Lunch at Ibiza

who knew?

what do you think of this place?

what do you think of THIS place for bloomingdale?

a comment HERE sparked this post.

another thing tomorrow

NoMa BID, Cultural Tourism DC Host

Walking Tour of NoMa, Saturday, April 26

“From the Beatles to XM Radio: The Evolution of NoMa” is the subject of Cultural Tourism DC’s free neighborhood walking tour of the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood of Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 26 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Led by Elizabeth Price, President of the NoMa Business Improvement District, the tour will meet at the New York Avenue Metro station’s M Street exit.

NoMa -- the up-and-coming neighborhood just north of Union Station -- is home to such landmarks as the Washington Coliseum (now known as the Uline Arena), site of the Beatles’ first US concert in 1967. The New York Avenue Metro station opened in 2004, igniting the pace of development in NoMa. With lead anchors like XM Radio, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and NPR, a new mixed-use neighborhood is taking shape.

The tour will highlight Uline Arena, a former coal yard, the historic C&P Telephone Company Warehouse, St. Aloysius Church and Gonzaga High School, and the former Woodies Warehouse as well as remnants of the old Swampoodle neighborhood, Emily Beale estate, and Tiber Creek. In addition, tour attendees will receive an overview of the latest redevelopment plans for the area.

Four things to do tomorrow

1. Eckington - 100 Years of Capital Traction- a walking tour

Saturday, April 26, 2008

1 pm - 2:30 pm

Meet outside Florida Avenue exit of New York Avenue Metro Station (Red Line), in front of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) HQ at the corner of N and 2nd Streets, NE. Tour Ends at the Rhode Island Metro Station (Red Line)

Once a tranquil country estate north of Boundary Road, this neighborhood tells the story of Washington's first electric streetcar and maps the expansion of the city along the famous and well worn tracks along the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad. Visit the former estate of Joseph Gales, Jr., mayor of Washington and publisher of the National Intelligencer and discover neighborhood architectural styles from late Victorian row houses to industrial warehouses.

Led by Brian Kraft and presented by the DC Preservation League (www.dcpreservation.org) and the Eckington Civic Association.

2. 52 O Street NW open Studios
April 26 and 27, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Free Admission

Events Description:

TWENTY-FOUR ARTISTS, in one building, working in a wide range of media and styles open their studios for a rare glimpse into the process behind their art. This free event provides the visitor the opportunity to purchase artwork and meet the artists in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Occupying 28,000 square feet, over four floors, 52 O Street Studios is one of the largest and oldest buildings dedicated to the practice of Fine Arts in Washington, DC.

52 O Street Studios is located a short walk from Metro's New York Avenue Red Line stop, amidst the burgeoning North Capitol Street corridor. The artists working here are proud of this historic building, its idiosyncrasies, and the myriad of artists who have created here in the past.



3. Health Information Fair & Fun Day -- Tomorrow



You are invited to a Ward 5 Community Event

Please join us for a health information fair and fund day!

Ebenezer Baptist Church
46 Q Street NW
Saturday, April 26, 2008
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Participating organizations include:

Metro Teen Aids
Unity Health Mobile
Howard University Dental School
Mayor Adrian Fenty's Office of Community Relations and Services
American Kidney Fund

Please join us as we promote good health awareness in our community. Free health screenings will be offered.

For additional information, contact Alice Thompson at 202 - 340 - 7038 or Clinton LeSueur at 202 - 340 - 314.

4. LeDroit Park Entrance Gate Planning Meeting for Mini-Greening Grant

The LeDroit Park Civic Association is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a "Mini-Greening Grant" from Washington Parks & People to install landscaping at the new LeDroit Park Iron Gate at the corners of Florida Avenue and 6th & T Streets NW!!

Please join us for our first planning session at the site on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:00 AM. We hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Andrea Feniak at Feniak-Buchanan @ att.net or 202.986.7680.

old sand filtration development meeting recap

can be found HERE

whats going on?

these are projects that i've heard about but don't really know the current state of. anyone have any info on:

-joe mamos lot at north cap and florida

- the potential store in the building on the ne corner of first and r

- the car stereo place that was going to go in on the se corner of north cap and r

-hellers bakery that was to go in at first and t

-"the perfect glass" ( or anything?) at first and seaton

- ground floor at 3rd and florida?

- the former pizza place at north cap and florida

i hear luciana cafe is quite good

the comments on this blog and over HERE
have been very positive.

more info here

big important meeting tonight concerning old sand filtration plant.

This development will impact Bloomingdale more than any other.


The Neighborhoods of EYA
Jair Lynch Development Partners

WARD 5 COUNCILMEMBER HARRY "TOMMY" THOMAS, JR., THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & VISION MCMILLAN PARTNERS

Invite you to a

Community Visioning
Session on the
Development of the
McMillan Sand Filtration Site

Tuesday April 22, 2008
6:30 pm to 9 pm
O'Connor Auditorium, Trinity University
125 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017



THE GOAL OF THIS MEETING IS TO HEAR THE COMMUNITY'S THOUGHTS AND IDEAS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE.

WE ENCOURAGE STRONG ATTENDANCE AND WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!


Discussion Topics will include:

* Existing Condition of the Site

* Potential Uses & Opportunities - Open Space, Historic Preservation, Mixed-Income & Multi-Generational Housing, Community Serving Retail, Job Creating Office Space, Hospitality, and Community, Education, and Cultural Space

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


Vision McMillan Partners, the development team for the site, includes:

* EYA
* Jair Lynch Development Partners
* StreetSense
* The Alexander Company
* MacFarlane Partners
* Smoot & Urban Service Systems Corporation


due to a family obligation i can't make the meeting. if anyone goes and can send me pictures or thoughts, please do so.

wheresymycoffee @ gmail.com

Go visit 52 O street next weekend!

you'll have a great time.


2008 Open Studios - 52 O Street Studios
Where: 52 O Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

When: April 26 and 27, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Free Admission

Events Description:

TWENTY-FOUR ARTISTS, in one building, working in a wide range of media and styles open their studios for a rare glimpse into the process behind their art. This free event provides the visitor the opportunity to purchase artwork and meet the artists in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Occupying 28,000 square feet, over four floors, 52 O Street Studios is one of the largest and oldest buildings dedicated to the practice of Fine Arts in Washington, DC.

52 O Street Studios is located a short walk from Metro's New York Avenue Red Line stop, amidst the burgeoning North Capitol Street corridor. The artists working here are proud of this historic building, its idiosyncrasies, and the myriad of artists who have created here in the past.

Today, the building is occupied by painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, woodworkers, and video artists who seek to continue and advance the guiding principle behind its opening in 1979, "to create an affordable working space for artists in Washington DC."

This year's artists include:
Stevens Jay Carter Luke Idziak
Brooke Clagett B. Neal Jones
Betsy Damos Micheline Klagsbrun
Chris Edmunds Raye Leith
Adam Eig Greg McLellan
Thom Flynn Brandon Moses
Cianne Fragione Kendall Nordin
H2O n2 Wine Films H2O n2 Wine Films
Andrea Haffner Holly & Ashlee Temple
Peter Harper Lisa Marie Thalhammer
Mike Harris Gabriel Thy
Matt Hollis Ben Tolman

washington post article about bloomingdale

the washington post has an article about bloomingdale.

old engine company 12 to become 2020 Martini

The city last month finalized the sale of Old Engine Co. 12 at 1626 N. Capitol St. to Brian Brown, managing partner of NC Firehouse LLC, which is led by his company, NextGen Development. Brown purchased the building for $600,000, the value at which the city assessed it, and plans to put another $2.4 million into renovations.

The three-story, 10,000-square-foot space will become home of 2020 Martini at Engine Co. 12, a restaurant concept by Twyla Garrett of Cleveland-based Garrett Entertainment Corp.





full article here
Washington Business Journal - by Gillian Gaynair Staff Reporter



other highlights include:

-XM radio is in on the deal and will be doing live broadcastings from the location
-Twyla Garrett of Cleveland-based Garrett Entertainment Corp will be the developer
-the will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner
-first floor will serve brick-oven pizzas.
-a small pasta bar and a sushi bar.
-2nd floor will have live music performances
-third floor will have an espresso bar
-a rooftop deck will offer tapas.
-Harry Thomas introduced a bill seeking 10 years of property tax relief for NC Firehouse LLC

here is the website for 2020 Martini in Columbus, Ohio, owned by Twyla Garrett
warning: music starts playing when the page loads.

apparently work has already started on the building.......

here was my first post about the firehouse

the obligatory negativity about the project can be found here.

Olsson's on 7th Street got the boot?

i'm told that Olsson's on 7th street in the landsburg building is closing. Apparenty they are getting kicked out because some business offered to pay twice as much rent.

How about moving to north capitol Olsson's?

Work Day on Saturday, at Crispus Attucks Park

Work Day on Saturday, 4/19/2008, at Crispus Attucks Park

See this 4/17/2008 message from John Corea, President, Crispus Attucks Park:


Dear Friends of Crispus Attucks Park,

PARK WORK DAY ON SATURDAY, 4/19/2008, STARTING AT 10AM

Creating the dog-free and dog-friendly zones will require a lot of work, on top of all the work that Mother Nature has already created for us (weeding, mowing, mulching...). Come out to the park on Saturday to pitch in -- it should be a beautiful warm day. For an hour, or all day, whatever you can manage. If you think you can make it, it would be helpful if you e-mailed me at jacorea @ gmail.com so I can get a sense of how many tools etc we need. Thanks!

-John

John Corea, President
Crispus Attucks Development Corporation
63 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | 202-550-2631
www.crispusattuckspark.org | info@crispusattuckspark.org

Introducing, Bloomingdale

Bloomingdale is on my mind. I am especially wondering what can be done to help N. Capital Street. I think we would all love to see improvement: a yoga studio, a bistro, a hardware store.... the question is HOW?

I started asking a lot of questions. Can neighborhood investors gather together to invest (with dollars and/or sense) in helping to improve N. Capital Street? My questions led me to wander around our blocks and introduce myself to some of the business owners, particularly in the block of N. Capital between Quincy and R St:

• 
  The liquor store on R and N. Capital NE has a constant stream of business. The owner of the liquor store lives above it with his wife. He also owns the building next door which had been for sale a few years ago. He has taken that property off the market because he has decided to develop it into condos...maybe a restaurant. He was very uncertain...and it sort of made me think there may not really be a plan. Perhaps he would be interested in selling?
• The laundry next-door was vacant and no one was able to give me an answer on its status...it would certainly make a great pizza place. Too bad we can’t talk the owners of Moroni Brothers (on Georgia in Petworth) into opening a second spot....or could we?
• The Flea Market is owned by a couple and has been for four years. They have a fabulous spot.
• and then there is the Firehouse. Sigh. What is happening to this lovely building?
• SAVEMORE has been evicted....would make a fabulous deli/butcher shop.

In addition to wandering the blocks, I also met an investor who has restored/developed several homes and apartment buildings in the area: 20 R Street, NW; 314 V Street, NE to name two. We walked around the neighborhood together and I told him my ideas with the hope that he would say ‘wow...those are fabulous ideas, and I will underwrite them all’.

He did not say that. BUT, he is very interested in the neighborhood. He has a building which he is interested in, and wondered if the neighbors really would like to invest. My sense is that he has the capital to invest on his own...but I think if we, as neighbors, could have a hand in the investment, it might help in the creation of something really unique. What do you think? Are you interested? How are you interested?

What next? Do you know of anyone who might like to walk around the neighborhood with an idea to investing? Do you know anyone at FedEx or XM Radio who could introduce us to the community relations group?

Think about it. I will also keep thinking about it.

divided neighborhood

divided neighborhood
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

maybe we could cover up the trench and have a nice park with a great view of the capitol.

another future development post- Old Sand Filtration Plant

The Neighborhoods of EYA
Jair Lynch Development Partners

WARD 5 COUNCILMEMBER HARRY "TOMMY" THOMAS, JR., THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & VISION MCMILLAN PARTNERS

Invite you to a

Community Visioning
Session on the
Development of the
McMillan Sand Filtration Site

Tuesday April 22, 2008
6:30 pm to 9 pm
O'Connor Auditorium, Trinity University
125 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017


THE GOAL OF THIS MEETING IS TO HEAR THE COMMUNITY'S THOUGHTS AND IDEAS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE. WE ENCOURAGE STRONG ATTENDANCE AND WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!


Discussion Topics will include:

* Existing Condition of the Site

* Potential Uses & Opportunities - Open Space, Historic Preservation, Mixed-Income & Multi-Generational Housing, Community Serving Retail, Job Creating Office Space, Hospitality, and Community, Education, and Cultural Space

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


Vision McMillan Partners, the development team for the site, includes:

* EYA
* Jair Lynch Development Partners
* StreetSense
* The Alexander Company
* MacFarlane Partners
* Smoot & Urban Service Systems Corporation

Survey about the Future of the Gage-Eckington Elementary School

See this 4/15/2008 message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:


Many people in the area know, but just as many do not know, that, as part of the District's school closure program, one of our neighborhood schools, Gage-Eckington Elementary School at 3rd and Elm Streets NW will be closing at the end of this school year. The LeDroit Park Civic Association has taken the lead on coming up with a plan for the short- and long-term future uses of the building and grounds. Along with my ANC colleagues, Myla Moss and Margot Hoerrner, I am a part of a LDPCA working group. We have been discussing a number of great and exciting ideas, but to really create the best plan that reflects the needs of this area and that best serves the entire community, we need to hear from you.

To facilitate getting that feedback, we have drafted a survey and are circulating it widely. For example, in LeDroit Park, Howard University students who live at Slowe Hall on 3rd Street NW are collaborating with residents and going door-to-door with the survey. In another example, I attended one of Commissioner Hoerrner's monthly meetings at Kelly Miller homes this week where as part of the meeting, she distributed copies of the survey and assisted residents there in filling it out. In addition, I have given a copy of the survey to the Bloomingdale Civic Association and the BCA may be distributing paper copies of it as well. But we are also using electronic means to give you easy access to the survey.

Here is a link to the survey on-line:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=E6RKz0TmHxz8uQmKiXJgRA_3d_3d

Please go to the link and fill out the survey. We need to hear from you and need to hear soon, preferably this week. Within the next 30 days, the city will likely be making decisions about the future of many of the closing schools. Having a clear plan ready to present to the Mayor and other District officials will increase the likelihood that we as residents can determine what will happen at Gage-Eckington.

Together, we can transform the unfortunate closing of this neighborhood institution into the opening of needed new services and opportunities for this area. So make your views known!

I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions about this process, please drop me an e-mail, and I will get you an answer.

Have a great day,
John

John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
Recording Secretary, ANC 5C
(202) 986-2592
jsalatti@earthlink.net
"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"

street scene in bloomingdale

the neighborhood
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

Our own secret park.

Crispus Attucks Park

I havent been to Crispus Attucks in a while and most happily surprised by the state of the park. Some people have been really busy making this space beautiful! great job. the planting, the landscaping, the paths. wow. you guys deserve an award!




more photos HERE

dont forget about the gigantic yard sale coming up!

Big Bear Cafe APRIL 17 @ 8 PM

See this message from Joe Hall:

Hey Bloomingdale--

CHERYL'S GONE HOSTS WAVE BOOKS POETS & ACOUSTIC/PUNK SINGER-SONGWRITER SEAN McARDLE
APRIL 17 @ 8 PM
BIG BEAR CAFE / 1st & R NW
COST = FREE

WAVE Books (www.wavepoetry.com) is an innovative press that has done things like send their poets on a national tour on a bus, which, for poetry, is unusual. Which, also, I'm in favor of. The poets:

Dorothea Lasky-Author of AWE & The Hatmaker's Wife & the Editor of the Katalanche Press chapbook series. Bookslut on AWE: "[like] walking home from a bar in your static-inducing hat, and then getting in the soft and dirty sheets of your bed to warm up. The poems feel just like someone you know -- glamorous only by virtue of illustrating the spiritual struggle that exists within the quotidian." Also, check out www.birdinsnow.com for video of Dorothea giving her Tiny AWE booktour from her very packed house.

Dara Wier-Man, her book Reverse Rapture is sort of like putting all the apocalyptic dread and beauty of The Road in a language blender. It's tremendous and big. Oh, also she's a Guggenheim Grant, Pushcart Prize Recipient, and author of several other books.

Caroline Knox-Look, her new book is called Quaker Guns. Words describing it: madcap, fierce. The title alone should get you through the door.

As for Sean McArdle, he'll be giving an acoustic set. The Washington Post says it best: "Sean McArdle makes folky, gentle music so queer and quirky it can only be labeled 'indie.'"

This event is going to be so nasty good, I'm sad to say it's the last one I'll be hosting. Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Joe
BigBearReadings@gmail.com

shooting on north capitol @ r street

anyone know what happened?

a commenter provided the link to the nbc news report
other stories here:

abc news
bloomingdale (for now) has two photos

Timor Bodega

You've been to Timor Bodega, right?




MON-FRI 4PM-9PM
SAT: 9:30AM-8PM
SUN: 9:30AM-6PM

BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE!

BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE!
WHEN: Saturday, May 17th, 8am - 2pm (Rain date: Saturday May 31st)
WHERE: In Crispus Attucks Park, the private community park between the unit blocks of U & V and the 2000 blocks of North Capitol & 1st Sts NW. In the heart of DC's Bloomingdale neighborhood. Access through alley entrances.
WANT TO SELL? REGISTER NOW!
Dozens of sellers and loads of shoppers on an acre of park space
WE do all the advertising and promotion and bring the buyers to you!
Bring your wares*, bring a table**, set up and sell. All your proceeds go home with you, along with any items you don't sell
Registration Fee:
$25 if paid on or before May 3rd (Early bird discount). $35 if paid after May 3rd.
Registration forms available on the park website, www.crispusattuckspark.org. Or contact Tynesia at (703) 973-5733 or info@crispusattuckspark.org.

*Sorry, sale of food is prohibited. CADC relies heavily on revenues from its snack stand, and wishes to be the only provider of food & beverages at this event. Thank you for understanding.
**If not using a table, we recommend you bring a blanket, tarp, or other covering in case the grass is damp.
RATHER DONATE MERCHANDISE?

If you won't be selling at the Yard Sale, consider donating items to the "CADC Table." 100% of the proceeds from these sales will go to park maintenance and improvement projects. Contact Andrea at 202-986-7680 or CADCyardsale @ att.net .

a big day for open houses in the hood.

1738 North Capitol St. NW open 1-4
Listed at $465,000, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Victorian is recently renovated, has hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a fireplace, an in-law suite and much more. Come check it out!

2625 3rd St. NE, the Edgewood Condominiums are also open 1-4 p.m. Nine units remain. Priced at $148,000-$228,000, these beautiful one bedrooms are great for the first time home buyer. Special financing available too. Remember this is a great time to buy, interest rates are low, inventory is good and buyers have more opportunities especially with the new FHA funding changes. Please call me for more information.
Thanks for your interest.

and a bunch more here

bloomingdale on yelp

Yelp

Looking toward Boomingdale

Looking toward Boomingdale
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

denied

This is kinda funny. some enterprising bloomingalian drinker sent in a message to Joe Englert in this Washingtonian interview requesting suugesting he take a look our way.

sadly, he brushed us off. thanks for trying

i tried to invoke mr englert a ways back.

and almost three years ago now

we're still looking.

and wow, i just reread the comments HERE its really worth a look at Mr. Englerts take on things.

art spaces and developers in brooklyn

one can easily say that brooklyn, is a much hotter real estate market and a more dynamic area than DC. Sure Brooklyn is way bigger than DC and part of one of the larges economic city-states in the world, so that type of market is expected.

Whats not expected is that artists can find studios at $6.82 per square foot a year.
$6.82!!!! thats amazing. i had moved my studio out to Mount Rainier, Maryland for the allure of 10.00.

Last i checked that ground floor store front at 3rd and Rhode Island was going for 30-ish.
The difference is staggering.

So why did i bring up brooklyn and this rent? read here to see why these artists are getting that deal
.
Imagine a developer in DC savvy enough to pull that off. Imagine people with means that truly embrave the Arts as Catalyst model.

beautiful house

beautiful house
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

I love this house.

a collection of posts about LeDroit Park, Bloomingdale and Shaw on a real estate site, On The Radar

transit ideas, development

BeyondDC has some great posts about transit and urban planning and all that fun rock n roll the kids listen to.

Target

am i the only one thats not that excited about Target in Columbia Heights?

i've hit the one in Potomac Yards, the one in College Park, the one in Hyattsville. i dont avoid target, but i'm also happy to go the few blocks to national wholesale liquidators. i'm just a bit non plussed by Target. i've got plenty of plastic stuff as it is.


thats not to say i'm not happy that DC is on the radar of stores, i just figure theres lots of stuff nearby, and i'd much prefer different things than more of the same, but slighty closer. hopefully it'll keep buckets of tax money in the district and that money will fix the schools, and add to transit infrastructure. and get more police coverage.

and maybe a city funded arts center.



anyway, i'm not meaning to be down on target, i'm sure i'll go there eventually, but i'm just a bit tired of reading about how people dont have to go to the "suburbs" to buy affordable t-shirts. there are places, they just don't have Michael Graves toasters.

Got furniture?

do have pieces of furniture you'd like to get rid of?

Artomatic 2008, which will be held nearby in NoMa is looking for items to furnish their various lounges.

email mmurphyva @ earthlink dot net
if you do.

PSA- crime

PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 1 (no joke!), 7:00 P.M.
ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 2ND & U STREET NW


Neighbors,

The time has come for us all to take a stand about public safety in our area. Although crime in the Bloomingdale-LeDroit Park area has diminished considerably this decade, we still face more threats to public safety than any of us should have to deal with. And only by working together can we make the changes that will make Bloomingdale safer and even more livable than it is now.

Here is the first of several opportunities for us to act. On Tuesday, April 1st at 7:00 p.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church at U and 2nd Streets NW (enter from the alley), I am convening a meeting of neighbors who will determine the steps we want to take, what we will do to implement those steps, and what the timelines will be for getting things done. We will discuss strategies for bringing in other players.

For example, we will ensure that what comes out of this meeting integrates seamlessly with the upcoming efforts of the Bloomingdale Civic Association (Crime Prevention Strategies & Workshop, Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 a.m. to XM Satellite Radio). We will also be working closely with Commander Lamar Greene and the Fifth District, the Fifth District's Citizens Advisory Council (whose current chair is former ANC Robert Brannum), and the Police Service Area. Once we have set a course, we can then meet with these other players to discuss what neighbors want and are willing to do and develop a plan to achieve those goals.

We also bring to the neighborhood Mayor Fenty, Councilmember Thomas, Chief Lanier, the Executive Office of the Mayor and other District agencies that we will need to handle all the issues that go into a full-bore public safety effort. And that is also when we will all need to make our presence and our feelings known. The District will act if people come together with passion, with unity of purpose, and with clear action requests. We have the power, if we choose to wield it.

To do that, we need to work together. We need to 40-50 people to come out and say that they want change and will put out some time and effort to see that change occurs. And we will get people involved by giving neighbors enough options for what they can do that any of us can find something we can feel comfortable doing. Whether it is working on dealing with the city, setting up security cameras, writing letters to courts when people convicted of committing crimes in the neighborhood are sentenced, listing all the vacant houses that become attractions for criminal behavior, establishing relationships with youth, setting up a system where people can walk together to and from the Metro, checking where trees need trimming to help light the street, and on and on. We have things we can do. We will have a clear list of actions for us, for the police, and for the District to do.

And Together, We will Build a Better Bloomingdale.

John

P.S. If you can't come, drop me a line or give me a call. Let me know if you want to be involved and what you might be interested in doing.

John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
Recording Secretary, ANC 5C
(202) 986-2592
jsalatti@earthlink.net
"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"

Come with us, Bloomingdale!

Bloomingdale, Eckington, Truxton Circle, Old City 1, 2..... a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet...or as pungent in the case of parts of N. Capital Street. Everyone is included in this discussion. If you have an idea, let us know. Our goal is to help N. Capital Street improve....to make it something we would all like to stroll down. Sure, it's a busy street... and almost as wide as parts of Connecticut Avenue. But, maybe we can improve it. Maybe we cannot....but what would you do if you didn’t even try. Come and try.

Last night a group of neighbors, and even some considering moving to our neighborhood, got together at Nellie’s sports bar. The purpose was to meet each other and recognize that all the ideas that we have to improve our neighborhood are shared by many of us. Perhaps we knew that, but it was good to meet each other. FABULOUS IDEAS. Wow. Come join us next time.

To recapture some of the ideas:

1. Most agreed that we would like N. Capital to be organic in its development (no big box stores) . . . we feel that NOMA can take care of the bigger development. Ideally we would like places that we can walk to, that are unique to the neighborhood, and/or fill neighborhood needs. Yoga, community theater space, bars, sit down restaurant, baker, butcher, etc. In a perfect world we would have a movie theater and bookstores . . . and that would indeed be perfect (at least in my world).

2. There is an organization in Adams Morgan called Cool Town Studios. They have identified something called ‘beta communities’ http://www.cooltownbeta.com/ It turns out that a "beta community" project was started in Mt. Vernon Square. Is this something that we would want to consider? http://www.cooltownstudios.com/mt/archives/001021.html

3. one person has a lot of experience in theater. Her suggestions were to contact theater groups in DC (the second largest community theater venue in the country). These organizations are always looking for places to host productions and/or house actors. We could get a list of theaters and start contacting their community outreach (if they exist?) and at a minimum invite them to walk around the neighborhood.

4.Another great idea was to contact the community relations departments of FedEx and XM Radio. Both of these companies benefit from being in this neighborhood and may be interested (and able) to donate money to a neighborhood organization. If you know contacts, start hustling them. :)

5. We should look for other like-minded organizations in our neighborhood so that we are not duplicating efforts. The North Capital Main Street Initiative is one which comes to mind.

6. talk to friends, neighbors, friends of friends . . . people always know someone who knows someone and they may be interested in what we are doing.

7. Think about coming up with more concise ideas about how we could implement some good changes. Do we approach shop keepers to offer solutions on facades (does this mean volunteering to paint a building) . . . do we plant flowers on N. Capital so that people start to notice? North Capital Main Street Initiative may have grant money for these types of things.

8. another idea was advertising the neighborhood. Whether we hire a firm or do it ourselves, we could put together a “North Capitol” website that contains information about residents within Bloomingdale/Eckington, and pictures to remind investors of the amazing panorama that already exists. It could be done with little to no money and could be used as a resume for the neighborhood....anybody know how to create a website? interested?

Think about it. It could be great. It could be fun. Be positive.

2008 SunTrust National Marathon on Saturday, March 29

Dear Ward 5 Neighbors:

Councilmember Thomas is hosting a Motivation/Cheering Station for the 2008 SunTrust National Marathon on Saturday, March 29. The Motivation/Cheering Station will be located at North Capitol and R Streets, which is Mile 10 of the race. North Capitol Street will close at approximately 7:15am, and the first runner should go by at around 7:30 am. The last runner will pass by at around 9:15 am.

The CM invites you, your friends, and your neighbors to join him at the Motivation/Cheering Station between 7:15 am and 9:15 am to cheer on the runners. Our Cheering Station will also have a Channel 4 reporter on the scene, the Catholic U cheerleaders, the Harry Thomas Recreation Center football players and cheerleaders, and the Ward 5 Councilmember and his staff. Please spread the word and join us!

Call me at 727 8204 with any questions.

Vicky Leonard-Chambers
Office of Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.
1350 Pennsylania Ave., NW
Washington , DC 20004
202.727.8204 (work)
202.683.9053 (cell)

NoMa BID To Host James Bond Film Festival

NoMa BID To Host James Bond Film Festival

In Summer 2008



Festival Kicks Off May 8 With “Oddjob Challenge”
The NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) will host a summer-long James Bond Film Festival from May 8 through August 28, 2008. Free and open to the public, the outdoor festival will feature 15 of the best Bond flicks from 1962 through 2006. Each film showing will be preceded by an Oddjob look-alike contest,
with all Oddjobs given the chance to toss their bowler hats at a statue. Viewers also can dress up as other Bond film characters.


The Bond films will be shown each Thursday night, rain or shine, on the site of the future Washington Gateway mixed-use development at the intersection of Florida and New York Avenues, N.E. The site is located directly across Florida Avenue from the New York Avenue Metro station and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) headquarters.


“Along with Artomatic, which opens in NoMa on May 9, the James Bond Film Festival will bring tens of thousands of visitors to this exciting new neighborhood that is currently in the process of rapid transformation,” said Elizabeth Price, President of the NoMa BID. “The film festival will be held on the site of what will soon become nearly one million square feet of office, retail, residential, and hotel space, known as Washington Gateway. In addition to having a lot of fun watching old James Bond movies, visitors will experience NoMa’s great location and rapidly developing vitality.”



The film festival is being organized by Georgetown Film Festival. For more information, see www.georgetownfilmfest.com.

Schedule:
Thursday, MAY 8 | DR. NO | (1962)
Thursday, MAY 15 | FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE | (1963)
Thursday, MAY 22 | GOLDFINGER | (1964)
Thursday, MAY 29 | THUNDERBALL | (1965)
Thursday, JUNE 5 | YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE | (1967)
Thursday, JUNE 12 | DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER | (1971)
Thursday, JUNE 19 | LIVE AND LET DIE | (1973)
Thursday, JUNE 26 | THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN | (1974)
Thursday, JULY 10 | THE SPY WHO LOVED ME | (1977)
Thursday, JULY 17 | MOONRAKER | (1979)
Thursday, JULY 24 | FOR YOUR EYES ONLY | (1981)
Thursday, JULY 31 | OCTOPUSSY | (1983)
Thursday, AUGUST 7 | A VIEW TO A KILL | (1985)
Thursday, AUGUST 14 | GOLDENEYE | (1997)
Thursday, AUGUST 21 | TOMORROW NEVER DIES | (1997)
Thursday, AUGUST 28 | DIE ANOTHER DAY | (2OO6)

updates on "New Town" in Ivy City, and more specifically, the capital city market area

five guys to noma

eckington dc living tells us that five guys will be opening a place in NoMa.

so its looking like coffee, pizza, mussels and burgers over at atf.

street sweeping resumes

Starting tomorrow, street sweeping will resume. remember to shuffle your cars accordingly.

interested in helping out with artomatic? today 2 pm!

Artomatic
is having an open meeting today at 2 pm if anyone is interested in helping out and taping into the arts community in DC.
There will be introductions and small presentations about each committee. Come and see the ways you could be involved.

First and M NE.
2 PM.
in the lobby.

timor bodega

See this message from Kim Wee, proprietor of the Timor Bodega, 2nd & Rhode Island Avenue NW.


What's New:

Eco-Friendly Foods--run by a protege of Joel Salatin for those of us who are familiar with The Omnivore's Dilemma--has restocked the store with quite a variety of cuts. Included are pork ham steaks, loin roast, pork belly, beef ribeye steak, london broil and even a big 100-day aged Red Devon Ribeye roast.

There is also ground chicken, lamb and beef and various sausages. The beef and pork are from breeds of heritage, are not available in grocery stores due to limited supply. But you can get them in your own neighborhood alright.

Beer: Samuel Smith's Organic Ale is a must-try for a fruity, almost cidery ale. Plenty of choices for the "hop-heads" though: Double-Daddy IPA, Lagunitas Maximus and Stone IPA among others.

Wine: Organic Pinot Grigio and Cote du Rhone are back, along with a Chardonnay from Bodega Lurton, whose Malbec and Pinot Gris were well-received.

Coffee: We're getting through the last of the syrupy, earthy Balinese coffee this weekend. Up next: a Brazil estate batch.

Weekend Schedule:

Saturday:
Whatsa Bagel Bagels, store open 8:30am-8pm

Sunday:
Atwaters bread, store opens at 9:30am-7pm

Produce from Truck Patch Farms: spring mix, baby spinach etc.

Other organic produce all weekend:
Green beans, celery root, parsnips, rutabagas and mushrooms.

zaatar w zeit, is DC ready for a 24 hour man'oushe place?

man'oushe is one of my favorite foods in the universe. sadly there is no place i know of to get them hot and fresh in dc. i keep encouraging my brother in law to open up a franchise of Zaatar w Zeit, my favorite place to eat in Beirut. Its a really terrific 24 hour restaurant when you can get great man'oushe.
here is a good description of Man'oushe
or the wikipedia page






I really cant imagine a better lunch place for all those NPR, XM, ATF and DOJ workers, or an afterhours grub place after Ibiza or Fur. Its far better than Jumbo Slice.
Surely someone wants to open up a place on North Capitol.

its a gold mine waiting to happen.


*sigh*
i know someone, somewhere in dc clicked on this page, all excited they could get their fix locally. maybe hundreds of thousands. its just that good. Not yet, man, but someday.








i'd take a Barbar too, but its not as cozy.

Windows Cafe Wine Tasting

Mr. Abeje advises that there will be a wine-tasting event tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, March 22, 2008, at Windows Cafe -- from 4 pm to 7 pm.

There will be both red and white wines.

Plus cheeses and other snacks.

So stop by and participate!

Artomatic in NoMa!

For immediate release

NoMa BID media contact: Artomatic media contact:

Leslie Braunstein Marina Reiter

703-234-7762 202-271-4748

info@lhbcommunications.com reiter.marina@gmail.com

Artomatic Comes to NoMa May 9–June 15, 2008

Up to 800 artists and 50,000 visitors expected in
D.C.’s most exciting new neighborhood

The NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) will host this year’s Artomatic, the Washington, D.C. area’s homegrown art extravaganza. From May 9 through June 15, 2008, up to 800 local and regional artists will exhibit their works on eight floors of the Capitol Plaza 1 building, located at 1st and M Streets, N.E., just one block from the New York Avenue Metro station.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and incredibly diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free musical, dance, and theater performances; holiday celebrations; films; educational presentations; and much more.

This year’s Artomatic, occupying 200,000 square feet at Capitol Plaza 1, will be the largest to date. Designed by renowned architect Shalom Baranes and owned by an affiliate of The Polinger Company, Capitol Plaza 1 offers 293,000 rentable square feet of Class A office space, with dramatic Capitol and city views from the upper floors.

“We are thrilled to partner with Artomatic in an event that will bring tens of thousands of people to NoMa,” said Elizabeth Price, president of the NoMa BID. “It is a great opportunity to showcase the transformation that is underway in NoMa and infuse it with the energy and creativity of the artistic community.”

"Artomatic has come back to its roots in D.C. with our largest event ever,” said George Koch, Chair of Artomatic. “We are excited about our partnership with the NoMa BID and their help in bringing this new space to our attention. Artomatic 2008 will have an abundance of exhibit and performance space that will be open to all — from recognized artists to undiscovered talents.”

Registration for artists and performers who wish to participate in Artomatic will be open soon. To stay up to date on the event details and schedule, visit www.artomatic.org and sign up to receive the Artomatic newsletter.

###

About the NoMa BID:

NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested almost
$2 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

About Artomatic:

Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

Walk around the block, Bloomingdale

Bloomingdale.....N. Capital Street, on a nice day, it is a great street. The other day, as I waited for the light to change, I ran into T, the fellow who wanders around aimlessly. He asked how my husband was, I asked him how his morning had been... a white car pulled slowly up to the curb and with his hand low by his side, T motioned, rapidly waving back and forth. The car turned onto Quincy. Then Tony abruptly said ...got to go. Hmm. A close friend.

The other night my husband and I had dinner with a friend of ours who is a banker. She has worked closely with a number of developers. I told her our ideas to help N. Capital Street...perhaps neighbors could form an LLC and purchase a building and fix it up. Perhaps businesses on N. Capital could partner with Catholic Univ School of Architecture to help design new enticing facades, or perhaps we, as a neighborhood, could court deep pocket investors.
She felt that an investor or developer would not be interested in purchasing a single building, but rather a block. I indicated that I did not think we wanted big development like 7th street, but rather something more small-business oriented, like 14th street. Admittedly, this is my preference.

On a lark, I decided to do some investigating. I found a building between R and Quincy NE on N. Capital with a wrinkled, crumbled, hidden Caldwell-Banker FOR SALE sign. What if we could entice a developer with this block. So I walked around the block and took some pictures. My next step is to meet the current business owners and find out if they would be interested in selling, or if they would prefer to stay, and if so, would they like some help to improve the facade of their building.

My idea is to provide a short report to anyone interested on just this block....the current buildings, the status of those building, and what they might become...perhaps with renderings of how fabulous building in lovely Bloomingdale, with a glimpse of the Capital and thousands of cars driving by each day could be....does anyone know of an artist or draftsperson who would like to help?

But Bloomingdale, what do you think? Is this a good idea, should I even be trying to pull in a developer, what do you think? This is our neighborhood...and it is a good one....but I think N. Capital needs a hand. Neighbors and I are meeting on Tuesday, March 25th 7:00 at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Can you join us?

Take a walk around the block with me. Think about it.

bike sharing in ward 2

Bike Sharing Program in Ward 2

See this 3/17/2008 post from the blog of ANC 2C02 Commissioner Kevin Chapple:

From Paris to Shaw: Bike Sharing Comes to Ward 2

According to a Ward 2 News District Beat article (pdf only), Shaw, Logan, Mt Vernon Sq, U St, Dupont and other neighborhoods will soon be served by a "free" bike sharing program. The program is one way that the District Department of Transportation and Clear Channel Outdoors Smart Bike program are trying to better serve residents and visitors by offering a carbon neutral and generally healthy way to get around the District. If you plan to make use of the program often, it would be wise to also invest in a bike helmet.

Apparently, according to DDOT's bike crash summary, it also helps to avoid accidents if you are female, under 25 and over 35, stay away from vehicles with non-district license plates, and avoid biking on Thursdays.

Initially, the program will make 110 bike available at local kiosks throughout the greater downtown area between 6am and 10pm. The program will require a $39 fee for an annual membership card that, at least initially, will allow users to rent a bike for free for up to 3 hours. The cost per usage may increase to $2 at some point.


Use of a bicycle helmet is the single, most effective preventive measure of reducing head injuries 85%, and brain injuries or serious disabilities by 88% from bicycle accidents.
-- DDOT's 2002 bicycle laws (http://www.ddot.washingtondc.gov/ddot/frames.asp?doc=/ddot/lib/ddot/information/bicycle/laws/bicyclelaws.pdf)

"We are just extremely excited and proud that this is going to be the first system of its kind in the country. DC is really ahead of the curve on this one."
-- Eric Gilliland, Executive Director of Washington Area Bicyclist Association [WABA - www.waba.org]

Officer of Cultural Tourism DC's Neighborhood Heritage Trail

See this message from Bloomingdale Civic Association President Cassandra Costley:


Ledroit Park and Bloomingdale have a wonderful opportunity to become a tour of choice in a city of wonderful touring options. Earlier this month the Executive Committee of the Bloomingdale Civic Association had dinner with Ledroit Park Civic Association president Robert Sullivan, ANC 5-C Commissioner John Salatti, and Jane Freundal-Levy, Chief Program Officer of Cultural Tourism DC's Neighborhood Heritage Trail to discuss how that could happen. Ms. Levy and her assistant explained the process by which Ledroit Park and Bloomingdale can become part of the city's ever expanding network of neighborhood heritage trails.

Those who don't already know about these trails can go to www.culturaltourismdc.org to learn more. Completed trails bring positive attention to the neighborhoods they grace. The process of putting the trails
together brings neighborhoods together to talk, to research, to learn, to listen, and to laugh. Long-time residents get an opportunity to preserve for posterity all the things they have loved about the place they live. Newer residents get a chance to do research on their new home and to meet neighbors they might otherwise never get a chance to befriend. "Building" these trails has given whole communities an opportunity to learn more about their physical space and the people who once lived there. If you'd like to capture a bit of that magic for Bloomingdale and yourself, please volunteer to support this effort when the collaboration with Ledroit Park begins in May.

No particular skills or abilities are required. An abiding interest in people, history, and storytelling will come in handy. Otherwise, we'll find something for you to do if you can walk, talk, cough, or smell nice. We'll use the time between now and when our collaboration begins to plan how to involve everyone in our community who wants to play a role and to determine how to collect all of the stories of all of those who have stories to tell.

Email us at BloomingdaleCA @ gmail.com to volunteer, ask questions, or comment on this initiative.

Thanks,

harris teeter in NoMa

you know, every time i go to the Giant at Brentwood Shopping Center i vow to never go there again.

i like cooking a lot and i like shopping for food. i go to lots of different places and am not really a big fan "one stop shopping". i try to go to area farmers markets, the florida avenue markets, trader joes, grand mart, shoppers, safeway, whole foods, even costco, glut, a couple of the indian markets in langley park, timor bodega, etc.. i hit them all. but really i only go to the giant when i'm already picking up stuff from home depot, or if i need something quickly, because its the most convenient grocery store to my house.

But at the end of 2010 i wont have to make my convenient runs to giant anymore. i'll have a new grocery store thats closer that i can complain about:

Harris Teeter. will be opening a store at First and M NE.






hopefully it wont be as expensive as the ones i've been to in virginia. ; )

any way check out the great renderings of Constitution Square here
and the official announcement on the NoMa BID site

this is the lot in this picture

1.5 years ago.

big bear
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

not that long ago, really.

Meet Bloomingdale!

Ever wonder what it would take to change the direction of North Capital Street? Specifically the area between Rhode Island Avenue and New York Avenue. In the past few weeks I have found neighbors with an interest/curiosity about how we, as Bloomingdale neighbors, can help North Capital Street regain it’s footing as a great street. Imagine, the power of a group of neighbors to buy one vacant building on North Capital Street. Daunting and exciting.

Let’s meet.

My agenda is to meet you. ....and,

• Talk about what is needed to form an LLC. How is an LLC different/better than a 503c. Is there a better option?


• How would we start? Would we have an initial investment amount per person? $1000, $10,000. More, less?
  


• Do we organize the seed money first, and then find the property....that seems to make sense.


• What is our mission? Is it solely to clean up North Capital? Is it to entice more businesses? Is it to make money? Are we only considering those buildings for sale, or do we approach other businesses....would SAVEMORE be interested in a new facade? Would that be something we would want to think about.
  

So let’s meet Bloomingdale! Tuesday, March 25th, 7:00pm at Nellie’s Sports Bar (9th and U Street). Please email me if you would like to be included: Karen_and_Howard at verizon dot net.

Think. Think. Think about it.

I hear you, Bloomingdale!

You hear my plot to get North Capital in shape...maybe another 14th Street...cool shops, restaurants, wine bars, galleries...maybe some Dupont Circle excitement with sweet yoga, bookstores, tea houses...perhaps some Columbia Heights and taco joints and gala stages. And then there is H Street with all things possible. Something, something, something. What is it?

And Ahhh..yes, we may need 20% down on a commercial building. And Yes! we can do this. And Yes! It does take a lawyer to navigate the waters of an LLC v. 503c. And we can think about risks, (dollars and otherwise), and rewards, (dollars and otherwise). And we are smart, Bloomingdale...we can figure all this out!

In the past week, I attended a lecture on Great Streets held at the Building museum... what makes a street a ‘great street’...is it a change of scenery every 20 paces? Diversity of architecture, people, atmosphere? I stood and asked why North Capital Street is only a great street to buy drugs. Why is that? It has nice architecture, it has a view of the Capital (certainly that must be great), it has diversity, the scenery changes. The audience laughed. Sigh. Is that the response that we should get? East Capital Street is great. Why isn’t North Capital Street.

After the lecture, I cornered one of the speakers. He was one of the early proponent/investors of the revitalization of 14th street. He sits on a committee called the retail committee. I asked if the retail committee would like to visit Bloomingdale and see what we have. He invited me to the next meeting. And so, I will go. Maybe I can talk them into visiting our piece of the pie. What would it take to get investors interested.

I would like to meet you, my Bloomingdale neighbors. Let’s think about what we can do. Let’s do it. Things like this have been done in urban neighborhoods in Philly, Detroit, Seattle...all over. We can do it too. I am not exactly certain how at this point, but I think we can figure it out.

Washington is a lovely place to live...and we all have friends who know things, big things...like how to form an LLC, where to get investors. Tomorrow night we are having dinner with our friend the banker. Maybe we can find those investors... Ask your friends what their ideas are...they know big things. You know big things.

And so, Bloomingdale. Ready?

more stuff coming to noma.

NPR to Relocate to NoMa in Washington, D.C.

NPR has acquired the 165,000 square foot building at 1111 North Capitol Street, N.E. from J Street Development of Washington, D.C. Built in 1927 as a warehouse for the old Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, it is currently used as warehouse space by the Smithsonian Institution.


All of NPR’s 600 Washington-based journalism, multimedia, business and executive activities will be housed in this new facility, with occupancy planned for 2012.

read about it here

interesting footnote about the Washington Gateway Project here
the city allowed the developer to measure the building’s height from New York Avenue, which soars up above surrounding street level to leap the train tracks. From the rest of the neighborhood, therefore, the building is going to look like one of the tallest in the city.

30 People Cleaning 7th Street

30 People Cleaning 7th Street

The next TreeboxVodka monthly clean up project is Saturday, March 8th. We are looking to have 30 volunteers out there - help us make our goal. The more people means the more litter we can can clean up and we can clean out the dirty treeboxes. Our target area is 7th street. Starting at Rhode Island Ave/7th and working our way down and hitting the connecting streets as well.

Details
Date: Saturday, March 8th
Time: 10:30 AM
Where: 7th & Rhode Island Ave. NW
What: We'll be starting at 7th and RI and working our way down 7th street picking up Velicoff and Steel Reserve.
Bring: Gloves, friends, any additional tools you want to use for cleaning.
I'll Supply: Trash bags, I'll have a few extra gloves, and some trash picking tongs.

What else do you need?
Truly, I don't know. Hanging out on Saturday picking up beer cans and fast food wrappers seems like reward enough. But for those inclined to incentives, then we have you covered. Come out and join us three Saturday's and you'll receive a Shaw goodie. Past 3-time litter-pickers walked away with an I (heart) t-shirt. They were very happy.

Crispus Attucks and the Boston Massacre.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

TODAY'S LABOR HISTORY: British soldiers, quartered in the homes of colonists, took the jobs of working people when jobs were scarce. On this date, grievances of ropemakers against the soldiers led to a fight. Soldiers shot down Crispus Attucks, a black colonist, then others, in what became known as the Boston Massacre. Attucks is considered the first casualty in the American Revolution (1770).

Bloomingdales very own secret park in named in honor of Crispus Attucks.

another volunteering opportunity.

Volunteers needed:

4 DC hospitals in Washington ( Washington Hospital , Children's, National Rehab and Veterans Affairs) are conducting an exercise involving a dirty bomb scenario and we will need about 100 victim volunteers. Please feel free to announce this volunteer opportunity through your network and ask that those interested in volunteering contact me prior to March 26.

The volunteer duty would be on Friday, April 4, 2008, 008:30-12:30. Refreshments would be provided.

Volunteers will receive a briefing and receive "role assignments" describing their injuries and condition. Some would be bomb blast victims, some would be existing patients requiring transfer due to facility damage, and some would be designated as "contaminated" and would require decontamination via a "dry run' through the VA hospital's Decontamination Shower System. A few may play roles as concerned friends or family members.

Please contact me at via e-mail (preferred) or phone if you wish to register as an exercise volunteer. Provide your cell phone number or other contact number. We request that if you have a cell phone that you bring it on the day of the exercise so we can communicate.

I will contact all those who register a week or so prior to the exercise.

Stephen Mabley, MS, CIH
Area Emergency Manager
Emergency Management Strategic Healthcare Group (EMSHG)
Veterans Affairs Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5)
50 Irving Street, NW , Washington , DC 20422
Steve.Mabley@ va.gov
202-745-8181 office
720-240-7725 cell
877-385-2138 SkyTel pager
202-745-2282 fax
intranet: http://vaww1. va.gov/emshg/
internet: http://www1. va.gov/emshg

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

WHAT: Ward 5 Community Assessment
We are going door-to-door in the Ward 5 Focus Improvement Area, to ensure that all residents are informed about this initiative and have access to government services.

WHEN: Saturday, March 8th, 11:30am-2:30pm

WHERE: Meeting location is the Harry Thomas Recreation Center, all volunteers should meet here at 11:30 for a briefing. We will start the canvassing at Noon.

CONTACT: Please contact LaToya Moore 202-330-2894 OR by email latoya.moore@dc.gov

Washington Flower Center, Eckington

Info from Cassidy and Pinkard


Summary

For sale is the Washington Flower Center, a 52,740 square foot industrial/flex building constructed in 1987 and currently occupied by a group of wholesale florists. The building sits on a 1.9 acre development site and is located in Washington, DC’s most exciting submarket, NoMa (North of Massachusetts). The site is currently zoned M with a 6.0 FAR, which allows matter-of-right use as office, industrial or hotel. Through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, an owner is likely to achieve C-3-C zoning, providing for an FAR of 6.5, or as much as 538,616 square feet of development.

With three hotels, a grocery store and approximately two million square feet of office development delivering by 2010, NoMa is quickly becoming the area’s preferred mixed-use neighborhood. Union Station, only one Metro stop from the site, abounds with retail and dining options, and extensive retail is planned along 1st Street, NE, the primary commercial corridor of the submarket. The area’s growing commercial base also will support residential development, and Trammell Crow Residential is currently in the planning stages for a 650-unit rental project adjacent to the Washington Flower Center site. NoMa’s future is a “24-hour” mixed-use environment, and Washington Flower Center is well-positioned to capitalize on this dynamic transformation.

Size
52,740 square foot industrial/flex building located on 1.9 acres (82,864 square feet)

Location
Located in Washington, DC’s dynamic NoMa submarket, the property is only a five minute walk from the New York Avenue Metro Station, part of Metrorail’s Red Line, the most heavily traveled in the Washington, DC region. The site enjoys convenient access to major arteries including 1st Street, NE, New York Avenue (Route 50), Florida Avenue, North Capitol Street and I-395. The site is also proximate to the Metropolitan Branch Trail which, along with the New York Avenue Metro station, will encourage pedestrian and commuter access to and from the site.

Market
NoMa submarket of Northeast Washington, DC

big and empty

big and empty
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

second and florida nw.

REMAX: when realtors steal

now, its pretty irksome, not to mention illegal, when someone steals your pictures for monetary gain, but its just preposterous that they add a copyright to your own snapshot.


here is my photo:


webpage


here is my stolen photo:


a copyright on MY PICTURE!



here is the page i found it
oh. and here



now, i dont really mind my snapshots being used in a way that promotes the neighborhood, but if you're going to be making money off of that usage, please have the common decency to ask. and definitely dont claim you hold copyright.

Open Houses.

Here is a list of open houses in the neighborhood today.

Photos of Bloomingdale

Here is a photo stream from the Bloomingdale Flickr Group. Its free to join if you'd like to share your pictures of the neighborhood.