? leak perhaps causing water to pool around basement door ?

From a Randolph Place NW household:

We have a slowly growing damp patch under the door sill, and the wall to one side, of our basement rear door (entry/exit for the apartment down there). The area is directly beneath our kitchen sink and dishwasher area on the first floor (so, one floor up). My hunch is we have a leak from the pipe(s) feeding/draining the sink and/or dishwasher, which is causing water to pool on the ground level (and within the wall) around that basement door. Is a plumber the right guy to call for this? An appliance person? Can they/should they get into a wall (through drywall or anything else) to take a look? If any Bloomingdalians have had something similar, I`d love to hear how they handled it.

fixing & replacing gutters

See this request from a Randolph Place NW resident:

We're looking for gutter fixers/replacers, if anyone knows a good one.

camping in Crispus Attucks Park -- Saturday, May 22, 2010

See this announcement from Bloomingdale resident Mike Giordano:

Calling all Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Campfire Children - Young and Old!

Perhaps you`ve heard the news...we`re going to be Camping in Crispus Attucks. All you need to do is pitch your tent, donate $20 (if you have it), sign a release, and enjoy! It`s open to all, single folks and families.

We`re camping on Saturday, May 22nd, after the Bloomingdale Community Yard Sale. We`ll begin pitching tents around 5 pm. (Our rain date is Saturday, May 29th.) A police officer will be with us throughout the night - protecting from ghosts and other spirits that might be attracted by our campfire ghost stories.

We`ll be starting quiet time around 10:30, so we won`t bother our neighbors surrounding the park. We`ll also have a portable toilet for our convenience - hence the $20 donation. Any money collected above our expenses will be donated to the park.

To register, you need to email or call Mike Giordano, a neighbor at 129 U Street NW. Mike.Giordano.MSW@gmail.com or 202/ 234-5178. We have space for approximately 20 tents, so first come - first served.

We`ll collect the money and have you sign the release during set-up.

And if you don`t want to camp with us, you`re welcome to join us for campfire sing-a-longs and ghost stories.

And whether or not your attending, perhaps you`d let us borrow the following: portable firepits, fire extinguishers.

Thanks! Looking forward to spending the night with you.

dog found at 1st & Florida NW Sunday evening, 4/25/2010

A 1st Street NW resident sent an Email late Sunday evening about a friend who picked up the dog (see the pic) at 1st & Florida Avenue NW. He believes that the dog is now being kept at the pound. Here is contact info: 631 219 1371 or email iamcollincrowe@gmail.com.

a shout-out for the Flagler Market at Flagler & W St NW

From a Flagler Place NW resident:

I wanted to send a message to the list concerning our corner stores. I live near Flagler Market and I choose to patronize the market whenever possible. Not only does Flagler carry many necessary items, but it is so convenient that I can't not shop there. I know it may not have the most welcoming aesthetic inside, but the owners are very nice and will go out of their way to accommodate us as patrons. I asked them to get Sierra Nevada Beer for me about a month ago and it has been there ever since.

So please if there is something you may need that they might have please, don't be afraid to walk in and look for it.

have you checked out Well Built at 14th & Q St NW ?

Your blog moderator look advantage of the great weather and strolled over to 14th & U Street NW. He passed 14th & Q Street NW, southeast corner -- formerly home to a travel bookstore that I liked.

The space is now occupied by WELL BUILT, which sounds like the name of a gym, but it is actually a cool furniture store.

The business owner is Ann Blackwell, formerly of Design Within Reach in Georgetown.

Painted on the back wall of her store are the eight areas of sustainability: Recycle, Local, Smart Wood, Long Life, Energy, Better Air, Ingredients, Well Thought.

For the retail locovores in the audience, Ann's "Local" is defined as being manufactured within 500 miles.

Ann says that her store has been open for three weeks now.

Visit her website for more info: www.wellbuiltllc.com.

And stop by her store to see her 100% cool space! A nice addition to the other furniture and home furnishings stores in the 14th & U corridor.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 4/25/2010

Yes, it is finally the last crazy weekend of open houses before the contract deadline for the Federal Housing Tax Credit. Here is the list of open houses and here is a map with directions. Let me know if you think the map is a useful feature to add to this weekly post.

pic of fake DCRA inspector who shakes down residents for money

Recall the resident on U Street NW in Bloomingdale who recently reported getting scammed by a suspected imposter DCRA inspector?

See this post from the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association list and the Shaw Neighborhood list about the fake DCRA inspector shaking down residents.

A city agency is warning homeowners about a con artist with an inventive, albeit illegal, scam.

The grifter claims to be an inspector for the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the agency that handles building permits, housing codes, trash complaints and a plethora of other issues.

Here’s how the scam works: The guy approaches homes under construction, posing as a DCRA inspector. He tells the homeowner or construction crew that they could be fined for debris, garbage or other matters concerning the property. He pretends to call “headquarters,” then comes back to the victims and says he will have to fine them. The impostor then offers to forget the whole matter – for a little cash.

There have been three cases – that authorities know of – in the past 18 months. The bogus inspector hit most recently Monday afternoon in the 100 block of U Street NW. DCRA officials said their inspectors carry badges, and residents approached by anyone claiming to be an inspector should ask to see a DCRA badge. Any doubts – call the police.

First Published: Apr 22, 2010 10:06 AM ED

bicycle stolen from North Capitol St & Mass Ave

See this 4/24/2010 message from Bloomingdale resident Jason Carnival:

My bike was stolen outside of work yesterday afternoon near the corner of Massachusetts & N.Capitol so if you could post the attached picture I'd appreciate it. See the pic to the right.

I know it's a long-shot, but since it sticks out so much and our neighbors work all over the city I'm hoping someone will spot it. I don't expect anyone to confront the person if they see them on it, just take note of the neighborhood/time, get a shot with a camera phone if possible and send me an email.

As an incentive, there is a $250 reward for information that leads to its recovery.

Thanks,
Jason jcarnival @ gmail.com

Model: Trek District
Color: Grey frame w/ BRIGHT orange wheels
Misc: It has a black "rubber-looking" belt instead of a metal chain brown leather seat and grips

announcing the annual Bloomingdale Yard Sale at Crispus Attucks Park - Saturday, 5/22/2010

Okay, here is what everyone has been jonesing for! The annual Bloomingdale yard sale at Crispus Attucks Park!

Here is the text of the flier distributed around the neighborhood, kindly supplied by Bloomingdale resident Tynesia Smith:

BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Sponsored by the CADC –A not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining Crispus Attucks Park for the entire community

Saturday May 22nd, 8AM -2PM
(Rain date: Sat June 5th)
in CRISPUS ATTUCKS PARK
The private community park between the unit blocks of U and V Streets NW and the 2000 blocks of North Capitol & 1st Streets NW in the heart of DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood.

This year CADC is pleased to announce that the Community Yard sale is being held in conjunction with the:
Annual Health and Fitness Fair - 10AM-2PM
A Community Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by Mt Bethel Baptist Church on 1st St. between Rhode Island Ave. NW and U St. NW

WANT TO SELL? REGISTER NOW
• Dozens of sellers and loads of shoppers on an acre of green park space
• We do all the advertising and bring all the buyers to you!
• Brings your wares* and a table, set up and sell – It’s that easy!

*Sorry, the sale of food is prohibited. CADC relies heavily on revenues from its snack stand to support its ongoing activities. Thank you for your understanding.

Registration Fee:
$25 if you register before May 15th and $35 afterwards (or the day of the sale).
Register on the park’s website at www.crispusattuckspark.org or contact Tynesia at
703-973-5733 or tynesia27@aol.com .

RATHER DONATE MERCHANDISE?
If you won’t be able to sell at the Yard sale, consider donating items to the “CADC Table.” 100% of the proceeds from these sales will go to park maintenance and improvement projects.
Contact Andrea at 202-986-7680 or CADCyardsale@att.net to donate merchandise.

VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM

Today’s Date: ________________
Name: ______________________
Address: ________________________________
Phone: ______________________
e-mail: __________________________________

REGISTRATION FEE:
$25 per Space
(about 10’x10’) if paid on or before May 15th (Early bird discount)
$35 per Space (about 10’x10’) if paid after May 15th
Early bird discount (circle one)? Y N Number of Spaces: _____________ Total
Amount Due (number of spaces X registration fee): $_____________

Note: Sorry, we cannot supply tables. You may bring your own table(s), or are welcome to display your wares on the ground. If not using a table, we recommend you bring a blanket, tarp, or other covering in case the grass is damp.

ITEMS TO SELL*:
Please check the types of items you intend to sell (check all that apply):
___ books

___ hardware, tools
___ small appliances
___ clothing ___ home
furnishings ___ sporting goods, games, toys
___ electronics ___ jewelry ___
other (specify):
___ furniture ___ music (CDs, tapes, vinyl)

Please note: CADC is not responsible for unsold items at the end of the yard sale. We expect that you will leave your rented space free of your wares and debris. If you have clothing items (clothing only) that you would like to donate to goodwill, please see a yard sale attendant for the drop off location.

*Sorry, sale of food is prohibited. CADC relies heavily on revenues from its snack stand and wishes to be the only provider of food & beverages at this event. Thank you for understanding.

Check or money order should be made payable to Crispus Attucks Development Corp. (CADC) Please print this form, complete it, and return with your payment to:
Crispus Attucks Development Corp.
ATTN: Yard Sale
2015 1st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

QUESTIONS? CONTACT TYNESIA AT (703) 973-5733 OR TYNESIA27@AOL.COM

All proceeds from Bloomingdale's Biggest Yard Sale will support the park improvement projects of CADC. www.crispusattuckspark.org

World Missions Community Block Party Health Safety & Fitness Rally – Tomorrow, Saturday, 4/24/2010

ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti passes along this event announcement from World Missions for Christ Extension Center, located on the northwest corner of1st & Randolph Place NW:

World Missions EXTENSION Center & Randolph Place Neighbors
Invite
Family and Friends
To Our
Saturday, April 24, 2010
(STARTS at: 10:00am)
Community Block Party
Health Safety &
Fitness Rally!!!!!

Where: 1720 First Street NW. Washington, DC 20001

FREE SCREENING!!!!!!

Dental Cholesterol Blood Pressure Vision Consultations

Pediatrics Women’s Issues Dermatology Pharmacist HIV/AIDS Testing and Screening

Other Activities include:

• Hearing about our “Neighborhood Positive Alternatives”
Anti-Violence/Anti-Gang Conflict Resolution Program for Children and Youth
Free medical Health Screenings: Diabetes – Arthritis – Mental Health
….and much, much more:

*Playing Basketball and other games*Playing on the Moon Bounce*Dancing and Singing* DJ music * Free Food

*Face Painting,* Clowns* Aerobics*Domestic Violence Seminars

*Joining our Community Book club* Double Dutch Contest*

*Come out and meet your neighbors/Bring your children, jump rope/ skate board and roller blades for a healthy day of fun as you sign your children up for our After School
Program & Summer Camp!!!!!

SPONSORS: Ward 5 City Councilman Harry”Tommy”Thomas/DC Chartered Health Plan/Commissioner Lois Farmer-Allen/Commissioner Stu Davenport/Giant Food Store/The National Cathedral ABLE Club/AC Graphics/ & Other Officials/Colleges/Schools and Businesses

eager for an organic dry cleaner

From a resident along Bloomingdale's business strip:

Any chance we can get the dry cleaners at 1st and RI NW -- City Cleaners -- to switch to using organic solvents? I went there for the first time today (it's a block from my house) and was dismayed to hear the workers coughing in the back room. Plus there is no excuse for non-organic dry cleaning these days, as the organic alternative is now proven technology, and the old style has significant environmental impact.

Also, does anyone know of a good organic dry cleaners in the neighborhood?

Jonathan Taylor named new Executive Director of North Capitol Main Street, Inc.

See this message from North Capitol Main Street board member (and Eckington resident) Karen Alston:

PRESS RELEASE
April 22, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Karen Alston
North Capitol Main Street, Inc.
Kalston266@gmail.com
301-806-6963

North Capitol Main Street Names Jonathan Taylor New Executive Director
New Management Capacity to Benefit Local Business Programs

Washington, DC - April 22, 2010 - North Capitol Main Street (www.ncmsinc.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to commercial revitalization along the North Capitol-area neighborhood business districts, has named Jonathan Taylor as its new Executive Director.

"With both a passion for the community and economic development and a proven ability to assist small and local businesses, Jonathon is uniquely qualified to lead the organization," said Pat Mitchell, North Capitol Main Street's Chair. "His talent and skills will be a tremendous asset in assisting us reach our mission and goals as an organization as well as getting projects off the drawing board."

Mr. Taylor brings over 23 years of community economic development experience to his new role, including several years with local and community based organizations. Most recently, Mr. Taylor for the last 10 ten years has been president of Kumase Development Group, Inc., a regional neighborhood economic development and real estate planning consulting company.

"I'm deeply honored to have been chosen to lead North Capitol Main Street through this exciting period in its history and I have a profound admiration for the organization and its accomplishments in its seven year history. I intend to build upon the groundwork established by the Board of Directors and committed community leaders," said Mr. Taylor.

###

About North Capitol Main Street
North Capitol Main Street, Inc. (NCMS, Inc.) is a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation founded for the purpose of serving as a catalyst for neighborhood commercial revitalization. NCMS, Inc. is a designated DC Main Streets program. Specifically, this volunteer-driven organization was established to revitalize the North Capitol Street area's historically and culturally important neighborhood commercial corridors.

The NCMS, Inc. service area includes the North Capitol Street business corridor between New York and Rhode Island Avenues, and the Bloomingdale Business District at Rhode Island Avenue and First Street, NW. NCMS, Inc. follows the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street approach to economic revitalization, which focuses on incremental change and self-help.

If you would like to learn more about NCMS and/or volunteer to put your talents to work in order to improve your neighborhood's business environment, please visit www.ncmsinc.org or email Jonathan at jtaylor@ncmsinc.org or call (202) 905- 6039.

seeking a French horn for a middle school student

See this message from a Bloomingdale resident:

I have a friend whose daughter is in need of a French Horn. Her story is below. I was hoping that someone might have a used one they would like to donate or know where we can locate one very inexpensively. Please post on the listserv and they can contact me via email at rmch8@yahoo.com.

*************************************************************

My daughter’s name is Bree T. Johnson; she is 13 years old and currently attends Oxon Hill Middle School in Ft Washington, Maryland. She has a 3.68 GPA and I believe one of the top 3 students in her class.

Bree began playing the French horn last school year because Oxon Hill Middle School at the time did not have a band teacher for string instruments. Bree previously played the violin. As the school year progressed Bree’s skill level on the French horn increased and before the year ended she was well on her way to becoming a very strong horn player.

Bree has continued to practice on the loaner horn that we have borrowed from her school and in March of this year she received an invitation from her future band director to accompany the Oxon Hill High School Band to London to perform at the Festival of Lights program in June of 2011.

We are very proud of her accomplishment thus far and feel very confident she has the potential to continue to excel on the French horn and with the proper coaching may some day be a professional French horn player in a symphonic orchestra.

Thank you for all your support.

check out Neighborhood Nights at 1905 in Shaw

See this message from Tony Lucca, owner and general manager of 1905 in Shaw at 1905 9th St NW, 2nd floor:

"Neighborhood Nights at 1905" are every Tuesday and Wednesday, and they are aimed at giving our neighborhood an option for something to do early in the week, without breaking the bank. "Taco Tuesdays" feature $3 lamb tacos and $6 taco/Sol beer combos. "Burger Wednesdays" offer half price burgers.

2. We are starting a new happy hour today: $3 select beers, $4 rail drinks, and $3 baskets of homemade salt and vinegar chips (chips available at the bar only). Happy hour is every day from 5:30 to 7:30.

3. Every day during happy hour, if you show an ID with a 20001 zip code, you get an additional 10% off. Just another way to say thank you to our neighborhood.

4. Live jazz every Thursday at 9PM. Four rotating bands throughout the month. No cover.

5. We just launched our brand new Spring food, beer, wine, and cocktail menus, with great seasonal specialties.

6. Follow us on Twitter @1905Restaurant or find us on Facebook - 1905 Restaurant.

Thanks,

--
Tony Lucca
1905
Owner & General
Manager
781.704.6098
www.1905dc.com
http://twitter.com/1905Restaurant
Facebook: 1905 Restaurant

Aleks Duni (Baraki) unable to secure needed construction loan

Aleks Duni of Baraki is quoted is this Washington Independent newspaper article.

The first few paragraphs of this WI article have been copied in below. You can click on the link to read the entire article.

Small Business Owners Represent Lost Opportunity for Recovery
Frozen Credit Markets Still Plague Main Street Economic Growth
By Annie Lowrey 4/20/10 6:00 AM

http://washingtonindependent.com/82739/small-business-owners-represent-lost-opportunity-for-recovery

Bloomingdale — a pretty neighborhood in central Washington, D.C., with brightly painted Victorian townhouses and wide tree-lined streets — is gentrifying. Ten years ago, it had problems with gangs, robberies and drug-related violence. Today those issues are greatly reduced, thanks in large part to the efforts of the neighborhood`s tight-knit community of black families and young professionals. In the past five years, it has cleaned up its streets, developed two new parks and a small urban farm and watched its home values rise.

Now, residents of Bloomingdale — east of the U Street corridor, near Howard University — could use some businesses. There is Windows Market, which sells sandwiches and groceries; Big Bear, a popular coffee shop; and Timor Bodega, an organic grocer. But the closest place to grab brunch or a drink after work is a fifteen-minute walk away. ``There`s just tremendous pent-up demand,`` John Salatti, the neighborhood commissioner, says. ``I couldn`t imagine how well a business would do if it could just open up.``

But the problem for Bloomingdale is that it just cannot get businesses to open up. It is not for a lack of trying. In the past year, at least half a dozen restaurants have attempted to set up shop in one of the neighborhood`s empty storefronts. There is the sandwich and pizza place attempting to move in next to the Howard dorm and the fancy new condo building. There is the neighborhood tavern trying to open near the yoga studio. There is the restaurant that wants to take over the old fire house. Not one has succeeded.

Consider, for instance, the case of Aleks Duni. He owns Veranda, a Greek restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood, as well as Heller`s Bakery and Marx Cafe in Mount Pleasant. The three small businesses together employ nearly 40 people and did well even during the worst of the recession. Duni set out to open a pizza restaurant on the main drag in Bloomingdale. He scouted out a location and secured the necessary permits, even getting a liquor license and thus a guarantee of good revenue. Now, no bank will lend him the $50,000 he needs to finish the job. ``It is only a matter of getting the money,`` Duni says. ``If I did, I could be open in a month.``

Duni approached four banks about securing the loan to finish construction and open the doors. Each one said no. ``There are a million reasons they give,`` Duni says. ``The first of them is that credit has been reduced.`` Now, he says, he is concerned about continuing to apply for loans just to be denied. ``If you apply and you don`t get the loan, your credit score goes down,`` he notes. Frustrated, he has even sought the help of the Small Business Administration, the government agency. ``They had nothing for me,`` he says. ``I don`t need to know what the loan requirements are. And the SBA cannot give me a loan.``

Duni is one of millions of frustrated small-business owners, who represent a lost opportunity for economic recovery and a major concern for the Obama administration. Over the past 15 years, two-thirds of the new jobs created in the United States were created by a small business. Small businesses, like big businesses, require loans to grow and hire new employees. But unlike their medium and large counterparts, small businesses are still hobbled by frozen credit markets. Lending remains on the wane despite the Obama administration throwing tens of millions of dollars at the problem. An SBA initiative to back loans has worked, but only on a limited scale. Most Main Street banks continue to decrease funding to small businesses, allergic to the higher risks they pose.

car broken into in alley between S & Seaton NW

See this late evening 04/20/2010 message from a resident on the unit block of S Street NW:

Last night, my roommate`s car was broken into and rummaged through. Nothing was stolen (as he had nothing of value inside), but this is still something we should be aware of (as it is apparently still a problem in the neighborhood). He was parked in the alley between S Street and Seaton Place NW. Just giving a heads up.

found dog on unit block of U Street NW yesterday; picked up by Washington Humane Society

A U Street NW reported a found dog yesterday evening.

Here is a pic of the dog.

The neighbor who found the dog has this comment: “I had the dog picked up by the Washington Humane Society.”

seeking referrals for antique wooden dining room chairs that need repair

From a resident of R Street NW:

I have some antique wooden dining room chairs that need some repair. Any recommendations?

fraudulent DCRA inspector stops by

 (image via twitpic provided in comments)

See this 4/19/2010 message received by your blog moderator:

I'm new to the neighborhood - my boyfriend and I are renovating a house on U Street NW near North Capital and should be moving in at the end of the month. I was at the house today meeting with the alarm installer and had an unpleasant incident that I thought you might want to share with your readers. As I was talking to the alarm guy, another man walked right into the house saying he was a code inspector and the trash (from construction) in the front yard was in violation and the neighbors had been complaining. It hit a nerve because i knew the trash was an issue and we had been trying to get the contractor to get it cleaned up asap.
In retrospect, I'm pretty sure the guy was a fraud.
He talked to the workers and got their assurance that the trash would be moved the next day and said that he would cancel the fine and violation but then kept dropping hints that i should buy him dinner or lunch. I was so flustered because he walked right in, seemed to talk the talk (threatened to issue a stop work order) and I have had minimal dealings with the contractors and the work, I'm not knowledgeable about that sort of thing and it's rare that I'm on the job site (myboyfriend is the architect for the project). I finally gave him a $20 - and it's rare that i actually have cash. He had some sort of id around his neck, but i didn't get a good look at it and i asked for a card (after i gave him the $20) but he said he didn't have one on him. That's when i knew i'd been scammed.
I can give an accurate description of the man - I spoke with him for about 15 minutes – if that would be helpful. I considered calling the police, but also figured that it would be a waste of their time. A friend of mine regularly reads your emails and said there had been incidents of fraud and contractors being robbed, so I thought I might share my story in case it helped others avoid a similar situation.