Here is a photo stream from the Bloomingdale Flickr Group. Its free to join if you'd like to share your pictures of the neighborhood.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
BUY ME, Bloomingdale!
For Sale.
Corner of Seaton and North Capital, NW (1822 N. Capital Street).
$1.115 million.
Play ball with me.
There is a property on the corner of North Capital and Seaton Place (or is it street), NW. It currently houses the Seaton Market. It is expensive… if one were to go it alone….but wait….YOU, BLOOMINGDALE, are not alone.
Last week I presented three possible scenarios for helping to improve North Capital Street, and by extension, our Bloomingdale.
What if we, as neighbors, did form an LLC (limited liability corporation) as a non-profit? Say (for easy math), we could get the property for $1 million (it’s been on the market for over 150 days). If 10 investors came forward with $10,000 each we would have a down-payment of 10%. So we would mortgage 900k. (again, this is a game, right….maybe 10k is too much/too little).
Next, we hire an architect. We present the plans to a bank and apply for a renovation loan. I am familiar with a renovation loan because that is how my husband and I were able to afford to renovate our home. The renovation loan is generally based on how much the property would be worth once the renovations are complete. If we applied for a $1 million renovation loan, would the property be worth at least the cost + renovation (so 2 million). If yes, then it’s a go (of course, remember, this is all play right now…so there would be more to think about).
What would a 1.9 million dollar mortgage payment be if it were shared by 10 investors? Well, at 6% interest, 30yr fixed the total mortgage would be about $9500 per month. If that were divided by 10 investors, it would be $950 per month per investor.
Now, what if, in the example of the Seaton Place property, we found a tenant to rent the top floor (approx 1600 sq feet). Perhaps we could rent it for $2500 per/month. And what if we found a business (restaurant, yogo studio, garden ctr…anything that Bloomingdale needs) to take over the first floor. Could we charge $3000/per month (more? Keep in mind that one of the reasons Pyramid’s Restaurant closed was that the rent had increased to $5000/month). So, now we have an income of $5500/month…and a remaining mortgage payment of $4000/month divided by 10 investors…so $400/month.
Would anyone play ball…how many of us could realistically afford this? And should the initial investors be silent, or should the initial investors have to commit to 5 years of their ‘seed’ investment…or have to understand that it may not work and they could lose their seed money.
Hmm.
Think about it. Perhaps we could do something as neighbors. Perhaps we live where we live in order to be able to make a difference. Would we even be having this conversation if we lived in Georgetown ....or a more affluent part of town? Hmm.
Corner of Seaton and North Capital, NW (1822 N. Capital Street).
$1.115 million.
Play ball with me.
There is a property on the corner of North Capital and Seaton Place (or is it street), NW. It currently houses the Seaton Market. It is expensive… if one were to go it alone….but wait….YOU, BLOOMINGDALE, are not alone.
Last week I presented three possible scenarios for helping to improve North Capital Street, and by extension, our Bloomingdale.
What if we, as neighbors, did form an LLC (limited liability corporation) as a non-profit? Say (for easy math), we could get the property for $1 million (it’s been on the market for over 150 days). If 10 investors came forward with $10,000 each we would have a down-payment of 10%. So we would mortgage 900k. (again, this is a game, right….maybe 10k is too much/too little).
Next, we hire an architect. We present the plans to a bank and apply for a renovation loan. I am familiar with a renovation loan because that is how my husband and I were able to afford to renovate our home. The renovation loan is generally based on how much the property would be worth once the renovations are complete. If we applied for a $1 million renovation loan, would the property be worth at least the cost + renovation (so 2 million). If yes, then it’s a go (of course, remember, this is all play right now…so there would be more to think about).
What would a 1.9 million dollar mortgage payment be if it were shared by 10 investors? Well, at 6% interest, 30yr fixed the total mortgage would be about $9500 per month. If that were divided by 10 investors, it would be $950 per month per investor.
Now, what if, in the example of the Seaton Place property, we found a tenant to rent the top floor (approx 1600 sq feet). Perhaps we could rent it for $2500 per/month. And what if we found a business (restaurant, yogo studio, garden ctr…anything that Bloomingdale needs) to take over the first floor. Could we charge $3000/per month (more? Keep in mind that one of the reasons Pyramid’s Restaurant closed was that the rent had increased to $5000/month). So, now we have an income of $5500/month…and a remaining mortgage payment of $4000/month divided by 10 investors…so $400/month.
Would anyone play ball…how many of us could realistically afford this? And should the initial investors be silent, or should the initial investors have to commit to 5 years of their ‘seed’ investment…or have to understand that it may not work and they could lose their seed money.
Hmm.
Think about it. Perhaps we could do something as neighbors. Perhaps we live where we live in order to be able to make a difference. Would we even be having this conversation if we lived in Georgetown ....or a more affluent part of town? Hmm.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Friday Fish Fry
See this message received last night, Wednesday, 2/20/2008, from Bates Area Civic Association (BACA) President Jim Berry:
Neighbors,
For the second consecutive week, the BACA's Youth Services Committee is sponsoring a Fish Fry on Friday, 2/22/2008, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 46 Q Street, N.W., from 11:00 a.m. until they sell out of food. The proceeds from this event will assist in the implementation of a schedule of a series of activities that they intend to produce for youths in our community this summer.
If at all possible, please support this activity. Flyers have been circulated around the community, but I am trying to boost their promotional efforts via this electronic appeal to you.
If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please use the telephone numbers below.
We thank you in advance for your support!
Best,
Jim Berry
Bates Area Civic Association, Inc.
Youth Services Committee
of the
Bates Area Civic Association, Inc.
-Is Having A -
Friday Fish Fry
Date: Friday, February 22, 2008
11:00 a.m. until Sold Out
-At-
Ebenezer Baptist Church
46 Q Street, NW
Washington , DC 20001
Phone Orders to:
(202) 265-5344 OR (202) 679-3422
__ Fried Chicken Leg/Breast $6.00
__Grilled Spare Ribs $9.00
__ Trout $7.00
___Filet Whiting Fish $7.00
(COMES WITH 2 SIDES))(WHITE or WHEAT BREAD)
Potato Salad; Corn Pudding; Candid Yams;
String Bean; Cabbage
___Trout or Whiting Fish ___ $5.00
___Chicken $4.00
__Spare Ribs $7.00
Cakes & Pies
Soft Drinks
"TAKE OUT OR STAY FOR LUNCH"
Neighbors,
For the second consecutive week, the BACA's Youth Services Committee is sponsoring a Fish Fry on Friday, 2/22/2008, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 46 Q Street, N.W., from 11:00 a.m. until they sell out of food. The proceeds from this event will assist in the implementation of a schedule of a series of activities that they intend to produce for youths in our community this summer.
If at all possible, please support this activity. Flyers have been circulated around the community, but I am trying to boost their promotional efforts via this electronic appeal to you.
If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please use the telephone numbers below.
We thank you in advance for your support!
Best,
Jim Berry
Bates Area Civic Association, Inc.
Youth Services Committee
of the
Bates Area Civic Association, Inc.
-Is Having A -
Friday Fish Fry
Date: Friday, February 22, 2008
11:00 a.m. until Sold Out
-At-
Ebenezer Baptist Church
46 Q Street, NW
Washington , DC 20001
Phone Orders to:
(202) 265-5344 OR (202) 679-3422
__ Fried Chicken Leg/Breast $6.00
__Grilled Spare Ribs $9.00
__ Trout $7.00
___Filet Whiting Fish $7.00
(COMES WITH 2 SIDES))(WHITE or WHEAT BREAD)
Potato Salad; Corn Pudding; Candid Yams;
String Bean; Cabbage
___Trout or Whiting Fish ___ $5.00
___Chicken $4.00
__Spare Ribs $7.00
Cakes & Pies
Soft Drinks
"TAKE OUT OR STAY FOR LUNCH"
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Oh Bloomingdale!
My first blog. Ever.
I am an open-house-slut...meaning if it is open, I will enter. My husband and I happened to be in Bloomingdale for just such an opportunity and fell upon four people (the ‘keeper’ of this blog, his fabulous artist wife, the brain and brawn behind the Bloomingdale list serve, and a sophisticated sassy Brit). How lucky for us.
We moved to Bloomingdale in 2004. We have lived in DC for 21 years and this is our first home. We claim to have moved here in order to walk to work...but the reality is that we stumbled into Bloomingdale. In those frenzied days, we had two minutes to act on an as-is fixer-upper. And so we did. We have counted our lucky stars since.
We wondered what it would be like to live in this neighborhood...so clearly, a neighborhood. Our neighbors are young and old, black and white, straight and gay, economically advantaged and economically challenged, artistic and not. We invited them over for dessert. At the end of the evening we sat back and sighed contentedness. Phew.
It has been almost 4 years. And now I want to let everyone know what a good neighborhood this is...and at the same time, I want to guard against being too discovered. But really, I would like to see the abandoned and boarded up buildings on North Capital rediscovered. Imagine, just a mile from the Capital of the United States of America! And yet it feels like a thousand miles.
So, my thought in writing here is to generate discussion. What might it take to bring the abandoned buildings on North Capital to life? I wish to keep my focus on the abandoned, boarded buildings. My ideal would be to purchase a small building (say the ‘Bobby Fisher Memorial Building’ 1644 N. Capital Street.)
Here are a few ideas. And I would love to hear your feedback.
1. Form a neighborhood LLC to purchase a building. As neighbors we have a vested interest in seeing these buildings restored and reopened. The building could be cleaned up, restored, a business opened and proceeds used to purhaps buy the next abandoned building. The goal would not be so much to make money (though certainly, we do not want to loose money) but rather to see the neighborhood improve.
2. Court deep-pocket investors. On a whim, I emailed some of the better-known developers in DC...people with deep pockets. I invited them over for coffee and to walk with me around the neighborhood to see all the possibilities. I do not wish to see our neighborhood developed into a tourist spot, but what if one of these individuals was the lead in purchasing and renovating one building...would that encourage others? No one responded. Yet.
3. Set-up a partnership between the architecture school at Catholic (or any area school...maybe even highschool) to work with existing business owners to energize their facades so that they actually look like the thriving businesses they could be. It would help the owners, it would help the students, it would help the neighbors and it might encourage others to invest.
Think about it.
And so. Here lies my first blog. Ever.
I am an open-house-slut...meaning if it is open, I will enter. My husband and I happened to be in Bloomingdale for just such an opportunity and fell upon four people (the ‘keeper’ of this blog, his fabulous artist wife, the brain and brawn behind the Bloomingdale list serve, and a sophisticated sassy Brit). How lucky for us.
We moved to Bloomingdale in 2004. We have lived in DC for 21 years and this is our first home. We claim to have moved here in order to walk to work...but the reality is that we stumbled into Bloomingdale. In those frenzied days, we had two minutes to act on an as-is fixer-upper. And so we did. We have counted our lucky stars since.
We wondered what it would be like to live in this neighborhood...so clearly, a neighborhood. Our neighbors are young and old, black and white, straight and gay, economically advantaged and economically challenged, artistic and not. We invited them over for dessert. At the end of the evening we sat back and sighed contentedness. Phew.
It has been almost 4 years. And now I want to let everyone know what a good neighborhood this is...and at the same time, I want to guard against being too discovered. But really, I would like to see the abandoned and boarded up buildings on North Capital rediscovered. Imagine, just a mile from the Capital of the United States of America! And yet it feels like a thousand miles.
So, my thought in writing here is to generate discussion. What might it take to bring the abandoned buildings on North Capital to life? I wish to keep my focus on the abandoned, boarded buildings. My ideal would be to purchase a small building (say the ‘Bobby Fisher Memorial Building’ 1644 N. Capital Street.)
Here are a few ideas. And I would love to hear your feedback.
1. Form a neighborhood LLC to purchase a building. As neighbors we have a vested interest in seeing these buildings restored and reopened. The building could be cleaned up, restored, a business opened and proceeds used to purhaps buy the next abandoned building. The goal would not be so much to make money (though certainly, we do not want to loose money) but rather to see the neighborhood improve.
2. Court deep-pocket investors. On a whim, I emailed some of the better-known developers in DC...people with deep pockets. I invited them over for coffee and to walk with me around the neighborhood to see all the possibilities. I do not wish to see our neighborhood developed into a tourist spot, but what if one of these individuals was the lead in purchasing and renovating one building...would that encourage others? No one responded. Yet.
3. Set-up a partnership between the architecture school at Catholic (or any area school...maybe even highschool) to work with existing business owners to energize their facades so that they actually look like the thriving businesses they could be. It would help the owners, it would help the students, it would help the neighbors and it might encourage others to invest.
Think about it.
And so. Here lies my first blog. Ever.
Readings at Big Bear Cafe
While i will be over in Georgetown for the Glass3 Opening, there is a great event happening right here in Bloomingdale tomorrow night.
Thurs/Tomorrow/February 21st - 8 PM - Big Bear Cafe - Free
Semezdin Mehmedinoviæ was born in Bosnia. As war raged in Bosnia-Hercegovina, he remained active in Sarajevo's resistance movement. Before coming to the United States as a political refugee, he worked as a journalist, columnist, and an editor of the magazine "Phantom of Liberty." He has published several books of poetry in his native Bosnia. Two of his books, "Sarajevo Blues," (1992) and "Nine Alexandrias," (2003), were published by City Lights.
Brian Broduer is a poet and the author of the chapbook "So the Night Cannot Go On Without Us" and winnner of the University of Akron Press' 2007 Akron Poetry Prize for his first collection, "Other Latitudes". Give him enough drinks and find out why friends call him Sugarbear.
We met singer/songwriter Rocky Jones back in September. He's like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Or is it a velvet fist in an iron glove? Rocky Jones is good at what he does.
Ramtin Arablouei is an Iranian-American poet/spoken-word artist, musician, and actor. He played a leading role in the 2004 play Citizen's Patrol at the H Street Playhouse and he currently plays percussion for the DC based band Drop Electric. He'll be wearing the poet/spoken-word artist hat for this.
Hope to See You There,
Joe
BigBearReadings@gmail.com
Thurs/Tomorrow/February 21st - 8 PM - Big Bear Cafe - Free
Semezdin Mehmedinoviæ was born in Bosnia. As war raged in Bosnia-Hercegovina, he remained active in Sarajevo's resistance movement. Before coming to the United States as a political refugee, he worked as a journalist, columnist, and an editor of the magazine "Phantom of Liberty." He has published several books of poetry in his native Bosnia. Two of his books, "Sarajevo Blues," (1992) and "Nine Alexandrias," (2003), were published by City Lights.
Brian Broduer is a poet and the author of the chapbook "So the Night Cannot Go On Without Us" and winnner of the University of Akron Press' 2007 Akron Poetry Prize for his first collection, "Other Latitudes". Give him enough drinks and find out why friends call him Sugarbear.
We met singer/songwriter Rocky Jones back in September. He's like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Or is it a velvet fist in an iron glove? Rocky Jones is good at what he does.
Ramtin Arablouei is an Iranian-American poet/spoken-word artist, musician, and actor. He played a leading role in the 2004 play Citizen's Patrol at the H Street Playhouse and he currently plays percussion for the DC based band Drop Electric. He'll be wearing the poet/spoken-word artist hat for this.
Hope to See You There,
Joe
BigBearReadings@gmail.com
President Lincoln's Cottage
something to do just up the street.
Slide show of Lincolns Cottage
website
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-12): $5
National Trust (NTHP) members: $8
Note: Online ticket purchase is recommended. To order individual tickets by phone, please call Etix at 1-800-514-3849. Please note that Etix charges a service and postage fee for orders placed by phone.
Winter Hours (Nov. 1st – March 31st)
Monday – Saturday
Tours every hour, beginning at 10 AM last tour at 3 PM.
Sunday
Tours every hour, beginning at 12 noon, last tour at 3 PM.
Summer Hours (April 1st – October 31st)
Monday – Saturday
Tours every hour, beginning at 10 AM, last tour at 4 PM.
Sunday
Tours every hour, beginning at 12 noon, last tour at 4 PM.
The site is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Slide show of Lincolns Cottage
website
Tickets
Adults: $12
Children (6-12): $5
National Trust (NTHP) members: $8
Note: Online ticket purchase is recommended. To order individual tickets by phone, please call Etix at 1-800-514-3849. Please note that Etix charges a service and postage fee for orders placed by phone.
Winter Hours (Nov. 1st – March 31st)
Monday – Saturday
Tours every hour, beginning at 10 AM last tour at 3 PM.
Sunday
Tours every hour, beginning at 12 noon, last tour at 3 PM.
Summer Hours (April 1st – October 31st)
Monday – Saturday
Tours every hour, beginning at 10 AM, last tour at 4 PM.
Sunday
Tours every hour, beginning at 12 noon, last tour at 4 PM.
The site is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
new voices.
Coming Soon! you will start to see some different posters on this blog very soon. my own posts have been pretty sparse lately and rather dull. I'm hoping some new perspectives, energies, and ideas will help juice this site up a bit.
enjoy.
enjoy.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
save the date for this year's Community Yard Sale in Crispus Attucks Park:
Dear Friends of Crispus Attucks Park,
Just a quick note to let you know that we've set a date for this year's Community Yard Sale in Crispus Attucks Park:
Saturday, May 17th -- 8am - 2pm (rain date 5/31/2008)
Here's the only hitch: We currently don't have enough volunteers to help organize it! If you're one of the many neighbors who enjoys this annual community event, please consider pitching in so we can make sure this annual neighborhood tradition continues! Email info@crispusattuckspark.org for more information or to get involved. Thanks!
-John
John Corea, President, Crispus Attucks Development Corporation
Just a quick note to let you know that we've set a date for this year's Community Yard Sale in Crispus Attucks Park:
Saturday, May 17th -- 8am - 2pm (rain date 5/31/2008)
Here's the only hitch: We currently don't have enough volunteers to help organize it! If you're one of the many neighbors who enjoys this annual community event, please consider pitching in so we can make sure this annual neighborhood tradition continues! Email info@crispusattuckspark.org for more information or to get involved. Thanks!
-John
John Corea, President, Crispus Attucks Development Corporation
Thursday, February 07, 2008
beer halls
just because i like beer and 14th street is just a mile away from us.
Post Express article about a fancy beer place opening on 14th
how about the firehouse on north cap?
Post Express article about a fancy beer place opening on 14th
how about the firehouse on north cap?
Row Houses at Sunset
New Photos in the Bloomingdale Flickr Group
got pictures of the neighborhood? share them!
Dont know how?
FAQs on Flickr groups
got pictures of the neighborhood? share them!
Dont know how?
FAQs on Flickr groups
Timor Bodega
Message from Timor Bodega Proprietor Kim Wee
Thursday 7PM
Just a reminder that there will be a wine tasting 7PM at Timor Bodega. I have already gotten a head-start on trying the organic Pinot Grigio and it is rather enjoyable! Should have a last minute addition to the tasting if it makes it onto the delivery truck tomorrow: Simonsig's Pinotage. Also more new beer arrived today from Stone, Bells and Speak Easy breweries.
Coffee Tasting Saturday 10AM:
Calling all coffeeholics, we have some really exotic stuff here. Most of the coffee we drink here is wet-processed, that is to say it has been fermented in a vat before the fruit is washed away. It does not sound too appetizing, and neither are the aromas involved, but it does result in a "clean" tasting cup. Occasionally, we might chance dry-processed coffee, which means it has been left to ferment on the ground or on a screen. This time, would you believe, Tree-dried coffee! From an Indian Estate, it will be roasted and available by the bag all weekend long. Heavy-bodied with low-acidity, it promises rustic fruit tones. I'm excited about this one, but that's not all.....have Balinese and new Brazilian coffee which I will introduce in the following weekends.
Produce Stand Sunday 10-2
SA sourdough, wheat boules, rosemary loaves, seasonally baked pies all from Atwater's bakery in Baltimore. If only there was a bakery like that in DC, I would have bread of this standard every single day. Also, Lulu avocados, Florida citrus, local salad greens, kale, broccoli, bacon and chops from Truck Patch stocked SEVEN days a week now.
Thursday 7PM
Just a reminder that there will be a wine tasting 7PM at Timor Bodega. I have already gotten a head-start on trying the organic Pinot Grigio and it is rather enjoyable! Should have a last minute addition to the tasting if it makes it onto the delivery truck tomorrow: Simonsig's Pinotage. Also more new beer arrived today from Stone, Bells and Speak Easy breweries.
Coffee Tasting Saturday 10AM:
Calling all coffeeholics, we have some really exotic stuff here. Most of the coffee we drink here is wet-processed, that is to say it has been fermented in a vat before the fruit is washed away. It does not sound too appetizing, and neither are the aromas involved, but it does result in a "clean" tasting cup. Occasionally, we might chance dry-processed coffee, which means it has been left to ferment on the ground or on a screen. This time, would you believe, Tree-dried coffee! From an Indian Estate, it will be roasted and available by the bag all weekend long. Heavy-bodied with low-acidity, it promises rustic fruit tones. I'm excited about this one, but that's not all.....have Balinese and new Brazilian coffee which I will introduce in the following weekends.
Produce Stand Sunday 10-2
SA sourdough, wheat boules, rosemary loaves, seasonally baked pies all from Atwater's bakery in Baltimore. If only there was a bakery like that in DC, I would have bread of this standard every single day. Also, Lulu avocados, Florida citrus, local salad greens, kale, broccoli, bacon and chops from Truck Patch stocked SEVEN days a week now.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Beer Sampling at Timor, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
A message from Timor proprietor Kim Wee:
Yes, it's been a while since our last wine or beer tasting here at Timor Bodega….had some noise issues with the new refrigeration, but blissful silence has been restored, so the place is now good for a chat again! 10 new labels from 4 great American breweries are now waiting for Bloomingdale's beer drinkers at Timor Bodega.
The format will be a little different from the last tasting. Instead of a cover charge, let's try this: When you come in, you pick a beer that you are interested in. I'll open it and the beer will be sampled. If you like it, you can buy the remainder of the six- pack, minus the cost of one bottle. If it's not for you, we'll move right along to the next sample.
Although I am happy to offer courtesy sampling at any reasonable hour for beer drinking, it would be great to do this when at least a few people are around. So I am setting the time for the event loosely at 7 PM - 8:30 PM, as opposed to 7PM on the dot.
Now in:
LAKEFRONTt, Milwaukee:
Organic ESB
Cattail Ale
BELLS, Kalamazoo:
Best Brown Ale
Third Coast Old Ale
Winter White Ale
Double Cream Stout
HE'BREW:
Genesis Ale
LAGUNITAS, Petaluma:
Censored Ale
Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas Brown Sugar
Timor Bodega
200 Rhode Island Avenue NW
M-F 4:30-8:30
SAT: 9-8
SUN: 9-6
202-588-5612
Yes, it's been a while since our last wine or beer tasting here at Timor Bodega….had some noise issues with the new refrigeration, but blissful silence has been restored, so the place is now good for a chat again! 10 new labels from 4 great American breweries are now waiting for Bloomingdale's beer drinkers at Timor Bodega.
The format will be a little different from the last tasting. Instead of a cover charge, let's try this: When you come in, you pick a beer that you are interested in. I'll open it and the beer will be sampled. If you like it, you can buy the remainder of the six- pack, minus the cost of one bottle. If it's not for you, we'll move right along to the next sample.
Although I am happy to offer courtesy sampling at any reasonable hour for beer drinking, it would be great to do this when at least a few people are around. So I am setting the time for the event loosely at 7 PM - 8:30 PM, as opposed to 7PM on the dot.
Now in:
LAKEFRONTt, Milwaukee:
Organic ESB
Cattail Ale
BELLS, Kalamazoo:
Best Brown Ale
Third Coast Old Ale
Winter White Ale
Double Cream Stout
HE'BREW:
Genesis Ale
LAGUNITAS, Petaluma:
Censored Ale
Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas Brown Sugar
Timor Bodega
200 Rhode Island Avenue NW
M-F 4:30-8:30
SAT: 9-8
SUN: 9-6
202-588-5612
Monday, January 28, 2008
big bear book club
a friend was telling me just the other day that the americans read an average one one book per year. one. i read like.. uh.. twice that. easy.
these libraries make me want to read more... or at least travel more
BIG BEAR BOOK CLUB - FIRST MEETING
The first meeting of the Big Bear Book Club will take place on Wednesday, January 30, from 6:30-8, at Big Bear Cafe. This meeting will be mostly just to get the club started, where we'll discuss lineup and logistics, etc. However, our first book is In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan, and we could be getting into a discussion then. The book is available at 20% discount from any Olsson's Books (about 18 bucks).
If you have any questions, please direct them to joseph_rieu@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
JOE
these libraries make me want to read more... or at least travel more
BIG BEAR BOOK CLUB - FIRST MEETING
The first meeting of the Big Bear Book Club will take place on Wednesday, January 30, from 6:30-8, at Big Bear Cafe. This meeting will be mostly just to get the club started, where we'll discuss lineup and logistics, etc. However, our first book is In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan, and we could be getting into a discussion then. The book is available at 20% discount from any Olsson's Books (about 18 bucks).
If you have any questions, please direct them to joseph_rieu@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
JOE
Thursday, January 24, 2008
recycling
i received this email:
I recently moved into a multi-unit building in the neighborhood, and I'm hitting a huge roadblock when it comes to recycling. I am from Anne Arundel County in Maryland, and I have been spoiled with co-mingled, county-wide, curbside recycling. I have not had such luck in the District. Because I am not a homeowner and not renting in a 3-unit-or-less building, I am unable to use the blue bins to have the city pick up my recycling. My building does not pay for private recycling collection, so I have been trying in vain to find a metrorail- or metrobus-accessible (prefferably co-mingled) recycling facility. Thus far I have been transporting my recyclables to my parents' house, begging friends to take some along when they leave my apartment, and otherwise swimming in cardboard, plastic and glass.
Anyone have any answers?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
CHERYL'S GONE: A READING SERIES AT BIG BEAR CAFE
CHERYL'S GONE: A READING SERIES AT BIG BEAR CAFE
JANUARY 17, 2008
8:00 PM
CORNER OF FIRST AND R NW WASHINGTON DC
http://www.bigbearcafe-dc.com/
POETRY by CAREN SCOTT
Current NOVA-ite / Ex Floridian and Atlantite. Author of poems dealing with the supernova that is occurring between your lungs and below your sternum. Also, excellent at playing the singing-saw.
POETRY by CATHY EISENHOWER
Poet and author of the collections Language of Dog-Heads and the upcoming Clearing Without Reversal.
PROSE by JEN GIRDISH
Award-nominated essayist and journalist for places like the Washington Post and the Washington City Paper.
MUSIC by SAHBA SIZDAHKHANI
Drummer, soundscape artist and post-revolutionary composer. Visit him online at sahbasizdahkhani.com to listen.
Hope to see you there--
Joe
(BigBearReadings@gmail.com)
JANUARY 17, 2008
8:00 PM
CORNER OF FIRST AND R NW WASHINGTON DC
http://www.bigbearcafe-dc.com/
POETRY by CAREN SCOTT
Current NOVA-ite / Ex Floridian and Atlantite. Author of poems dealing with the supernova that is occurring between your lungs and below your sternum. Also, excellent at playing the singing-saw.
POETRY by CATHY EISENHOWER
Poet and author of the collections Language of Dog-Heads and the upcoming Clearing Without Reversal.
PROSE by JEN GIRDISH
Award-nominated essayist and journalist for places like the Washington Post and the Washington City Paper.
MUSIC by SAHBA SIZDAHKHANI
Drummer, soundscape artist and post-revolutionary composer. Visit him online at sahbasizdahkhani.com to listen.
Hope to see you there--
Joe
(BigBearReadings@gmail.com)
Friday, January 11, 2008
EC-12: Is there a restaurateur in the house?
Here is a sad and frustrating message from Konrad Schlater, Special Assistant in the
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
All:
We had hoped to close on the sale of the fire station to NextGen Development by the end of the 2007. Unfortunately, due to lack of performance by the developer under our sale contract we did not proceed to closing on the sale as planned.
The developer has been spending a lot of time, money, and effort to push this project forward. However, the developer has failed to execute an agreement and lease with a restaurant operator - a necessary pre-condition for our sale of the building. As you may know, the original proposed operator, Mike Benson, moved back to North Carolina and abandoned the project a little over a year ago leaving the developer without a restaurant operator. Over the past two months, NextGen has been in serious negotiations with Twyla Garrett of IME Services, an LSDBE firm headquartered on North Capitol Street, to act as the restaurant operator. Ms. Garrett is just now preparing to open a restaurant with a very similar restaurant concept in Cleveland, Ohio. I have spoken with IME Services and they are very serious about this project.
Due to NextGen's failure to meet their commitments to the District under the sales contract, we have notified them that they are in default of our contract. The developer has 30 days to cure its default under the agreement. If the developer is not prepared to close on the sale, the District will have the option to terminate the agreement, restructure the terms, or find an alternative solution. It is our sincere hope that we can proceed to closing on the sale with the developer shortly. Brian Brown of NextGen Development has already completed designs for the project, obtained permits for the exterior work on the building, and lined up the necessary financing - and we are tantalizingly close to starting construction work on the firehouse. A deal between NextGen Development and IME Services represents the best hope for a prompt and successful development of the firehouse.
I can assure you that the Deputy Mayor's office along with Councilmember Thomas and his staff have been giving this project close attention and we will not take our eye off the ultimate goal, which is removing the blight of the abandoned building and replacing it with high quality neighborhood-serving retail.
I'd be happy to provide ANC5C with an update any time. Please give me a call if you have any questions about this email or the project generally.
Thanks,
Konrad Schlater
Special Assistant
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
(w) 202-727-6934
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
All:
We had hoped to close on the sale of the fire station to NextGen Development by the end of the 2007. Unfortunately, due to lack of performance by the developer under our sale contract we did not proceed to closing on the sale as planned.
The developer has been spending a lot of time, money, and effort to push this project forward. However, the developer has failed to execute an agreement and lease with a restaurant operator - a necessary pre-condition for our sale of the building. As you may know, the original proposed operator, Mike Benson, moved back to North Carolina and abandoned the project a little over a year ago leaving the developer without a restaurant operator. Over the past two months, NextGen has been in serious negotiations with Twyla Garrett of IME Services, an LSDBE firm headquartered on North Capitol Street, to act as the restaurant operator. Ms. Garrett is just now preparing to open a restaurant with a very similar restaurant concept in Cleveland, Ohio. I have spoken with IME Services and they are very serious about this project.
Due to NextGen's failure to meet their commitments to the District under the sales contract, we have notified them that they are in default of our contract. The developer has 30 days to cure its default under the agreement. If the developer is not prepared to close on the sale, the District will have the option to terminate the agreement, restructure the terms, or find an alternative solution. It is our sincere hope that we can proceed to closing on the sale with the developer shortly. Brian Brown of NextGen Development has already completed designs for the project, obtained permits for the exterior work on the building, and lined up the necessary financing - and we are tantalizingly close to starting construction work on the firehouse. A deal between NextGen Development and IME Services represents the best hope for a prompt and successful development of the firehouse.
I can assure you that the Deputy Mayor's office along with Councilmember Thomas and his staff have been giving this project close attention and we will not take our eye off the ultimate goal, which is removing the blight of the abandoned building and replacing it with high quality neighborhood-serving retail.
I'd be happy to provide ANC5C with an update any time. Please give me a call if you have any questions about this email or the project generally.
Thanks,
Konrad Schlater
Special Assistant
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
(w) 202-727-6934
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Reminder*****School Reform Meeting at Emery School -- 6:00 pm
Dear Neighbors
Join us this Thursday, January the 10th from 6 PM till 8 PM for an important community meeting concerning the future of Emery Elementary school and public education in our nation's capitol.
Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee will be on hand to address your concerns on school reform and the consolidation of under enrolled schools to create viable learning centers.
Emery is slated to become a Pre-K thru 8 Science, Math and Technology learning center, come find out what that will mean to the children of our community.
If you have questions and concerns this is a chance to be heard and help to shape the future of DC public schools.
Emery is located on the McKinley campus at 1720 First Street NE.
Join us this Thursday, January the 10th from 6 PM till 8 PM for an important community meeting concerning the future of Emery Elementary school and public education in our nation's capitol.
Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee will be on hand to address your concerns on school reform and the consolidation of under enrolled schools to create viable learning centers.
Emery is slated to become a Pre-K thru 8 Science, Math and Technology learning center, come find out what that will mean to the children of our community.
If you have questions and concerns this is a chance to be heard and help to shape the future of DC public schools.
Emery is located on the McKinley campus at 1720 First Street NE.
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