City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🏗️ High rises are coming to NW DC
October 2, 2023
Good morning and hoorah for the averted shutdown this weekend! We can do it all over again in 44 days. In the meantime, we’re continuing the search for nominations for our City Cast 6 awards. The goal is to recognize D.C.’s most influential people in six different industries. Today, we want to know about people in music! Who’s been a game changer in the D.C. music industry this year?
What's CITY Talking About?
Unprecedented High-Rise Approval
A review board voted to allow high-rises in Northwest D.C. that are dramatically taller than the current zoning allows. Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to amend zoning regulations to allow for high-rises of up to 75 feet in Cleveland Park and 90 feet in Woodley Park. Buildings there are currently limited to 40 feet. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Related: Bowser wants to change height limits across the city by amending the D.C. Height Act. That move could totally reimagine D.C.’s skyline. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Upgrades to Mount Vernon Trail
The National Park Service plans to upgrade Mount Vernon Trail and the southern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Their plan includes widening the trails, building better flood infrastructure, repairing the bridge, and adding bike and pedestrian safety features Plus, there will be new bathrooms, water bottle filling stations, and bikeshare docks. You have until October 24 to weigh in. [DCist]
Anacostia River Gets An "F"
The Anacostia Watershed Society gave the Anacostia River an “F” in its latest water health report card. The society says the lack of submerged aquatic vegetation indicates poor water quality and ecosystem health. There have been impressive strides since cleaning efforts began in 2018: wildlife has returned, and some parts are swimmable, but it still has a ways to go. [DCist, City Cast DC 🎧]
Sponsored Content
Hit a Winner with Fray Tennis Leagues
Get ready to serve and volley your way into the action with DC Fray’s tennis leagues starting this fall. Whether you’re just starting out or on the cusp of Grand Slam glory, we have leagues for players at all levels on various days + times across DC and Arlington. Register today!
Where Is It?
As many of you guessed, this is in the gardens of the Franciscan Monastery in Edgewood. It was built in 1898 as a U.S. home of Franciscans and now also serves as a peaceful reprieve for the public, with beautiful chapels and sprawling catacombs that you can visit.
Nice work, readers Laura P., RH B., and Leah J. (who is getting married there next spring!) for being the first three to guess the location correctly!
Next up is another type of pathway. Can you tell me where this romantic staircase is located? Hint: anyone can go in, but only D.C. residents can take things out.
What To Do
🪄 Harry Potter Trivia | Monday | 7 p.m.
Still waiting for your Hogwarts letter? Join the rest of us at this wizarding trivia night with themed food, drinks, and a costume contest. [Free, Union Market]
🔮 Tales from Netherworlds | Tuesday | 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Learn about the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain – now known as Halloween – and listen to Slavic folktales about journeys to the netherworld. [$15, Penn Quarter]
🏘️ It Takes a Neighborhood | Tuesday | 6 p.m.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and hear about the history of Gallery Place/Chinatown from the local 1882 foundation. [$12, Mt. Vernon]
📷 Process Film With Plants | Wednesday | 6 - 10 p.m.
Learn to process film with just plants, ashes, and water at this Rhizome workshop. [$15+, Takoma]
Today on City Cast
How Social Media is Propelling DC's Youth Homicides
It’s no secret that homicides are up in D.C.: last week, we recorded our 200th this year. But there’s confusion about why. We chat with reporter Alec MacGillis who has been researching recent violence and how social media is propelling the carnage.
Have a great week!
Kaela
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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