vote today if you haven't already

If you are eligible to vote in the DC primary election today -- and if you haven't already voted -- then please do vote today.

All polling places are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Find your voting precinct here: http://www.dcboee.org/voter_info/find_pollingplace/

Info on Settled Residential Property Sales

Do you already own a home in the area and are curious about current market values? Would you like to be made aware when a property in the neighborhood goes to settlement and want to know immediately what it sold for? If there is enough interest, I will set up an auto e-mail with this information. Anybody who wants to receive settled sales information for Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, and Eckington properties directly to e-mail, please send an e-mail to me at sdesmarais (at) urbanpace dot com.

For an overview of all reported settled sales in Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, and Eckington since the beginning of 2010, Click Here.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 09/12/2010

The first weekend following Labor Day means lots of open houses and new listings! Here is the list of Open Houses in the area. If you prefer a map, here you go, complete with directions. To get info on each of the houses that are open, scroll over the push pins on the map.

Rustik tavern now hiring

Rustik is now hiring experienced bartenders and cooks.

Bloomingdale residents are encouraged to apply for a chance to be a part of a local spot team.

Please send your resume with a cover letter at info@rustikdc.com .

back to: feeding ferals cats around Crispus Attucks Park

See this latest Email exchange from the Bloomingdale resident whose rear faces Crispus Attucks Park -- on the 2000 block of 1st Street NW, east side:

Ms. Lunaris:

Obviously you have no clue whatsoever as to what I have been experiencing for several years now due the presence of feral cats and wild life on my property. I did not see where you attempted to address the products that the cats have been leaving on my property (poop) for several years now. This is a health hazard to me and my family. The cats and wild life, because of the food sources near my home now choose to live on and under my deck. It is in fact a health hazard, loss of quality of life and nuisance “to me and my family”. I am allergic to cats, and asthmatic. When a cat was found finally having gotten into my home and is found sleeping in my bed, do you not think this is not a health hazard. A dirty filthy smelly cat, these cats do have fleas and in some cases the hair is falling off… Ms. Hille said to me, when I called to express my concerns “well you left the door open”! Where was the concern for my health? If you in fact believe that the cats are being monitored and cared for by Alley Cat Allies where I live, you are mistaken and that is an overstatement.

Food continues to be left out in large quantities every day all day. This practice not only attracts cats but other wildlife. The feral cats and other wildlife then live near the source of the food. It’s just that simple. I witness these animals practically every day coming into my yard and living on and under my deck. Poop on my private property and in my plant containers is unacceptable and yes a health problem for me. Am I expected to continue to clean up after them? Each time I ask the question (and there have been many) of who cleans up after the animals, there is dead SILENCE on the ISSUE. I haven’t heard the ANSWER! Maybe since Alley Cat Allies are monitoring the cats, they can swing by my home and check of the rear door of my basement and take care of that poop problem. How about that! Is poop a public health problem and hazard when left not cleaned up day in and day out? Do I have full access and enjoyment of my home to my own deck (the table which I would like to eat upon) and property where I PAY taxes? I think NOT. Not another time. Not another year will I endure this. I have been quoted the law by the city officials and heard the explanations given by the Washington Humane Society for too many years. Just live with them! Basically. Yet neighbors continue to feed and feed year in and year out. What about my rights to enjoy my home and use my property as I choose? Quite frankly at this point I do not care how others feel one way or the other whether they are being affected or not. This is now a self-centered issue around me and my family.

The Mayor Fenty himself viewed the situation during a Bloomingdale community walkthrough said two years ago, take care of this situation. I didn’t have to say ONE word, the cats were all over my deck and back yard! It has NOT been resolved. This is ONE DC government I am NOT calling around to find a final lasting resolution. That is precisely why I pay taxes.This is your JOB and responsibility, and no one has gotten the JOB DONE to my satisfaction. The Humane Society, Mr. Giacoppo does address wildlife (after a raccoon decided it wanted to live on my deck too) and has been to my home more than once. No more calls, emails and meetings. Make no mistake. I will be taking legal action. BTW I saw a baby opossum (where is the litter) wondering around last nite next door. ENOUGH!


From: Lunaris, Molly (DOH)
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 12:20 PM
To: Resident on the 2000 block of 1st St NW, east side
Cc: Vigilance, Pierre (DOH); Leonard, Kimberly (DOH); Woldu, Feseha (DOH); Hille, Maria (DOH); john.salatti@gmail.com; Scott Giacoppo; Bridget Speiser; 'Alyson Burgess'
Subject: Feral and Wild Animals in your neighborhood

Good Afternoon,

I’ve been asked to respond to your inquiries about feral and wild animals in your neighborhood.

Feeding feral cats is not illegal in the District so long as such feeding does not attract rats. That is why the community is encouraged to feed only for a short period of time. 10 minutes is an arbitrary about of time that is suggested by feral cat management organizations such as Alley Cat Allies and the Washington Humane Society. The feeder is supposed to pick up any remaining food after the cats finish eating so that any leftovers don’t attract rats or wildlife. It sounds like your neighbor’s take that responsibility seriously and are encouraging those who may be less vigilant to improve their performance to prevent problems. You referenced a serious health problem because of the cats. The Department of Health has not received reports of sick cats, rabies or other diseases transmitted by animals from the neighborhood.

As you may also be aware, the Animal Control Act (8-1802(c)2)) requires the District to “promote the utilization of trap, spay or neuter, and return practices as a means of controlling the feral cat population; provided, that all efforts shall be made to adopt out a trapped, tamable kitten.” My understanding is that the cats you are referring to have been sterilized, vaccinated, and are monitored by the community to ensure that the cats remain healthy. The monitoring includes feeding.

Sterilizing and releasing feral cats is best practices in feral cat management. Trapping and killing animals invites new feral cats into the neighborhood, the new, unsterilized cats reproduce and the population explodes. Because cats are highly territorial, sterilized cats keep new cats out and reduce the population over time.

I understand that Ms. Hille, who you have worked with in the past, has followed up with the known feeders in the neighborhood and issued abatement notices requiring them to cease feeding practices that may cause a public health nuisance.

In your e-mail, you also mention a wildlife problem. The Mayor has not mandated DOH with wildlife management. Wildlife management is DDOE’s Fisheries and Wildlife Division’s domain. That division can be reached by calling Ms. Becky Ackerson at 202-727-4726. If the Department of Health receives reports of sick or injured wildlife, or wildlife actively threatening a resident, animal control can go out; however, the mere presence of a wild animal in the neighborhood does not indicate a public health problem.

Sincerely,

Molly Lunaris
Program Specialist Animal Disease Prevention Division
DC Department of Health Government of the District of Columbia
825 North Capitol Street, NE
Suite 8001 Washington, DC 20002
Office: (202) 535-2508
Mobile: (202) 380-6603
Fax: (202) 535-1359
molly.lunaris@dc.gov www.doh.dc.gov

Parker Flats holding fundraiser on 09/25/2010 for Halloween fundraiser

See this message from Parker Flats resident Cassie Lilly:

Hello Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park!

The Parker Flats at Gage School Social and Philanthropy Committees are planning to hold a "Haunted Schoolhouse" event to celebrate Halloween with some of our younger local residents. In order to provide what we expect to be a wonderful night for everyone involved, we need to raise funds to put towards, for lack of a better term, tricking this joint out. We have planned a great fundraiser that should be as beneficial to our cause as it is a good time for all its participants.

On Saturday, September 25th from 1pm-4pm in our courtyard at 2035 2nd St. NW between U & V Sts., we will be hosting the Parker Flats Minute To Win It Tourney and Raffle. Capitalizing on the immense popularity of the NBC game show Minute To Win It, Parker Flats residents, friends, and members of the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park communities are invited to compete in a series of 1 minute mini-games to see who exhibits the most skill at random tasks. Adult entrants will pay a $10 entry fee to compete and the last man or woman standing will receive the Parker Cup and bragging rights. Child entrants will pay $10 to enter the Youth Category, or $5 if their parent/guardian also enters the Adult Category. The last child standing will receive the Lil' Parker Cup and bragging rights. Spectators will pay $5 for the thrill of watching Parker Flats residents, members of the local community, and possibly a local ANC (who is rumored to be attending) make spectacles of themselves in the name of charity.

Refreshments will be sold, and all paid competition entrants will receive a ticket for one free beverage. We will also be selling tickets for our raffle, which promises to have some amazing pizes. All tickets will go into the same pool increasing the chances of winning eerything from bottles of wine to 1 hour massages. Tickets will be $5 each, or four for $15. We really want to make our Halloween event special for the nighborhood children, so we hope that everyone will come out and join us in rising money for this cause. The weather promises to be beautiful, the games entertaining, and the company as delightful as always in this great neighborhood of ours. See you there!

Cassie Lilly and Emily Dessem
Parker Flats at Gage School
Social Committee Co-Chairs
Parkerflatsliving@gmail.com

seeking referrals for exterminators

See this request from a 4th Street NW resident:

Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for an exterminator specializing in bug removal. We had a bad experience with "Payne Pest Control" -- who never made good on a 6th month warranty after repeated attempts to set up follow up appointments -- and now are back at square one.

WP article on the Ward 5 Democratic council race

Today's Washington Post includes an article about the Ward 5 Democratic council race:

Harry Thomas Jr.'s challengers say deep roots aren't enough in D.C. Council's Ward 5 race
By Ann E. Marimow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 11, 2010; B01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/10/AR2010081006255.html

All four Democratic candidates -- Harry Thomas Jr., Kenyan McDuffie, Delano Hunter and Tracey Turner -- are mentioned.

Bloomingdale celeb Steuart Martens: wine tasting with Tradewinds at Windows Cafe this Friday evening, 09/10/2010

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Steuart Martens:

Tradewinds Specialty Imports and Steuart Martens from NBC`s the Apprentice along with Windows cafe are teaming up for a special fall wine tasting this Friday night September 10th from 6 PM to 8 PM. Windows is preparing free hor douvres to go along with the fantastic wines from Tradewinds.

Windows will feature 4 boutique, estate grown and bottled wines from Spain and Argentina, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Representatives from Tradewinds will be there to discuss the wines and help buyers pick out a bottle, a few or even a case to take home. We hope the residents of Ledroit and Bloomingdale can join us for a fun filled wine tasting.

See you all Friday night for some fun!
--

Steuart Martens
Taste of DC
Tradewinds Specialty
On The Fly
Twitter: @steuartmartens
Facebook: Steuart Martens

P.S. from your moderator: Did you all see the brief Washington Examiner article on Steuart and his efforts to revive the Taste of DC festival?

`Apprentice` contestant bringing back Taste of DC
By: Katy Adams and Nikki Schwab
Washington Examiner
09/01/10 6:00 PM EDT
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/blogs/yeas-and-nays/_Apprentice_-contestant-bringing-back-Taste-of-DC-684031-101997503.html

Bloomingdale 4-H arts & crafts club this Saturday, 09/11/2010

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Elle Cayabyab Gitlin:

Hey, kids!
Check out the Bloomingdale 4-H Arts and Crafts Club

Saturday, September 11
2 PM to 3 PM

St. George`s Episcopal Church
(Corner of 2nd and U Streets NW)

Learn how to paint with watercolors

Have a healthy fruit snack

Bring a friend and receive a prize!

Contact Chenelyn Barker
chenelynbarker@gmail.com
(202) 446-8674

overnight pet-sitting services

See this advertisement from Bloomingdale resident Ashley Gatewood:

Overnight Pet Sitter Available to Care for Your Best Friend

Don`t put your four-legged best friend in a kennel when you travel. I`m a responsible, reliable overnight pet sitter who will stay with your pet and take care of their every need.

Your pet will receive all the attention and pampering it is accustomed to and will not have to endure the stress of being boarded.

I also will bring in your mail, feed fish, and water plants. I would be glad to interview with you and your pet.

Rates: $45/night for one pet and $60/night for two pets

Serving the pets of Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park/Shaw/Columbia Heights

Contact Ashley at shrinkwrapped@yahoo.com or 202. 236. 0834.

seeking carpet cleaning referrals

See this request from a resident on the 100 block of V Street NW:

We're trying to find a good carpet cleaning service. Our off-white carpets have become more "off" than "white".

Any referrals?

Bloomingdale Civic Assn & HU welcome back meet & greet

See this message from Bloomingdale Civic Association President Robert Brannum:

The Bloomingdale Civic Association, Inc.
www.bloomingdalecivic.org

in collaboration with

Ward 5 Council Member Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr.,
Ward 5 D. C. State Board of Education Member Mark Jones,
5C04 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner John Salatti,
and The Howard University Office of Vice President for Student Affairs

cordially invite you to an

End of Summer and Welcome Back Meet & Greet

on

Tuesday, September 7, 2010
5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

at the St. George’s Episcopal Church, 2nd and U Streets, N.W.

Come and say hello to your new neighbors and welcome back our neighbors returning from summer vacations.

Refreshments will be served.

ticketing for leaving supercans, recycling bins, and cars in the alleys

From ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

I just want to confirm some of the recent postings that have urged people not to leave supercans, recycling bins, or vehicles in the alley. Under DC law, all cans must be out of the public rights of way (alleys & sidewalks) by the evening of trash pick-up day. For most of Bloomingdale, pick-up day is Wednesday. So certainly by Thursday morning every can left in an alley is subject to a $75 ticket. DPW does not always enforce that law, but the inspectors have been doing so more regularly recently. Inspectors have told me that they tend to concentrate on alleys where the cans tend to be scattered about. Perhaps the city needs the revenue, perhaps the Dept. is trying to do its job to clean up the alleys (and prevent the cans from being used by drug dealers to stash drugs).

But whatever the reason, DPW has the right to ticket. So to avoid an unpleasant ticket, please remove your supercans and recycling bins from the alleys as soon as you can. And to be out of the public right of way in an alley means that the can must be behind a lamp post or telephone pole.

Someone asked how DPW knows who to ticket. The answer is that every can is embossed with a serial number and that number is assigned to a specific address. So the inspectors know exactly which owner to ticket.

And what goes for supercans and recycling bins goes double for vehicles. Any vehicle left in the alley is subject to ticketing from DPW Parking Enforcement and from police.

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 09/05/2010

In town for the holiday weekend? There are at least a few open houses to check out on Sunday. Here is the map of the same info. Scroll over the push pins on the map to see the details of each property.

alternative plan for the McMillan sand filtration site that fully preserves the site

More discussion the development of the McMillan Sand Filtration site in Bloomingdale.

This Email exchange was lifted from the Historic Washington list at Yahoogroups, moderated by Mary Rowse.

Re: McMillan Sand Filtration May be saved if Gray Wins
Posted by: "Mehdi Mansouri" tin@onlineoffice.us
Thu Sep 2, 2010 10:01 am (PDT)

Our group of people against the current McMillan "City/EYA Plan" are not against development. We are against what I call "destructive development." We are in favor of responsible progress that would make the McMillan site functional-- to serve as many needs of our communities as possible--while preserving this magnificent, historical site.

We have an alternative plan that will fully preserve this site while converting it into a community center with all kinds of businesses, a shopping center, grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment, tourist attraction, park and green space, you name it. And all of that could take less than two years to complete.

At the same time, we have proof that the City/EYA plan will be a disaster for people in every conceivable way, especially financially, and only profitable for developers. There is not even one advantage in demolishing McMillan and building what the City wants to put in there--a mini city with 1,200 residential units and huge square footage of retail and business space with almost no green space, all without doing ANY studies about short and long-term cost/benefits of the "development" itself and its side-effects. None.

Everything the City claims to be a positive factor about their McMillan plan is exactly the opposite. And it is expected to take about 10 years (or more) to complete.

The City has also been keeping all important documents and all contracts top secret from people. City officials never answer any of our questions about any important aspect of their plan, such as what commitments the City may have made to EYA?

Instead they have tried to prevent us from asking questions and insisting on answers. Their efforts include harassment, framing up, wrongfully labeling some of us and lying to others about us (in my case alone they did all of the above plus contacting my employer and sending detectives to my door, just because I ask questions and insist on answers).

Yes, we hear that EYA has done "successful projects." This is what the City keeps saying too. But we need to define the meaning of a "successful" project for us--the people. At a minimum, a project that is considered successful for people in one part of the town may be disastrous for people in another part. That is exactly what is happening here. Just because EYA builds buildings that look good, doesn't make those buildings "successful" for people if they are built in the wrong location, or the wrong process is used to develop their plans, their construction, etc.

I agree that quality of life is something that many of us are concerned about. Just a quick snapshot related to quality of life: There are over 30 (and closer to 40 I am told) other mega projects happening just in Ward 5. Some of these projects are just a block or two away from McMillan. The City never talks about the combined side effects of all of these projects on our communities- -the impact on an already bad traffic situation, how high utilities and taxes will go up as a result, the impact on air quality as pollution increases as more cars and people come to the neighborhood, and as green space and parks (McMillan Park being one of them) disappear. DC is already at the top or close to the top of the list of metropolitan cities with the worst air quality.

Our goal is to stop the current developer-oriented plan and start making a new plan using scientific and commonsense methods. This is also a great opportunity to get the DC Government to be more transparent.

I am compiling a description of everything that is wrong with the City/EYA plan for McMillan and will be posting it to a website that I am developing for McMillan and DC Government issues. I will post the URL to this group hopefully within a few days.

I hope we can continue this discussion and address and analyze issues for our mutual benefit.

Mehdi Mansouri
Tin@onlineoffice.us
(202) 657- 6457

From: HistoricWashington@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:HistoricWashington@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Sieczkowski
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 9:39 PM
To: HistoricWashington@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [HistoricWashington ] McMillan Sand Filtration May be saved if Gray Wins

Saved? The development may move slower if Gray wins but what does saved mean? Its a neglected site. How does prolonged neglect equate to saving it?

There are definitely citizens that feel development of the site is warranted and that the current plans on the table are reasonable. All the EYA projects I've seen in the city are successful. This includes projects in Capitol Hill, the U Street area (two blocks behind Ben's chili bowl) and townhomes being erected a few blocks from the Nationals stadium.

This idea of what's best for the people is not shared by everyone.

Paul Sieczkowski

seeking referrals for a mason for brick, stone and chimney work

From a V Street NW household:

We are seeking recommendations for a mason to specifically perform brick and stone and chimney work.

.

"Whom do you think is the best candidate for DC mayor?"

A V Street NW resident has asked me to post this question to the Bloomingdale community regarding the upcoming mayoral primary:

"Whom do you think is the best candidate for DC Mayor and why should members of the Bloomingdale community support that candidate?"

National Organization for Marriage endorses Delano Hunter, candidate for Ward 5 Council

Did registered Democrats in Ward 5 receive the large postcard in the mail last week from the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) promoting the Ward 5 Council candidate of their choice, Delano Hunter?

If not, here is the text from the large postcard:

Text from side #1:

WARNING: Outside Special Interests are Targeting Delano Hunter

Thousands of dollars from homosexual activists outside Ward 5 are attacking Delano Hunter because he supports our right to vote on whether the District legalizes ‘gay marriage.’

Radical, gay marriage activists are flooding Ward 5 with money to defeat Delano Hunter, not because they don’t like his plan to improve our community, but only because he supports the Biblical definition of marriage.

The outside gay activists don’t care about our right to home rule and right to vote on gay marriage. They only care about their agenda to redefine marriage. Don`t let them target Delano Hunter.

Vote to Elect Delano Hunter
Respecting our Past, Working for Our Future

Text from side #2:

Paid for by the National Organization for Marriage
2029 K Street NW,
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
Brian S. Brown, President, Neil Corkery, Treasurer
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee

Delano Hunter Shares our Values

A third generation Washingtonian and lifelong Ward 5 resident, Hunter graduated with honors from Delaware State University with a degree in Business Management.

Delano Hunter worked for Nike Inc., where he created the Nike Production Creation Experience that provides mentorship to innercity youth and teaches them business skills.

Delano Hunter works closely with community residents on career development, education and empowerment initiatives designing and supporting ongoing programs such as Operation Truancy, which promotes regular school attendance and scholastic achievement.

A Plan for DC

In the past two years, unemployment in DC has more has doubled, pushing growing numbers of residents into poverty. The current leadership has failed to take action. Delano Hunter has a plan for improving the quality of living in DC.

- Job creation! Provide funding for microloans to existing businesses on key Ward 5 corridors
- Expand recreation in at-risk communities
- Create employment opportunities for youth
- Provide special services for families with at-risk children
- Establish an H.I.V./AIDS prevention task force

Delano Hunter Supports DC Home Rule
Full voting rights in Congress
End Congressional meddling in DC issues
Right of DC residents to vote on homosexual marriage
Vote Delano Hunter for Ward 5

I Emailed Mr. Hunter, asking for his input on National Organization for Marriage mailer.

Here is his reply:

Hello Mr. Roberts:

The mailer was not authorized by my campaign. I had no advanced knowledge of the content or distribution. Quite honestly, I didn`t agree with elements of the mailer including some of the incendiary language. This is something that I am addressing with the appropriate persons.

Regards,

Delano Hunter

I appreciate his reply and acknowledge his statements. I, too, find the tone of the message from the National Organization for Marriage folks a bit offensive.

potential implications on the McMillan Sand Filtration site development if Vince Gray wins

More discussion about the development of Bloomingdale's McMillan Sand Filtration site.

These two messages were posted at the HistoricWashington list at Yahoogroups.

The first post is from Bloomingdale resident Mehdi Mansouri:

McMillan Sand Filtration May be saved if Gray Wins
Posted by: ``peoplescouncil`` tin@onlineoffice.us peoplescouncil
Tue Aug 31, 2010 6:30 pm (PDT)

After talking with some active community members it seems the majority think, as Mayor, Gray is likely to change the Deputy Mayor of Economic Development, who is said to be a major force behind the plan for demolition of the McMillan Sand Filtration (just so that EYA and other contractors can take over its land and continue receiving money and tax incentives from the City). However, even with a new Deputy, nothing may change, because another person solidly in EYA`s pocket (and trying fiercely to get McMillan given away to EYA) is CM Harry Thomas, seemingly on very good terms with Gray. There is obviously no guarantee the new Deputy would be any different than the current one. Still, a change of Deputies would delay the process, which would give us a chance to see if we can save McMillan.

One indication that a potential mayoral change could be in McMillan`s favor, is that the current ``Manager`` of this project (Mr. Clint Jackson, from the office of ``Economic Development (for corrupt businesses, of course and not for people)``) is now pushing very hard to get the McMillan development plan approved in September and the contracts finished in October. It would be helpful if we could get a commitment from Gray that, should he become the Mayor, he will stop the McMillan Project to allow for a new one to start that would be run by concerned citizens (unlike the current process that is being run by puppets of EYA and other businesses dressed as Deputies and Managers in the DC Government). I hope we can form a group for saving McMillan and discuss how to proceed.

Mehdi Mansouri
tin@onlineoffice.us
(202)657- 6457


1b. Re: McMillan Sand Filtration May be saved if Gray Wins
Posted by: ``Paul Sieczkowski`` paul_sieczkowski@yahoo.com
Wed Sep 1, 2010 5:51 am (PDT)

Saved? The development may move slower if Gray wins but what does saved mean? Its a neglected site. How does prolonged neglect equate to saving it?

There are definitely citizens that feel development of the site is warranted and that the current plans on the table are reasonable. All the EYA projects I`ve seen in the city are successful. This includes projects in Capitol Hill, the U Street area (two blocks behind Ben`s chili bowl) and townhomes being erected a few blocks from the Nationals stadium.

This idea of what`s best for the people is not shared by everyone.

Paul Sieczkowski