Shaw Main Streets Annual Development Forum -- Wednesday, 9/30/2009

Shaw Main Streets, the commercial revitalization and historic preservation organization serving central Shaw's 7th and 9th Street commercial corridors, will hold its sixth annual community forum on major development projects on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Room 102B (enter from L Street).

Admission is free, and no reservations are required.

Representatives from developers will present the current status of their plans for major renovation and new construction projects in the area. Invited developers include:

• Banneker Ventures (The Jazz on Florida Avenue),
• Ellis Development and Four Points (Howard Theatre and Broadcast Center One),
• Douglas Development (Wonder Bread Factory and Squares 450 and 451),
• Roadside Development (CityMarket at O),
• Quadrangle Development (Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel),
• Hines-Archstone (City Center DC),
• Metropolitan Development (Addison Square at Kelsey Gardens), and
• Inle Development (1501 9th Street, NW).

For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or visit www.shawmainstreets.com.

Alex

Alexander M. Padro
Executive Director
Shaw Main Streets, Inc.
1426 9th Street, NW, Ground Floor
Washington, DC 20001-3330
Voice: 202-265-SHAW
Fax: 202-265-7529
Email: ShawMainStreets@aol.com
Website: www.ShawMainStreets.com

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development.

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 09/27/2009

Today's scheduled open houses in the area can be found Here.

I will be at 33 R St NW, just down the street from the Farmers Market from 1-4pm today. Listed for $539,999., this elegant brick and brownstone Victorian also includes a 2-story carriage house!

Richard Norwood, our new Ward 5 Outreach & Service Specialist

Alice Thompson and Justin Bellow are formerly the Ward 5 Outreach and Service Specialists in the Mayor's Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS). They have moved on.

Alice and Justin have moved on to other responsibilities.

The replacement for Alice and Justin is Richard Norwood. He attended the most recent Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting.

Here is his contact information:

Government of the District of Columbia
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty
Executive Office
Richard Norwood
Ward 5 Outreach and Service Specialist
Mayor's Office of Community Relations & Services
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 211
Washington, DC 20004

Ward 5 Helpdesk: 202.671.0726
Cell phone: 202.340.7038
Fax: 202.727.5931
Email: Richard.Norwood@dc.gov

To request a service from the DC government:
by phone: 311, 24/7
on the internet 24/7: http://src.dc.gov

want to help plan Winter Blues 2010 ?

Recall North Capitol Main Street Winter Blues fun-fun-fun fundraising events?


Would you like to help plan Winter Blues 2010?

Read this message at the link from Garry Clark, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street Inc.:

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001f4dPHpiT2QH7pG_5ZQakx7KRgO6YNHhfPQmpmEoTd4oqQVp2l9YZDj3m8ShWmHnvjHbLq3ZDd2INBPHXH73kXCdkDYL958kBOT4GO6DrF_zp-RgRne20bzGNPocnjpx_Jo1BaUFsYh4%3D

The photo above is courtesy Bloomingdale resident Sara Kaufman from Winter Blues 2006, held in the Social Hall of Trinity University.

anyone used Brooks Upholsterers on R I Ave NW ?

From Bloomingdale resident Todd Crosby:

Has anyone ever done business with Brooks Upholsterers there at 80 Rhode Island NW behind the City Cleaners?

I have two chairs I’d like to get recovered…was wondering about the quality of their work..etc

final call! bulk order wrought iron fencing for your treebox

Karyn of North Capitol Street NW

This is your last chance to bulk order wrought iron fencing for your tree box.


Your neighbors are coordinating a bulk purchase and installation of wrought iron fencing in Bloomingdale.

We already have enough neighbors interested in an installation to reduce the cost by buying in bulk.

The negotiated the cost of a single 4’x8’ tree box is $480. Price will vary depending on the size of an individual tree box. The contractor we chose also contracts for DC and therefore can guarantee the installations are in accordance of city code.

Please contact me at krayon @ gmail.com if you are interested in participating in the bulk order of tree box fencing. We will begin installations in October.

Also send me your contact information if you are interested in a city grant that pays for tree box fence installations. We are considering submitting a city grant to install tree box fencing for all of Bloomingdale.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Karyn
1826 North Capitol St, NW
202- 306- 0608

Lost Dog Found!

You may have seen this post on the Prince of Petworth blog or you may also have seen flyers posted in the neighborhood. Olive's owner is reporting that she is safely back home, so if you see flyers around, they can be removed.

at Timor Bodega this Saturday

From Kim Wee:

THIS Saturday:

Fresh bagels available from 8:30AM till they sell out around 3PM.

Pastured eggs and fresh chicken from Polyface Farms come in at about 3pm. The eggs have the brightest orange yolk I've seen, and the store carries them exclusively until the end of the egg laying season. The chicken will be slaughtered Friday, and will likely sell out this weekend.

Next fresh chicken will be available 2 weeks later.

here is the latest North Capitol Main Street, Inc. e-newsletter

Here is the link to the August/September 2009 e-newsletter of North Capitol Main Street, Inc.

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001oXhWNqUJKjwcoWg11hhavoMBhheQNDFlWK7nt8q2jChL1sxiEUJA6cFD9i0hGSUI159Kw1R-sMqSx_TjbT6jwiKGbndG8k8PhtVYqaMnvBg%3D


Read about "First on 1st" art walk event held on Saturday, 8/1/2009.

Brief business spotlight on Y.E.S.S.S. -- Your Educational Supplies, and Systems and Services -- at 108 Rhode Island Avenue NW.

Read a profile of JAK & Company Beauty Salon at 112 Rhode Island Avenue NW.

Plus see the Save-the-Date announcement for a Fall NCMS Membership/Fundraising Drive on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at Parker Flats at Gage School Condominiums. Stay tuned for more info!


Note that the image of two bunny Peeps on the vacant building where the dirt drawing event occurred and the image of Yoga District are courtesy of Imgoph blogger Geoffrey Hatchard.

here is your opportunity to oppose or support the proposed regulations for neighborhood historic designation

Okay, neighborhood historic designations haters and lovers!

Here is your golden opportunity to weigh in.

See the message below from Capitol Hill resident Nancy Metzger, head of the DC Historic Districts Coalition.

(This message was posted on the Historic Washington list at Yahoogroups, moderated by Chevy Chase resident Mary Rowse.)

Those who are passionate in opposition or support of the proposed regulations governing the establishment of new historic neighborhoods in DC are invited to commment to the DC Historic Preservation Office (HPO).

Is there an active effort to get Bloomingdale designated at this time? No.

But be assured, some group of residents in Bloomingdale will initiate an effort to do so, so residents need to be educated and be informed.

Posted by: merowse @ aol.com
Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:33 am
(PDT)


From: Nancy Metzger, Historic Districts Coalition

A final draft of new regulations for designating historic districts and historic landmarks has been published and the Historic Preservation Review Board will be taking comments at the October 22 meeting. These regulations have changed in important ways since the public participation issue was discussed last year at the Cheh-Bowser Bill legislative hearing. At the Council hearing, many Coalition members and others in the preservation community testified about the importance of public participation in the process but also suggested changes in the legislation that would have impacted the designation procedure. The complete regulations, showing corrections, can be accessed through the HPO web site. Comments on the proposed regulation should be submitted, in writing, to Tersh Boasberg, Chairman, Historic Preservation Review Board, 2000 14th Street, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20009.

Several key points:

* All property owners will be notified of pending designation and owners have the right to submit a statement to the Board before the hearing stating their objections or their support. (It appears that an earlier mail-back ballot idea has been dropped.)

* It would require a majority of owners expressing their opposition in written form to block the nomination. They could testify at a hearing but the staff would tally the written comments. If the Board feels that there is not broad community support, particularly as indicated by the written comments, then there's a waiting period of 12 months before a nomination can be reconsidered. (The regs explicitly say the applicant doesn't have to demonstrate universal support or support from those declining to register an opinion. This waiting period is a change from the much longer waiting periods suggested by the Cheh-Bowser bill but is in line with the federal
regulations.)

* Although the regulations say listings in the DC Inventory can be amended or revoked, it also says properties may be removed only if they no longer meet the criteria for designation. (So there does not seem to be a method to remove properties if they just become unpopular or inconvenient somehow.)

* There is a section that requires draft historic district guidelines for each individual historic district that must be distributed before a determination is made by the Board. (The guidelines would be revised later, taking into account comments from the Board and public, after the nomination is acted on. This follows the Foxhall Village adoption scenario.)

* In addition, there is a section that states the Board, Mayor's Agent, and staff may use the Comprehensive Plan and the Historic Preservation Plan for "additional guidance on the listing of properties in the DC Inventory and on the review of construction affecting historic landmarks and historic districts."


Draft Window Standards Released for Public Comment

As just about anyone involved in historic preservation at the neighborhood level can attest, there is often controversy swirling about window replacement. The Historic Preservation Office has released draft window standards for comment.

There is emphasis on repair first and retention of historic material where possible. When replacement is necessary, emphasis is on how close it looks to the original / historic window. An important change is that some materials other than wood may be approved if the appearance closely matches. (The standards say, "Matching the original material of historic windows is strongly encouraged. alternative materials may be approved if they can convincingly replicate the appearance of the historic window and appreciably undistinguishable from the original material.") This lets open the door for some of the newer materials (fibrex, for example) and others yet to be discovered while keeping the emphasis on how the proposed new window would function visually as a replacement for historic windows. As with the present standard, there is a less stringent materials requirement for windows in the rear or non-primary facades.

This is a first draft that has been released for comment by the public and HPRB (available through the Historic Preservation Office website). It is scheduled for comment at the October 22 Board meeting. In addition, comments can be sent in writing to the Historic Preservation Office, 2000 14th Street, NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20009. The window standards will be submitted to the Office of Attorney General for a legal sufficiency review after consideration of the Board and public comments and any necessary revision.

Nancy Metzger

WASA work coming up for Flagler and U St NW

See this 09/19/2009 message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti.

DC WASA will be doing a water line and lead pipe replacement project on Flagler Place NW and half of the 100 block of U Street NW. The agency is currently seeking a permit to start work, and the starting date will be directly a factor of when DCRA issues the permit. The project will start at Adams and come down Flagler and turn left on to U Street and end at 1st NW. The project will proceed one block at a time to minimize the parking problems that are going to result from this work. The typical work day will run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. This will make parking much more problematic, but will allow the agency to get the work done in half the time. But even with this work day, each block on Flagler will take 45-50 days to complete.

None of this water project will impact the 100 block of V Street or 2nd Street NW.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 09/20/2009

Sorry for the lapse during the transition of The Blog. Open house listings that are scheduled through the local multiple listing system should again appear regularly.

Here is the list for Sunday 9/20.

Although NOT open this Sunday, I have a great new listing at 33 R St NW that just went into the mls today. It's a beautifully cared for Victorian with several unusual features. I particularly love that the current owner had the paint removed from the brownstone and that it has the original iron exterior steps. There is a two-story carriage house in the back. Heart of pine floors, two antique mantels (and one working fireplace), high ceilings, and a bay front are just a few of the charming historic details. The kitchen, which has an open layout to the dining area and family room, is fully updated with quality appliances, a center island, solid surface counters, and a glass tile backsplash. It is being offered for sale at $539,999. The virtual tour can be seen Here.

Bloomingdale House Tour -- on the agenda of this Monday's Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting

Here the agenda for this Monday's Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting, supplied by Civic Association President Robert Brannum:

BLOOMINGDGALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. WASHINGTON, DC

MONTHLY MEETING

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
7:00pm-8:30PM

ST. GEORGES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2ND AND U STREETS, NW

AGENDA

I.
Introductions and Moment of Silence

II.
Bloomingdale Community Concerns
McMillan Park, public safety, and other community items

III.
Announcements/Updates from Office of Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.

IV.
Howard University – Homecoming Update
Information presentation about parade route, traffic, and other homecoming items

V.
Bloomingdale House Tour
Update on selected houses, ads, and other tour items

VI.
St. Martin’s Apartments
Project development presentation

VII.
DC Arts and Humanities Commission
Presentation regarding application process for mural at First and W Streets NW

VIII.
Announcements

IX.
Adjournment

2204 Flagler Pl NW on 2009 Metro DC Tour of Solar Homes and Buildings

From Bloomingdale resident Jeff Hayward:

I was hoping that you could post information inviting people to the solar energy open house we are holding at 2204 Flagler Place NW as part of the 2009 Metro DC Tour of Solar Homes and Buildings.

Last year, we installed a small-scale system of photovoltaic panels on the roof of our 1909 rowhouse, which provides about 50% of our electric energy. This system was 50% funded by a grant from the DC government as part of a renewable energy demonstration program. We made a commitment to offer demonstrations to our community of this system, so that others could learn about how they might generate solar energy in their home or business, too.

Our Flagler Place rowhouse will be featured on the second day of the Solar Tour 2009, from 11 am to 5pm on Sunday October 4th. We’d be pleased to welcome our neighbors to come drop by and talk about renewable energy. Here is the link to the Solar Tour: http://www.solartour.org

In addition, the organization I work for, Rainforest Alliance did an interview with me for our on-line journal The Canopy and featured 15 photos of our house with explanatory captions. Neighbors can view our solar system and the step-by-step installation by following this link:http://www.rainforest-
alliance.org/climate.cfm?id= qa_jeff_hayward&autoSlideShow=
true .

People are welcome to call or write for more information. 202- 294- 7008.

make Teri Janine happy

The Beautification Committee of the Bloomingdale Civic Association is jonesing for volunteers!

See this request from Teri Janine of the Beautification Committee:

The Bloomingdale Civic Association seeks volunteers to become members of the Beautification Committee. At the moment, there is only one person on the committee.

If you are interested in working to enhance the appearance of our community, please contact Teri Janine at terijanine @ gmail.com as soon as possible. Thanks!

new chair appointed to head NCPC

"Who cares if the National Capital Planning Commission gets a new appointed chair?"

Bloomingdale residents should at least take notice.

Newcomers may ask "What is NCPC?"

Here are two paragraphs lifted from the NCPC website, www.ncpc.gov, that describes what NCPS is:

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is the federal government’s central planning agency for federal land and buildings in the National Capital Region. NCPC’s jurisdiction covers 2,500 square miles, including the District of Columbia and surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia.

NCPC
develops planning policies and makes decisions that protect and enhance the
extraordinary historical, cultural, and natural resources of the nation's capital. Through four principal activities, NCPC helps ensure that Washington remains one of the most admired capitals in the world.

I am passing along this announcement simply because NCPC has influence over development projects in the metropolitan area, including development at the Old Soldiers' and Sailors Home / Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) -- as well as the McMillan Sand Filtration Site (although I have to confess it is not clear if indeed NCPC has input to the sand filtration site project).


Anyway, here is the annoucement on the appointment of Preston Bryant Jr. as the new chair of NCPC, again from the NCPC website:

President Obama Appoints Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources, L. Preston Bryant, Jr., as Chair of the National Capital Planning Commission

Thursday, September 10, 2009
http://www.ncpc.gov/mediaroom/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=308&F_CATEGORY_ID=6&

Washington, DC – President Obama today named Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources, L. Preston Bryant, Jr., to serve as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. He currently serves as the secretary of natural resources in the cabinet of Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine, overseeing six agencies that protect and restore the Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources.

In his new role at NCPC, Secretary Bryant will lead the 12-member Commission’s work to protect and enhance the extraordinary historical, cultural, and natural resources of the nation’s capital and surrounding region. He will also oversee the Commission’s review of the design of federal construction projects, long-range planning efforts, and planning policies.

“I am honored to accept the President’s appointment,” said Secretary Bryant. “The National Capital Planning Commission is uniquely positioned to enhance Washington’s standing as a sustainable, livable capital city. I look forward to guiding projects that will benefit the environment, advance green building design, and protect the city’s treasured open space.”

Prior to joining Governor Kaine’s cabinet in 2006, Secretary Bryant served in the Virginia House of Delegates for ten years, where he sponsored landmark legislation to preserve more than one million acres of nontidal wetlands, streamline Virginia’s stormwater management programs, and create a program to improve wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into Virginia waters.

“Secretary Bryant’s experience will serve this Commission well,” said NCPC’s Executive Director Marcel Acosta. “He has advised Governor Kaine on critical issues impacting the state’s natural resources, and throughout his career he has been devoted to advancing environmental priorities, a matter that is of the utmost importance in our role as the federal planning agency for America’s capital city.”

Secretary Bryant also served as a partner in a Virginia-based civil engineering, surveying, and planning firm. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia and resides in Richmond. He becomes the 21st person to serve as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, established by Congress in 1924. He will complete the remainder of the term of outgoing Chairman John V. Cogbill, III, which concludes on January 1, 2013.

“We are indebted to Chairman Cogbill for his leadership and strong support for the staff’s efforts over the last eight years,” said Mr. Acosta in announcing the appointment to staff. “Chairman Cogbill has worked tirelessly to ensure that the work of the Commission contributes to the continued vitality of a world-class capital. I look forward to working with Secretary Bryant moving forward to ensure our future efforts help the capital be a model of innovation and best planning practices.”

alternate McMillan development proposal: but do the numbers work?

I attended last night's McMillan Sand Filtration site community development meeting coordinated by ANC Commissioners Stuart Davenport, Ronnie Edwards, Myla Moss & John Salatti, Howard University Community Association and the McMillan Park Committee.

The last item on the agenda was a presentation and Q & A by Catholic University of America Associate Professor Miriam Gusevich.

A brief jump back in history: Back in 2000 (?), Professor Gusevich and fellow CUA School of Architecture Professor Stanley Hallett, FAIA, gave a public presentation on the CUA campus at the request of the DC Office of Planning on what could be done with the sand filtration site. I happened to attend that session. Believe me, the entire set of participants sat there ooohing and aaahing over the high-level ideas that Professors Gusevich and Hallett were tossing out as possible uses for the site. The central theme of the various ideas was an urban park setting.

Back to last night: Professor Gusevich's presentation proceeded from the original presentation: an urban park space -- this round with residential development along 1st Street NW and office buildings along Michigan Avenue NW.

She indicated that she could make the numbers work in comparison to the current Vision McMillan Partners proposal.

(John Salatti commented after the meeting that most or all of the meeting's presentation materials would be posted soon to the MyMcMillan site.)

I want to see Professor Gusevich's numbers.

community meeting NOT coordinated by DMPED & the development team this Wednesday on the McMillan Sand Filtration site development

This Wednesday, 9/9/2009, there will be a meeting on the development of the McMillan Sand Filtration site (and not the McMillan Reservoir site, which reporters consistently confuse!).

Note that this meeting is NOT NOT NOT being coordinated by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development (DMPED) and the Vision McMillan Partners land development team which has put on the prior community meetings.

It should also be noted that the members of the McMillan Advisory Group (MAG) are not a sponsor of this event.

No agenda for this meeting has been provided.

(Photo of the McMillan sand filtration silos courtesy of hipchikindc: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hipchickindc/1556599315/)

Item #1) See this message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

A few weeks ago, I announced a community meeting about the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. But because a number of key people were not able to make that date, I postponed the meeting. But now with the help of a new host committee, the meeting has been rescheduled and revamped into a series of meetings.

So on behalf of the host committee consisting of several ANC commissioners, community associations, and residents, I invite you to the attend the first of these meetings to discuss the future of the Sand Filtration Site. This meeting is set for Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at St. George's Episcopal Church, at 2nd & U Streets, NW, starting at 7:00 p.m.

This first meeting will cover some history, the results of a previous community input process in 2000, a slide show of the site, the current development plan that has been discussed over the last year, and other options for developing such a site. While this meeting will mainly present broad information, it will lay the foundation for succeeding ones, which will cover more technical issues and offer ways for participants to develop a consensus for what they would like to see happen at the site.

Because the future of the Sand Filtration Site is complex issue and sometimes contentious, we will have a professional facilitator who will run the meetings.

Also, come early. St.George's only seats about 100 people!

If you have any questions, please let me know.

John

John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
(202) 986- 2592
John.Salatti @ gmail.com
"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"

Item #2) I spotted a few fluorescent green leaflets blowing around some sidewalks in the neighborhood, announcing the Wednesday McMillan community meeting.

Here is the text from the leaflet:

ANC Commissioners Stuart Davenport, Ronnie Edwards, Myla Moss & John Salatti

Howard University Community Association

McMillan Park Committee


Our Community, Our Choice
My McMillan


Please become part of a community effort to shape the future of this national treasure in our own backyard.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
7 pm to 9 pm


St. George's Episcopal Church
160 U Street NW

info @ mymcmillan.com
202 - 986 - 2592

http://www.mymcmillan.com/

-------------------------------------------------------


And let’s review, once again, what the rules are for posting comments:

1) Identify yourself. A full name would be best, but at least include a first name.

2) Identify your neighborhood.

3) Totally anonymous posts will not be allowed and be deleted, regardless of the content of the comment.

BOTH name and neighborhood name are required! Thanks for honoring the rules.

? a tattoo place on North Capitol Street NW ?

Look what our neighbor Sean Hennessey noticed ....


a tattoo place on North Capitol?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scenicartisan/3873365784/in/pool-bloomingdale

this is next door to Jam Doung Style

availability of photos of those arrested & convicted

I was provided a copy of an Email from a Florida Avenue NW household to MPD Chief of Police Lanier regarding an interest to have the police have photos of those arrested and convicted readily available to the public.

Good suggestion? Poor public policy?

Florida Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
August 26, 2009

Cathy L. Lanier, Chief
Metropolitan Police Department
Government of the District of Columbia
300 Indiana Avenue NW
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20001


Dear Chief Lanier:

I live on Florida Avenue, NW in an area bordered by Bloomingdale, Shaw and the Truxton Circle neighborhoods. Although the building we live in has been in our family for over 30 years, we are fairly new to the neighborhood, having moved in after renovating the building. Renovation was difficult, expensive and frustrating due to the number of thefts and burglaries we suffered over a two-year period. Tools, compressors, fixtures, wiring and pipes (ripped from the walls) were taken. The renovations should have taken less than a year, but it seemed every time we took a step forward we would be forced to take a half step backwards because of the thefts and break-ins. As a result, I almost refused to move in, but did so at my husband's insistence (he convinced me that all the bars, cameras, lights, security system and our somewhat nasty Chesapeake retriever rendered the place relatively safe). Thus far, he has proven to be correct. While I believe the battle against crime here is slowly being won, the neighborhood is still very fragile and the war could be lost. The robbers, burglars, thieves, prostitutes, druggers and dealers are still amongst us. We see them wandering and hanging around our alleys and corners, and we suspect that they are up to no good, but we just don't have enough information to distinguish who are the bad guys (we have a lot of transients wandering around).

Our online newsletter put out by a fellow named Scott Roberts is wonderful. Among other newsworthy items, it lists all of the neighborhood crimes, arrestees and the convicted. Unfortunately, we can't put faces with the reports. One of our burglars was caught, convicted, sentenced, ordered to pay restitution, paroled, and we don't even know what he looks like. He could be sitting on my front stoop casing my house and I wouldn't know him.

It is my belief that peer (or neighborhood) disapproval is a strong deterrent (ergo the stocks and pillories of colonial times). For some unbeknown reason, our criminal elements walk the streets in total anonymity. I believe the public has a right to know who is being arrested and convicted of crimes in their neighborhoods, and especially who to watch out for. While I am aware that we have to be sensitive to the rights of the accused, I also know that in reality most of the accused have long criminal records and publishing names and photographs would have little or no character impact. In any event, we already get the names. If we put a face on it, the information becomes useful.

I have enclosed the front page of a newspaper from a nearby jurisdiction. While I believe that this is extreme journalism, I also know that when you get arrested in St. Mary's County, everybody knows it. This is a great incentive to stay clear of law violations.

My husband and I are not right wing conservatives. One of us is African-American the other is Caucasian. We are strong believers in the Bill of Rights for all individuals. We believe that this includes us and our neighbors. Thank you for giving our request whatever consideration you can.

Sincerely,

a first stab at blog posting comment guidelines

Here is an initial set of guidelines for commenting on posts here at the Bloomingdale Neighborhood blog:

1) Identify yourself. A full name would be best, but at least include a first name.

2) Identify your neighborhood.

3) Totally anonymous posts will not be allowed and be deleted, regardless of the content of the comment.


I am following the well-seasoned comment guidelines of the popular InShaw blog (thanks, Mari!)

"how do you deal with harassment on the street?"

A resident on the unit block of R Street NW has asked this message posted for public comment:


To the females of Bloomingdale:I was just wondering how other females from the neighborhood deal with this problem, because as a resident of the area for the past 2 1/2 years, it has taken its toll on me.

How do you deal with men (sometimes high or drunk) harassing you on the street?

I still don't really know the best way to handle unwelcome comments or catcalls. I have tried just about everything. Ignoring them seems to make it worse, because usually they just get louder (and often cruder) to try to get your attention. Sometimes, if someone seems friendly (especially someone who lives on my block) I might smile and say hello, but many times this only provokes things further, as some take the hello as an invitation to say lewd things. And these things happen in the middle of the day and/or morning. I won't even get into what happens at night.

I know one thing is to try not to walk alone, but sometimes for me it is unavoidable, as I need to get to the bus or metro or go to the coffee shop, which is just about 100 yards from my house. Should I say something more clear back to them (like "please stop saying things like that to me") if it is someone who I recognize who is a recurring problem? I have a feeling that might just backfire and make walking down my street something I would dread even more.There are times when I just try to block it out, but there are other times when I hear certain things that certain men say (very nasty things sometimes) that literally just makes me want to pick up and move to Glover Park. And I hate Glover Park.

I know it is just a part of living in the city and living in our area that I have to deal with and I try to remember all the great things about our area when I start to think it is too much. But if anybody has some constructive feedback for me, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Not the End

Not the End. Not hardly.

The Bloomingdale Neighborhood blog, started by neighborhood resident Sean Hennessey, is being resurrected.

Stay tuned.

the end.

Rainbow Boxer Lady 2
Originally uploaded by Ronnie R

the mural on w.

I heard the story of the origin for this art the other week. a little boy slapped a little girl in front of the artist after he had been chasing her and caught up to her on the artists stoop.
this is the girl thats not taking it anymore. standing up for herself. finding her place. its the hope of triumph. people love it and people hate it.


I dont think i'll be posting anymore to this blog, and i think that this photo from the bloomingdale flickr pool is a good last entry. there's a lot going on there; a beautiful house, a grill, a typical bloomingdale backyard fence, a nice day in the neighborhood. but also from violence to the scared little girl, to the idea of artwork, to the mural, to neighborhood reactions. all of it says a lot about Bloomingdale.


thanks to all of you who have contributed photos, content, and comments.
peace.

city gear

here's a spotlight on City Gear

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 7/26/2009

There are several Open Houses scheduled in the area for Sunday. Click on the highlighted text to view.

I'd also like to bring your attention to Bloomingdale in The Washington Post real estate section this week. Terri Rupar has written about purchasing property in "AS IS" condition (something I help people do quite a bit) and has featured my clients', Mark Mueller and Charles Martinez' home on the 100 block of W St NW. The article can be found here. I have also been chronicling the ongoing sage of Mark and Charles' renovation over at the Prince of Petworth blog. The first post in that series is here.

Church

IMG_2511.JPG
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

I walk by this church a lot and always admire the
beautiful details and stained glass.

a dismal forecast

In Shaw notes that developers wont touch north cap.

Bloomingdale Civic Association, Inc.

Bloomingdale Civic Association, Inc.

You are cordially invited to the
July Monthly Meeting
Next monthly meeting: September 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009
7:00pm
St. Georges’ Episcopal Church
2nd and U Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20001

AGENDA

Special Guest Speaker:
Massie Ritsch
Deputy Assistant Secretary for External Affairs & Outreach
U.S. Department of Education

[15 minutes]

I. McMillan Reservoir Development – Update – 10 minutes

II. DC Arts Commission Mural Presentation – Update – 10 minutes

III. Bloomingdale Flooding Update – Mitigation Strategies – Update – 10 minutes

IV. 2009 October House Tour – Update – 10 minutes

V. Feral Cats in Bloomingdale – Update – 10 minutes

VI. Reports from:
A. Office of Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr.
B. Executive Office of the Mayor
C. ANC Commissioner John T. Salatti

[15 minutes]
VII. Community Announcements – 5 minutes

Robert Vinson Brannum, President

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for Sunday 7/12/2009

69_V_St_NW_June_2009_008
Originally uploaded by hipchickindc

Urban Oasis open today from 1-4pm. The house I am holding open today has the most spectacular private yard with a garden, two flagstone patios, a deck, AND a garage. If that's not enough to get you over there, it is a high quality renovation with eco-friendly features including bamboo floors, Ice Stone counters (gorgeous!), a backsplash made from recycled Corona bottles, sky light, new Pella and Anderson windows on the main level, and flooring with radiant heat. Nice appliances, including a wine fridge. The basement is decked out as an inlaw suite and has easy access front and rear exits. 69 V St NW is priced at $629,000.

Here are additional Open Houses in the neighborhood today..

studio sale. cool art. great jewelry

One of my favorite neighborhood artists is having a studio sale tomorrow..
here's here message:



Hi all,
For those who don't already know, in a few weeks I will be leaving DC for 2 years of study and nature immersion in California. If you are in town this Sunday please come by to say "see you later" and help me clean out my studio! I will have some great deals on both my wall hangings and photographs, and of course will have my jewelry as well.

There will be plenty of cold refreshments, but dress for heat. Also FYI while I am gone I will still have someone selling my work at Eastern Market. Hope to see you!

-Andrea
(202) 550- 3629
www.andreahaffner.com

52 O Street, NW #307/308
Sunday July 12, 11 to 5

Northeast D.C. Loses Only DMV Service Center

The lack of interior space and overcrowded parking lot at the District's Department of Motor Vehicles Brentwood Service Center won't be a problem anymore: It's closing Aug. 14.



full article here

art causing conflict

fireworks

is anyone else thinking this has been a relatively quiet fireworks season?
i mean, i've been hearing them all night tonight, but its nothing like its been in the past.
maybe it'll be a loud week......

Open Houses scheduled in and around B'dale for TODAY-Sunday 7/5/09

Due to the holiday weekend, the open house schedule is light, but nonetheless, here it is.

Apparently, people DO buy houses on holiday weekends. I was going to tell all about my new listing on Flagler Pl NW that went on the market on Thursday, but it's under contract already (under contract after being listed for one day). I hate to waste the pics of this cute cute house, so here's the virtual tour. It was listed for $425,000.

Bloomingdale Center

Bloomingdale Center
Originally uploaded by M.V. Jantzen

Open Houses for Sunday

The list of open houses in and around the neighborhood can be found Here.

To see in person the lovely living room shown above, come by my Open House on Sunday from 1-4pm at 167 Adams St NW. This nicely renovated home has three bedrooms and three full baths, as well as a completely finished basement with both front and rear exits. Newly priced at $469,900., it's definitely worth a look!

farmers market on facebook

you can be a fan of the Bloomingdale Farmers Market on Facebook, if'n you want.

a brief history of the o street market

over at greater/greater washington

firehouse on north cap

DSC02114
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

a few years ago i had gotten a peek into it. this is what it looked like then.

anyone know whats going on now?

want to help out?

Bread for the City could use your help.

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 06/21/2009

Here is the list of scheduled Open Houses.

the bloomingdale farmers market on the radio

you prolly all already heard this but i figured its worth a post anyway.
BFM on NPR

pieces of the truxton circle fountain

this is pretty cool.
some reader of prince of petworth found pieces from the fountain.

the loading dock

thought this was an interesting place in baltimore that some of you may want to know about.

The Loading Dock
What is The Loading Dock?
Opened in October 1984, The Loading Dock, Inc., (TLD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to improve living conditions for families, neighborhoods, and communities, while positively impacting the environment, through redistributing surplus building materials. TLD operates out of a 42,000 sq. ft. warehouse in southeast Baltimore and serves as the state's central clearinghouse for salvaged surplus building materials that are otherwise headed for landfills and redistributes them.

Crispus Attucks Park

Crispus Attucks Park
Originally uploaded by rockcreek

i saw this great picture of crispus attucks in the bloomingdale photo group.

add some if you got some.

Open Houses in Bloomindale/LeDroit Park/Eckington scheduled for 06/14/2009

Here they are. Several agents are holding open houses on Sunday in a variety of price ranges.

Open Houses scheduled around Bloomingdale for 06/07/2009

The list can be found Here.

North Capitol and Rhode Island Avenue

DSC01500
Originally uploaded by Scenic Artisan

This is how the house on the corner once looked.

our secret park was discovered

The Prince of Petworth found our secret park.
it must be real

The Bloomingdale Public Safety Initiative

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C, Single Member District 5C04

John Salatti, Commissioner

“I am convinced of the real decency of most of our neighbors. On that foundation, we can together build a stronger community for the good of all and one that is capable of dealing with any problems we face.”



The Bloomingdale Public Safety Initiative



Invites You to Our Next



Neighborhood Safety Walk!



Our first three walks have been big successes! Even though the rain poured down Friday night just before the walk, residents still came out. So join us and walk the streets of Bloomingdale! A strong, diverse community presence will announce that this neighborhood does not tolerate: crime, drugs, violence, and prostitution! We also encourage a caring community where neighbors look out for neighbors and who appreciate what everyone brings to the community table.



THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH, 7:30 p.m.

Meet at the corner of 1st and V Streets, NW



(kids and dogs welcome!)

(rain or shine)



We can do it!



John T. Salatti

Commissioner, ANC 5C04
(202) 986- 2592

jsalatti @ earthlink.net

"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"

update on the Cook School

here is an update on the Cook School

Open Houses scheduled for 05/31/2009

Here are the scheduled Open Houses for Sunday.

fire at first anf rhode island

someone on twitter mentioned that there's a fire at first and rhode island.... i assume NW.

the secret park on facebook

psst. its here

what to do with all that rain?

here's a post about rain barrels provided by DC .

the shaw library

i'm more inclined to hit MLK myself so i've not really paid attention to the Watha T. Daniel library. hell, when i first saw it i thought it was a prison substation.

anyway, heres a post about it

Artomatic 2009 003

Artomatic 2009 003
Originally uploaded by hipchickindc

hipchick representin.

THE BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE

*sigh*
i've only been able to go to this twice since i moved to bloomingdale. i always have other obligations on the same day. same this year.

i would encourage everyone to go to this! Crispus Attucks park is truly a very special place, and our course, bloomingdale is full of wonderful people.


THE BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE
JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY!

Mark your calendars for Bloomingdale's hottest yard sale-
May 30th from 8am -2pm.

Interested in selling your wares?
We are still accepting vendor registrations
please visit www.crispusattuckspark.org for a printable registration form
and drop all payments off at 69 U Street, NW.

We currently have 23 registered sellers for the yardsale.
More are welcome!

PLEASE NOTE STREET CLOSURES:
THE UNIT BLOCK OF U STREET,NW WILL BE CLOSED ON MAY 30TH FROM 8AM TO 8PM

FIRST STREET BETWEEN RHODE ISLAND AND U STREETS, NW
WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8AM TO APPROXIMATELY 3PM

We hope to see at the yard sale!

sisters pizza serves breakfast

seems sisters pizza and mussels serves breakfast m-f

1300 2nd Street, NE, Store A, Washington, DC 20002

Edgewood

the edgewood civic association has a website.

their wikipedia page

on flickr

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 05/24/2009

Sunday Open Houses around the neighborhood can be found here.

fire at 253 V strett NW

i just received an alert.ema.dc.gov text stating that there is a fire at 253 V street NW

Historic Window Workshop

Come and learn the “how to” and the “must know” on replacing and repairing your historic windows!

DC Preservation League would like to invite you to a Historic Window Workshop, Saturday, May 30th

It’s almost a week away.

Register today!

For more information or to register visit our website at

http://www.dcpreservation.org/pdf/windowworkshop.pdf

your chance to see the old filtration site!

Tour of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site
June 3, 2009 at 6 pm
or June 6, 2009 at 10 am
Meet at the west gate entrance to participate in the tour.
RSVP by June 1 to John Basile at jbasile @ eya.com
or 301. 634. 8679.
The tour will last about one hour.



my flickr set of this site is HERE


click here to see a big cool photo of the site

and if you go on the tour, add some photos to the bloomingdale pool here

BACA on twitter

the Bates Area Civic Association is on Twitter

more gun fire

many people got to this blog today by searching "shooting at North Capitol and R".
They got an older post of the same title. a post inspired by a crime at the same location, at nearly the same time of day, on just as nice a day.

i've heard very little information about todays shooting, but police were on the scene in mere seconds.
heres a post on nbc

apparently there was a shooting, just a block away, earlier in the morning too.

fox news here
washingtonpost here

Row Houses

Row Houses
Originally uploaded by M.V. Jantzen

I've liked this guys shots on flickr for quite a while. seems he hit up our hood recently.

Event at Big Bear

Thursday May 21 - 8PM



Cheryl's Gone Reading Series



Deborah Ager

Danika Paige Myers

Marisa Plumb

Music by Marbayduk



@ Big Bear Cafe

1st + R NW

Washington, DC

(free!)





Deborah Ager's first book, Midnight Voices, was published by WordTech/Cherry

Grove Collections in 2009. Her poems have appeared in  such

publications as Best New Poets 2006, New England Review, The Georgia

Review, Quarterly West, and elsewhere. She's received fellowships from

the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the MacDowell Colony, and the

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. She publishes the journal 32

POEMS and co-directs the Joaquin Miller Cabin Poetry Reading Series in

Washington, DC.



Danika Paige Myers's poetry has appeared in Beloit Poetry Journal,

32 Poems, Practice:  New Writing + Art, and others. 

She was the recipient of the 2004 Editor’s Prize for Poetry

from Meridian and a finalist for the 2005 Ruth Lilly Student

Fellowship in Poetry. She currently teaches in the First Year Writing

Program at the George Washington University.



Marisa Plumb is a writer and media artist. Her current projects include a

never-ending novel and "How to Hear a Sentence"  -- a computer program that

generates lines of poet
ry based on common ideas between users. Her

works and presentations have been exhibited at several venues in

Chicago, IL and are forthcoming at events in D.C. and Barcelona. She

also does a smattering of web development, and runs a fake company from

a traveling cubicle. Other projects and writing are located at

www.marisaplumb.com.



Born on July 4, 1979, to an American

diplomat and a social worker in Mexico City, Maybarduk has since lived

and worked in Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Cuba and Venezuela, and across

the United States from a last-ditch reform school in rural Maine, to

Berkeley, California, where he attended law school and fronted indie

rock band Last Clear Chance. In 2007, Maybarduk joined the non-profit

advocacy group Essential Action, and now divides his time between music

and work in Washington, D.C. and the Global South, helping countries

improve access to critical medicines. Maybarduk released his second

album "No Hay Pueblo Vencido" ("No Defeated People"), produced by J.

Robbins (Jawbox/Channels), on March 19, 2009. Maybarduk and Robbins

invested months imagining arrangements and calling in established

musicians of the mid-Atlantic indie scene to draw out the character of

each song. "Vencido" compels as pop, as art, and as statement on living

unique possibilities despite oppression.



www.cherylsgone.com

public safety

I dont even live in his ANC but i know that John Salatti is one of the more active and vocal ANC reps. He sent out this message for a "Neighborhood Safety Walk" that you might want to be a part of.

Here's his message:
The Bloomingdale Public Safety Initiative
Invites You to Our Next
Neighborhood Safety Walk
Join with your neighbors and walk the streets of Bloomingdale! A strong, diverse community presence will announce that this neighborhood does not tolerate: crime, drugs, violence, and prostitution! We also encourage a caring community where neighbors look out for neighbors and who appreciate what everyone brings to the community table.


THURSDAY, MAY 21TH, 7:00 p.m.

Meet at the corner of 1st and V Streets, NW
(kids and dogs welcome!)

We can do it!

John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
(202) 986- 2592

jsalatti @ earthlink.net

"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"

Open Houses in Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park/Eckington 05/17/2009

After you stop by opening day of the Bloomingdale Farmers Market, there are a few Open Houses to check out in the neighborhood. Here's the list.

I hope to see a bunch of you guys tomorrow. I'll be at 140 Bryant St NW from 1-4pm for its debut open house. This artist-owned home is updated with such amenities as central air and a fabulous huge second floor deck. It features an unusual range of historic elements including hand crafted unpainted woodwork, leaded glass, antique chandeliers, and (I love, love, love these...) brass door knobs throughout. Priced to move at$475,000. Here is the virtual tour.

NoMas outdoor movies series.

NoMa BID to Host NoMa Summer Screen

The NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) will host a summer-long film series titled "NoMa Summer Screen" June 10 through July 29, 2009, every Wednesday night from 7:00 until 11:00 p.m. The theme of NoMa Summer Screen, which promises to be the city’s premier summer film and cultural event, is "Music in Pictures," films about musicians and bands.

Free and open to the public, the outdoor event will be held on a large grassy lot on L Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets, N.E. in Washington, D.C., just one block from the New York Avenue station on Metro’s Red Line. The site is adjacent to Union Place, a new apartment building being developed by The Cohen Companies that will deliver later this year.

Each film screening will be preceded by live DJs, special guests, barbeque,and surprises. Funk, soul, boogaloo, and other types of music will be provided by local DJ collective Fatback.

"Building on the success of last summer’s James Bond Film Festival, the NoMa BID is offering a fresh new concept in 2009" said Elizabeth Price, President of the NoMa BID. "Filmgoers will be able to enjoy music, food, films, and dancing under the stars, all while seeing first-hand NoMa’s rapid and dramatic transformation." A full film schedule (see below) will be posted shortly at www.nomasummerscreen.com.

June 10th- No Direction Home, A chronicle of Bob Dylan’s strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 - Directed by Martin Scorsese

June 17th- Buena Vista Social Club, Rediscovery of a legendary, members-only club in 1940’s Havana, Cuba, as documented through the music and lives of veteran performers

June 24th- Ray, Extraordinary life story of Ray Charles, a man who fought harder and went farther than anyone thought possible

July 1st- Lady Sings the Blues, Loosely based on her 1956 autobiography, the story of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, as portrayed by Diana Ross

July 8th- I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, Documentary about the making and the conflicts of Wilco’s fourth studio Album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.

July 15th- Standing in the Shadows of Motown, History of the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists

July 22nd- Scratch, Documentary about hip-hop DJing, the birth of turntablism, the legends and the culture

July 29th- DIG! Story of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, a band with critical acclaim but no commercial success, as told by arch-nemesis and biggest fan, The Dandy Warhols

1000 block of O Street, NW before and now

check out this blog post containing a picture of the 1000 block of o nw in the mid 80's and one taken recently.

Bloomingdale Farmers Market is Back. this sunday!

got this letter from the Bloomingdale Farmers Market.

Dear BFM Fans:

We're back! This Sunday May 17th. 10-2. Rain or Shine or Thunderstorms.

We hope you will be as well, starting at 10 am in front of the Big Bear Cafe, EVEN IF IT RAINS! Even if it Thunderstorms!

Meet the New producers and all your old favorites .:


The short story is that we have more producers than last year! We have pasta and sauces and jams, we have mushrooms and flowers, we have an organic Loudoun County Vegetable grower plus cheese and yogurt and new breads. We will have a few EGGS this week at Painted Hand/Keswick but LOTS more at Truck Patch in a few weeks. Pastured Lamb and beef and goat and pork. Lots of new breads from Panorama, too. THREE VEGGIE Stands. Tons of Asparagus. Lots of salads and greens. Chard. Spring Onions. Plus Lots of plants for you to grow your own herbs and veggies and flowers. First of the STRAWBERRIES and BEETS.

Read on to learn all the delicious details!

NEW PRODUCER: Many of you asked for a producer of pasta, sauces, and jams. I am really thrilled I found you this one!
Chef Stefano Frigerio of Maestro and Mio fame.

Stefano has given up the restaurant gig for now and has become a local producer using local farm ingredients for his stand, The Copper Pot.

Maestro quality pastas at farmers' market prices: artisanal gnocchi, linguine, spaghetti, cavatelli, sausage ravioli, rabbit ravioli, mushroom ravioli, ricotta-spinach ravioli. And his their sauces: last year he canned 500 jars of late- harvest local tomato sauce. He has added roasted shallots and Barolo sauce and smoky farmer bacon and parmesan sauces for his pastas.

Looking for a little excitement in your jam? Stefano loves to make locally sourced jams with attitude. Concord grape with a little grappa, peach and prosecco, vanilla and strawberry, white figs and balsamic, fresh apple jam. Ask him which Keswick cheeses to serve with his jams....




NEW PRODUCER: You also asked for a third Vegetable Stand and let me introduce you to a fascinating new farmer, Jim Dunlap of SnowBear Farm, a Certified Naturally Grown Farm!


SnowBear Farm was started in 2007. I retired from working for the USG in 2005, and following a trek of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 2006, I decided to fulfill a dream of having my own farm. Both Nancy and I grew up in ranching country in Wyoming. We looked at large farms of up to 540 acres in rural locations around the USD, but ended up deciding to see if our small place here in Virginia could make a go of it.

Our farming interests are oriented towards Organic methods, but we settled on a private farming organization -- the National Organic Program due to the high costs of being in the NOP. The organization we joined, and are certified by, is called the Certified Naturally Grown organization. It is easy to find on the web http://www.naturallygrown.org/ and we are listed under the Virginia farms. The CNG program follows all the same rules as the NOP in terms of no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or use of synthetic fertilizers. CNG also emphasizes sustainable agriculture practices.

We hope to provide something of a model to show other landowners in the far suburbs that it is possible to use their large plots of land productively, rather than just let it sit there as giant lawns or as pet horse facilities. Virginia should be the breadbasket for the Metro area during growing season. Is this possible with our outrageously high property taxes? I'll let you know in another year or two.

SnowBear Farm: This week Snowbear will have Simpson's Black Seeded Lettuce (a mild, green leaf lettuce with crinkly edges and a small sweet Romaine called Jericho. Two kinds of spring Onions, arugula, spinach, chives, scallions, baby chard, mizuna, kale, radishes, mustards. The groundhogs breakfasted on the turnips and beets so they will be a little later in the month. Plus lots of plant starts: herbs, vegetables and flowers.

New Producer: Barbara and Dennis of Greenstone Fields who visited us briefly last Fall have joined us with their delicious mushrooms and lovely flowers.

Reid: This weekend Caitlan is bringing Fuji and Pink Lady apples -- very crunchy and flavorful, she wrote. Apple cider, apple sauce, apple butter, pumpkin butter and lots of PLANTS for your gardens and containers. In fact, she is bringing a whole little garden nursery of bedding herbs and vegetable/flower plants. Reid has an astonishing variety of herbs..... basil, chives, cilantro, dill, french tarragon, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, winter savory

Garner: Come early to snag the first of his strawberries. Asparagus galore! The first of the beets with their greens Salads: green and red and romaines, spring onions, chard. And a huge variety of herbs, veggie and flowers you can plant yourself in your garden or containers for your deck or kitchen windows. Plus beautiful hanging flowering baskets, planters and containers.

The Garden Centers at BFM:

Whatever you want for your urban garden, all at Reid, Garner, SnowBear and Common Good City Farm


Just a few of the selections: Lettuce gardens, herb gardens, heirloom tomatoes of every shape and kind, red & green sweet pepper plants, red & yellow sweet italian heirloom stuffing peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, watermelons some hot peppers, "Titan" sunflowers with edible heads, marigolds, phlox, lobelia, shasta Daisy, Dahlia, Petunia, Columbines. crookneck squash plants, heirloom zucchini plants, pattypan plants, broccoli plants, and some arugula plants. Herbs this week: 5 kinds of basil, catnip, chives, cilantro, dill, 9 kinds of lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, 6 kinds of mint oregano, parsley, 8 kinds of rosemary, green & purple sage, summer&winter savory, french tarragon, 10 different thymes for culinary landscaping uses, chocolate mint,


Panorama: Loic keeps coming up with new breads just for us. This week he added 4 new breads: pumpernickel raisin with a touch of molasses, 9 Grain Boule, 9 Grain mini rolls with TOASTED sunflower seeds and a NEW style of baguette that he is very excited about :

This time is the real Outstanding TRADITION PARISIAN BAGUETTE
It is made with the dough of the Rustique with a very long time of proofing (12 hours). The bread is absolutely marvelous

Come early if you want fabulous multigrain rolls with Toasted Sunflower Seeds. I waited too long last week at U Street and they sold out. Lots of other breads as well: plain pumpernickel boule, Rustique, French Country, Croissants, Danish, whole wheat, rye, sourdough breads sliced loaves, baguettes (including French, sun- dried tomato, walnut- raisin) Large olive oil rolls. His breakfast challah..... His breads FREEZE very well for later in the week.

Lots of free samples....

Keswick: NEW: Keswick has been tinkering with their Blue Suede Moo -- it is really silky! By the way, our new pasta chef Stefano says their Ricotta is the real Italian kind --he loves it and uses it in his stuffed ravioli. My favorite yogurt in the world. Cheddar, Wallaby, Lesher, Vermeer, Fetas. I had the Special Reserve Vermeer- aged at least 7 months, it has a nuttier flavor than the younger Vermeer. Bovre, German style Quark and..... pudding.

Painted Hand Farm from Pennsylvania will have humanely raised, grass-fed ROSE veal and goat meat. All cuts: shanks, chops, ground, veal scaloppini (a thin cutlet), breakfast link goat sausage , hot and sweet Italian veal sausage, traditional German-style Bratwurst (veal and pork)
.
Truck Patch: ASPARAGUS- mesclun, lettuce mix, arugula, spinach, radishes, brassica mix, stir fry and braising greens., mint, cilantro, chives, garlic chives, spring onions. I love their chives and garlic chives slivered over asparagus soup. Bryan reminds me that he has asparagus seconds that are perfect for soup.

Brian's pastured pigs root around in shady Maryland groves. Try his thick fresh pork chops for dinner , bone-in and boneless pork loin roast, pork shoulder roast, Boston butt roast, baby back ribs, spare ribs, sausage, hams, bacon. Try their hams if you want to remember what Ham should taste like.

Pastured Beef: Truck Patch has every cut of Black Angus pastured beef.


New Asbury Lamb:

Bill and Joan will have every cut of Spring lamb and will have some sales on Sage and Italian sausage and Whole lamb roasts. Stock up for your Memorial Day barbecues because, as you know, they can only come to market every other week. Special taste treat at their stand: Sample their sausage.

Spring Lamb: whole bone legs, whole boneless legs, half butterfly boneless, kebab cubes, shanks,boneless loin roast, loin chops, racks, rib chops, half boneless shoulder roast, stew cubes, sage and Italian sausage,ground lamb and organ meats

Common Good City Farm (Formerly 7th Street Garden)

They visited us frequently last year -- and they will be joining us permanently this year. You may see them wheeling their produce over to market from their new home at the Gage-Eckington Schoolyard! They will have lots of fresh herbs and plants for your gardens and containers.


See you Sunday, RAIN OR SHINE.


Robin and Ted

1426 North Capitol St NW being auctioned off

Description:

Partially renovated 2,271 +/- sf commercial building on North Capitol Street in Washington DC. The property is zoned C-2A which permits a wide variety of commercial uses. Great location between New York Ave & Florida Ave NW.

more info here

neighbors at artomatic?

as an artist i'm always interested in other artists in the neighborhood.
any of you participating at artomatic? comment and leave your website and the floor you'll be on.
leave the name of your hood too.

BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE

BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITY
YARD SALE
Sponsored by the CADC –A not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining Crispus Attucks Park for the entire community


Saturday May 30th, 8AM -2PM
(Rain date: Sat June 6th)
in CRISPUS ATTUCKS PARK
The private community park between the unit blocks of U and V Streets and the 2000 blocks of North Capitol & 1st streets.
In the heart of DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood

This year CADC is pleased to announce that the Community Yard sale is being held in conjunction with the:
7th Annual Health and Fitness Fair - 10AM-2PM
A Community Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by Mt Bethel Baptist Church
on 1st St. between Rhode Island Ave. NW and U St. NW

WANT TO SELL? REGISTER NOW
• Dozens of sellers and loads of shoppers on an acre of green park space
• We do all the advertising and bring all the buyers to you!
• Brings your wares* and a table, set up and sell – It’s that easy!

*Sorry, the sale of food is prohibited. CADC relies heavily on revenues from its snack stand to support its ongoing activities. Thank you for your understanding

Registration Fee: $25 if you register before May 16th and $35 afterwards (or the day of the sale). Forms are available on the park’s website www.crispusattuckspark.org or contact Tynesia at 703- 973- 5733 or tynesia27 @ aol.com .

RATHER DONATE MERCHANDISE?
If you won’t be able to sell 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 to donate merchandise.

another gallery in bloomingdale

NOA Gallery & Design Studio
132 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
202- 483- 7328

PRESS RELEASE

NOA GALLERY REOPENING

NOA Gallery & Design Studio (New, Old & Abstract) is owned and operated by Michael Little, artist and designer. Centrally located at 132 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., NOA Gallery is presenting a long awaited reopening on Saturday afternoon, May 16, 2009, between the hours of 12 noon and 4 o'clock p.m. NOA Gallery is located within the Shaw, Bloomingdale, and LeDroit Park boundaries of Washington, D.C. The Gallery will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday hours from noon to 6 p.m., all other times by appointment (202-483- 7328

i'm intrigued by this space

its on the market

Personally, i'd love to use it as a studio space, maybe do sculpture workshops or painting workshops out of there. but it'd also make a rockin bar or restaurant space.

given the spaces nearby, it seems inevitable that this block will become more active commercially. bloomingdale liquors, the yoga place, maybe baraki, dc minimart, the empty and rather large space directly across the street. could be a lot going on.

Open Houses scheduled in Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park/Eckington for Sunday 05/10/2009

There are a few scheduled open houses for Sunday, as seen in the link. Rod Davis with Re/Max Allegiance has asked that I mention that 54 Randolph Pl NW, now fully renovated and officially on the market, will be open from 1:30-3:30pm on Sunday.

My daughter has insisted that I not work on Mother's Day, so no open houses for me. Happy Mother's Day to all of the families who choose to raise their children in Bloomingdale!

alley

Mark and Charles March 09 041
Originally uploaded by hipchickindc

NPR

DCmetrocentric wrote about NPRs new building on North Capitol here

Open Houses and April Sales

Here is information regarding properties in and around the neighborhood that went to settlement in April 2009.

Sunday Open Houses for 5/3/09 can be found here.

the big bear won an award.

look here

NoMa on Fox

Subway Sub Shop on North Capitol

see here

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for Sunday

Click here for a list of Open Houses around the neighborhood for Sunday 04/26/2009.

constant vigilence!

check out the tale of the caught package thief from Columbia Heights.

open studios at 52 O street this weekend.

This is one of the gems of our city. go check it out:


Friends, Family, Art Lovers of the World,

Come spend the weekend with 20+ artists opening their studios for your enjoyment!
This coming weekend, April 25 & 26 is Open Studios at 52 O Street Studios from
11am-5pm both Saturday and Sunday.

More info here: http://www.52ostreetstudios.org/os.html

biking from eckington to the baseball stadium

Eckington ( way better than spotsylvania ) has a post on biking to the stadium ( or say artomatic)