Friday, March 31, 2006
things i've noticed around the hood in the last few days.
1. i saw a horsebacked cop on 6th and m-ish on wednesday.
2. as i'm typing this, im listening to NPR and Vincent Orange was on calling for 400 new officers.
3. the new fence posts on north capitol
4. The dc famrers market was busy as all get out.
5. the warehouse on the corner of florida and 4th is getting an additional floor added to it.
6. the warehouse on the other end of the same block is being gutted.
7. the strip of buildings on the western edge of the warehouse district is all fenced off as if work is being done on them
8. There were bulldozers and other types of large construction working in the lot next to Giant.
2. as i'm typing this, im listening to NPR and Vincent Orange was on calling for 400 new officers.
3. the new fence posts on north capitol
4. The dc famrers market was busy as all get out.
5. the warehouse on the corner of florida and 4th is getting an additional floor added to it.
6. the warehouse on the other end of the same block is being gutted.
7. the strip of buildings on the western edge of the warehouse district is all fenced off as if work is being done on them
8. There were bulldozers and other types of large construction working in the lot next to Giant.
new wall for north capitol
has anyone noticed that the fence along the section of north capitol that goes under Rhode Island avenue is being replaced. the concrete block median is being replaced with granite and (i think) coblestone.
there are black steel posts up right now. i dont know what the wall material will be.
there are black steel posts up right now. i dont know what the wall material will be.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
what? "windows" had a website?
I got an email from a guy in LeDroit Park that contained this link
and this one too.
check them out.
so,windows has a website!
thanks for the information Rod!
and this one too.
check them out.
so,windows has a website!
thanks for the information Rod!
National Capital Revitalization Corp.
Mayor Tony Williams is expected to announce Wednesday the city is expediting the transfer of the 25-acre site to the National Capital Revitalization Corp.
so says this article in the Washington Business Journal.
they may in fact be refering to the old sand filtration plant rather than the reservoir.
Hopefully this means something may happen with the site, but who knows.
fascinating conversation about cars, gentrification and racism...
this thread of conversation on the IN SHAW site blows my mind.
like this comment for instance:
.....large black churches each within one block of each other. When gentrifiers came along to whitewash this historically black neighborhood (filled with black churches), did it not occur to you that on Sundays people would be attending these churches.
You're right. No one should double park and block your car, but its hard to
sympathize with you because you assumed the risk.
its bizarre to me because i dont even believe in "Race" ( black race, white race, etc..)and this poster wants to make it a racial issue.
i only believe in ethnicities... but the difference in that is lost on many.....and i went off on a tangent anyway....
Most importantly, i believe in following the laws as a means of fostering community and civility.
like this comment for instance:
.....large black churches each within one block of each other. When gentrifiers came along to whitewash this historically black neighborhood (filled with black churches), did it not occur to you that on Sundays people would be attending these churches.
You're right. No one should double park and block your car, but its hard to
sympathize with you because you assumed the risk.
its bizarre to me because i dont even believe in "Race" ( black race, white race, etc..)and this poster wants to make it a racial issue.
i only believe in ethnicities... but the difference in that is lost on many.....and i went off on a tangent anyway....
Most importantly, i believe in following the laws as a means of fostering community and civility.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Auto Mobile.. and the shape of cities....
i'm reading this very interesting book. Auto Mobile by Ruth Brandon.
here's an excerpt:
Traditionally , American houses had been built with covered verandahs facing on to the street- the piazzas and stoops within which the action of so many 19th century novels take place. in the early days of motoring the garage ( if any) was a hut in the backyard. But cars soon became too important to be relegated to the hut. The garage moved forward and increased in size, while the front porch disappeared- an enactment in brick and mortar on the automobile's revolutionary effect on social life The proch had been part of a pedestrian lifestyle of casual callers and passers=by, but the car made all of that irrelevant. Less walking meant fewer passers by, while many of the activities ( such as courting) that had traditionally taken place on the porch could now be conducted in the privacy of the car.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Crispus Attucks Park- the secret park
Dear Friends of Crispus Attucks Park,
This Saturday morning please join for a TEAR DOWN THE FENCE PARTY in Crispus Attucks Park from 8:00am until (????stay as long as you like)!!! As many of you have seen, we have been working to make the park a more friendly, accessible urban oasis. A big obstacle to that effort has been the rusty chain link fence ringing the park.
Continuing the efforts we began last summer (and last weekend), the Crispus Attucks Development Corporation, along with many community volunteers like you will be tearing down the rest of the chain link fence and replacing the fence with a barrier of 6x6s needed to reduce erosion and keep vehicles from entering the park. If you have any interest in making the park a better place for all members of our community, join us Saturday morning for a community workday.
Two teams of people will be working:
Chain Link Removal Team: Will haul away sections of the chain link fencing to the DC dump at Fort Totten. We have two vehicles lined up and could use a third. (This is perhaps the least physically demanding of the
tasks?..) Once the last of the chain link has been taken to the dump this team will rejoin the people installing 6x6s. (Point of Contact: Jon Jensen)
6x6 Timber Installation Team: This team will finish the installation of the last timber 6x6s at the west end of the park. 90% of the digging (the not so fun part) at the west end of the park is done. (Point of Contact: Mark Rauschenberger)
Bring yourself and any sledge hammers, shovels, picks, and bolt cutters that you have. If you don't have tools that's okay, we can provide.
Finally this is a great chance for newer members of the community to come together and meet some of the folks who have been here for quite a while. We look forward to seeing you for a couple hours Saturday morning.
As an incentive, PIZZA and a limited amount of COLD BEER (and other beverages) will be provided at lunchtime. No beer for those driving back and forth to the DC Dump, until they're finished the job? :) (Point of Contact: John Corea)
If you're interested, e-mail or call John at 202-550-2631 or jacorea@gmail.com so we can get a sense of how many people are coming. We'll be out there even if it's chilly, even if we have to swap the cold beer for hot chocolate.
Thanks,
John
John Corea, President
Crispus Attucks Development Corporation
202-550-2631
jacorea@gmail.com
www.crispusattuckspark.org
This Saturday morning please join for a TEAR DOWN THE FENCE PARTY in Crispus Attucks Park from 8:00am until (????stay as long as you like)!!! As many of you have seen, we have been working to make the park a more friendly, accessible urban oasis. A big obstacle to that effort has been the rusty chain link fence ringing the park.
Continuing the efforts we began last summer (and last weekend), the Crispus Attucks Development Corporation, along with many community volunteers like you will be tearing down the rest of the chain link fence and replacing the fence with a barrier of 6x6s needed to reduce erosion and keep vehicles from entering the park. If you have any interest in making the park a better place for all members of our community, join us Saturday morning for a community workday.
Two teams of people will be working:
Chain Link Removal Team: Will haul away sections of the chain link fencing to the DC dump at Fort Totten. We have two vehicles lined up and could use a third. (This is perhaps the least physically demanding of the
tasks?..) Once the last of the chain link has been taken to the dump this team will rejoin the people installing 6x6s. (Point of Contact: Jon Jensen)
6x6 Timber Installation Team: This team will finish the installation of the last timber 6x6s at the west end of the park. 90% of the digging (the not so fun part) at the west end of the park is done. (Point of Contact: Mark Rauschenberger)
Bring yourself and any sledge hammers, shovels, picks, and bolt cutters that you have. If you don't have tools that's okay, we can provide.
Finally this is a great chance for newer members of the community to come together and meet some of the folks who have been here for quite a while. We look forward to seeing you for a couple hours Saturday morning.
As an incentive, PIZZA and a limited amount of COLD BEER (and other beverages) will be provided at lunchtime. No beer for those driving back and forth to the DC Dump, until they're finished the job? :) (Point of Contact: John Corea)
If you're interested, e-mail or call John at 202-550-2631 or jacorea@gmail.com so we can get a sense of how many people are coming. We'll be out there even if it's chilly, even if we have to swap the cold beer for hot chocolate.
Thanks,
John
John Corea, President
Crispus Attucks Development Corporation
202-550-2631
jacorea@gmail.com
www.crispusattuckspark.org
Millennium Arts Salon Reminder: Art Events for your Calendar
--Howard University Presents its Symposium on the Black Arts Movement on Thursday and Friday, March 23 and 24, 2006 at the Blackburn Center. This most important conference includes panels on: "Women Writers on the Black Arts Movement"; "Revolutionary Nationalism": "The Global Influence of the Black Arts Movement"; The Honorable Rex Nettleford's Lecture on "The Black Arts Movement and the Diaspora"; "Black Publications of the 60s and 70s"; and others. The registration fee for the conference covering the two days is $15.00. Pre-registration at the conference is through Dr. Dana Williams at d_williams@howard.edu.
--Howard University is also presenting a conference on Black British Aesthetics the weekend of April 7, 8, and 9, 2006. For more information, contact Howard's Department of English, at 202.806.6730.
--Millennium Arts Salon in keeping with its 2005-2006 theme "Showing Up and Showing Out--Music Theater, Dance, Poetry" and in co-sponsorship with the Driskell Center ( www.driskellcenter.edu) and the Clarice Smith Center (claricesmithcenter.umd.edu) announce the Concert Version of a New Musical: KLUB KA - - A Blues Legend. This play by James V. Hatch et al, will be performed with the African Continuum Theater on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 5:30 PM at the Lab Theater at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at U Md, College Park. A reception and post-show discussion with the authors James Hatch and Suzanne Noguere, and composer Christa Victoria will follow. Drawings by Camille Billops which illustrate the story, will be on view.
--Howard University is also presenting a conference on Black British Aesthetics the weekend of April 7, 8, and 9, 2006. For more information, contact Howard's Department of English, at 202.806.6730.
--Millennium Arts Salon in keeping with its 2005-2006 theme "Showing Up and Showing Out--Music Theater, Dance, Poetry" and in co-sponsorship with the Driskell Center ( www.driskellcenter.edu) and the Clarice Smith Center (claricesmithcenter.umd.edu) announce the Concert Version of a New Musical: KLUB KA - - A Blues Legend. This play by James V. Hatch et al, will be performed with the African Continuum Theater on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 5:30 PM at the Lab Theater at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at U Md, College Park. A reception and post-show discussion with the authors James Hatch and Suzanne Noguere, and composer Christa Victoria will follow. Drawings by Camille Billops which illustrate the story, will be on view.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
schools at risk of being closed
here is an article about schools that have low enrollments and might be first of the list of school closures.
Elementary Schools Van Ness, Shadd, Wheatley, Ross, Draper, Peabody, Hearst, Hyde, Benning, Adams, Cook, Montgomery, Maury, Smothers, Terrell, West, Stoddert, Mann, Drew, Slowe, Emery, Brent, Tyler, Shaed, Brookland, Cleveland, Meyer, River Terrace, Bowen, McGogney, Stevens, Payne, Clark, LaSalle, Powell, Ludlow-Taylor, Gage-Eckington, Ferebee-Hope, Bunker Hill, Houston, Noyes, Burroughs, Park View, Cooke, Raymond, Key, Thomson, Davis, Garrison, Kenilworth, Green, Burrville, Plummer, Leckie, Moten and Hendley.
· Middle and Junior High Schools Terrell, Brown, Backus, Eliot, Sousa, Garnet-Patterson and Lincoln.
· High Schools Moore, School Without Walls, Ellington, Banneker and Spingarn.
Elementary Schools Van Ness, Shadd, Wheatley, Ross, Draper, Peabody, Hearst, Hyde, Benning, Adams, Cook, Montgomery, Maury, Smothers, Terrell, West, Stoddert, Mann, Drew, Slowe, Emery, Brent, Tyler, Shaed, Brookland, Cleveland, Meyer, River Terrace, Bowen, McGogney, Stevens, Payne, Clark, LaSalle, Powell, Ludlow-Taylor, Gage-Eckington, Ferebee-Hope, Bunker Hill, Houston, Noyes, Burroughs, Park View, Cooke, Raymond, Key, Thomson, Davis, Garrison, Kenilworth, Green, Burrville, Plummer, Leckie, Moten and Hendley.
· Middle and Junior High Schools Terrell, Brown, Backus, Eliot, Sousa, Garnet-Patterson and Lincoln.
· High Schools Moore, School Without Walls, Ellington, Banneker and Spingarn.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
passing on the catania info....
In Shaw posted about her catania bakery run this morning.
seems they are open to the public from 6:30 - noon. on saturdays.
(you still have an hour to make it today!)
maybe the big bear could carry some of their products!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
shooting at busses
i saw the cops, and the bus, and the tv cameras this morning.
here's the story about what happened at first and florida nw.
thankfully, no one was hurt.
here's the story about what happened at first and florida nw.
thankfully, no one was hurt.
Monday, March 13, 2006
mess in Eckington.
St Martins church is hoping to build a large low income housing project on T street NE. Its become quite the issue in Eckington, just across the street from Bloomingdale. i've mentioned it a few times.here
here
here
here
and here
I don't pretend to know the full details, but i have been reading the Eckington Listserv and i have received a bunch of flyers from st martins.
The war between the two sides has been going on for a few months now. Now it seems that all who oppose the project, and have expressed such opposition on the Ward 5 listserve, have been banned from that listserv.
St Martins claims to have community support, but their support seems to only exist in the Ward 5 listserve, and in the st martins congregation, which many neighbors claim is mostly non residents of the community. St Martins has been engaging in very questionable tactics. Their use ( and ANC rep Cleopatra Jones') of the phrase "workforce housing" is one of their shady spins on the project. The is no such designation, and no possible means of its insurance. It is a lie that is meant to paint the project in a more positive hue.
I'd post a picture of the project, but my requests for an image from st martins have been repeatedly ignored. Perhaps i would be less skeptical of this project if St Martins was more forthcoming and open. they have not been treating this community fairly and will not receive the proper support until they do.
as have been my questions regarding the project to vincent orange and cleopatra jones.
theres a big breakdown in community happeing over here.its very sad
here
here
here
and here
I don't pretend to know the full details, but i have been reading the Eckington Listserv and i have received a bunch of flyers from st martins.
The war between the two sides has been going on for a few months now. Now it seems that all who oppose the project, and have expressed such opposition on the Ward 5 listserve, have been banned from that listserv.
St Martins claims to have community support, but their support seems to only exist in the Ward 5 listserve, and in the st martins congregation, which many neighbors claim is mostly non residents of the community. St Martins has been engaging in very questionable tactics. Their use ( and ANC rep Cleopatra Jones') of the phrase "workforce housing" is one of their shady spins on the project. The is no such designation, and no possible means of its insurance. It is a lie that is meant to paint the project in a more positive hue.
I'd post a picture of the project, but my requests for an image from st martins have been repeatedly ignored. Perhaps i would be less skeptical of this project if St Martins was more forthcoming and open. they have not been treating this community fairly and will not receive the proper support until they do.
as have been my questions regarding the project to vincent orange and cleopatra jones.
theres a big breakdown in community happeing over here.its very sad
Sunday, March 12, 2006
a bakery and a bar in bloomingdale
the DC North has two blurbs that include bloomingdale
check it out here
one mention os of hellers bakery thatsmoving into the green ember.
the other is about the firehouse on north capitol.
check it out here
one mention os of hellers bakery thatsmoving into the green ember.
the other is about the firehouse on north capitol.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
changes in bulk trash removal.....
Bulk Trash Now Collected Only From the Front of Residential Properties
(Washington, DC) Sometimes residents need to dispose of appliances,
furniture, mattresses and other items that are just too big to fit into
regular trash trucks. The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects these
bulky items - by appointment - from households that also receive DPW trash
collection service. In the past, bulk trash could be set out at the same
point of collection used for the resident's regular trash, alley or curb
side. Beginning this week, however, residents requesting bulk trash
collection are being directed to put out bulk items only at curb side in
front of their property.
The change is, in part, a response to complaints that the large trucks used to pick up bulk items are too big or too ungainly to fit through alleys and can sometimes damage residents' property. To arrange for a bulk collection appointment, call the Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. After taking your information, the Call Center Service Representative will give you a collection date and a confirmation number. Up to seven items may be collected at a time.
Customers with more than seven items will be given subsequent appointments dates. Bulk items should be set out in front of your residence at the curb line no earlier than the day before your service date. Single-family homes and buildings with three (or fewer) apartments are eligible for bulk collection services. Be aware that renovation materials, plate glass and other construction debris cannot be collected. DPW does not remove bulk trash from commercial establishments, including multi-unit apartment buildings
(more than three units).
changes in bulk trash
(Washington, DC) Sometimes residents need to dispose of appliances,
furniture, mattresses and other items that are just too big to fit into
regular trash trucks. The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects these
bulky items - by appointment - from households that also receive DPW trash
collection service. In the past, bulk trash could be set out at the same
point of collection used for the resident's regular trash, alley or curb
side. Beginning this week, however, residents requesting bulk trash
collection are being directed to put out bulk items only at curb side in
front of their property.
The change is, in part, a response to complaints that the large trucks used to pick up bulk items are too big or too ungainly to fit through alleys and can sometimes damage residents' property. To arrange for a bulk collection appointment, call the Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. After taking your information, the Call Center Service Representative will give you a collection date and a confirmation number. Up to seven items may be collected at a time.
Customers with more than seven items will be given subsequent appointments dates. Bulk items should be set out in front of your residence at the curb line no earlier than the day before your service date. Single-family homes and buildings with three (or fewer) apartments are eligible for bulk collection services. Be aware that renovation materials, plate glass and other construction debris cannot be collected. DPW does not remove bulk trash from commercial establishments, including multi-unit apartment buildings
(more than three units).
changes in bulk trash
Friday, March 10, 2006
affordable housing and wards......
DHCD Funded Projects 1999 – 2004
(from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development Housing
Affordability chart)
Units created
Citywide 9,657
Ward 8 (Anacostia, Congress Heights) 4,520
Ward 7 (Capitol View, Benning Heights) 2,266
Ward 1 (Crestwood, Mount Pleasant) 1,231
Ward 5 (Eckington, Brookland) 1,145
Ward 4 (Manor Park, Barnaby Woods) 139
Ward 2 (Georgetown, Dupont Circle) 136
Ward 6 (Capitol Hill) 97
Ward 3 (Wesley Heights, Tenleytown) 0
Seems a little bit unbalanced for such a great city such as ours.
(from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development Housing
Affordability chart)
Units created
Citywide 9,657
Ward 8 (Anacostia, Congress Heights) 4,520
Ward 7 (Capitol View, Benning Heights) 2,266
Ward 1 (Crestwood, Mount Pleasant) 1,231
Ward 5 (Eckington, Brookland) 1,145
Ward 4 (Manor Park, Barnaby Woods) 139
Ward 2 (Georgetown, Dupont Circle) 136
Ward 6 (Capitol Hill) 97
Ward 3 (Wesley Heights, Tenleytown) 0
Seems a little bit unbalanced for such a great city such as ours.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
DC council
DC Council
All DC Council:
dccouncilmembers@dccouncil.us
Individual DC Councilmembers:
mbarry@dccouncil.us
vgray@dccouncil.us
vorange@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
sambrose@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
afenty@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
kpatterson@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
lcropp@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
schwartzc@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
dcatania@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
jackevans@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
kbrown@dccouncil.us
pmendelson@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
jgraham@dccouncil.us
All DC Council:
dccouncilmembers@dccouncil.us
Individual DC Councilmembers:
mbarry@dccouncil.us
vgray@dccouncil.us
vorange@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
sambrose@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
afenty@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
kpatterson@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
lcropp@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
schwartzc@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
dcatania@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
jackevans@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
kbrown@dccouncil.us
pmendelson@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
jgraham@dccouncil.us
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
art in bloomingdale
New art space
87Florida is a new art venue located at 1st and Florida NW, and their grand opening reception is Saturday, March 11 from 5-7 pm.
DC artist Ceci Cole Mcinturff recently purchased the building and it houses her studios upstairs and on the mainfloor she has an exhibition space. There she will host a series of fine art exhibitions, musical events, digital mixed media events, as well as some "Art in Community" events.
The initial exhibition, titled "Little Differences," features the work of Melissa Glasser and runs through March 20, 2006. The reception is Saturday, March 11 from 5-7 pm. There are also viewing hours Fridays 4:30-7:00pm, Saturdays 1-6:00pm, Sundays 1-5pm and Mon-Thurs by appt.
87Florida is a new art venue located at 1st and Florida NW, and their grand opening reception is Saturday, March 11 from 5-7 pm.
DC artist Ceci Cole Mcinturff recently purchased the building and it houses her studios upstairs and on the mainfloor she has an exhibition space. There she will host a series of fine art exhibitions, musical events, digital mixed media events, as well as some "Art in Community" events.
The initial exhibition, titled "Little Differences," features the work of Melissa Glasser and runs through March 20, 2006. The reception is Saturday, March 11 from 5-7 pm. There are also viewing hours Fridays 4:30-7:00pm, Saturdays 1-6:00pm, Sundays 1-5pm and Mon-Thurs by appt.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
listed september 2004, under contract may 2005, still hasn't closed.
thats seems a bit crazy, no? there is no construction going on.. its just stting there.
27 RANDOLPH PL NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001
ML#: DC5052483 LP: $355,000
Status: CONTRACT DOMM/DOMP: 49/49
Adv Sub: ECKINGTON
Ownership: Fee Simple Total Tax: $1,841
Contract Date: 18-May-2005 Close Date: 27-Mar-2006
List Date: 25-Sep-2004 Update Date: 13-Feb-2006
Company: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
27 RANDOLPH PL NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001
ML#: DC5052483 LP: $355,000
Status: CONTRACT DOMM/DOMP: 49/49
Adv Sub: ECKINGTON
Ownership: Fee Simple Total Tax: $1,841
Contract Date: 18-May-2005 Close Date: 27-Mar-2006
List Date: 25-Sep-2004 Update Date: 13-Feb-2006
Company: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
police in bloomingdale.
I've been noticing a lot more police activity in the neighborhood lately.
anyone else?
Also... that house that caught on fire last week was finally boarded up this weekend.
anyone else?
Also... that house that caught on fire last week was finally boarded up this weekend.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Big Bear Cafe!
please check out the website for the future Big Bear Cafe.
The Big Bear Market was the former bodega on 1st at R street NW.
The Big Bear Market was the former bodega on 1st at R street NW.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
The future of the DC Farmers Market
Across from Galluadet, two blocks from the new york avenue metro, along the revitalizing strips of florida avenue and new york avenue the DC Farmers Market and the wholesale shops are in whats becoming PRIME real estate.
There had been talk of revitalizing the area keeping the main focus as a market. I once saw the plans.. but cant find them on line anywhere... It seemed like a larger version of eastern market. It was in keeping with the market as already existing, but fixed up.
The owner of a large chunk has a different idea. Read the post article here
There had been talk of revitalizing the area keeping the main focus as a market. I once saw the plans.. but cant find them on line anywhere... It seemed like a larger version of eastern market. It was in keeping with the market as already existing, but fixed up.
The owner of a large chunk has a different idea. Read the post article here
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
lots orf work happening along north capitol
I walked down to union station this morning and noticed a lot of work going on just north of new york avenue.
Lots of renovation projects.
also, the former junk store on the nw side of north capitol is being gutted. I had heard rumors that this would be turned into condos, but dont know for sure.
This is the place across the street from the "flea market"
Lots of renovation projects.
also, the former junk store on the nw side of north capitol is being gutted. I had heard rumors that this would be turned into condos, but dont know for sure.
This is the place across the street from the "flea market"
