Where old DC drank
check out this site
Saturday, December 31, 2005
bloomingdale, victorians, and ramshackled.
Those of you that love our architecture in bloomingdale might like this site about sadly empty Victorians all over the city
Victorian Secrets
Victorian Secrets
new years eve
On the Millennium, DC put together a nice New Years Eve Party. Fireworks, concerts, closed streets.. it was great. Maybe in 994 years we can do it again.
sydney, doing it up, this normal every year kinda year:
sydney, doing it up, this normal every year kinda year:
Friday, December 30, 2005
crack down
Seems like there was a big drug crackdown in eckington yesterday. from early in the morning till into the evening there were cops all around the neighborhood. searching people, questioning people, even arresting some.
apparently there were over 10 guys lined up in my alley being frisked.
The drug activity has been quite active in the past 2 months, perhaps they drew too much attention to themselves.
apparently there were over 10 guys lined up in my alley being frisked.
The drug activity has been quite active in the past 2 months, perhaps they drew too much attention to themselves.
Manasas combats illegal immigrants
American, getting less free by the minute!
Check this out
The city of Manassas yesterday defended a new zoning ordinance that restricts households to immediate relatives, saying that the city acted within its limited right to control residential occupancy and that the new rule defining "family" was adopted in response to "broad-based community concerns about overcrowding."
This is an interesting article to me because of my concerns for a legal and clean neighborhood, and my concerns for freedom. But i dont want the govermnet to be concerned with whats happeing INSIDE my house.
This connects to Bloomingdale, in that we have many many "problem houses" in our neighborhood. Most of us want them gone, but the judges don't seem to lock up enough perps of "quality of life" crimes. I dont believe that we should legislate symptoms of crimes, as the article claims overcrowding is. Much like i dont believe in the "drug enforcemnet zones" that frequently get set up in Bloomingdale, Eckington, and Turxton. But, when someone breaks a real law, the law needs to pound them for it.
On tricky issues like this, i will always have to side with more freedom, less legislation.
Check this out
The city of Manassas yesterday defended a new zoning ordinance that restricts households to immediate relatives, saying that the city acted within its limited right to control residential occupancy and that the new rule defining "family" was adopted in response to "broad-based community concerns about overcrowding."
This is an interesting article to me because of my concerns for a legal and clean neighborhood, and my concerns for freedom. But i dont want the govermnet to be concerned with whats happeing INSIDE my house.
This connects to Bloomingdale, in that we have many many "problem houses" in our neighborhood. Most of us want them gone, but the judges don't seem to lock up enough perps of "quality of life" crimes. I dont believe that we should legislate symptoms of crimes, as the article claims overcrowding is. Much like i dont believe in the "drug enforcemnet zones" that frequently get set up in Bloomingdale, Eckington, and Turxton. But, when someone breaks a real law, the law needs to pound them for it.
On tricky issues like this, i will always have to side with more freedom, less legislation.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
starbucks in annapolis
I find this article a bit funny considering how many times i have heard people express their hopes for a Starbucks in our hood. I especially like the "Coffeehouses were very popular in Annapolis and other 18th-century cities, both here and in England. They were a gathering place, and that's basically what this Starbucks is planned to be." comment.
Post Article
How would Bloomingdale react if a Starbucks ever actually opened up here?
Post Article
How would Bloomingdale react if a Starbucks ever actually opened up here?
changes in adams morgan
here is a Post Article about the closing of The Comet liquor store and the changes that have happened in Adams Morgan
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Gentrification in another country
I just got back from a short trip to Lebanon. There's a neighborhood in Beirut that I loved the last time I was there and wanted to check it out again. I was instantly curious at the similarities to Bloomingdale, and the issues we face in DC.
The neighborhood is Gemayze, just east of the newly rebuilt Downtown , one of the most amazing downtowns of any city I have ever seen in my life.
Though rather Disney-esque in its trying to look old yet newly built freshness. Still, much better than what it was and what the areas that haven't been fixed up look like
It is also just west of the famous Green Line , a major division line during the war, which apparently some cabs will still not cross.
Before the war Gemazye was a very, if not entirely Christian neighborhood. Mainly filled with beautiful old homes from the 1800's. Mostly stone. Nothing is built with wood there!
My last visit was in 2003,in the summer, and the obvious beginnings of a rebuilding after the war was occurring. Now, that growth is even more so, and it has become clear that Gemayze is "In". Bars and restaurants are lining a street that was formerly very residential. Real estate prices are sky rocketing in a city that is already one of the most expensive in the world. Parking is extremely difficult, and the narrow sidewalks are packed in the evenings. Cute boutique shops are opening and there is fear that many of the old shop will close and be replaced by a more contemporary sense of commercialism.
While walking through the neighborhood with a friend and resident of Gemayze, we saw an Italian restaurant called "Corleone's". My friend said, " What business does a place like that have opening here, ruining the integrity of my neighborhood". Its next to a Sushi Bar, and many other bars where you can see Christians, Muslims, and even Druze, sharing a drink.
Gemayze "has arrived", as realtors like to say. It is certain that much of the old charm of this hood will disappear.
Many shops that catered to the old residents will indeed close. Neon will light up the streets and larger and larger cars will try to find parking.
While gentrification in Beirut, and in Gemayze, doesn't come with the overtones of a stereotypical priviledge white person displacing the stereotypical poor black family, like it is portrayed in DC, there is a mixing of cultures and incomes that must find a commonality. I come back to DC to find liquor bottles and trash in my front yard, guys pissing in my alley, a few newly renovated buildings and a few more troubled properties that for sale or have sold. Keep it up Bloomingdale, we have a long way to go. If Beirut can do it, I know we can.
more pictures here
news concerning Lebanon here
The neighborhood is Gemayze, just east of the newly rebuilt Downtown , one of the most amazing downtowns of any city I have ever seen in my life.
Though rather Disney-esque in its trying to look old yet newly built freshness. Still, much better than what it was and what the areas that haven't been fixed up look like
It is also just west of the famous Green Line , a major division line during the war, which apparently some cabs will still not cross.
Before the war Gemazye was a very, if not entirely Christian neighborhood. Mainly filled with beautiful old homes from the 1800's. Mostly stone. Nothing is built with wood there!
My last visit was in 2003,in the summer, and the obvious beginnings of a rebuilding after the war was occurring. Now, that growth is even more so, and it has become clear that Gemayze is "In". Bars and restaurants are lining a street that was formerly very residential. Real estate prices are sky rocketing in a city that is already one of the most expensive in the world. Parking is extremely difficult, and the narrow sidewalks are packed in the evenings. Cute boutique shops are opening and there is fear that many of the old shop will close and be replaced by a more contemporary sense of commercialism.
While walking through the neighborhood with a friend and resident of Gemayze, we saw an Italian restaurant called "Corleone's". My friend said, " What business does a place like that have opening here, ruining the integrity of my neighborhood". Its next to a Sushi Bar, and many other bars where you can see Christians, Muslims, and even Druze, sharing a drink.Gemayze "has arrived", as realtors like to say. It is certain that much of the old charm of this hood will disappear.
Many shops that catered to the old residents will indeed close. Neon will light up the streets and larger and larger cars will try to find parking.
While gentrification in Beirut, and in Gemayze, doesn't come with the overtones of a stereotypical priviledge white person displacing the stereotypical poor black family, like it is portrayed in DC, there is a mixing of cultures and incomes that must find a commonality. I come back to DC to find liquor bottles and trash in my front yard, guys pissing in my alley, a few newly renovated buildings and a few more troubled properties that for sale or have sold. Keep it up Bloomingdale, we have a long way to go. If Beirut can do it, I know we can.
more pictures here
news concerning Lebanon here
Sunday, December 18, 2005
away
i've been out of town for a while so i dont know whats going on in bloomingdale lately.
i'll cross my fingers thats some big changes have been made during my vacation.
i'll cross my fingers thats some big changes have been made during my vacation.
Monday, December 05, 2005
sursum corda article
heres a post article about sursum corda.
according to the article there is concern of some residents that they may not be able to receive government assistance after getting the promised $80,000. $80,000?????? and the concern is continued government assistance?
not trusting the developer, i could see. having the money NOT TO NEED assistance, and you complain? that attitude is absurd.
according to the article there is concern of some residents that they may not be able to receive government assistance after getting the promised $80,000. $80,000?????? and the concern is continued government assistance?
not trusting the developer, i could see. having the money NOT TO NEED assistance, and you complain? that attitude is absurd.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Rumor about the firehouse
I had heard that the proposals for the firehouse are down to TWO. And both include a restaurant on the ground floor.
While I don't really know how accurate that is, I'm still excited by the prospect.
One of the proposals is for the entire place to be a restaurant, the other is to have an arts based business/studio/school on the second and third floor. Both sound GREAT to me.
Also, there's talk of a Tavern coming to the 1500 block of north capitol. That may be as early as next summer.
While I don't really know how accurate that is, I'm still excited by the prospect.
One of the proposals is for the entire place to be a restaurant, the other is to have an arts based business/studio/school on the second and third floor. Both sound GREAT to me.
Also, there's talk of a Tavern coming to the 1500 block of north capitol. That may be as early as next summer.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
coffee shop?
according to our community newsletter, there may be a nice coffee shop coming to 3rd and florida. I have heard rumors of another one too, fairly close by. i wonder how many people have plans to have cafes in bloomingdale/eckington? how many could we support? and how many people harbor hopes to open a restaurant or decent bar?
Ella's coffee shop didnt seem to do to well on north capitol. perhaps she jumped the gun, perhaps no one knew whether or not she would be open. for me, it was the expensive sunday brunch, and that 3 times during the day that i went, it was closed for no apparent reason.
If Windows cafe had better food, i might go more often. I did buy a bag of some awesome ethiopian coffee there, but, as a vegetarian the grilled cheese option leaves me a bit bored.
I hope that any new cafe/ restaurant owners run their places a little better. We as a neighborhood will go, once we trust them.
especially if the coffee isnt burnt.
Ella's coffee shop didnt seem to do to well on north capitol. perhaps she jumped the gun, perhaps no one knew whether or not she would be open. for me, it was the expensive sunday brunch, and that 3 times during the day that i went, it was closed for no apparent reason.
If Windows cafe had better food, i might go more often. I did buy a bag of some awesome ethiopian coffee there, but, as a vegetarian the grilled cheese option leaves me a bit bored.
I hope that any new cafe/ restaurant owners run their places a little better. We as a neighborhood will go, once we trust them.
especially if the coffee isnt burnt.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
second part to the post story of 14th and t street nw
post article
there is mention of bloomingdale resident and owner of cafe saint-ex, Mike benson, and his hope to buy the firehouse on North Capitol.
I'll be there when it opens!
there is mention of bloomingdale resident and owner of cafe saint-ex, Mike benson, and his hope to buy the firehouse on North Capitol.
I'll be there when it opens!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
the metropolitan
article
The Metropolitan, the former apartment building on Rhode Island Avenue, is now a coop, thanks to DC's right of First Refusal, and the collaboration of the tenants. With so many articles and talk lately of the working poor displaced by gentrification, it is wonderful to read that, as the article makes note of, people living paycheck to paycheck can afford the place that they have already called home for a long time.
The Metropolitan, the former apartment building on Rhode Island Avenue, is now a coop, thanks to DC's right of First Refusal, and the collaboration of the tenants. With so many articles and talk lately of the working poor displaced by gentrification, it is wonderful to read that, as the article makes note of, people living paycheck to paycheck can afford the place that they have already called home for a long time.
so much talk of gentrification
heres a post article concerning the gentrification of a neighborhood close to Bloomingdale, with quotes from a bloomingdale resident.
also a fun panorama
also a fun panorama
Friday, November 11, 2005
Development in NE
post article
Other development is afoot in the neighborhood. The D.C. Council member who represents the area said he is working on a public-private project to turn the city's wholesale market into 23 acres of housing, office and retail at Florida and New York avenues, near the new headquarters of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. And a few years ago, the city helped finance a deal that brought a Home Depot and a Giant grocery store to Brentwood, across New York Avenue. But the city's long-term goal to revitalize the New York Avenue corridor has proved elusive.
good news on the affordable housing front, but maybe the market will be throwing cheaper houses at us anyway. Article on cooling market
I'm especially excited about the development of the Florida Avenue Market. The whole area is a fascinating array of buildings and shops, but the market itself is seriously lacking in cleanliness. This area has the potential to be more exciting than eastern market and more vibrant than the Lexington Market in Baltimore.
Other development is afoot in the neighborhood. The D.C. Council member who represents the area said he is working on a public-private project to turn the city's wholesale market into 23 acres of housing, office and retail at Florida and New York avenues, near the new headquarters of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. And a few years ago, the city helped finance a deal that brought a Home Depot and a Giant grocery store to Brentwood, across New York Avenue. But the city's long-term goal to revitalize the New York Avenue corridor has proved elusive.
good news on the affordable housing front, but maybe the market will be throwing cheaper houses at us anyway. Article on cooling market
I'm especially excited about the development of the Florida Avenue Market. The whole area is a fascinating array of buildings and shops, but the market itself is seriously lacking in cleanliness. This area has the potential to be more exciting than eastern market and more vibrant than the Lexington Market in Baltimore.
Monday, November 07, 2005
some rehabbing
i noticed two buildings on the NE side of the 1600 block of North Capitol being worked on. Very exciting to see.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
our man vincent
D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange Sr. (D-Ward 5) asked a judge yesterday to settle a dispute with Chairman Linda W. Cropp over a committee hearing on the city's baseball stadium deal.
Post article
WOW. and they are both running for mayor.
Post article
WOW. and they are both running for mayor.
Monday, October 31, 2005
a rather outstanding blog about city placemaking
Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space is written by a historic preservation and urban revitalization advocate and consultant in Washington, DC. Fascinating stuff.
i learned of this blog through Frozen Tropics, one of my favorite blogs. Frozen Tropics concerns itself with Trinidad, sometimes Near North East ( SoFlo), and the economic strengthening of H street NE, one of the hoppin-est spots in the city.
also, it has great photos.
i learned of this blog through Frozen Tropics, one of my favorite blogs. Frozen Tropics concerns itself with Trinidad, sometimes Near North East ( SoFlo), and the economic strengthening of H street NE, one of the hoppin-est spots in the city.
also, it has great photos.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Another Washington post article
Here
I thought that this article was interesting in its comparison of "exurban" living, with our community in the city.
ESPECIALLY interesting in comparison to this article
Here
a fascinating observation from the first article
In his book, "Democracy in Suburbia," University of Chicago political science professor Eric Oliver asserts that, in general, the absence of conflict in suburban areas tends to go hand in hand with diminished participation -- not necessarily in elections, but in other parts of civic life, such as volunteering. "It turns citizens into consumers, basically," he said in an interview. ". . . They disconnect and disassociate themselves from the greater community in which they reside."
This is a profound observation on many levels.
I thought that this article was interesting in its comparison of "exurban" living, with our community in the city.
ESPECIALLY interesting in comparison to this article
Here
a fascinating observation from the first article
In his book, "Democracy in Suburbia," University of Chicago political science professor Eric Oliver asserts that, in general, the absence of conflict in suburban areas tends to go hand in hand with diminished participation -- not necessarily in elections, but in other parts of civic life, such as volunteering. "It turns citizens into consumers, basically," he said in an interview. ". . . They disconnect and disassociate themselves from the greater community in which they reside."
This is a profound observation on many levels.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Saturday, October 22, 2005
good spots for a nice restaurant.
these are a few of the buildings that are for lease on north capitol in eckington.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
adopt cats from our streets
there will be a cat/kitten adoption fair this saturday.
Some of these cats came from our very own alleys.
DC CAT OFFICE
1807 Belmont St NW (adams morgan)
#107
Saturday October 22
12-3 pm
Some of these cats came from our very own alleys.
DC CAT OFFICE
1807 Belmont St NW (adams morgan)
#107
Saturday October 22
12-3 pm
Monday, October 17, 2005
Open Studios
Go check out this awesome building with a great group of artists.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 22-23 12-5pm
52 O Street NW Washington, DC
52 O website
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 22-23 12-5pm
52 O Street NW Washington, DC
52 O website
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Trees!
some organization planted trees in the many empty treeboxes on my block! Anyone know who it was?
Friday, October 14, 2005
The Hotel Eckington
The Hotel Eckington will sit between the new york avenue metro and the ATF building.
I'd love to hear more information on this if anyone has some.
I'd love to hear more information on this if anyone has some.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Traffic in eckington, bloomingdale.....
Here is a Washington post article that deals with accident heavy intersections in the city. Mentioned are New York Avenue and Florida Avenue. I for one can attest to the fact that those speeding cameras at 6th and Florida are slowing down traffic. I think they are great, but wonder why Porter street up in Cleveland park is the only place to have a traffic light controlled by speed. If you go too fast you will have to come to a complete stop. Otherwise it stays green. I say more of those!
here's the link
here's the link
some NOMA projects
These are all projects that are steps away from the New York Avenue Metro. cross your fingers.
NoMa corridor info
Saturday, October 08, 2005
House on North Cap and S NE
Seems that the turret has been taken off of the corner house on the northeast corner of north cap and S street. They may be adding an additional floor.
I really hate to see the beautiful houses in our neighborhood getting ripped up, but at least it wont stay boarded up.
I really hate to see the beautiful houses in our neighborhood getting ripped up, but at least it wont stay boarded up.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
interesting article about the explosions the other night
DC examiner article
where do we turn to find out information?
where do we turn to find out information?
Stores, near bloomingdale
Acording to the "Orange Report", Vincent Orange's self promotion newsletter ( ward 5 newsletter), there is more talk of stores coming to the empty land next to Giant in Brentwood.
Marshalls, Staples, Dress Barn, Rainbow Kids and Dowtown Locker Room.
Not much else except for nine pictures of Orange in 8 pages.
Marshalls, Staples, Dress Barn, Rainbow Kids and Dowtown Locker Room.
Not much else except for nine pictures of Orange in 8 pages.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
EVENT: Bloomingdale To Be Featured In 10/25/2005 Wardman Rowhouse Lecture
"Celebrating a Century of Wardman Rowhouse Neighborhoods"
Co-sponsored by the DC Preservation League
Historians Sally Lichtenstein Berk and Caroline Mesrobian Hickman will talk about this exhibit (opening at the John A. Wilson Building, 1250 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Thursday, September 22, 2005), which will feature three rowhouse neighborhoods that were built along major streetcar lines in the early years of the 20th century; Bloomingdale, Brightwood and Columbia Heights. These neighborhoods have undergone several demographic changes in the approximate 100 years since their construction and are now experiencing -- or are about to experience -- revitalization as the move to the city continues apace and urban housing is at a premium. The talk will include a map of Wardman's oerve complet.
Cost: $5 DCPL/HSW members; $10 nonmembers
Source
Co-sponsored by the DC Preservation League
Historians Sally Lichtenstein Berk and Caroline Mesrobian Hickman will talk about this exhibit (opening at the John A. Wilson Building, 1250 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Thursday, September 22, 2005), which will feature three rowhouse neighborhoods that were built along major streetcar lines in the early years of the 20th century; Bloomingdale, Brightwood and Columbia Heights. These neighborhoods have undergone several demographic changes in the approximate 100 years since their construction and are now experiencing -- or are about to experience -- revitalization as the move to the city continues apace and urban housing is at a premium. The talk will include a map of Wardman's oerve complet.
Cost: $5 DCPL/HSW members; $10 nonmembers
Source
Saturday, October 01, 2005
The future
Metro is looking into reintroducing streetcars in DC.
The current draft is that one line would run down florida avenue.
Corridor 3: American University to Skyland SE. Beginning at Ward Circle, this transit route would go southeast down Massachusetts Avenue NW, turn east on Garfield Street NW, south on 29th Street NW, and east on Calvert Street NW across Rock Creek Park. At Adams Morgan, the alignment would turn south down 18th Street NW, east on U Street NW, southeast onto Florida Avenue NW/NE, and south onto 8th Street NE/SE. Finally, the route would turn east on M Street SE, cross the 11th Street Bridge, and turn east on Good Hope Road, terminating at Skyland Place SE.
more info
we're not h street
i wish we had a joe englert opening up stuff along out commercial corridors
link to Frozen Tropics post
link to Frozen Tropics post
Thursday, September 29, 2005
My home, Bloomingdale
With this blog i am hoping to post pictures, event listing, and general development information about Bloomingdale.
Mainly this will only be of interest to current or prospective Bloomingdale residents. If you have anything you would like to contribute, please email me!
i will, in all likelihood, include information about Truxton Circle, and Eckington, as well.
Mainly this will only be of interest to current or prospective Bloomingdale residents. If you have anything you would like to contribute, please email me!
i will, in all likelihood, include information about Truxton Circle, and Eckington, as well.
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