One of the chief unknowns is why. Nothing investigators learned in the early days after the attack pointed to the gunman's motive. And, four weeks later, we still don't have the answers. As one MPD investigator tells The Washington Post, “We have the same questions you have.”

The Post got early access to the investigation and on May 12, published a detailed account of the day' s events and multi-agency effort that ultimately led MPD to the shooter's apartment at AVA Van Ness. 

At the May 17th ANC 3F meeting (watch here), MPD 2D Lieutenant Stephen Amodeo said one of the four shooting victims, a retired 2D officer who was a security guard at Edmund Burke School, was still hospitalized. 

Lt. Amodeo also reported at the ANC meeting that the Office of the Attorney General has accepted MPD 2D's referral of Days Inn, the site of a deadly shooting in January, and three Van Ness apartment buildings to OAG's nuisance properties division. Days Inn, 3003 Van Ness, and the Chesapeake and Saratoga apartments potentially face lawsuits seeking remedies including evictions and security improvements. MPD 2D has also referred 3002 Rodman and Connecticut House to the nuisance unit.

Tenants association leaders from two of those MPD referrals and others in Ward 3 have had several listening sessions with elected officials and candidates for office - but not Mayor Bowser. They've requested a meeting with her. 

The deputy mayor for public safety and justice set the stage for such a meeting when he told ANC 3F in April that DC’s housing vouchers system “ain’t working.”

Our survey about life in apartments across DC is still active. If you're a high-rise renter, we welcome you to tell us about what you think of your building management - what they're doing right, and ways they can do better. 

Wednesday was opening day. Did you stop by? After months of delays, the last inspections were performed and final permits came through, allowing Italian Bar, the Roman-style coffee, gelato and panini bar at 5007 Connecticut Avenue, to open at last. 

The hours of operation are not yet set in stone. Co-owner Carolyn Papetti tells us that Italian Bar will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Sunday, then Wednesday through Sunday next week. After that, it will be open seven days a week, and eventually, could stay open as late as 10 p.m.  

Our latest Business in Brief mentions this new venture from the folks at I'm Eddie Cano. Plus, we tell you more about the new restaurant taking over the former Tesoro space at Days Inn. And, The Washington Post's restaurant critic now has two neighborhood faves. 

On Saturday, May 21st, Master Gardener Kathy Sykes is establishing a new pollinator garden in the tree boxes outside Forest Hills of DC Senior Living. Stop by between 1:30 and 4 p.m. to lend a hand. Gloves and tools will be provided, and kids are welcome. Find more details here.   

On Tuesday, May 24th at 6:30 p.m., the National Park Service is hosting a virtual public meeting on "a safe and efficient east-west pedestrian and bicycle connection" along Military Road. Here's the link to join the meeting on Microsoft Teams.

June preview: Follow Van Ness Main Street for details on its June 15th and 22nd Movie Nights in the Park (Ghostbusters and Soul!), and a (hopefully) rescheduled Spring Pop-up Market.