Tuesday, December 30, 2008

bloomingdale, north capitol, first street, and nearby recently

-well, despite the negative words about NWL, i scored some great stuff quite cheaply today. the place is still open if you're in need of junk for your house, or the VHS of OZ or Babar. or Spawn III

-Theres a new Dry Cleaners on North Capitol.
Apple Cleaner & Alteration
202-232-3636
1410 North Capitol
M-F: 7:30 - 6:30
Sat 8:30-5

-The old Savemore has had extensive work done on the inside.
anyone know whats going on?

-I havent seen any progress on Martini 2020.

- whats going on with the place on north cap at r nw? wasnt it supposed to be a stereo place?

- Seems the video store on North Cap has clothing too. i havent been in but theres clothes in the window.

-five guys is open way over in NoMa

-the building that will have the harris teeter over at first and m is moving along quickly.

- the lot at florida and north cap is all fenced off still.

- the old pizza place ( the formstone building) on north cap and florida is all fixed up


- the yoga studio is up and running, but whats going in next door?

- Baraki? any news or progress? i heard the alcohol licence was approved but missed all the details. the last few months have been pretty hectic for me.

- that said, thanks for coming out to the bloomingdale holiday market! i was trying to plan a concurrent show at 87 florida, but i just didnt have the time. maybe next year.

- theres a for sale sign on the ice place on florida. its a huge lot and space and its street frontage sucks right now, but damn, i hate seeing that kind of stuff. we've still got plenty of empty buildings. and i've gotten kegs and ice there before and i prolly will again.

-i see that rhode island avenue is slated to be getting bus improvements. Something they're calling Metro Extra. personally, i'd love to see the 98 bus go all the way down florida avenue to the Atlas. Speaking of Metro, they now have an online Next Train service . what happened to Next Bus? i used that frequently.

-I'm pretty certain that the mcmillan development will make traffic along first street pretty crazy. too bad they couldnt include a Millennium Wheel, or balloon rides, or some other cool attraction that isnt a ritas water ice or maggie moo's. not that i wouldn't frequent either.

- i recently noticed on my house title that my property sits on Ray E. Middaugh's subdivision. thought that was kinda interesting. seems that dude also developed a lot of parcels in Woodley Park.

anything else going on or that you're thinking about in the area?

Monday, December 22, 2008

photos from the old sand filtration plant

a neighbor reminded me of a photoset she took of the old sand filtration site. i wanted to share them:


the site is fascinating and it won't be around much longer, so check out the pictures!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale this week and more!

'Tis the weekend before Christmas, so the Open House list is short, but here it is.

Here's the "and more":
There are numerous signs on vacant properties around the city, with several in the immediate area, announcing the January 30th, 2009 auction of more than 30 properties. Here's what is currently on the list. I will post more information as it becomes available.

Friday, December 19, 2008

bloomingdale holiday arts market tomorrow


Last minute shopping?

Bloomingdale Holiday Arts Market
Saturday
4-9 PM
Big Bear Cafe
First and R streets NW @ Florida.


Our vendor list includes:
Andrea Haffner :: http://andreahaffner.com

De*Nada Design :: http://denadadesign.com

Sean Hennessey :: http://dcsean.com

goshdarnknit :: http://shoofly.etsy.com

Kristina Bilonick :: http://kristinabilonick.com

Neighborhood Fiber Co :: http://www.neighborhoodfiberco.com

Realm Jewelry :: http://www.realmbyjessewalker.com

Tiger Flight :: http://tr.im/tigerflight

We got mentioned on dcist's arts agenda:

and also the Washingtonian:

Unlike last year, the cafe will be remain open serving coffees and tea, and of course, hot cider!



Also!

come by the Black Cat sunday night!

Black Cat Rock n Shop
Sunday
Black Cat
8-12
Mainstage, free admission.
1811 14th Street NW :: DC

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Inauguration Day

What are your plans for inauguration day?

renting out your pad?
walking down to the mall?


seems that zoned parking will be suspended. metro will be packed. the roads will undoubtedly be gridlocked.

you gonna enjoy it or head for the hills?

Monday, December 15, 2008

Don't miss the last Cheryl's Gone of 2008...


Don't miss the last Cheryl's Gone of 2008...

December 18, 8pm
Eric Pankey, Theodora Danylevich, William Bert, Stripmall Ballads


Eric Pankey is the author of eight collections of poetry. His poetry, essays, and revi ews have appeared in Antaeus, The Antioch Review, The Gettysburg Review, Grand Street, The Iowa Review, The Kenyon Review, New Republic, The New Yorker, The Quarterly, Shenandoah, and many others publications. Winner of the Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets, Pankey has received numerous grants supporting his work, including fellowships from the Ingram Merrill Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. His newest book of poetry is THE PEAR AS ONE EXAMPLE: New and Selected Poems (Ausable Press).

Theodora Danylevich is a Washington DC poet who will read from her homophonic translations of Beowulf: "A side project for a few years now, this is a translation based on sound (not meaning) and free association, with intuitive, political and scandalous underpinnings. At one point Beowulf was GW Bush and Shields was Rove... not sure if this project has wrapped itself around HOPE yet... lol... there might need to be a different source text for that one..."

William Bert received an MFA in Fiction from the University of Arizona's Creative Writing Program in 2007. His work has appeared in Colorado Review, pacificREVIEW, Sonora Review, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a founding board member and Executive Secretary of Capitol Letters Writing Center, a Washington, DC youth writing center. He is at work on a novel.

Stripmall Ballads play literate, itinerant bluesy-folky goodness – think Utah Phillips, Woody Guthrie, and David Dondero – and are frequent participants in the monthly DC Banjo Insanity Collective.

@ Big Bear Cafe
1st and R Streets NW

Washington, DC
*free*

--
Cheryl's Gone at Big Bear Cafe
A Monthly Reading & Performance Series
in Washington, DC
www.cherylsgone.com

Bloomingdale-The Book!

As you may have heard, Bloomingdale neighbor Rosemarie Onwukwe is working on the Bloomingdale Neighborhood book for Arcadia Publishing. She is still in need of images to include.

Please keep in mind that in addition to the history of the area, she is also interested in current photos showing life in Bloomingdale! Do you have any photos of hanging out at Big Bear, the Farmer's Market, or even just sitting out on the front stoop?

Also, if you have any neighbors who have been in the area for several years and may not be aware of announcements like this that have been posted on line, please put them in touch (you can e-mail me at my screen name at yahoo.)

Time is running out and Rosemarie needs images as soon as possible. Unfortunately, submitted images must be in print form, rather than digital. (Digital images could be sent for initial review with printing done once they are selected for inclusion.)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

National Wholesale Liquidators

Seems that the National Wholesale Liquidators on Rhode Island is closing.

they recently expanded into the basement level... that place is huge!
i wonder what will happen there.

District Demolishes Temple Courts Housing Complex

(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty on Monday joined the District of Columbia Housing Authority to begin the demolition of Temple Courts, a long-troubled housing complex north of Union Station that will be transformed into part of the new $700 million mixed- income Northwest One New Community.

“We will not tolerate substandard housing in the District,” Mayor Fenty. “Our residents deserve safe and healthy neighborhoods and that is exactly what we are working toward here at Northwest One.”

The District bought Temple Courts in 2007 for $16.5 million. For years, the residential tower and adjacent low-rises had been plagued by high crime and its residents were not afforded the kind of educational, health care or job opportunities they deserved. Immediately after closing on the purchase of the property, at the request of the residents, the District helped relocate 172 families to new housing around the city.

By early 2010, the District and its development partners, the William C. Smith Cos. and the Jair Lynch Cos. expect to break ground on a the first phase of a $700 million mixed-income, mixed-use community that will eventually include almost 1,600 new units of housing, 200,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of retail space and a one-acre park. At least 570 units will be reserved as affordable units for buyers and renters. Every family who left Temple Courts will have an opportunity to return to the new community after the project is finished.

The Northwest One project will be built along both sides of North Capitol Street. The site is bounded by K Street to the south, New Jersey Avenue to the west and New York Avenue to the North.

Within the Northwest One neighborhood, the District is currently building the $47 million Walker Jones complex. It will include a 100,000 square foot K-8 school; a 20,000 square foot community recreation center; a 5,000 square foot library and new athletic fields and playgrounds. The project is expected to be complete in time for the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

dc.gov press releases concerning Temple Courts
here
the one i reposted
here

Thursday, December 11, 2008

news clip about the murder of Tecardo Ward at Tyler House

video here



read the article here

Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market December 20th


The Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market returns for another fun show at the Big Bear Cafe. We're looking forward to our second annual handmade art market in the neighborhood and hope to see you there!

Skip the mall & join us for some last minute holiday shopping!

Our vendor list includes:
Andrea Haffner :: http://andreahaffner.com

De*Nada Design :: http://denadadesign.com

Sean Hennessey :: http://dcsean.com

goshdarnknit :: http://shoofly.etsy.com

Kristina Bilonick :: http://kristinabilonick.com

Neighborhood Fiber Co :: http://www.neighborhoodfiberco.com

Realm Jewelry :: http://www.realmbyjessewalker.com

Tiger Flight :: http://tr.im/tigerflight

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Crossing Florida

i got this email and wanted to pass it along:

Crossing Florida Avenue at R street on one's bicycle usually requires some Jackie Chan-style stunt work. Many cars do not obey the meager pedestrian cross walk that is meant to alert drivers to heavy non-auto traffic at this intersection. In response to recent inquiries about options to raise drivers' awareness and caution at Florida and R, DC Bike Program Specialist Mike Goodno wrote a very speedy, informative and friendly note detailing new construction the city is considering to enhance safety at Florida and R. He also mentioned that concerns would be forwarded to other city officials.

Perhaps to speed the resolution of this neighborhood issue (or to learn more about it), other similarly concerned Bloomingdalers could email Mike Goodno, yaknow, just to show some community solidarity on this issue (assuming it exists and you too do not want to die). Since Mike's response was prompt and great, hopefully everyone will share their thoughts and questions with him in a constructive and friendly manner. His email is: mike.goodno@dc.gov which is publicly available at http://ddot.dc.gov/bike

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

car crash at north capitol and r street.

moments after i crossed the intersection of north capitol and r street tonight there was a crazy car crash. Apparently a Lincoln ran a light and smashed into another car causing it to flip over, just as the P6 was entering the intersection.

Luckily the P6 was able to stop. I don't know if anyone was hurt.

Its crazy how many people ignore the lights on north capitol.
The light at Quincy might as well be invisible.

Optimal Home Location Tool

this is kinda cool:
Optimal Home Location Tool

mine puts me about four blocks from my house.

Monday, December 08, 2008

LeDroit Park Mural Dedication – Saturday

LeDroit Park Mural Dedication – Saturday, 12/13/2008



Please join us for music, activities & fun as we dedicate our new mural at the Gage-Eckington School (3rd and Elm Streets NW)!

WHO: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities + the LeDroit Park Community

WHAT: Mural Dedication and Community Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

WHERE: Gage-Eckington Elementary School - 236 Elm Street NW

QUESTIONS or do you want to Volunteer at this event?: Contact Rachel Dickerson with DCAH directly at 202.724.5613 or Rachel.Dickerson@ dc.gov

See you on the 13th!

11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mount Bethel Baptist Church

11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mount Bethel Baptist Church – Friday, 12/12/2008


The Mount Bethel Baptist Church Family invites you, your family and your friends to come out and be a part of its "11th ANNUAL"CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY". Ceremony is scheduled to be held, Friday, December 12, 2008, at 6:00 P.M., at the church, located at the corner of First Street & Rhode Island Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Please dress warm for the occasion. Refreshments will be served and we are planning to walk the neighborhood singing Christmas Carols! ***NOTE: If you desire to bring a treat, please have it at the Church by 5:30 P.M. For additional information, please contact Sister Annette Livingston, at 202-234-0471. You may also call Deacon Gill at 301- 985- 4455 (Cell 301- 526- 9833) Additionally, the Church Secretary is available be 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday at 202-667-4448. Come out and let us have a great time in honor of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Remember, "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!"
Reverend Bobby L. Livingston, Sr., D. Min., Pastor

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

bike sale at big bear this saturday

i saw this over at Bloomingdale (for now):
On Saturday, December 6, four local, non-profit bike programs are joining forces to bring more bikes to DC streets. The programs, Phoenix Bikes, Renaissance Community Youth Bike Project, The Mount Rainier Bike Coop, and the Rockville Youth Bike Project, use bikes to help young people get active, have fun learning, and serve their communities. There’ll be 20 - 30 road, hybrid, single-speed, kids, and mountain bikes, refurbished by youth, volunteer, and staff mechanics. Best of all, proceeds go to keeping these programs and their cyclists moving. Come by the Bike Sale, running from 10am – 3 pm at Big Bear Café to find a new ride for 2009!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Mural Dedication and Community Celebration

Please join us for music, activities & fun as we dedicate our new mural at the Gage-Eckington School (3rd and Elm Streets NW)!



WHO: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities + the LeDroit Park Community



WHAT: Mural Dedication and Community Celebration



WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM



WHERE: Gage-Eckington Elementary School - 236 Elm Street NW



QUESTIONS or do you want to Volunteer at this event?: Contact Rachel Dickerson with DCAH directly at 202. 724. 5613 or Rachel.Dickerson @ dc.gov



See you on the 13th!

Development of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site

Community Presentation on the Development of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site
December 13, 2008
10:00am to 12:00pm
Social Hall, Trinity University
125 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017

Vision McMillan Partners, the development team for the site, includes:
• EYA
• Jair Lynch Development Partners
• StreetSense
• The Alexander Company
• Smoot & Urban Service Systems Corporation

A TOWN HALL MEETING TO PRESENT CONCEPT PLANS FOR THE SITE, BASED ON PRIOR COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT FEEDBACK, AND TO PROVIDE TIME FOR ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY FEEDBACK AND DISCUSSION. WE ENCOURAGE STRONG ATTENDANCE AND WANT TO SEE YOU THERE!

Discussion Topics will include:

• History and Existing Condition of the Site

• Presentation of Concept Plans - Will include Open Space, Historic Preservation, Mixed- Income & Multi-Generational Housing, Community Serving Retail and Restaurants, Job Creating Office Space, Hospitality, and Community, Education, and Cultural Space

• Key Community Issues - Context and Density, Traffic/Smart Growth, Infrastructure, Community Benefits, LSDBE Participation, Job Creation, Sustainable/Green Development, and Other Community Issues

Light Food and Parking Provided

For More Information, Contact
Vicky Chambers, Office of CM Thomas, at 202- 727- 8204
John Basile, EYA, at 301- 634- 8600

Bloomingdale Holiday Arts Market 2008

Arts! Crafts! Cider! Fun!
Big Bear Cafe Art Market
Yes, it's happening again! The Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market returns for another fun show at the Big Bear Cafe. We're looking forward to our second annual handmade art market in the neighborhood and hope to see you there!

Save the Date! Saturday, December 20th, from 4-9pm at the Big Bear Cafe, 1st and R St NW in DC.

Come shop with amazing local artists including: Andrea Haffner, Sean Hennessey, Realm Jewelry, De*Nada Design, Kristina Bilonick, and more!

I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org
Buy Handmade this holiday season and support your local artists and designers! Have you taken the pledge yet?

Monday, December 01, 2008

shop,eat, and drink a little cheaper in adams morgan

its a bit up the road from us, but hell, i like it if i can save yous some money.

Adams Morgan First Tuesdays

The first Tuesday of every month
All Day


Adams Morgan
1815 Adams Mill Road, NW
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20009

Adams Morgan Tuesday Shop and Eat Special offers discounted dining and shopping on the first Tuesday of each month. Patrons can dine at select restaurants and receive food and drink for two persons for $25. Customers can also shop at select retailers and receive shopping discounts from 10 to 35 percent.

Some First Tuesday Offerings include:
Food and drink for two for $25 (plus tax) (Offerings vary)
Bossa Bistro (2463 18th St. NW)
Bourbon (2321 18th St. NW)
Chloe (2473 18th St. NW)
Duplex Diner (2004 18th St. NW)
El Tamarindo (1785 Florida Ave. NW)
Felix (2406 18th St. NW)
L’Enfant Café (2000 18th St. NW)
La Fourchette (2429 18th St. NW)
Left Bank (2424 18th St. NW)
Perry’s (1811 Columbia Rd. NW)
Saki (2477 18th St. NW)
The Grill From Ipanema (1858 Columbia Rd. NW)
Tom Tom (2333 18th St. NW)

Discounted Sales of 10-30 percent off selected items or storewide
Brass Knob Architectural Antiques (2311 18th Street, NW)
DeVinos (2001 18th Street, NW)
Fleet Feet (1841 Columbia Road, NW)
Kobos African Clothiers (2444 18th Street, NW)
Meeps Vintage (2104 18th Street, NW)
Miss Pixie's (2473 18th Street, NW)
Shake Your Booty (2206 18th Street, NW)
Skynear Furnishings (2122 18th Street, NW)
The District Line (2118 18th Street, NW)
Toro Mata Art & Furnishings of Peru (2410 18th Street, NW)

Salon & Beauty
The Spa at Mint Fitness 1724 California St. NW
Urban Escape - A Day Spa 1781 Florida Ave. NW

The event is organized by Adams Morgan Main Street, which is one of nine DC Main Streets, a program managed by reSTORE DC in the Department of Small and Local Business Development. Local DC Main Street programs, like Adams Morgan Main Street Group, work to revitalize their local neighborhood business district in several ways, including assisting small businesses, promoting their neighborhood business district and improving the physical appearance of the commercial district’s streetscape and buildings.

Sponsor: Adams Morgan Main Street

Adams Morgan Main Street

Contact: Adams Morgan Main Street Group
ExecDirector@AMMainStreet.com
(202) 232-1960

ST. GEORGES EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

ST. GEORGES EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Saturday, December 6, 2008
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
2nd and U Streets, NW

FEATURING:
VENDORS
"THIS-N-THAT" TABLE
SILENT AUCTION
GIFT CARD RAFFLE
BAKED GOODS TABLE
CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI TABLE
CRAFTS
AND THE RETURN OF THE SCRUMPTIOUS DINNER CAFE!


This is an annual St. George's tradition you don't want to miss!