washington times mentions bloomingdale

Residents see bar as threat to calm
Fear return of crimes, drugs


At a recent community meeting, Mrs. Holliday expressed the thoughts of many older Bloomingdale residents.

"It's too fragile, this level of peacefulness and calm and cleanliness," she said. "We've had that less than six months and to bring in a major thing like that and the drug dealers are right back."


here is the article


Are you afraid of a tavern?
Do you see it as a threat?

on the bloomingdale farmers market

A resident of Bloomingdale has expressed frustration with the cost of produce and impacted parking conditions caused by the Bloomingdale Farmers Market. It was all abuzz on the bloomingdale and eckington email chains.

In Shaw has posted about it, with numerous comments

Does it seem that whenever there is a community concern in denser neighborhoods in DC someone pulls out the "move to the suburbs" line? Every so often its, " move back to iowa" or something like that.

I dont get it. Does our community actually expect people to up and move because they dont like something?

Now, i LOVE the Bloomingdale Farmers Market. In my short 4+ years in the neighborhood, nothing has created such community and been so pleasant. I hope it lasts and grows. I try to promote it on this blog and with my cash.

Still, i dont think a healthy tactic is to attack or say, "Deal with it" to people that have issues. some have suggested that they even sell their car.

I think the best way is to illustrate how beneficial the market is, not how mean the detractors are.

If the person seriously has issue, attacks wont change their minds.
Personal attacks on an individual detractor can however turn that detractor into many.

"the largest affordable housing project in DC"

metro urban diary has a post about St Martins housing project.
you need to see this one.

Florida Avenue Market Study.

Florida Avenue Market Study

First Public Meeting – Open to all!
Tuesday, April 24

3:30 to 5:30pm AND 6:00 to 8:00pm

(The same presentation will be given twice to accommodate a wide array of the public—
You may attend either session. )

*Gallaudet University, Foster Auditorium, 800 Florida Ave, NE

2nd Public Meeting:
Wednesday, May 30th
(Same Times & Location)

The Office of Planning (OP) has initiated a study of the Florida Avenue Market and is engaging property and business owners within the Market, as well as residents, institutions and other stakeholders surrounding the Market. The purpose of the Study is to conduct an existing conditions analysis, an economic analysis of the wholesale and retail market functions, and an operational analysis. Additionally, the Study will provide demand projections for other potential uses on the site, resulting in various redevelopment/revitalization scenarios for consideration. The Study will also address sustainable development (green technology), urban design, transportation and historic preservation issues. Before any decisions are made regarding the future of this site, it is critical that the District and all affected parties have a full and balanced understanding of the opportunities, constraints and fiscal impacts of redevelopment, and that the public is significantly involved in considering these findings. The Florida Avenue Market is at a critical juncture of its history. Your participation in the coming months is critical for creating a successful and responsive plan!

For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Neighborhood Planner, 202-442-7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov ; or Jeff Davis, Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, 202-442-7704 or jeff.davis@dc.gov .

Saint Martins Zoning Variance Hearing.

st. Martin's Apartments Zoning Variance Hearing Tomorrow Night, Monday, 1/29/2007


Tomorrow night at 6:30 pm is the zoning hearing for the upzoning of the large lot in Eckington across from McKinley Tech from R-4 to R-5-B.

The zoning classifications are described here:
[dcra.dc.gov/dcra/lib/dcra/information/homeowners_center/can_build_it.pdf]

It is likely that no official decision will be made at the end of the hearing because there is some opposition towards the zoning variance request.



Here is the announcement from the Office of Zoning website, dcoz.dc.gov:

Public Hearing

Start Time: 1/29/2007 6:30 PM

AGENDA

Case Number : 05-39
Case Name : Archdiocese of Washington & Catholic Charities

Case Summary : (Map Amendment,PUD) The Applicant is requesting consolidated review and approval of a Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) and a related zoning map amendment in order to implement new residential development in Square 3531, the city block bounded by Summit Place on the east, Lincoln Road on the west, Todd Place on the north and T Street on the south, in the northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. The Office of Planning provided its report on April 10, 2006, and the case was set down for hearing on April 20, 2006. The Applicant provided its prehearing statement on September 15, 2006. The property that is the subject of this application is currently located in the R-4 District and includes Lots 114 and 115 in Square 3531. The existing building on the site will be relocated and incorporated in the design of the new development. The Applicant is seeking PUD approval and a related zoning map amendment to include the property in the R-5-B zone district in order to construct a multi-family residential building that will accommodate moderate and low-income families. The development will be constructed to a density of 2.64 FAR and contain 240,940 square feet of gross floor area. The maximum building height will be 55 feet.

The 3-page PDF of the “notice of public hearing” is posted here: [http://app.dcoz.dc.gov/content/schedule/ViewFile.aspx?fileId=107&fileName=PHN05-39_01-29-07.pdf]