Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 08/15/2010

Interested in checking out what you can buy in and around Bloomingdale? Check out these open houses today. Here is the same information in a map format. For information on the inidividual listings, scroll over the pushpins on the map.

need roof recoating & repair work: seeking recommendations

See this request:

I am looking to get my roof re-coated and to have some repair work done and looking for recommendations for roofers who have reasonable rates. I live on the unit block of U street NW.

Moderator comment:
Of course, be sure to check out the roofing referrals at the Bates Area Civic Association website under the Home Services tab: http://batesareacivicassociation.org/home-services

damaged (but salvageable) red scooter parked on pad behind 34 V St NW reported

From a V Street NW resident:

Can you do me a favor and say that there is a still red scooter parked on the pad behind 34 V St NW (in Crispus Attucks park)?

While damaged I imagine it's still salvageable.

seeking referrals for interior house painters

From a U Street NW resident:

I was wondering if you could post a note to the list-serve that I am looking for a recommendation for interior house painters. It's not a complicated job (all white), but I'd like to find someone who will be quick and keep things pretty neat.

CM Thomas' emergency community meeting tonight at 6pm regarding flooding

See this 8/13/2010 message crafted by Vicky Leonard and distributed by Bloomingdale Civic Association President Robert Brannum:

Emergency Community Meeting Notice

Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr. and officials from D.C. Water, formerly D.C. Water and Sewer Authority will conduct a walk-through of Bloomingdale, today, Friday, 13 August 2010, 5:00 pm starting at Second and Thomas Streets, NW. The walk-through will be followed by an emergency community meeting at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 2nd and U Streets, NW, 6:00 pm.

Robert

Robert Vinson Brannum
President
Bloomingdale Civic Association, Inc.

Donna Morris' Xtra Pair of Hands business

See this message from LeDroit Park resident Donna Morris:

Dear clients and friends:

Xtra Pair of Hands DC has a new name, look and attitude! Please take a moment and visit our new website (http://www.xtrapairofhandsdc.com) and twitter account (http://twitter.com/xtrahandsdc) two exciting tools to keep you up to date and share with others all kinds of wonderful ideas and tidbits for entertaining.

Since 2001, you have helped me take my dream of honoring my grandmother, who would let me be her xtra pair of hands in the kitchen, to a level that even she wouldn't believe. Now we have more than two hundred clients, 11 part-time staffers and some of the best clients that a business could ask for!

So much of our success is due in part because we are constantly learning new and creative ways from our clients of how to have a successful party and we thank you so much. Stay tuned for our tips from the website and Twitter!

neighbor spots burglar on S Street NW

See this Thursday, 8/12/2010 mid-afternoon message from a Randolph Place NW resident:

Possibly related to the 1st Street NW break-ins(?), yesterday I called MPD on a guy trying to break into the rear of 120 S St. NW, where renovation work has been occurring but not for the last week. This was about lunchtime, and after @10 minutes of working at the lock, the guy gave up and left. Cop showed @10 minutes later, pistol drawn and all. The guy was a black male, about 50, average height and build, maybe with some gray scruff about the chin/face. He was wearing a black hat with a brim and white band, and white or light grey pants. Also had on a blue shirt -- not a T-shirt, but like a maintenance man's, with tag or insignia or whatever you want to call them on each breast. Had a black and red backpack on him.

Sound familiar to anyone?

the other side of the Big Bear controversy: it`s simply a quality-of-life issue

From a Bloomingdale resident who lives near the Big Bear Cafe.

I am not asking you to agree, but to simply consider the side of those directly affected on the issue of whether to turn BB into a bar. The individuals who object, as well as those seeking a voluntary agreement, are residents who live within a block or so of BB, and, contrary to current mischaracterizations, are a cross-section of the Bloomingdale neighborhood. We are black, white, Asian; we are young, old and in between; we are single, married, married with children and retired; we are generally well-educated.

Our concerns are:

1. BB is zoned residential because it is in a residential area with houses on two sides and a park across the street - a coffee shop is not inconsistent with the purpose of this zoning, a bar is;

2. BB is an improvement over the former grocery store, but that store did not stay open until 2 or 3 a.m.;

3. As a coffee shop, patrons either walk or park briefly, rather than park and stay to drink;

4. BB has no sound proofing common in bars near residential areas;

5. Litter and trash, which is already a problem, will increase;

6. While not even considered as an issue until raised in a blog, arguably it may increase the property value of homes some blocks away, it will decrease the property value of the immediate neighborhood; and

7. There are 3 other restaurants/bars slated to open shortly in the area, each in a commercially-zoned building with business to either side.

These are my characterizations of the issues, not necessarily of all of those affected, but thank you for allowing this side to be presented. At this point, the matter will be settled by the City and all further action will be taken though that process.

GGW: "Putting a lid on DC's reservoirs"

A W Street NW resident passed along this post from the popular Greater Greater Washington blog regarding the idea of covering the District`s reservoirs.

Want to comment on this topic? You can comment at the GGW blog or here.

Putting a lid on DC`s reservoirs
by David C. • August 11, 2010 11:53 am
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=6762

Washington, DC has two major open-air reservoirs and several smaller capped ones. Each of these are, however fenced off for security creating dead zones in the city. Instead, D.C. should follow Seattle`s lead and put lids on its reservoirs. This will improve the quality of our water, make our water supply more secure and add acres of public space to the District`s portfolio.

Starting in 2002, Seattle began replacing its uncovered reservoirs with underground facilities that provided greater security and more open space. In addition, covering a reservoir improves water quality.

The program covered or is covering four reservoirs, creating 76 acres of space at a cost of about $150 million. The West Seattle Reservoir, for example, is still undergoing design and the Cal Anderson Park is finished. The cost of these improved reservoirs came out to about $3.25 a month per household.

Washington, DC has three major uncovered reservoirs and at least two of them are perfect for having a lid added.

The 25-acre McMillan Reservoir is located between Howard University and Children`s Hospital in a neighborhood short on green space. Much of what was intended to be the neighborhood`s green space has been walled off inside the Armed Forces Retirement Home. By lidding McMillan Reservoir, the District could add the park space the neighborhood needs. After all, a park where people can gather is a more fitting tribute to James McMillan, the leader of the McMillan plan, than is a fenced off dead zone.

The 40-acre Georgetown Reservoir, while in a neighborhood without the same lack of facilities, presents a unique opportunity based on its location on the escarpment above the Potomac River and the views it would provide.

Dalecarlia Reservoir, being a natural, albeit dammed, basin and straddling the District line is probably not a good candidate for capping.

The District has other, covered reservoirs that are currently fenced off as well, and could be opened up if the water were more securely stored, but the advantages to already covered reservoirs are fewer.

In Seattle, they`ve turned the lids - which won`t support trees - into sports fields and great lawns. They`ve added baseball fields, disc golf courses and soccer fields. The projects included art and water features.

The District could mimic this to help meet the shortage of just about every type of sports and recreation facility you can name. They could build anything from Bocce courts to Volleyball courts. They could add more passive space such as a great lawn with movable, rentable lawn chairs and umbrellas. Small cafe`s could provide constant occupancy to improve security and provide added service.

And of course a buried, lidded reservoir would provided cleaner water, reduce evaporation - requiring fewer reservoirs, and provide more security than the current barbed-wire topped chain link fence.

It`s time DC followed Seattle`s lead and put a lid on it.

? basement flooding in Bloomingdale ?

The following two Emails were received this morning.

From a resident on 1st Street NW near S Street NW:

Our sewer backed up and flooded our basement during the storm, any other reports of flooding?

From a resident on the north side of the 100 block of U Street NW between Flagler & 2nd Street NW:

I just wanted to let you know I experienced some minor drain backups during the intense rains this morning. The outdoor drains at the front and rear of my basement backed up. Also, the laundry wash tub had some backup sediment in it as well.

I find this odd, as in the past when this neighborhood has flooded, the drain backups didn`t occur until the street actually started to flood. Seems like the opposite case this time.

Hope everyone else faired OK and didn`t get heavily flooded.

Flooding update.

While doing some cleanup in the front yard I noticed strange debris patterns on the sidewalk and tree lawn. It is apparent that the sewers at the corner of U St and Flagler NW did indeed get overwhelmed and did backup. It looks like the street started to flood as the water levels did reach the sidewalk in front off my house.

From ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

Yes, U and Thomas NW both had significant flood issues; I suspect Rhode Island Avenue did, too. The water was lapping the first step off the sidewalk on U Street in front of many houses and on Thomas, I have heard that most basements took on water. The basement at a house on the 100 block of U Street NW, southside, was inundated and a couple of others took on some water, particularly if the homes did not have backflow preventers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backflow_prevention_device), which prevent water from coming back into the house through the basement toilets and showers. A few cars also took on water. A tree fell on Flagler lightly damaging a car. A couple of manhole covers blew out and one was broken, but WASA had it replaced by 9:00 am.

From a Thomas Street NW resident:

I did get a little bit of flooding this morning as did a number of other homes on Thomas Street NW. WASA came by and cleaned out the storm drains around 9:00 am. They also left a few sandbags for people to pick up. Notwithstanding they are filled with wet sand and weigh at least 10 pounds.

Artful Evening for Clark Ray, Candidate for At-Large Council at Big Bear Café – Friday, 8/13/2010

See this event announcement from Moulin Desai:

Cheryl Edwards, Christopher Falkenhagen, Sarah Barnett, and Michele Molotsky invite you to an...
artful evening for Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large

Friday, August 13 7:00pm - 9:00pm
big bear cafe,
1700 First Street NW
RSVP to Cheryl Edwards at 202- 309- 4539 or cheryledwards@verizon.net.

This event is free!

Paid for by Clark Ray for Council – 2010, Diane Williams, Treasurer.
A Copy of Our Report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance

www.clarkrayforcouncil.com

Rosemarie Onwukwe's recent "Images of America: Bloomingdale" booksigning

Bloomingdale resident Rosemarie Onwukwe had a booksigning at the Border's bookstore downtown at 18th & L St NW on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 for her book Images of America: Bloomingdale.

Here is a photo from the booksigning.

? is it time to start a new thread about Big Bear Cafe ?

Okay, here is a comment about Big Bear Cafe from a resident of S Street NW:

As a long time resident of Bloomingdale, I long for the days when Big Bear Market sold beer through a bullet proof carry out window at all hours of the night and loud intoxicated patrons with alcoholic beverages in paper bags loitered in the street for all to see and hear. They were a fine example for our children.

Come on. Let's get real. Do you honestly think the reincarnated Big Bear is going to
go back to the good old days? I think not. Sigh, this neighborhood is loosing its edge.

As for the parking issue, I request reserved parking on Sundays. It's difficult to find parking with all the churches in the neighborhood. As for me, I walk to church.

Comcast-installed wireless network needs upgrading -- seeking references

See this request:

My Comcast-installed wireless network in my house needs upgrading but I don`t want to pay Comcast to come do it again. I just need a geek who knows how to work with Comcast broadband and also knows what to buy to hook up a desktop that is not wireless-capable.

I`m looking references, if anyone in the neighborhood can suggest someone.

seeking contractor referrals to remove slate sidewalk and replace with flagstone

See this request from a Bryant Street NW resident:

I need to find a contractor to tear up a slate-surfaced sidewalk and steps and re-surface with flagstone. It’s about 375 sq ft of surface.

I need some references or local contractors to give an estimate.

Rustik Tavern

Rustik Tavern
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 08/08/2010

Just a few open houses are scheduled for Sunday. Here is the list and here is the same info in map format. You can scroll over the push pins on the map to see specifics about each open house.

North Capitol Main Street's "1st on First" Art + Music Walk -- Saturday, 8-7-2010 -- Rustik Tavern & Child-Care Center joining the line-up

This message is from Jonathan Taylor, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street:

NOW JOINING THE "1ST ON FIRST" ART+MUSIC WALK LINE-UP . . .

1) A cool new pizza place is just around the corner. Come out, meet the owner, Diton, and check it out. A sit-down pizza experience on First Street NW? No way!

2) Did you know a Math & Reading Learning Center AND a Child-Care Center will open for business on First Street NW very soon? Moms/Dads, the start of the school year is just weeks away and it's time for kids to get back to learning. (Summer's almost over, whew!) Now's the time to get your child on the right learning track. Drop in, talk to Karen and get information on the program.


A Unique Pub Experience is on the way . . .


DON'T MISS OUT; JOIN US FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL 1st on First-Art + Music Walk

North Capitol Main Street
DATE: Saturday, August 7, 2010
TIME: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: First Street NW -- from Florida to Rhode Island Avenue NW

www.ncmsinc.org

Here is the text from Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr.'s latest E-newsletter.

August 2010 Thomas Connection Newsletter

August 2010 Volume 4, Issue 8
Building Bridges, Finding Solutions, People First
www.harrythomas5.com

In This Issue...
Water Coolers Donated to Youth Sports Programs
H Street Shuttle Adds Stop on Bladensburg Road
Thomas Calls for Investigation of Ward 5 Power Outages
New Watha T. Daniel Library Opens


Water Coolers Donated to Youth Sports Programs
Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. joined with District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) General Manager George S. Hawkins to present more than 100 water jugs to area youth sports programs at a press conference on July 29, 2010. Thomas and Hawkins presented the 5-gallon water coolers to four organizations that offer youth football, baseball and basketball: the Washington Wizards Basketball Camps, the Woodridge Warriors Youth Organization, the Pigskin Club, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Children who take part in sports activities at the recreation center also received gifts from DC Water's Wendy the Water Drop mascot.

"We've had an extraordinarily hot summer," noted Hawkins at the press conference. "DC Water is donating these jugs to young people in the District so they can cool off while staying active. This is just another way to remind the public and our own staff to stay hydrated for good health during hot weather."

"I've played sports all my life, so I know how important it is to stay hydrated and drink water," said Councilmember Thomas. "I want to thank DC Water for reaching out to help keep young people safe and healthy with this donation."


H Street Shuttle Adds Stop on Bladensburg Road
The popular H Street Shuttle, which brings patrons from around the Washington area to H Street, NE, has added a stop on Bladensburg Road, effective Monday July 19, 2010. The stop will connect the businesses on Bladensburg Road to the rapidly expanding H Street Arts and Entertainment District, often referred to as the "Atlas District."

The shuttle runs nightly from 5 pm until the Metro closes, and travels a route along H Street between the Gallery Place/Chinatown and Minnesota Avenue Metro stops. The shuttle brings patrons to and from the developing area for dining, music, theatre, dance and other entertainment activities. Councilmember Thomas played an instrumental role in creating the new stop.

Bladensburg Road, located near H Street, is home to several local businesses, including the Capital City Diner (1050 Bladensburg Rd., NE), Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club (1103 Bladensburg Rd., NE), and Sullivan's Seafood (1101 Bladensburg Rd., NE), a small carry-out which many claim serves the best crabcake in town. The addition of this shuttle stop will generate considerably more traffic for these and other businesses, and also highlights how closely and easily connected are the two corridors. The H Street Shuttle will run until the new streetcar system is completed in the summer of 2012.

"Expanding the H Street Shuttle to include Bladensburg Road is a great accomplishment for the businesses and residents of Ward 5," said Thomas. "This was truly a collaborative process with Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells to ensure the Bladensburg Road and Atlas Business Districts continue to thrive and become premier destinations in our city."


Thomas Calls for Investigation of Ward 5 Power Outages
Councilmember Thomas has called for the Office of the People's Counsel to conduct a full investigation into the large number of power outages that occurred in Ward 5 during the first week of July, and PEPCO's slow response in addressing the outages. He also called for the District government to open more neighborhood-based cooling stations during power outages caused by high demand or the result of severe weather.

Heeding Thomas' suggestion, the District government did keep several recreation centers open until midnight during the week-long power outage that followed the July 25, 2010 rain storm, which knocked out power to thousands of District residents, including many Ward 5 households.

Councilmember Thomas conducted regular site visits to the neighborhoods of Ward 5 that suffered power outages. "We have a number of streets that lost electricity during the early July heat wave or as a result of the July 25 rain storm," said Thomas. "I am particularly concerned about the effect of these power outages on our seniors and residents with health issues."

To assist Ward 5 seniors and residents with health conditions during power outages, Councilmember Thomas has made arrangements with an area hotel to provide a deep discount for overnight accommodations, subject to availability. During power outages, Ward 5 seniors and residents with health conditions who are without electricity can contact Victoria Leonard of Councilmember Thomas' staff for more information. Victoria can be reached at 202.403.7866 or vleonard@dccouncil.us .


New Watha T. Daniel Library Opens
The new Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library opened its doors to the public on Monday, August 2, 2010. Built under the close oversight of Councilmember Thomas, Chair of the Council's Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, the new, $15 million library was designed by the architecture firm of Davis Brody Bonds Aedas, one of the United States' leading architectural design practices. The 22,000 square foot library includes three levels and features a flexible design to provide inviting spaces for all. It includes:

· Separate reading areas for adults, teens and children;
· Children's program room;
· 40,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials with space for up to 80,000;
· 32 public access computers with free Wi-Fi Internet access;
· 8 Mac computers in the teen space;
· Comfortable seating for 200 customers;
· Large program room for up to 100 people;
· Two 12-person conference rooms; and a
· Vending area.

The library is expected to receive a LEED Silver certification for incorporating a number of sustainable features, including passive solar design and daylight management, displacement air system and extensive use of recycled or renewable materials. A light sculpture by local artist, Craig Kraft, will be installed outside the library.

"The new Watha T. Daniel Library is sure to become a focal point for the surrounding neighborhood," said Councilmember Thomas. "I applaud DCPL's Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper and her staff for a job well done."

Prince of Petworth: Rustik coming to 1st & T St NW

See this news from the Prince of Petworth:

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2010/08/big-bloomingdale-news-baraki-no-more-rustik-coming-to-1st-and-t-st-nw-sooner-than-you-think

Rustik Tavern website