.rasikarestaurant.com, respectively.
|
| HOTEL HAPPENINGS |
top |
|
 Major Facelift
Bethesda-based RLJ Development LLC has purchased the Red Roof Inn (500 H Street) for $40 million, or about $200,000 per room. Plans entail renovating the 196-room inn beginning this fall and converting it into a nationally recognized brand. Entrepreneur Bob Johnson, the founder and former chairman and chief executive officer of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the former majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, controls the hotel investment firm behind the purchase. RLJ has strong ties with several leading brands, including Hilton and Marriott, and owns 117 hotels in 13 states. The Red Roof Inn is its first hotel property in DC and the surrounding metropolitan area. The deal comes on the heels of the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square (806 15th Street) acquisition in March. Bethesda-based LaSalle Hotel Properties purchased that hotel for $95 million, or $401,000 per room.
Culinary Idol
They’re jumping for joy over at the Donovan House (1155 14th Street), where Zentan executive chef Susur Lee recently finished second on the Bravo network’s Top Chef Masters reality competition show. Hong Kong-born Lee holds the record for the highest score in the program’s history and made it all the way to the Season 2 finals. Although based in Toronto, he introduced DC diners to his inventive global Asian cuisine  last summer, after celebrity Chef Todd English backed out of plans to open Cha. Lee’s culinary creations include his popular Singapore slaw with salted plum dressing, Szechuan style half duck with djan lotus crepes and a wide selection of Asian crudos, sushi and sashimi. Not surprisingly, Zentan’s business has picked up following his appearance on Top Chef Masters. Last month, the restaurant offered a five-course dinner with dishes from his season on the popular show. His book, Susur Lee: A Culinary Life, also was available for sale.
|
| AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD |
top |
|
 Artistic Fringe
All the creativity, hilarity and wackiness of the Capital Fringe Festival will return to Downtown when the 18-day, open-access performing arts fete kicks off July 8 and runs through July 25. This year’s artistic endeavors—including comedies, dance, drama, musicals, experimental theater, you name it—total more than 140 different shows and will take place in 13 venues, as well as “Find Your Own Venue” sites scattered around the city. The Downtown BID is a major sponsor of this award-winning festival, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary in Downtown. Fort Fringe, the combination box office, Festival headquarters and theater venue, opens July 6—look for the circus tent at 607 New York Avenue. All ticket prices to the award-winning Festival are $15, plus a one-time purchase of a $5 Fringe button, which is good all year for discounts at local shops, restaurants, museums and theatres. Savings also are available with special $50, $75, $110 and $300 passes. Tickets may be purchased at Fort Fringe, online or by phone. For more information, visit www.capitalfringe.org, or call 866.811.4111.
Techie Delight
Yippee, free Wi-Fi hotspots are coming to Chinatown and Penn Quarter this month! Local residents, businesses and visitors can thank the city and Microsoft, which will host its landmark Worldwide Partners Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place) and other Downtown venues from July 11 to July 15. The city will activate publicly available hotspots several days before the mega-computer technology firm welcomes 10,000 delegates from around the world. The hotspots support 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi standards and access speeds up to 20 Mbps. People with laptops, smart phones and other wireless-enabled mobile devices will be able to surf the Web, conduct business, check e-mail and access online applications throughout the hotspot area. Extra special: the hotspots will remain in place permanently after the conference ends, helping to spur DC’s economy in one of the city’s busiest destination neighborhoods. The hotspots are powered by DC’s high-speed fiber-optic network, DC-Net, built and operated by the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO).
Asian Cinema
The DC Office of Planning (OP) is working to develop, promote and market a yearlong calendar of Asian events and performances focused in and around Chinatown. They are not alone. Next month, the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (MVTCID) and the Asia Heritage Foundation will roll out The 5-Eye Asian Film Festival, a free outdoor movie series that will take place at the lot on 5th and Eye Streets, just north of Chinatown. Five award-winning films, including some never shown before in the US, and all with English subtitles, will grace the space on Sunday nights in August. The program is supported by several neighborhood groups and has received generous financial support from local businesses as well as Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. Bring a chair, sit back and relax. Showtime is at 8:30 pm. For more information, visit www.mountvernontriangle.org.
Saving a Landmark
 It’s sad but true. The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) at 1518 M Street appeared recently on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The annual list highlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. Ongoing water infiltration has caused extensive damage at the church. Its 29 stained glass windows are compromised due to deteriorated lead jointing, the grand staircase and sanctuary floors have settled and poorly designed internal gutters have caused water damage to walls and the ceiling. Current conditions threaten its continued use as a place of worship, as well as its role in local and national humanitarian ministries. The Metropolitan AME Church is DC’s oldest AME Church and one of the most prominent in the country. It has been a bastion of advocacy for human rights and hosted Frederick Douglass’ funeral in 1895 and Rosa Parks’ memorial service more than a century later. To support the church and other endangered sites, visit www.PreservationNation.org/11Most. More information about Metropolitan AME can be found at www.metropolitanamec.org.
Tenable Tennis
Construction on the CityCenterDC mixed-use project could begin in January 2011, but for now all eyes are on the Washington Kastles. The defending  World Team Tennis (WTT) champions will host seven home matches in their temporary stadium on the west side of the CityCenterDC site at 11th and H Streets beginning with a home opener against the Philadelphia Freedoms on July 6. This year’s roster will include multiple Grand Slam Champions Venus and Serena Williams, as well as star-studded matches featuring Martina Hingis, John McEnroe, Leander Paes and Rennae Stubbs. The home schedule will conclude on July 21.
The open-air Kastles Stadium offers fans a unique opportunity to see professional tennis up-close and personal in the heart of Downtown. In addition, the stadium will play host to an expanded entertainment schedule this summer featuring a celebrity tennis contest between professional athletes, politicians and members of the media; the second annual DC Summer Pro Am Boxing Showcase; and, for the third consecutive year, the Street Soccer USA World Cup. New this year: a VIP Club Dinner Table section on the north end of the stadium. For more information, visit www.washingtonkastles.com.
|
| GREEN GAINS |
top |
|
 Charge It!
Federal stimulus funds continue to work their magic in DC. California-based Coulomb Technology, a leader in fueling the electric transportation industry, recently received a $15 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) that will be used to give away electric vehicle chargers to Washington metropolitan area residents and building owners. DC is one of nine cities selected to participate in Coulomb’s ChargePoint America program. The city will receive a portion of the 4,600 electric vehicle chargers that will be distributed through the $37 million program. The chargers are valued at $6,000 each and will be able to fully charge an electric vehicle in four to six hours. Expect to see the devices in public parking facilities and metered parking spaces over the next few months. Interested in receiving a free charger? Visit www.chargepointamerica.com.
In response to the federal grant, DC plans to install 10 public charging stations in the public domain by the end of 2010, and another 10 by 2011. Property owners will be able to install free charging kiosks in their garages. But first, they must request them from Coulomb, which plans to distribute about 200 to 300 kiosks depending on regional demand and other factors. After the free chargers are given away, you will be able to purchase others from a variety of manufacturers, including DC-based GreenlightAC. The company offers a UL rated charger and plans to install several units in Downtown buildings this year. The Downtown BID is encouraging Downtown business owners to take the leap and install the charging units in their buildings to join the 21st century electric transportation revolution.
Urban Renewal
It’s no secret that urban environments present some of the harshest conditions anywhere for trees, what with pollution, poor soil quality, heat and limited root space. The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) has been working to breathe new life into Downtown and the city’s tree population. According to the Downtown BID’s Spring 2010 tree survey, their efforts are on target. The number of empty street tree boxes, tree stumps and dead trees in the Downtown BID declined substantially from the Fall 2009 survey by 68%, 71% and 42%, respectively. “In my 11 years working with the city on planting street trees, this survey represents the lowest totals ever,” says Lito Tongson, the Downtown BID’s streetscape manager. “Mortality rates have steadily decreased. What other agency can boast a 97.33% success rate?”
The Downtown BID area has 2,685 trees in 237 locations. Partnerships formed in recent years with UFA and Casey Trees, the non-profit organization that restores, enhances and protects the city's tree canopy, have helped to educate and involve property owners and managers in the care and stewardship of Downtown trees. “Urban trees help offset the urban heat island effect, making cities cooler in hot weather,” says Mike Galvin, Casey Tree’s deputy director. “In business districts, studies have shown that people linger longer in tree-lined districts as they are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for shoppers. These trees also offset impervious surfaces, slowing stormwater runoff.” Talk about tree power!
 Sustainable Leaders
Two Downtown buildings are the first of more than 150 in the US and abroad to use a new national rating system for sustainable landscapes. The Herbert C. Hoover Building (1401 Constitution Avenue), better known as the US Department of Commerce, and the US Tax Court (400 2nd Street) both participate in the Sustainable Sites Initiative’s two-year pilot program, which uses national guidelines and performance benchmarks to rate sustainable land design, construction and maintenance. The Sites’s Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks, released last year, include a four-star rating system that works on a 200-point scale. Pilot programs are certified once they achieve 15 prerequisites and at least 100 credit points. The Hoover Building’s grounds will be re-landscaped to align with the guidelines, such as using native plant species and removing the dedicated irrigation system. The Tax Court will repurpose a fountain in the building’s landscaped plaza into a demonstration green roof that the public can experience at ground level. The Initiative supplements existing green building and landscape guidelines and provides a stand-alone tool for site sustainability. For more information, including project types, locations and size, visit www.sustainablesites.org.
Following the Lead
The American Chemical Society’s (ACS) headquarters building at 1155 16th Street obtained gold certification for an Existing Building: Operations & Maintenance (EB O&M) under the US Green Building Council’s program for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The 10-story, postmodern high-rise is only the second such building in DC, and one of only 40 in the nation, to receive this prestigious LEED designation. The Pepco Holdings building at 701 9th Street received a similar designation last year. The ACS building was recognized for several sustainable design elements and practices, including recycling 92% of waste leaving the building and achieving a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star rating of 87 out of 100. Congratulations!
Green Exemplars
Know of a business, individual or organization that incorporates environmentally sustainable practices into their business and community work? The Washington Business Journal wants to hear from you. The publication is accepting nominations for its 2010 Greater Washington Green Business Awards through July 9. The awards will be presented in six categories: Innovation, Green Giving, Visionary, Invention, Design and Workplace. For more information, visit www.washingtonbusinessjournal.com/nomination.
|
| TRANSPORTATION TALK |
top |
|
 Rolling into the Future
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Arlington County now have a name for the new regional bike sharing program: Capital Bikeshare. The name received the top vote from public stakeholders who were invited to select from an existing list of names or to suggest new ones for the innovative system that will be rolled out later this year. Capital Bikeshare will build on the success of DDOT’s SmartBikeDC program and will have 1,100 bikes at 114 stations, making it the nation’s largest bike-sharing network. Plans are already underway to expand the network further in Virginia and into Maryland. Once again, the public is invited to participate in the process—this time to help map out locations for the bike stations. Click here to suggest possible locations.
Meanwhile, the DC BID Council, an association of seven local BIDs—including the Downtown BID and one community improvement district (CID)—has encouraged its members to participate in planning the locations. The Council believes the bike-sharing locations should complement existing placemaking efforts and take into account future development and seasonal uses. The Downtown BID area has four bike-sharing kiosks near the Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, Metro Center and McPherson Square Metrorail stations, which thousands of visitors use every year to experience such popular annual events as Arts on Foot and the Holiday Market.
Surfing the Blogosphere
You gotta love the technologically savvy minds over at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Over the past year, DDOT has revamped its website, embraced social networking on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and hosted multiple live online chats with residents. Last month, the agency launched its first official blog—DDOT Dish, or d.ish—to help facilitate more direct communication with DC residents and others and create a more transparent, customer-centric agency. The blog is live at ddotdish.com and is accessible from DDOT’s website, www.ddot.dc.gov.
Underground Retail
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is gearing up to bring much-touted retail space to select Metrorail stations, including two in Downtown. WMATA’s Board has approved a license agreement with NCR/Blockbuster and Movie Solution to place DVD rental machines at a dozen stations, including the Metro Center and Gallery Place Metrorail stations and Union Station. In addition, Old Town Trolley Tours will place ticket sales and information booths at both Smithsonian Metrorail station entrances on the National Mall. It’s beginning to feel a bit like New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority, although Metro does not yet sell food. But in this economy the transit system will be pleased to nab an estimated $928,000 over eight years from these new retail ventures. The video machines will be in place as early as this fall.
Monthly Report Card
Now you can monitor the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) operating performance online. A new monthly scorecard of Metro’s key performance indicators, Vital Signs, will show how the transit agency is performing and what it is doing to improve performance. Information will include bus and rail on-time performance, bus fleet reliability, MetroAccess on-time performance, escalator and elevator system unit availability, customer and employee injury rates, crime rates and arrests, citations and summonses. To access the Metro Scorecard, click here.
|
| NEWS YOU CAN USE |
top |
|
Striving for Excellence
The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has released proposed regulations governing vending businesses to ensure their safe, efficient and effective management. The new provisions address vending licenses, vendor operations, designating sidewalk and roadway vending locations, public markets, vending development zones, street photography and soliciting in public space. The regulations were published in the DC Register on June 25 and are available at www.dcra.dc.gov. Before the rules can be implemented, the DC Council has a 60-day review period. Meanwhile, DCRA is seeking public comment by July 26. To voice your opinion, e-mail Helder Gil at helder.gil@dc.gov.
In other news, DCRA imposed a 10% service enhancement fee on all business licenses, building permits and other services last month. The fee, which covers the cost of enhanced technological capabilities, was included in two emergency rulemaking regulations published in the DC Register on May 28. Copies, including a complete list of affected fees, are available at www.dcra.dc.gov.
The Big Picture
 The lack of a comprehensive, citywide retail development strategy is the biggest obstacle to ramping up the performance of DC’s retail centers. This assessment is spelled out in the Retail Action Roadmap, an ambitious plan for filling missing gaps, cultivating retail innovation and stimulating retail growth. The study is led by the DC Office of Planning (OP) and the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) and examines 15 neighborhood commercial districts, selected based on one or more criteria: retail areas in underserved neighborhoods that could better meet residents’ needs; retail areas in which analysis could boost public efforts, neighborhood planning work and investments; and retail areas that are undergoing substantial change or transition or both.
According to the plan, DC has many advantages, including accessibility, walkability, half a million daytime workers from the suburbs, a strong stable employment base and opportunities to grow. But there are several obstacles and challenges—ranging from a lack of capital for business development and expansion and high land values to regulatory hurdles and mismatches between neighborhood retail supply and demand—are prevalent. The Retail Action Roadmap will help strengthen neighborhood retail offerings, create world-class retail clusters and connect the city’s shopping hubs. To review the plan, visit www.planning.dc.gov.
Taking Precautions
Summer has arrived, but what about that license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at your sidewalk café, summer garden or rooftop deck? Did you know the DC Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) requires businesses to be in compliance and properly licensed to sell and serve alcohol in these areas? In fact, all three areas require an endorsement from the ABRA Board before they can be operated as additions to your business. Also, you must submit a one-day substantial change application if you host any special events in these areas. Even entertainment—a DJ, live music, dancing, and karaoke—will require an entertainment endorsement. We’re just saying, there’s no need to ruin an already ultra-hot and sticky summer. For more information, contact an ABRA licensing specialist at 202.442.4423.
Where’s the Money
It’s grant time at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH), which is taking applications from local artists and arts organization that are seeking grants in fiscal year 2011, beginning October 1. For more information or to receive an application, call 202.724.5613.
|
| MEETINGS AND MORE |
top |
|
Sunday, July 11 - Thursday, July 15
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Vernon Place
Come to this five-day Microsoft Corporation partner forum to learn about the company's roadmap and best practices for the year. Gain exclusive access to Microsoft executives and other partners, and experience the latest product innovations. Bring your business challenges and ideas. Registration hours vary from 6:30 am to 8:00 am over the course of this annual meeting, with receptions and discussions ending from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Six different passes, ranging in price from $150 to $1,795, are available. For more information and to register, visit http://digitalwpc.com.
|
|
Monday, July 12 - Wednesday, July 14
National Alliance to End Homelessness
2010 National Conference on Ending Homelessness
Hyatt Regency
400 New Jersey Avenue
Interested in ending homelessness? Then this conference, sponsored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, is for you. There will be sessions on how homelessness impacts youth, financing and developing affordable housing, permanent supportive housing for veterans, employment strategies for low-income individuals and families and much more. The registration fee is $650; onsite registration is $700. For more information, visit www.endhomelessness.org.
|
|
Thursday, July 15, 7:15 am – 10:00 am
BISNOW
Senior Housing Summit: Senior Living
Willard InterContinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue
Join BISNOW at its first annual Senior Housing Summit. Find out from a panel of experts whether now is the time to build senior housing and how owners/buyers can secure new financing in a tight credit market. Moderators David Kessler, a co-office managing principal at Reznick Group, and Wayne Tatusko, president of Tatusko Kennedy, PC, will preside over a lively panel consisting of six industry experts in investment management, acquisitions, development and healthcare finance. The cost is $49 per person. For more information and to register, visit click here.
|
|
Wednesday, July 28, 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Washington, DC Economic Partnership
2010 Small Business Awards
Willard InterContinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue
Join the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) at this annual Small Business Awards ceremony, which honors DC-based entrepreneurs, small businesses and business service providers. Three businesses will receive awards in the Small Business of the Year, 100-Year-Old DC Business of the Year and Small Business Initiative of the Year categories. The business plan competition winner also will be unveiled. Registration begins at 8:30 am; the program runs from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The cost is $40 per person. For more information and to register, visit www.wdcep.com.
|
|
Thursday, July 29, - Friday, July 30
Institute for Professional and Executive Development, Inc.
5th Annual Green Homes & Sustainable Communities Conference
W Hotel
515 15th Street
The Institute for Professional and Executive Development (IPED) invites all players involved in affordable housing and renewable energy—developers, investors, lenders, community-based organizations, architects, attorneys—to attend this two-day conference to learn from the best about what’s working today, and what’s not, in the push to make green and affordable one and the same. The general admission fee is $695; it’s $395 for government and nonprofit and education organizations. Event hours vary. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
