seeking a health & fitness trainer for early morning

See this request:

I am looking for a health and fitness trainer to work with me before work (6-7am) twice (or so) during the week. It`s time to be more intentional in this area of my life. I need someone who is inspiring, and will help me develop habits that will stick. Thanks for your recommendations.

? Comcast issues in Bloomingdale ? Any other options in Bloomingdale ?

See this message:

We live on the unit block of R Street NW and we've experienced many Comcast outages in the past few months. Has anyone else had the same experience? We only have high-speed internet, not cable. Are there any other high-speed internet providers in B'dale? Comcast customer service isn't great. Thanks for the input.

Then and Now: North Capitol and S St NE

The NE corner of N. Cap and S T NE in 2006


The NE corner of N. Cap and S T NE in 2011

Then and Now: North Capitol and Rhode Island Avenue NW

The SW Corner of RIA and N. Cap in 2005


The SW Corner of RIA and N. Cap in 2011

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 05/29/2011

Holiday weekend = Realtors and Buyers at the beach. Ok, so at least one agent is working this weekend. Here is the one open house scheduled in the neighborhood for Sunday.

two tickets to tonight's Nats game

From a Bloomingdale household:

We have 2 tickets to tonight's game and would like to give them away to a neighbor. The Nationals play the Padres at 7:05. We can be reached at elizowaid followed by @ then aol.com.

yes, construction has started at Boundary Stone

Yes, yes, construction has started at Boundary Stone, 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW, located in the old Sylvan Theatre, a stone's throw from Rustik Tavern, Yoga District, City Cleaners and Windows Cafe.

Matt Croke advises that Boundary Stone is on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/BoundaryStoneDC

and on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/BoundaryStoneDC

And do you like the Boundary Stone logo?

seeking feedback on Roderick Lopez Lomar Contracting

From an Adams Street NW resident:

I am soliciting feedback from anyone in the community that has used the services of Roderick Lopez Lomar Contracting. I am thinking about excavating my basement and would like to get some comments from neighbors who have used this company`s services. I am going to check Angie`s List as well. Also if you would not mind, I would love to look at some work that he has performed at your house.

John Salatti wants to know what you think about the Ward 5 Wal-Mart

From ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

If neighbors have issues or concerns about Walmart coming to Ward 5, a group has formed called Ward 5 Concerned Citizens about Walmart. The group is meeting regularly to bring their concerns to the table. I include here a notice about W5CCAW`s upcoming June meetings.

I`d also like to hear what residents think pro or con. Because ANC 5C has not yet been asked to review this development project and because I am still forming an opinion about the project, I need to know what people in Bloomingdale think about it.

Have a great day,

John
John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
Vice President, Bloomingdale Civic Association
"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"


Concerned Ward 5 Residents:
NO WALMART IN WARD 5

The Ward 5 Citizens Concerned about Walmart invite you to attend our weekly meeting

What: Open discussion on Walmart development
When: Mondays at 7:00pm (starting June 6th)
Where: 5th District Metropolitan Police Precinct
Community room (first floor)
1805 Bladensburg Road N.E.

"YES WE CAN"
"Each One Reach One, Each One Bring One"

Dates of future meetings
June 6th - June 13th - June 20th - June 27th 2011

maybe the people behind Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ might like to chime in and promote their business ...?

Hello, Entrepreneurs Behind Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ!

We'd love to have you introduce yourselves and your business.

And let us know the next time residents can sample your BBQ someplace around town.

Thanks!

anyone tried Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ ?

Has anyone tried the Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ at Local 16?

Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ is one of the products at the GreyDC market: www.greydc.com .

Here is the text from the Facebook entry for Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ:

Location 85 R st NW, Washington, DC 20001
About Delicious, Unique, Smoky
Description Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ specializes in producing Texas-style barbecued meats with unique, homemade sauces. Our menu includes beef brisket, beef sausage, and pork ribs, and sides. We will also offer homemade desserts.
Email bloomingdalebbq@gmail.com

Let us know if you have sampled some Bloomingdale Backyard BBQ!

9 minute 'history of LeDroit Park' YouTube video

Here is a cool cross post from the LeDroit Park list:

Neighbors—I don’t believe this video has been posted on the email list before so I thought I would share. I saw this posted on Twitter by a local resident earlier today. She indicated that Bloomingdale resident Smokey Stevens was the narrator. Thanks to @ekarleckert for sharing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hve4OjadzWM

Regards,

Dina

seeking a plumber referral

See this referral request from a Truxton Circle resident:

I`m looking for referral for a great plumber. We have a leaking pipe in our wall and are afraid there might be a complete mess behind the drywall, so want to get an experienced and reasonable plumber to take a look.

.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 05/22/2011

Hopefully the beautiful weather will hold out for all of our Sunday open houses! Here is the same information in a map format with directions. To see information about each property, scroll over the push pins on the map.

The lovely home pictured in the photograph is listed by my team and will be open from 1-3pm. More information on this property located at 1824 North Capitol Street NW can be seen by clicking the open house link above. We have another great property open at 336 U St NW tomorrow, also from 1-3pm. Both of these awesome homes are available for less than $500,000.

Bloomingdale Community Day & Yard Sale; Mount Bethel Baptist Health & Wellness Fair - both today!

A last-minute reminder from Bloomingdale resident Tynesia Hand:

BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY DAY AND YARD SALE

Sponsored by the CADC –A not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining Crispus Attucks Park for the entire community (www.crispusattuckspark.org)

Saturday May 21st, 8am - 2pm

Plus this second, simultaneous community event today:

Mount Bethel Baptist Church 11th Annual Health & Wellness Fair
"Glorifying God`s Godness With a Healthy Body & Soul"

Saturday, May 21, 2011
on the church parking lot, 1900 1st Street NW, Washington DC 20001
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

3rd day in a row and no (snail) mail delivery on the 100 block of T St NW

See this message from a household on the 100 block of T Street NW:

We lost our mailman about a month ago and have a new one. This is the third day in a row we haven`t gotten any mail, which is highly unusual for us. I was just wondering if anyone else in the neighborhood was having similar problems.

Natalie Hopkinson: In Bloomingdale, Faces of Gentrification

See this TBD item from Bloomingdale resident Natalie Hopkinson:

http://www.tbd.com/pictures/2011/05/in-bloomingdale-faces-of-gentrification/rawrr-3150-209.html .

Big Bear Cafe, the Bloomingdale Farmers' Market, Field to City and the Florida Avenue Park (across the street from Big Bear) are all mentioned.

Glad that I don't own a pork pie hat.

What do you think?

(Photo above titled "HIpster Parade" courtesy of Matthew Beck from Natalie Hopkinson).

Borf building pop-up

1644 North Capitol Street NW, down from Engine Company 12:

What will the finished third floor addition to the existing 2-story Borf building look like?

Photo courtesy of Eckington resident JT Engelhardt.

purchase your tickets TODAY for this Saturday's "Come on Baby, Light Your Fire" North Capitol Main Street fundraiser at Engine Company 12

See this message from Truxton Circle resident and North Capitol Main Street Executive Director Lonna Hooks:

Want to see the nice formatted version of this message? Then go here: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=tp9zhzcab&v=001ritck83OfZljf50v9N-HQ6xnk8nptDhQwh0qTelftjsm8I0ugHE4GgEVzs86oeUkalOdoZxExQm7LOZzobT65TRVF1wHUJGR_6OkpIg6q4VZh5zBIVadVYmMHeDeKadlh26YkQ64z8M%3D

Come on Baby, Light Your Fire!

Jump-start your summer. . .

Engine Co. 12 is coming . . . and for many, the wait has been just way too long. So North Capitol Main Street with permission from the owners and support from business partners, is hosting an Adult Spring-break of sorts with a sneak preview party on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

Just imagine, EC 12, at the apex of three great neighborhoods in D.C. -- Truxton Circle, Bloomingdale and Eckington -- coming soon. Wow!

Get a sneak-peek this Saturday, May 21st
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Buy your tickts online now! (http://www.ncmsinc.org/?p=398)

(Proceeds of fundraiser go to the continued support of the Green Team and NCMS projects)

ANC 5C03 Commissioner Hugh Youngblood reports that Engine Company 12 has filed its ABRA application; he then files letter of support

See this Saturday, 5/14/2011 message from ANC 5C03 Commissioner Hugh Youngblood:

Delays in the project schedule for Engine Company 12 could be attributable to a variety of factors.

I would love to address any associated community concerns through personal discussions on my front stoop or in the venue of your choice.

Please contact me to schedule a time to meet or simply stop by and knock on the door.

Yesterday the Office of Single Member District 5C03 generated and delivered a Letter of Support for the EC12 ABRA application filed yesterday by the development team. I`ve included the text of the letter below to provide public insight.

Thank you,

Hugh Youngblood
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
Single Member District 5C03
70 R St NW
240 . 925 . 1079


Letter of Support

Friday, 13 May, 2011

Ms. Martha Jenkins
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration
2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400S
Washington, DC 20009
abra@dc.gov

Dear Ms. Martha Jenkins:

On behalf of District of Columbia Single Member District 5C03, I am writing this letter of support for the Engine Company 12 ABRA application.

The majority of SMD 5C03 community residents support the general advancement of the Engine Company 12 project as presented at local community meetings held during 2011, and we recognize that alcohol sales comprise a critical revenue stream to ensure the economic sustainability of a restaurant of the proposed size and scope.

The Engine Company 12 project team has conducted diligent outreach efforts within the SMD 5C03 community. Despite these efforts, some outstanding concerns remain with various members of the community with regard to specific parameters of the Engine Company 12 ABRA application and other operational aspects of the proposed business.

The SMD 5C03 community provides this letter of support in advance of reviewing the parameters of the Engine Company 12 ABRA application in the spirit of good faith that the Engine Company 12 development team will voluntarily return to the negotiating table to reach an agreement with the community that both respects residential concerns and provides sufficient entrepreneurial flexibility to facilitate positive socio-economic transformation.

Sincerely,

W. Hugh Youngblood, Jr.
Commissioner, Single Member District 5C03

CC:
1626 Firestation LLC
DBA: Engine Company 12
1626 North Capitol Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Steven Michael May, Jr.
Project & Property Manager
202 - 243 - 8754

Bloomingdale Civic Association's response to Steve May's 05/12/2011 Open Letter to the Community

See this 5/13/2011 message from Teri Janine Quinn, President, Bloomingdale Civic Association:

Bloomingdale Civic Association`s Response to Steven May`s ``Open Letter to the Community``
May 12, 2011

Neighbors,

The Bloomingdale Civic Association (``BCA``) has read Mr. Steven May`s ``Open Letter`` dated today. While the BCA looks forward to working with Mr. May as he works toward the opening of Engine Company 12, it is necessary to clarify a few things about the BCA.

First, the BCA fully supports Bloomingdale-area businesses and their efforts to serve the Bloomingdale community. This includes supporting restaurants that seek liquor licenses. Recently, we supported the applications of Big Bear Café and Boundary Stone, and we hope to support future applications from businesses that will add value to our community.

Second, our policy concerning support of liquor licenses is that we consider all requests for support during a duly noticed public meeting after the business owner has filed the license application. Big Bear Café and Boundary Stone followed this process and the BCA supported them. The principal reason for this policy is that Bloomingdale residents deserve to know what the business owner is asking them to support and the official record of that information is found in the filed and accepted application (acceptance occurs before the licensing board issues the placard for posting). In fact, Bloomingdale residents already have approached us regarding Engine Company 12`s intended use of the patio. While Mr. May has likely discussed this issue in prior meetings, the use of the patio will be governed by the request in the application and the terms of the license.

Third, the BCA is not delaying Engine Company 12`s opening. To be clear, the liquor licensing process does not require that a letter of support from a civic association (or ANC) be obtained prior to the submission of a liquor license application or at anytime thereafter. Likewise, there is no requirement that such letter must be submitted with a liquor license application. We were pleased that Mr. May sought our support and offered to consider his request once he filed the application. Any claim that the BCA is the cause of Engine Company 12`s failure to open for business on July 1, 2011 is disingenuous – at best. Even if the liquor license application was filed today, in a best case scenario, the application could not be approved and issued before July 1, 2011. Further, I have found no support in the District`s regulations and through a call to the licensing board for Mr. May`s claim that not acquiring a letter of support prior to the submission of an application would cause a delay in application process. Therefore, assuming that the lack of a liquor license is the only reason Engine Company 12 is unable to open on July 1, 2011, the blame for not opening on time would seem to fall at the feet of the person(s) responsible for filing the application in a timely fashion.

Mr. May`s letter this morning was the first time we have heard Mr. May suggest that the BCA is preventing the opening of Engine Company 12. Mr. May first requested an opportunity to request a letter of support via an email sent Thursday, April 14, 2011, three days before our April meeting. In my response I asked if the application had been filed and indicated that there would not be enough time before the April meeting to alert neighbors that the issue would be discussed and that a vote may be taken. Mr. May said the application had not been filed and that he would ``move ahead without the letter at this point....`` Perhaps if the person(s) responsible for filing the application had in fact moved ahead without the letter and submitted the application there would not be a delay in Engine Company 12`s opening date, again, that assumes liquor licensing is the sole reason for the delay – but I digress. During the April meeting, Mr. May stated that the BCA would not consider a letter of support until the application was filed and indicated that he would file the application shortly thereafter. On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, in preparation for the May BCA meeting, I emailed Mr. May to find out whether the application had been filed and his response was ``I am dropping it off on Friday``, which I took to mean last Friday, May 6, 2011. The application was not filed last Friday. Yesterday, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Hugh Youngblood informed me that the application would be filed this Friday. Even if the application is filed this Friday, it will have to be reviewed and accepted before the placard is issued. At no point have I or any other Bloomingdale Civic Association board member indicated that the BCA will not support Engine Company 12`s application for a liquor license. The fact is that there is currently no application for us to support.

We at the BCA are pleased to represent Bloomingdale and to assist Bloomingdale business owners with their entrepreneurial dreams. Despite Mr. May`s ``Open Letter,`` our offer to him still stands; we would be pleased to consider his request once the application is on file.

Best regards,

Teri Janine Quinn
President, Bloomingdale Civic Association

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 05/15/2011

There are quite a few open houses around the neighborhood on Sunday. Here is a map with directions. To see information on each of the open houses, scroll over the push pins on the map.

I have two new listings that will be on the multiple listing service within the coming week that will be open NEXT weekend. One is an updated bay front Victorian in LeDroit Park with a full inlaw suite. The other new listing is a duplex (two full floors, nothing below grade level) condo in a fantastic corner round turret Victorian. Both listings will be under $500,000. Stay tuned!

an open letter to the community from Engine Company 12`s Steve May Jr.

See this letter from Steve May Jr.

Engine Company 12™
1626 Fire Station LLC
1626 North Capitol Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

May 11, 2011

An Open Letter to the Community
Re: Scheduled Opening of Engine Company 12

To all local residents,

Due to the lack of open support from community leaders and local civic associations, it has become necessary to delay the opening of Engine Company 12 from July 1, 2011 to September 1, 2011. We have tried for the past several months to garner letters of support from local area civic associations and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission without success. Without these letters the process to obtain an alcohol license from the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration is drastically slower. Operating a restaurant of this size without an active ABRA license would be financially unfeasible.

Representatives from Engine Company 12 have been attending and presenting at local area civic association meetings and hosting meet and greets off and on for the past four months. It is unfortunate that this philosophy of open communication with local residents and civic leaders has not garnered the support necessary to yield letters of support from local groups.

If we are unable to obtain letters of support from the local civic associations and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in the next 30-45 days the opening date will need to be delayed until after the start of the New Year. I apologize for this and we are still working diligently to get this project up and running as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

Steven M. May Jr.
General Manager
Engine Company 12

? need someone to cut your lawn, plant your flowers, clean your gutters or wash you car ? then consider Neil's Yard and Car Wash Services

Neils Yard and Car wash services
132 Adams St. NW
(202) then 607 followwed by 9468
kornelius94 @ gmail.com

Born a native Washington, DC, never got in trouble with the law, who lives and serve some of Bloomingdale area. I am just a young man in school trying to make an honest living. By using my talent and my skills. It would be a pleasure to beautify the community. cutting lawns, planting flowers, cleaning gutters, and washing cars.

I work with Mr. Wayne Johnson the neighborhood electrician. I have heard great and wonderful things about Mr. Johnson and how he serve this neighborhood for many years. I want to walk right in his footsteps. For future reference, you can call Wayne Johnson (202) 907 then 6163.

I would really enjoy and appreciate helping the Bloomingdale neighborhood.

seeking referrals for brick masons to build a a brick wall in backyard

From a U Street NW resident:

Seeking recommendations on Brick Masons. We are looking to get a brick wall built in our backyard and need some referrals.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 05/08/2011

Open Houses! You can see the list via the link. Unfortunately, no map this week as during a massive recent system upgrade, the ability to e-mail directions appears to have been removed. Checking into it.

DailyCandy: FieldtoCity & this weekend's O Street Open Studios

Bloomingdale resident Jacky noticed that DailyCandy/Washington mentioned FieldtoCity (formerly Timor Bodega) and this weekend's open studios at 52 O Street NW.

The Weekend Guide
Washington, D.C., Events and Diversions

Locations

52 O Street Studios
52 O St NW
bt 1st & N Capitol Sts
Washington, DC 20001


SHOP
FieldtoCity
What: Like a farmers market on wheels, the new D.C. grocery service delivers locally sourced food and drinks.
Why: Stock up on soap, fruit, veggies, meat, and wine.
When: Mon.-Fri., 6-8:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 4-6:30 p.m. For same-day delivery, fill your cart by 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; by 3 p.m., Sat. & Sun.
Where: Online at fieldtocity.com.

http://dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/102058/Washington-DC-Events-and-Diversions

1897 Map of Bloomingdale

bloomingdale 1897, a photo by Scenic Artisan on Flickr.

I found this to be very interesting. In the 1897 Real Estate Plat-book, a cemetery is shown at the Northeast corner of Florida Avenue and 2nd St NW. By the 1901 plat-book it no longer existed. Sure, they removed the headstones.......
The land North of Florida Avenue was divided up by subdivisions, the subdivisions were divided by block numbers, and the lot numbers circled the block. The numbers don't correspond to mailing addresses.  The pink squares are brick buildings. In most cases you can see that 3 buildings were built per lot.

Urban Turf profiles Crispus Attucks Park

See this Urban Turf post about Crispus Atttucks Park:

Bloomingdale`s Secret: Crispus Attucks Park
May 3, 2011
by Andrew Siddons
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/bloomingdales_secret_crispus_attucks_park/3419

There is a plug for the upcoming Bloomingdale Community Day & Yard Sale on Saturday, May 21st.

I will agree with John Corea's assessment: "It`s more of a park now than it`s ever been before, so there`s more interest."

Thanks to everyone who helps keep the park thriving!

request to address neighborhood graffiti/tagging immediately

See this message from a W Street NW resident:

Everyone: Remove Or Cover Spray Paint Tags Immediately,

Tagging has increased dramatically in Bloomingdale in recent weeks. From my window alone near 1st and W, I've seen Flagler Market, Electric box, and just last night my neighbor's house.

PLEASE help paint over tags the minute you see them to show this kid it isn't worth his time in our neighborhood, because his tag disappears immediately.

I've spray painted the electric box and the neighboring house using primer for wood and metal. Someone from the neighborhood spoke to new Flagler Market owner who cleaned up his wall.

The city has service for removing tags, but do not take care of them as quickly as they should to discourage culprits.

To report graffiti, call 311 and give the operator location & description of the graffiti.

You can also call 311 to request a graffiti removal kit be delivered to your house.

If we all pitch in, the tagging should stop fairly soon---and I like the idea of this kid not getting gratification.

Thanks.

? any news about Bacio Pizzeria below Green Paws ?

From a resident of S Street NW:

I haven't been able to find anything about the Bacio Pizzeria that says it's opening below Green Paws "soon."

? any neighbors visit Green Paws ?

Might some neighbors have stopped by Green Paws at 81 Seaton Place NW, 2nd floor -- Bloomingdale's newest retail business ?

Eager for some neighborhood feedback!