bloomingdale

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 03/18/2012

2012-03-17T11:51:00.003-04:00

There are just a hand full of open houses scheduled for Sunday. Given that we have beautiful Spring weather, this is truly a reflection of how limited the active inventory has become in Bloomingdale. Here are the open houses in the general area scheduled for Sunday. Here is the same info in a map format.

**Agents, to have your open houses listed in this weekly post, you must tag them in MRIS by the Friday before the open house. If you have an open house in the immediate area (Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, Eckington, Shaw, Truxton Circle) that does not show up, please add in the comments below.

McMillan community benefits agreement (CBA) proposal kickoff letter

2012-03-15T18:19:00.006-04:00

Followers of the McMillan Sand Filtration site project:

John Basile of EYA send a letter to MAG member Dianne Barnes from Jeff Miller that is titled "McMillan CBA proposal kickoff letter."

You can see this letter, dated 03-13-2012, in PDF format posted at the Bates Area Civic Association blog.

McMillan Advisory Group (MAG) meeting tonight, Thursday, 3-15-2012

2012-03-15T06:25:00.004-04:00

From: Dianne Barnes
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 10:43 PM
Subject: MAG Meeting

MAG Members:
There is a scheduled MAG Meeting. This is an open meeting to the public.

Date: Thursday, 15 March 2012
Time: 7PM - 9PM
Location: All Nations Baptist Church (corner of RI Ave, NE and North Capitol St NE).

Request that you come prepared to discuss the community benefits package.

Thanks in Advance.

Dianne Barnes
MAG Member
202 then 387 followed by 2497

Ward 5 DC Water town hall meeting -- Thursday, 04/26/2012

2012-03-14T20:04:00.003-04:00

From DC Water's Aleizha Batson:

Our General Manager is hosting the DC Water town hall meeting in Ward 5 on April 26, 2012 from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at Luke C Moore Academy, 1001 Monroe Street, NE.

As in years past, we will have staff on hand to discuss:

*Water Quality
*Construction projects in Ward 5
*DC Clean Rivers (Long Term Control Plan)
*Catch Basins
*Water Mains and Fire Hydrants
*Jobs at DC Water
*Customer Service

lost cat last seen in the alley of the 2100 block of 1st Street NW

2012-03-13T06:22:00.005-04:00

Lost cat last seen in the alley of 2100 block of First St, NW

Bear was last seen Saturday night in the alley between V and W streets around 8:00pm. He is an indoor cat but is somewhat familiar with the neighborhood. We visited the local animal shelter and searched for him all day and night but with no success. We are offering a reward of $500 if someone finds him.

Please call us anytime at 202 then 518 followed by 418 or 202 then 359 followed by 3266 if you spot him in the neighborhood. Bear has been part of our family for 10 years and we miss him.

meet-and-greet in Bloomingdale for Ward 5 candidate Kenyan McDuffie -- Sunday, 03-18-2012

2012-03-12T09:49:00.007-04:00

See the text from a flier regarding a meet-and-greet here in Bloomingdale this Sunday, March 18, 2012:

Kenyan McDuffieCandidate for DC Council Ward 5

Please join us for a MEET & GREET with Kenyan McDuffie

Bring your questions, concerns and ideas and learn how Kenyan plans to restore our faith in leadership

Hosted by Ed and Pedro

69 S Street NW

Sunday, March 18, 20125:00 pm – 7:00 pm

To RSVP, contact Jon Mandel at Jon@McDuffieforCouncil.com

Latosha Hill, Treasurer. Contributions to Kenyan McDuffie 2012 are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Maximum contribution per person is $500.00.

World Missions Extension Center: preparing for the Saturday, 04-28-2012 Walk-A-Thon rally

2012-03-12T08:57:00.007-04:00

See this message from Dr. JoAnn Perkins of World Missions Extension Center, 1st & Randolph Place NW in Bloomingdale:

Hello everyone, we are back and on the move preparing for our April 28th Walk-a-Thon rally.

Please take a look at the attached flier and plan to come participate by supporting our efforts. And for you dog lovers, this year, we extend invitation to you to bring your dogs to walk with us as well.

For last year with your help 964 kids received toys, with an extra 1436 toys going to incarcerated youth, foster care children, Latino kids, children living in shelters, and children in the community. Additionally we gave away last year (with your help) at the November 19th Thanksgiving rally,360 Food Baskets to families needing food for their Thanksgiving dinner, and on August 20th at the Back to School Rally, gave away school supplies to 465 children/youth which also included giving away to 122 parents, principals from the Langley Educational Campus, and Perry Preparatory Public Charter School vouchers and school supplies; and your donations made such giving possible, thanks.

As we now prepare for helping an increased number of families and children in need, we again need your help in being able to provide at the June 16th Awards Ceremony-- 10 inner-city high school graduating seniors Scholarships to college and at the August 18th Back to School Rally, we need your help providing school supplies for 1000 kids, and at the November 17th Thanksgiving Rally, we will need baskets for 1000 families and on December22nd at our toys to Needy Kids rally, we need a total of 3000 kids for the kids who we have provided this amount of toys to for the past 3 years, we need your help.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation towards these rallies and we will also be able to work again with the 100 14 to 21 year olders (as we did last summer), as we did in our Positive Alternatives Job Readiness PANTS OFF THE GROUND Employment program last summer.

So please help us by making a tax deductible donation which will help us meet the need of the families and kids that we serve. We look forward to seeing you, your family and friends at the Saturday, April 28th Walk A thon.

Dr. J. Perkins, Rally Coordinator
www.extensioncenter-dc.org

next Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting -- Monday, March 19, 2012

2012-03-12T08:45:00.004-04:00

See this brief announcement for the next Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting, which will be held a week from today on Monday, 03-19-2012:

Bloomingdale Civic Association Announcements
http://www.bloomingdalecivic.org/

Please join us for a general meeting of the Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) at St. George`s Episcopal Church, 160 U Street NW, in the basement.

Next Meeting
Monday, March 19, 2012, 7:00pm
Mark your calendars!

North Capitol Main Street: You'll want to save this date - Saturday, March 31, 2012

2012-03-11T20:34:00.008-04:00

You can see the nicely formatted version of this message here:

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=tp9zhzcab&v=0016MrkiGIOG-9eh6i1OKtPqXdQ1I7QJRFq_GmvHOA31il3XSFgEIOXdS5pjnnYBZkjMvXTNRNORgh6P6vKzBFWXJ5UT1_0KHO94GZVjS1gSYGeIVPjydLvc9Va2DzP5aB19mE6x-fRhebfclRUQbB7Sg%3D%3D

RESIDENTS OF BLOOMINGDALE, ECKINGTON & TRUXTON CIRCLE . . .

SAVE THE DATE!

Something's up at North Capitol Main Street.

At NCMS, we have been quietly working behind the scenes to bring you the next big thing . . . .

Saturday, March 31, 2012
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: TBD

Brought to you by NCMS Board of Directors.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 03/11/2012

2012-03-10T09:02:00.002-05:00

There are several open houses scheduled for Sunday. Here is the same info in a map format.

**Agents, to have your open house in and around Bloomingdale included in this post, you must tag your open house in MRIS by the Friday before the open.

Field to City: New Ecommerce Site

2012-03-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

Some news from one of Bloomingdale's retail businesses -- Field to City:

From Field to City`s Kim Wee:

We`ve built a simple new website which features a much-improved online shopping cart. Only our locally sourced products are listed, which things easier to keep current on our end. Meat, milk, produce and other goods such as granola, chocolate and honey are on there. Feel free to use the site to browse our products, and you can help us by posting reviews. Orders can be picked up at the store Monday through Friday, or we can arrange delivery as well.

Just log on to fieldtocity.com

Click on the picture of the vegetable patch, and you are in our ecommerce realm! Our site will be updated frequently.

Please email any questions or comments to fieldtocity@gmail.com.

meet-n-greet for Ward 5 council candidate Delano Hunter here in Bloomingdale - Tuesday, 03-13-2012

2012-03-09T06:43:00.005-05:00

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Karen Cotton:

Join the Movement

Hi Friends!,

I thought you'd be interested in this:
http://us4.forward-to-friend1.com/forward/show?u=3c012fd90c9d27cee0304bf97&id=7cb30ebc43

Karen Cotton also included this personal message to you:

Please click the link above for an invitation to a Meet-and-Greet for Delano Hunter.Please come out to meet Delano Hunter, Ward 5, Council Candidate. He is very sincere, knowable, considerate of the needs of the community and knows the legislative process.

hey! new Bloomingdale History blog!

2012-03-08T07:29:00.004-05:00

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Patrick Hudak:

Betsy McDaniel and I discovered recently that we share a love of researching Bloomingdale history. We decided to join forces and maintain a blog as a central repository of the information we find. We`d also like to share our discoveries with the neighborhood so folks can enjoy them, too, and hopefully contribute. Would you please share the link with your readers?

http://bloomingdalehistoryproject.blogspot.com/

Please note that if someone wants to post something, he or she should send his or her item to bloomingdalehistory @ gmail.com. Also, anyone can comment on a post, including as anonymous. No one needs to sign up for anything to leave a comment. (Comments will be moderated, though, just in case someone gets ``saucy`` -- as they said in 1907.)

Finally, we`re hoping to explore all aspects, groups and time periods of Bloomingdale`s history. For now, I`m gathering my information from a database of newspapers from about 1880-1939 maintained by the Library of Congress, which explains why I`m covering such a narrow time frame. Betsy may be casting a wider net than I am, and your readers may help to expand our knowledge even further.

Thank you!

Patrick

zip code 20002 (and 20019, 20022) have the highest rate of End State Renal Disease * IN THE NATION *

2012-03-07T07:28:00.009-05:00

It was mentioned at this week`s Bates Area Civic Association that our area of DC has the highest percentage of people * in the nation * that have End State Renal Disease (ESRD).

I googled it and found this info:

Chronic Kidney Disease

The Chronic Kidney Disease Atlas (CKD Atlas) is a unique online tool. The maps show zip-code-level incidence of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This Web-based resource provides the user with on-demand capacity for comparing and contrasting CKD and ESRD incidence nationwide, by state, and by national or state legislative district. For the first time, an online resource has the ability to provide support for educational, advocacy, and public-affairs initiatives by showing the geographical areas where CKD and ESRD health disparities lie. The CKD Atlas is a component of the Congressional Alliance Renal Effort (CARE).

Congressional Alliance Renal Effort

CARE is a national pilot program, to be implemented in multiple cities, and is designed to engage the support of the Congressional Leadership Alliance to Eliminate Health Disparities,* local policy makers, stakeholders, and patientsin order to reduce the disproportionate incidence of CKD. CARE is a multidisciplinary coalition that will catalyze coordinated activities to accelerate early detection, screening, and treatment of CKD in targeted areas. The National Minority Quality Forum is coordinating the CARE initiative, supported in part by Amgen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Why target Washington, DC, first?

As part of the CARE program, key congressional districts that have significant rates of CKD and ESRD will be targeted. Because Washington, DC, has the highest ESRD rates in the country and stands at the forefront of a national surge in CKD, the CARE program will target the District first. This initiative is called DC CARE.

The District is ground zero for kidney disease for the nation!

Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease in Washington, DC
[map not provided here -- but click on the article link above to see it.]

The map of DC ESRD produced by the CKD Atlas illustrates the problem. The red shaded area represents three zip codes (20002, 20022, and 20019) that have the highest rates of ESRD in the nation. Inside the 20019 zip code, the age-adjusted rate for new cases of ESRD is 44 times the national average, and the rates in the 20011 and 20002 zip codes are only slightly less. There is also a concomitant disparity in hospitalization rates and economic costs. Hatch marks indicate that the population is primarily minority based (African American).

1912 real estate ad for 28 to 62 W St NW

2012-03-06T21:19:00.005-05:00

From Bloomingdale resident Patrick Hudak:

In order to uncover the history of our neighborhood, I`ve been searching through old DC newspapers using the following site set up by the Library of Congress. It`s called Chronicling America.

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

I just found a very interesting real estate advertisement (attached) from 1912 on the unit block of W -- Honestly Built Homes. If any of you live on that block or are interested in Bloomingdale history, you may enjoy seeing this.

On a quasi related note, I`ve also discovered that the Sylvan Theater was built as the American Theater and used to host vaudeville acts.

opossum sighting on 2nd Street NW

2012-03-06T19:30:00.003-05:00

See this message from a 2nd Street NW resident:

Last night I saw a possum on the sidewalk outside my house. If you haven't seen one before, let me warn you, they are not handsome creatures...At.All.

With its back to me it appeared to be a large kitten or a small cat but then it turned towards me to reveal a snout-like nose and when it ran off I saw that it had a long, thin tail like a rat.

I had to run a Google search to confirm that it was in fact a possum and, yep, that's exactly what I saw.

at Rustik Tavern this Wednesday, 3-7-2012: Ward 5 candidate Kenyan McDuffie

2012-03-06T05:48:00.001-05:00

Meet Kenyan McDuffie and have a drink at ``McDuff Hour`` Wednesday at Rustik Tavern in Bloomingdale.

Day: Wednesday, March 3
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Rustik Tavern, 84 T Street NW

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/112917928832447/

About Kenyan:

Kenyan McDuffie grew up across the street from Bloomingdale and still lives in the same house, on North Capitol Street. His campaign is about restoring your faith in leadership. For far too long, our elected officials have spent their time in office launching public relations campaigns and investing our city`s resources in improving their tarnished images. As a result, we have suffered and lost numerous opportunities to create positive change through the legislative process. The consequences of our leaders cannot continue to hinder moving Ward 5 forward.

For more information check out: http://www.mcduffieforcouncil.com/

Questions? Email jon @ mcduffieforcouncil.com

found cat on the unit block of R St NW

2012-03-05T08:21:00.003-05:00

See this message from Sunday evening, March 4, 2012, from a household on the unit block of R Street NW:

Could you please post the picture of this cat to the listserv and the blog? He's been hanging around our porch all day today (we live on the unit block of R street NW) looking for company, and hoping to come inside, but we don't allow pets in our house. He seems very friendly, well groomed and happy and purring, so I think he belongs to someone in the neighborhood.

But no collar or ID tag...

a vote of support the McMillan Sand Filtration site project

2012-03-04T19:30:00.005-05:00

All,

I am in favor of the proposed development plan of the McMillan site for a variety of reasons:

1) If the city is going to make itself more livable and affordable, we need to increase the overall supply of housing. This plan adds at least 735 units.

2) Of course the industrial heritage of the site merits careful consideration. This plan preserves a representative number of the sand filtration storage silos and internal vaults to properly reflect this era`s water filtration technology. Moreover, the plan does so in a useful and integrated way. Open space by itself has some value but this plan creates more meaningful open space that will engender lots of use by a wide variety of people. Some have said we need to maintain the ``water filtration capacity`` of this site. To be generous, this is simply not possible unless the District (and we as taxpayers) spend millions of dollars to restore a system that is insufficient both in capacity and technology, no matter how nostalgic we may be. I might add that the city is losing both physical pieces and public access to a far superior historic landscape to the District/Federal Government development at St. Elizabeth`s with but a fraction of the discussion consumed by McMillan.

3) One of the most vociferous opponents and cheerleaders for the neighborhood NIMBYs of this development works for The Catholic University of America. The CUA has its own development agenda as anyone who takes a walk around the Brookland Metro Station will see. It seems obvious to this writer that the University is perfectly happy having a faculty member touting what is essentially a travelogue of unrelated ideas--not anywhere near a ``plan``. For the NIMBYs, though it is adequate ``proof`` that other options exist. Never mind that the travelogue has no spatial, economic or environmental rigor. It is disingenuous for the CUA to play a role in this discussion as they have a clear conflict of interest--their development becomes more valuable with McMillan undeveloped amid the endless ``Groundhog Day`` of meetings, citizen groups and ANC commissioner-pandering.

4) The merits of the City`s purchase of this property and the amount paid are history. The fact is that the city bought the property to develop. Without adequate, viable economic use of this city resource, the city does not have revenue for more affordable housing, libraries, schools, parks and playgrounds, fire and public safety as well as historic preservation.

As a member of the ICOMOS scientific committee on Cultural Towns and Villages and a long standing advocate of historic preservation, it saddens me to see this site sit for years while the same arguments cycle and cycle like so many hamster wheels. This plan is well thought-out, sensitive to environmental, historic and economic conditions and most importantly, creates a place of lasting value for future generations to enjoy, while preserving the essence of the tangible and intangible value that the McMillan site represents. I urge you to review it carefully. If you look at it without prejudice you will see the thought, experience and sensitivity that it represents, and I believe you will also support it.

Jeff S., FAICP

And here is a subsequent post by Jeff:

All,

The number on the DC Government site,
http://dmped.dc.gov/DC/DMPED/Programs+and+Initiatives/Neighborhood+Revitalization/Ward+Five/McMillan+Sand+Filtration+Site , for the cost the entire development is $700 million, so $47 million over 5 years would represent about a 7% investment. I will investigate in more detail, but the number does not seem on the face of it to be an unreasonable contribution considering the tax base of 1.1 million square feet of commercial, retail and residential, especially if the city is going to use 30 year bonds or Tax Increment Financing. I wonder how many Ward 5 Council candidates know the difference between a TIF and a general obligation bond? Or what a proforma is for that matter...LOL

Jeff

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 03/04/2012

2012-03-04T07:59:00.002-05:00

There are several open houses available to visit in the neighborhood today. You can see the same information in a map format with directions.

**Agents, to have your open houses in and around the neighborhood included in this weekly post, have them tagged in MRIS by the Friday before the scheduled open house.

a neighbor expresses frustration with the planned McMillan development project

2012-03-04T00:43:00.004-05:00

See this Email exchange:

Hi Hugh,
Here's something that I worked up ---a little "pie in the sky" i'll admit..but I wanted to put a thought piece together to jump start a locally derived alternative plan worthy of that land...I shared with John Salatti....he seemed mildly enthusastic about it...but I think also he has a realistic view of the desire of the city to make some money on the property... he encouraged me to think more about how such a plan would generate funds for the city... I think that this is a good and useful line of thought.

Let me know what you think.... I sent it to Scott Roberts to put on the Bloomingdale blog to solicit community opinions, but no dice so far....I'm unsure if Scott ever looked at it...and i think he has forgotten about it...if you dig it, i would suggest that the next step is to share it with the community to see how it can be modified to generate local support... or transformed into a more workable community derived plan.

It's really frustrating to see this last great open space be used in the way they are proposing. It's such a waste of a world class opportunity. What they are proposing is so mediocre...so mundane...so uncreative and so yesterday.... not really about the future in any way.

T

On Mar 3, 2012, at 12:43 AM, Commissioner Youngblood wrote:

Hi T,

Thank you for writing.

The VMP-DMPED team is trying their best to accelerate the process.

I'm working with a group called Friends of McMillan Park to remove VMP due to the lack of an RFP process etc and to advance an alternative plan to develop a world class park with community amenities (museum, meeting space, etc) and sustainable economic underpinning via industrial and commercial reuse of the caverns and other historic structures where possible.

What would you most love to see happen at McMillan?

Have a great day,

Hugh

On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 11:56 AM, T

wrote:

yes,... also the mockups online aren't the ones that i saw.... the park was much bigger ...and it was in a diagonal across the property, not a single corridor... regardless, there is so much wrong with this plan it's hard to know where to begin.... I'm im more or less pro-development (of some kind).

T

On Mar 1, 2012, at 4:49 PM, John T. Salatti wrote:

T,

The Council has not approved this plan, but the District is moving forward with the various approvals that would be needed before the Council votes. So the community still has a lot to do to have an impact on the final plan that gets to the Council.

Thanks for your continued sharp eyes on this project.
John

John T. Salatti
Vice President, Bloomingdale Civic Association
(202) 986 - 2592
"Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale"

On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 10:23 AM, T

wrote:

Scott,

I've been following (from here in Africa) the McMillan stuff pretty closely and when I was there in 2010 i took place in all the VMP community meetings. I'm really surprised that this plan is nearly at implementation phase. I have never seen where it was voted on and approved by the City Council. I thought the whole H. Thomas victory was in part about stopping this ghastly plan from going forward. Is this my imagination or has this thing just gone behind closed doors to finalize it?

Am i missing something or they simply circumventing the community now in pushing this thing forward?

T

24-28 Florida Avenue, NE

2012-03-03T11:17:00.001-05:00

24-28 Florida Avenue, NE, a photo by rockcreek on Flickr.

Saw this photo in the Eckington Flickr Pool

Bloomingdale resident and jazz saxophonist Marshall Keys performing at Bohemian Gardens tonight, Friday, 03-02-2012

2012-03-02T11:02:00.003-05:00

From the Washington City Paper Arts Desk:

Friday, March 2
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/music/2012/03/01/jazz-setlist-march-1-7-collectivity/

In a genre where the tenor saxophone reigns as king, it`s always refreshing to hear a gifted and skillful alto saxophonist ready to swing the joint to the ground. DC`s actually got no shortage of alto players with those powers...but that doesn`t make Marshall Keys any less of a joy to hear. Keys, a District native who`s been working the scene for over 25 years, plays with the with the stone-hard muscle you might associate with the tenor sax, but with the alto`s characteristic upper-range cream. That`s the basics; along with it comes a metric ton of riffage, melody as sharp as a blade, and a thrusting sense of swing that he applies in a largely bop- and blues-based setting.

The music that comes out of it is electric and infectious—before you know it you`ll find yourself shouting with approval. Marshall Keys and his band (including drummer Mark Prince) perform at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. at Bohemian Caverns, 2001 11th Street NW. $18

2012-03-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

Open Mic Night

On Friday, March 2, 2012 Studio 85 will present an upbeat and interactive Open Mic Night!

EVENT:

DATE:

TIME:

LOCATION:

Open Mic Night!

Friday, March 2, 2012

7 p.m.- Until

53 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

There will be ....
-live entertainment
-refreshments
-opportunity to mingle with the performing artists!

Sign up to perform will be available at the door.
A $5 cover charge will be required upon entry.

Guests will receive exclusive coupons for Studio 85 boutique!
Visit www.mystudio85.com for more information
.See you there!!

Be sure to check out....
March's "Nail Gloss of the month!"

District of Columbia Collection

"Tight"

Studio85
53 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

challenging DC's speed camera fines

2012-02-29T14:35:00.002-05:00

Okay, let's put this out there for community discussion:

Some commentary on Lisa Sutter`s statements

First, see this response from Lisa Sutter to John Salatti:

From: Sutter, Lisa (MPD)
Date: Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 8:10 AM
Subject: Quick question

To: ``john.salatti @ gmail.com``

Dear John,

Over the past few days, NBC and Fox5 have been covering an effort by citizens to have folks sign a petition at change.org to lower fines for speed enforcement in the District. Our response is below. I was wondering if you would consider asking folks in your area to weigh in on this topic. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!

In 2010, the fines for the most frequent traffic violations in the District were increased to align with the significantly higher fines in Maryland and Virginia. Before the increase, in DC, speeding 11-15 miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit incurred a fine of $50. In Maryland the fine is $90, and at $126, Virginia`s fine was more than twice that of DC. At 20 MPD over the speed limit, Maryland`s fine increases to $160, and in Virginia, the speeder must appear in court. Some drivers seemed to treat the District`s lower fines as a pass to speed up once they reached District streets. Therefore the District raised its fine to deter illegal and dangerous driving.

Although Maryland has lower fines for automated tickets, District fines for automated traffic enforcement violations remained the same as officer-issued fines. Since one of the primary objectives of an Automated Traffic Enforcement program is to serve as a force multiplier so that individuals obey traffic laws even without an officer on the corner, it would not be logical to have lower fines for these tickets. As it is, drivers do not get points on their record for the Automated Traffic Enforcement tickets.

In our densely populated city, there is a higher risk for collisions between vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists, and speeding increases the risk of serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a collision. An adult pedestrian hit by a car going 30 mph has an 80% chance of living. If the car is going 40 mph, there is an 80% chance that the pedestrian will be fatally injured. Traffic safety is more important now than ever with the population and development in the District rising, and more bicyclists on the road.

The bottom line is that motorists who obey the posted speed limit do not have to worry about the fines for tickets.

Lisa Sutter, Program Manager
Metropolitan Police Department
Homeland Security Bureau
(202) 492 - 1150
lisa.sutter @ dc.gov

Now read this response from a Rhode Island Avenue NW resident:

For dissemination and further discussion.

I, too, join the general disgust with the rationale proffered by MPD's Lisa Sutter. There are, among other things, potential constitutional law violations that come to mind when discussing the legality of unsupervised red light and speed cameras - both of which have become pervasive within the District in the last 10 years. Ms. Sutter's analysis does not make any rational sense and even she concedes that the dollar amount of violations are not consistent across the jurisdictions. Lastly, I think it foolish that we are the only jurisdiction (of the three in our area) that continue to engage in what ought to be considered predatory enforcement and penalization for fairly routine infractions. Now, folks may say 'well, I don't speed - and you shouldn't too' but that's an unfair assertion given the facts of daily life and how we all reconcile our individual behaviors to daily reality. My opinion is that I might well deserve a ticket - just not one that results in a windfall to DC and their service vendors at my expense.

Here's an interesting article about the legality of red light cameras which I believe has relevance in forming a better understanding of the history, applications, legal challenges, etc...
http://law.wustl.edu/journal/32/Christensen.pdf

Lastly, to whomever is organizing the petition, I join you in that fight and would consider taking the matter one step further by considering the pressing of a legal challenge. There are due process considerations in the presumption of innocence, or the lack of such presumption, here. Fundamentally, due process is a linchpin of the Constitution and ought not be disregarded and dismissed so cavalierly as has been done by MPD. This is not merely about efficiency and increasing safety - we shouldn't consider the smoke and mirror response as conclusive of the motivation for the rampant exploitation of this technology simply for the sake of it.

WCP: McMillan historic preservation application drops

2012-02-29T12:38:00.005-05:00

See Lydia DePillis` post from this morning.

Click on her link to see the imbedded stuff.

McMillan Historic Preservation Application Drops
Posted by Lydia DePillis on Feb. 29, 2012 at 8:16 am
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/02/29/mcmillan-historic-preservation-application-drops/

The Historic Preservation Review Board application for development at the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant replicates a lot of the information in the draft of the one that'll go to the Zoning Commission (http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2011/09/18/mcmillan-plan-almost-ready-to-go/) — there's no more detail on building architecture, just massing sketches—but does have a bit more information about the old stuff that's supposed to stay even as new buildings go up around it.

A citizens group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/181355693594/) organizing under the slogan "Development Without Demolition" (sound familiar?) has been reinvigorated, and will likely be a presence when the plan goes before the HPRB, which looks like it'll happen before Zoning.

Full application after the jump.

new life for the former Showtime Barbershop space at 113 RI Av NW

2012-02-29T06:21:00.003-05:00

At last night's ANC 5C meeting, two gentlemen announced plans for the former Showtime Barbershop space at 113 Rhode Island Avenue NW.

What plans, you ask?

Not for a barbershop, hair or nail salon, etc.

Yes, being a total tease here.

Stay tuned.

Dinosaurs in Bloomingdale?

2012-02-26T18:46:00.002-05:00

Apparently so.

From a 1996 John Hopkins Magazine:

"The other Washington discovery was made in 1942, when a large Astrodon thighbone was uncovered during construction on a water filtration plant at First and Channing Streets NW. According to vertebrate paleontologist Charles W. Gilmore, the bone belonged to a sauropod "about 10 feet high at the hips and 50 or 60 feet long, weighing approximately 10 tons. Apparently, from the geological evidence, it was trapped in a small pond or mudhole and so perished."

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 02/26/2012

2012-02-26T10:12:00.001-05:00

Here is a list of open houses in and around Bloomingdale today. You can see the same information in a map format.

WashCycle: sharrows being painted on R Street NW

2012-02-24T11:37:00.003-05:00

See this post from WashCycle:

Looks like the intersection of 1st & R Street NW adjacent to Big Bear Cafe.

Sharrows being painted on R St NW

projected groundbreaking for the McMillan Sand Filtration site project is 2013 Q4

2012-02-23T16:52:00.003-05:00

See this Washington Business Journal article from today.

Note that the posited groundbreaking for the development project at Bloomingdale's landmarked McMillan Sand Filtration site is projected for 4th quarter of 2013.

Horrible news? Fantastic news? What do you think?

Major D.C. projects to kick off in 2013

Washington Business Journal by Michael Neibauer, Staff Reporter
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 11:54am EST

Get your shovels ready. Next year may be a very busy one for big-time groundbreakings in the District.

Work on six projects — the ones we talk about most often, the ones whose total cost tops $4 billion — may kick off in 2013, according to a schedule provided to the D.C. Council by the deputy mayor for planning and economic development. All feature land that is owned by D.C. and managed, at least in part, by the deputy mayor`s office.

The fun starts in the first quarter of 2013 with the St. Elizabeths east campus (total cost unclear) and Southwest Waterfront ($1.16 billion) redevelopments. Second-quarter groundbreakings feature another pair of projects — EastBanc`s West End development ($152.2 million) and Hine Junior High School ($191.4 million), a Stanton-EastBanc venture.

In the third quarter of 2013, we may see work start on Property Group Partners` Interstate 395 air rights project ($1.2 billion) and the William C. Smith/Rappaport Skyland Town Center ($260 million).

And in the fourth quarter, according to this schedule, construction will kick off at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site ($775 million).

The Donohoe Cos` project at Fifth and Eye streets NW has been pushed back to the third quarter of 2014.

The timelines are, naturally, subject to change. Planning and zoning, financing, legal disputes — any number of issues could throw the schedules off. And Mayor Vincent Gray, as a rule, does not participate in or greenlight groundbreakings unless the project is actually ready to break ground.

Still, seeing a best-guess groundbreaking date in writing is progress.

Deputy Mayor Victor Hoskins has a date with the council`s Committee of the Whole Thursday for an oversight hearing.

Florida Avenue Park ribbon-cutting -- Saturday, 02-25-2012

2012-02-23T06:37:00.003-05:00

From Geovani Bonilla, President, Bates Area Civic Association:

Join Mayor Vincent C. Gray,
DPR,
5C ANC,
The Bates Area Civic Association and residents

Saturday, February 25th at 10am
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Florida Avenue Park (Florida and First St. NW)

Join our Community in a celebration and efforts to make the Florida Avenue Park a Community Park .

See the new play grounds, renovations and learn about the Bates Area Civic Association and Friends of The Park`s plans to bring more activities to this beautiful park.

Join Us Make This a Community and Family Affair.

Enjoy snacks from local businesses:
- Uncle Chips Cookies and Coffee
- Big Bear Café

Geovani A. Bonilla, President
Bates Area Civic Association

John Salatti drops out of Ward 5 Council race

2012-02-22T12:02:00.008-05:00

From the Washington City Paper:

Ward 5 Hopeful John Salatti Drops Out

Posted by Alan Suderman on Feb. 22, 2012 at 11:33 am

Former Bloomingdale ANC commissioner John Salatti has decided to drop his bid to run for the Ward 5 seat, left open by the resignation of disgraced former Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr.

Salatti says he had a strong shot at winning but decided to end his campaign after reevaluating the commitment necessary to be an effective council member.

"I decided it was the best thing for me to do right now," he says.Salatti's departure is likely good news for Kenyan McDuffie, who lost to Thomas last go round and would likely have competed with Salatti for the non-Ward-5-political-establishment vote.

"We're outsiders," says Salatti of he and McDuffie, though that's not an official endorsement. Salatti, who resigned as an ANC commish when he launched his campaign, says he'll likely endorse someone after the April primary. The Ward 5 special election is scheduled for May 15.

Ward 5 economic development meeting - Tuesday, 02-21-2012

2012-02-21T05:54:00.002-05:00

This event announcement has also been posted at the BACA blog: http://batesareacivicassociation.org/2012/02/15/council-committee-of-the-whole-roundtable-feb-21st/ .

From: Mason, Charles (COUNCIL) (COUNCIL)
Sent: Fri, Feb 17, 2012 1:15 pm
Subject: Committee of the Whole`s Public Oversight Roundtable on Economic Development Projects and Programs in Ward 5

The Committee of the Whole`s public oversight roundtable on Economic Development Projects and Programs in Ward 5, will take place on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE).

District government witnesses will inform Ward 5 residents about the economic development projects and programs occurring in their neighborhoods. Ward 5 residents will also have an opportunity to testify about economic development matters and recommend areas for improvement.

We encourage you to participate in this important discussion. You can make your voice heard by registering online or contacting Priscilla McIver, administrative assistant to the Committee of the Whole, at 202 - 724 - 8196 or pford@dccouncil.us.

Thank you for your active contributions to the Ward 5 community. I look forward to seeing you at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Tuesday, February 21, 2012!

Sincerely,

Kwame R. Brown
Chairman

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale on 02/19/2012

2012-02-18T11:41:00.002-05:00

Looking for something to do on a potentially slushy afternoon? Check out the list of open houses in the area. You can see the same information in a map format

**Agents, please note, if you would like your open house to appear on this list, it needs to be tagged in MRIS by the Friday before the open.

John Salatti's ANC 5C04 position declared vacant by DC BOEE

2012-02-15T05:39:00.003-05:00

1) First, from Teri Janine Quinn, President, Bloomingdale Civic Association:

Pursuant to this notice, anyone interested in running for the ANC 5C04 seat vacated by former Commissioner John Salatti may pick up petitions between February 13, 2012 and March 5, 2012.

2) And from ANC 5C Chair Ronnie Edwards:

From: ``Brenda Garner``
Date: Feb 15, 2012 4:24 PM
Subject: 5C04 Notice
To: ``ronnieedwards.5c11@gmail.com``

Hello,

Attached is the 5C04 notice.

Thanks

Brenda Garner
Voter Services Assistant
DC Board of Elections and Ethics
441 4th Street, NW Suite 250N
Washington, DC 20001
202-727-2523 (Office)
202-347-2648 (Fax)
Bgarner @ dcboee.org
www.dcboee.org

BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
CERTIFICATION OF ANC/SMD VACANCIES

The District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics hereby gives notice that there is a vacancy in one (1) Advisory Neighborhood Commission office, certified pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 1-309.06(d)(2); 2001 Ed; 2006 Repl. Vol.

VACANT: 5C04

Petition Circulation Period: Monday, February 13, 2012 thru Monday, March 5, 2012
Petition Challenge Period: Thursday, March 8, 2012 thru Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Candidates seeking the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, or their representatives, may pick up nominating petitions at the following location:

D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics
441 - 4th Street, NW, Room 250N
Washington, DC 20001

For more information, the public may call 727-2525.

proposed DC zoning regulations would accommodate * retail * in residential areas like R-4 - what do YOU think? fantastic? wretched?

2012-02-13T14:06:00.012-05:00

This Bloomingdale blog post references these two recent Greater Greater Washington blog posts by David Alpert on the DC zoning regulations rewrite initiative:

Rewritten DC zoning code corrects past mistakes
by David Alpert • February 8, 2012 10:47 am
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/13631/rewritten-dc-zoning-code-corrects-past-mistakes

Is DC`s zoning update ``too timid``?
by David Alpert • February 9, 2012 2:07 pm
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/13644/is-dcs-zoning-update-too-timid

Might some of the proposed zoning regulations impact Bloomingdale?

Yes.

Read on.

David Alpert`s first post above addresses these six zoning categories:

- Accessory dwellings
- Corner stores in residential areas
- Minimum parking requirements
- Alley lots
- Green Area Ratio.

Let`s dive into each category:

Accessory dwellings

The residential portion of Bloomingdale is mostly R-4, so the proposed zoning for accessory units would not apply to Bloomingdale. More than one dwelling unit per lot is already accommodated in the current zoning regulations. ``Row house neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Bloomingdalealready allow these units because they are R-4 districts, which allow 2 apartments per building.`` I don`t see these proposed zoning changes on accessory dwellings directly impacting Bloomingdale.

Corner stores in residential areas

I have copied in the section below from David Alpert`s GGW first post. It is a long list that ostensibly would be permitted in residential areas – I guess that would include R-4 neighborhoods (? ? ?):

OP`s proposal would allow some limited retail in residential areas, but with a great number of restrictions:

•Only ``Arts Design and Creation`` (arts studio, furtniture making, radio broadcast station), ``Food and Alcohol Service`` (deli, ice cream parlor), ``Retail`` (drugstore, grocery, jewelry store, but not auto shop or firearm sales), and ``Service`` (bank, travel agency, tailor, but not daycare, animal boarding, health clinic, or sexually based business) uses are allowed.

•They can`t be in any building within 500 feet of a commercial or mixed-use zone, so this doesn`t let existing retail corridors expand (though, arguably, some of that might be a good idea).

•There can`t be more than 3 other arts, retail or service uses within 500 feet, or more than 1 other food establishment, to prevent too much of a concentration of these non-residential uses in one area.

•It can`t be above the ground floor of any building, except for artist live-work spaces. This prevents a building from becoming entirely commercial.

•It can`t be larger than 2,000 square feet.

•It can`t be open after 7 pm or before 8 am.

•There can`t be more than 4 employees at the business at any time.

•It can`t have more than 1 sign, a lighted side, or a sign sticking out from the building.

•All of the trash and materials have to be stored inside; there can`t be a dumpster, for instance.

•Any alcohol sold has to be for consuming elsewhere, not at the business, and can`t take up more than 15% of the business`s floor area. That means a small grocery could offer some beer and wine, but there can`t be a wine bar or liquor store.

•Food sales can`t involve cooking food on-site, but reheating pre-cooked food is okay. Grease traps (a part of kitchens that do frying or other cooking with grease) aren`t allowed.

•There can`t be dry cleaning chemicals, so a dry cleaner in a residential district has to be the kind that sends its clothes out to be cleaned rather than doing the work in the building.

-- So under the proposed zoning regulations, one could possibly see the additional uses mentioned above pop up in the neighborhood without any zoning variances -- permitted as a matter of right.

Minimum parking requirements

David mentions church parking in his text. You can read what he has to say. For those residents who have expressed concern over church parking, I don`t think that the proposed zoning regulations force churches to now supply offstreet parking, etc.

Alley Lots

Bloomingdale currently has alley dwellings on Bloomingdale Court NW.

Here is David comment on alley lots: ``Current rules allow alley dwellings as long as the alley lot is 400 square feet or greater, it has adequate plumbing and so on, and the alleys serving it are particularly wide, at least 30 feet. The new code removes the 30-foot alley rule, but any alley unit will still have to get a special exception and satisfy DC agencies on fire safety, traffic, waste and more.``So Bloomingdale might see more alley dwellings, once the 30-foot wide alley restriction would be removed. More alley dwellings in Bloomingdale could be created, such as the set of contiguous garages bounded by V, W, Flagler and 1st St NW.

Green Area Ratio

David indicates that this part is still under draft. No comments from me (yet).

My general comment about David's evaluation of the proposed zoning rewrite -- he has a ``new urbanist`` spin on the categories, such as parking. I am not suggesting that you adopt his position on all of these categories. But David`s review does provide a jumping off point for the discussion.

Regarding the McMillan Sand Filtration site -- the development of the site would be governed by the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. The site is presently unzoned and would get zoned in the PUD process.

What do you think?

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 02/12/2012

2012-02-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

There are quite a few open houses scheduled in the neighborhood for this Sunday. Check out the list or view in a map format with directions.

*Note to Agents with listings in Bloomingdale and the surrounding neighborhoods: to have your open house included on the blog, you must tag your open house in MRIS by the Friday before the open house.

NOA Gallery: reception featuring jewelry artist Jenny Sammons -- Saturday, 02/11/2012

2012-02-10T16:49:00.005-05:00

Please join us this Saturday
for the jewelry art of
JENNY SAMMONS

Saturday, February 11, 2012
Noon to 5pm

Refreshments will be served.
Please join us for a reception featuring the original work of jewelry artist Jenny Sammons. Jenny has a gift for creating feminine jewelry with a modern bohemian flare. Her works are created with intention and meaning, and she hopes that each person her jewelry touches will benefit from that positive energy that went into its creation.

Browse photos of Jenny`s work

Ongoing Art Exhibit
featuring
Romare Bearden
Kivox Martin
Tomae Yokoi
Thomas Mcknight
Anna Juan
and many others

For more information please contact:
Jenny Sammons at 202 – 679 - 4400
Jennysprettythings@gmail.com
jennysammons.com
jennysammons.wordpress.com
OR
Mike Little at NOA Gallery at 202 – 483 - 7328

NOA Gallery: Providing Fine Art & Design Concepts for the Community
Prints, posters, limited editions, and originals available.

132 Rhode Island Avenue NW in Bloomingdale

Studio 85 Valentine's Day Sale

2012-02-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

53 Florida Avenue Unit A NW DC

FEBRUARY'S NAIL GLOSS PICK!!

"2 TAT 2"

Click here to get yours today at MyStudio85.com

Upcoming Events

Drop by DIY: Shoe Clips

2/19/12

hosted by

Khia Rhodes

Join us for our

Valentine's SALE Event!

Get Social.

Dear Tamika,

We want to cordially invite you to our

V-Day SALE Event!!

Saturday, February 11th 2012.

* BUY A TOP, GET A FREE S85 INK NAIL GLOSS

* CANDLES 2 FOR $24

* EVERYDAY SALE ITEMS UP TO 25% with coupon

And to show our endless appreciation....

* TREATS & SPARKLING CIDER

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ALL DAY SALE EVENT STARTING THIS SATURDAY12PM- 7PM!!!

S85 NEWS!

Check out our latest mention in the February issue of the Washingtonian...Grab yours today!!

Save 25%	Bring in this coupon and receive 25% OFF any one item in store. Artwork & Designer Items not included. Join us Saturday 2/11/12 for extra in store savings!! Pass it on! #ART&LOVE
Offer Expires: February 14, 2012

Armageddon Alert: Big Bear Cafe applies for later hours

2012-02-09T15:01:00.004-05:00

From the Young and Hungry column of the Washington City Paper (stale news from yesterday):

Big Bear Cafe Applies For Later Hours
Posted by Chris Shott on Feb. 8, 2012 at 4:51 pm
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2012/02/08/big-bear-cafe-applies-for-later-hours/

Last call doesn`t come quite late enough for the operators of Big Bear Cafe.

The trailblazing Bloomingdale coffee shop and restaurant is asking city regulators to let it stay open into the wee hours like other D.C. hotspots. Big Bear currently closes at 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. The restaurant now wants to extend service until 1 a.m. all week long. It`s also asking permission to let patrons hang out on its patio later into the evening, as well. Right now, customers carousing al fresco-style have to take it inside at 9 p.m. weekdays, 10 p.m. weekends.

The restaurant is asking to extend outside service until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends.

What will the neighbors think? Residents weren`t entirely thrilled with Big Bear`s plans for evening hours and alcohol service in the first place. The District`s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board was scheduled to review Big Bear`s application for later hours on Wednesday.

Valentine`s Spaghetti Dinner - at St. George's Episcopal Church - Saturday, 2-11-2012

2012-02-09T14:53:00.003-05:00

See this message passed along by Truxton Circle/Bates area resident Mary Ann Wilmer:

You are cordially invited to:

Join Us for a Valentine`s Spaghetti Dinner
(Hosted by the Episcopal Church Women of St. George`s Church)

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Place: St. George’s Episcopal Church
Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
$12.00 for Adults
$10.00 for College Students
$6.00 for Children

Fun, Games, Music, Door Prizes, Raffle Prizes and More!
Please join us for a heartwarming event!!

Important Details: Please reserve your tickets by Thursday, February 9 ththrough the contacts listed below so that we will be prepared to accommodate you and your guests. Please come and wear your Valentine`s colors, as a souvenir photograph is included in the price of the ticket!

For more information, please call:
Lucy Austin 301 then 325 followed by 0111
Vida Anderson 202 then 253 followed by 2669

one neighbor`s predictions for the firehouse and the McMillan Sand Filtration site

2012-02-06T16:27:00.004-05:00

A Randolph Place NW resident comments:

Guess what Engine Company 12 will be in 25 years?

An old, abandoned firehouse.

Guess what the McMillan parcel will be in 25 years?

An old, abandoned water treatment site.

Ghosts of DC: The Seaton at 150 R I Ave NW

2012-02-04T09:31:00.005-05:00

See this Ghosts of DC blog post on some history of the Seaton Condominiums, 150 Rhode Island Avenue NW:

If Walls Could Talk: The Seaton at 150 Rhode Island Ave. NW

500 block of T Street NW in LeDroit Park: violent home invasion

2012-02-02T22:29:00.001-05:00

Some stale, but horrifying news:

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/01/crying-teenaged-girl-used-as-lure-for-violent-home-invasion-71967.html

Eckington Real Estate Maps 1903, 1907, 1913, 1921

2012-02-01T11:17:00.001-05:00

Here's the Baist real estate Plat map of Eckington from 1903.

It's interesting to see how the trains lines were reconfigured. Note that the yellow blocks are wooden buildings, the red blocks are brick buildings.You can see a large detailed image of this HERE
1907

large version HERE

1913

Large version HERE

1921

Large version HERE

****************
I wanted to add a link to a PDF version of a brochure on the history of Eckington.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale

2012-01-28T10:11:00.002-05:00

There is a range of prices and styles of homes with open houses scheduled for tomorrow. You can see the list here. The same information with directions can be seen in map format here.

next Crispus Attucks Park board of directors meeting -- Wednesday, 02-08-2012

2012-01-26T16:45:00.004-05:00

See this message from Crispus Attucks Development Corporation (CADC) president Patrick Blais:

The next meeting of the Crispus Attucks Park Board of Directors will be taking place Wed, Feb 8th from 7:00 to 9:00 at St. George`s Episcopal Church at the corner of 2nd and U Streets, NW. The agenda, which I will post next week, will include topics such as park governance, board elections, fundraising, special projects and maintenance. If you are interested in park affairs, you are welcome and encouraged to attend.

If you are unfamiliar with the park, please visit our website at
www.crispusattuckspark.org . Donations always welcomed via the website.

have you seen the just-erected Howard Theatre sign?

2012-01-26T13:34:00.003-05:00

Courtesy of Bloomingdale resident Mark M.:

Bloomingdale Inn converting to residential housing

2012-01-25T11:49:00.003-05:00

We would like to take this time to thank the community for your support of the Bloomingdale Inn over the years, but we have decided to convert our Inn to residential housing. You all have been so kind and really have made us and our guests feel at home. This is an outstanding neighborhood and we will continue to be a proud part of it.

Again thank you and the best wishes to you all.

Jim & Lorraine - John & Ginger
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Ever wanted to stay in a Bed and Breakfast?

Now`s the chance to live in one! The Bloomingdale Inn is converting our rooms to short/long term rentals. Now you can live in a spacious furnished room like Royalty.

The Inn is a very large Victorian townhome with high ceilings, hardwood floors, plaster walls and ceilings. The perfect environment to relax after working hard at the office.

We are near Washington Hospital Center, VA Hospital and Howard U and the U Street corridor. Convenient to Metro (less than 15 minutes) with Metro Bus stop (#80 & G2) right on the same block. They go to the Capitol, China Town, White House and the Kennedy Center as well as Logan circle, DuPont circle and Georgetown.

Fully furnished rooms starting at just $995 a month plus utilities.

Contact John at john @ bloomingdaleinn.com for more information.
(No Phone calls please!)

Start living the life you deserve in comfort.

Regards,

John Wilson, Manager
Bloomingdale Inn

Bloomingdale Public Safety Walk -- tonight, Wednesday, 01/25/2012

2012-01-25T11:08:00.004-05:00

See this reminder message from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners John Salatti, Hugh Youngblood, and James Fournier Invite you to take part in a Bloomingdale Public Safety Walk

Help Bloomingdale continue to grow into a safer neighborhood!

Who: You! ...and your children, dogs, friends, etc.

All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. This is about making a strong presence in the community, showing that Bloomingdale will not tolerate crime in our neighborhood.

When: Wednesday, January 25, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Where: Northwest corner of 1st and Rhode Island NW
(Meet in front of Windows Café. Dress comfortably and bring a flashlight!)

"promise bridge" sign posted on T Street Bridge connecting Bloomingdale with Eckinton

2012-01-24T14:13:00.005-05:00

Okay, someone needs to clue me in.

I believe that this promise bridge is the T Street Bridge that connects the unit blocks of T Street NW with T Street NE.

See this post from Prince of Petworth:

Promise Bridge Comes to North Capitol Street

By: Prince Of Petworth 23 January 2012 10:05 PM

The Promise Bridge is on North Capitol Street connecting Bloomingdale and Eckington. Kinda reminds me of the love locks bridges in Paris. Not sure if the promise locks will be as popular.

"join Ward 5 Council candidate tonight at Boundary Stone to watch Obama`s 2012 State of the Union Address"

2012-01-24T13:41:00.003-05:00

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Tree Martschink:

Join Ward 5 Council candidate tonight at Boundary Stone to watch Obama`s 2012 State of the Union address!

President Obama`s State of the Union address on Tuesday January 24, 2012 will provide both an assessment of the year past and a plan for the year ahead. As residents of Ward 5, we are also planning for the year ahead, and considering the future our neighborhoods and our city as a whole. John Salatti, Ward 5 candidate for Council, would like to invite you to join him in watching the 2012 State of the Union Address, celebrating the successes and considering the future of our country, and discussing next steps for Ward 5!

What: State of the Union Watching Party

Where: Boundary Stone, 116 Rhode Island Ave NW

When: Tuesday January 24, 2012, 8pm

Spotlight: Bloomingdale / Eckington / NoMa

2012-01-24T13:30:00.005-05:00

See this blurb passed along by the folks at the NoMa BID:

Spotlight: Bloomingdale / Eckington / NoMa
City Chic Real Estate January 19, 2012

http://www.citychicrealestate.com/home/dc-commentary/life-in-dc/spotlight-bloomingdale-eckington-noma

The Bloomingdale Farmers` Market, Big Bear Cafe, Rustik Tavern, Boundary Stone and Bacio Pizza are all mentioned.

? Sunset Liquors space - deli opening ?

2012-01-22T20:12:00.001-05:00

See this message:

My housemates and I stopped by Sunset Liquor at 1st and Florida NW on Friday night and they`re in the middle of a big renovation.

The woman whom I take to be the owner told us she`s going to open a deli, possibly as soon as this week. The shelves in the lower area have been taken out and replaced with a long counter.

No word on whether the upstairs liquor area will stay the same.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 01/22/2012

2012-01-22T11:46:00.004-05:00

Serious house hunters don't let a little ice and cold get in their way, so I expect that agents holding open houses today will see a lot of traffic! Here's the list. The same info can be seen with directions and in a map format.

A great post concerning some history of 1700 First street nw

2012-01-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

Check out this post about the building that is now Big Bear Cafe, over at the very cool Ghosts of DC.

a little excerpt:
By virtue of a decree passed in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia in the case of Edith B. Fenton vs. John D. Schamel, Equity No. 29563, we will sell at public auction, in front of premises No. 1700 First street northwest, on FRIDAY, THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1910, at 4:30 o’clock p.m., the following, namely: The stock of goods, fixtures, two wagons, one horse, harness, and good will of the grocery business heretofore conducted on said premises under the name of Schamel & Co., together with the unexpired portion of the lease of said premises, except as to the apartment on the second floor thereof, and a rental agreement to a stable in Reeves court heretofore used and occupied by said firm.

And This:

A grocer at 1700 1st st. nw. reported to police Tuesday that, he and his wife were about to enter their parked car after closing the store when three youths robbed them of about $150.

Carl Kaplan, 53, said one youth held and choked him while the second went through his pockets and found $120, the day’s receipts. The third bandit knocked down Mrs. Kaplan and, as she screamed, the took her purse containing $30, Kaplan said.

Read the whole thing HERE.

2020 Martini finally opened! (in Richmond, not at the firehouse)

2012-01-19T23:43:00.004-05:00

Scenic Artisan shares this interesting tidbit:

Recall the plans for the fancy 2020 Martini cafe/restaurant/lounge at Bloomingdale's firehouse?

Scenic noticed that 2020 Martini * did * finally open...

... in Richmond.

See 2020Martini.com

Save-A-Lot opening in Rhode Island Avenue Center

2012-01-18T19:21:00.000-05:00

The Washington City Paper writes that there will be a Save A Lot moving into the old Safeway space at the Rhode Island Avenue Center.

DJ 2 Tone Jones at Boundary Stone this Saturday

2012-01-18T13:00:00.001-05:00

DJ 2-TONE JONES
The Jones Collection | Diamond Cutterz | VJC | AM Radio | WBL, Inc.
Co-host and DJ for Ill Street Grooves (Mondays 10-11pm) on WPFW 89.3fm
Telephone: (202) 462-2411
Facebook: DJ 2-Tone Jones
Twitter: @dj2tonejones
www.illstreetgrooves.com

first Ward 5 candidate forum announced -- for Tuesday, 01/24/2012 -- at the Lace Lounge

2012-01-17T15:11:00.004-05:00

Straight Up Politics: A space for residents to have blunt conversations about ward 5 and city politics.
http://straightupolitics.blogspot.com/

As ward 5 looks to elect new leadership, it`s important that voters have an opportunity to vet each candidate and make an informed decision at the polls. Unfortunately, the short window of time and the long list of potential candidates will make it difficult for residents to get out to meetings or chase down individuals to hear where they stand on important issues. To assist voters in this process, myself along with Lace developed ``Straight Up Politics``.

Straight Up Politics is a series of candid candidate forums designed to provide residents with a relaxed atmosphere to ask tough and pointed questions that will hopefully make deciding who the new ward 5 Councilmember is a little easier. The forums will be focused on economic development, education and crime.

The events will take place on Tuesday`s and run until the special election. The first forum will be next Tuesday, January 24. The forum before the special election will be a straw poll. After the session on the 24th, candidates will be put in groups and invited back to separate forums that will focus on specific issues. Below is a schedule for the first forum.

1/24/2012 Schedule

6:30pm-7:00pm-Candidate check in
7:00pm-Candidate Introductions
7:00pm-8:30pm-Individual Questioning

If you are interested in participating in these forums please RSVP by email before COB Thursday, January 19, 2012. Please, let me know if you have any questions.

Straight Up Politics
Lace Lounge
2214 Rhode Island Ave NE
Tuesday, January 24 2012
6-9pm

Tim Clark
@timclarkanc5c05

...and see these additional comments posted at the Eckington list:

Q: Lace Lounge??? Isn't that an "adult" entertainment lounge? Strange place to meet our new candidates!

Tim Clark clarifies: ``It's not an adult entertainment venue. It opened up as a lesbian lounge and has made a transition since then. They have opened their doors to the community on several occasions.``

next Bloomingdale public safety walk -- now on Wednesday, 01/25/2012

2012-01-17T14:57:00.005-05:00

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners John Salatti, Hugh Youngblood, and James Fournier

Invite you to take part in a Bloomingdale Public Safety Walk

Help Bloomingdale continue to grow into a safer neighborhood!

Who: You! ...and your children, dogs, friends, etc.

All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. This is about making a strong presence in the community, showing that Bloomingdale will not tolerate crime in our neighborhood.

When: Tuesday, January 24, 2011 at 7:00 PM -- rescheduled to Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Where: Northwest corner of 1st and Rhode Island NW
(Meet in front of Windows Café. Dress comfortably and bring a flashlight!)

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 01/15/2012

2012-01-14T08:48:00.002-05:00

As Real Estate Business Intelligence reports, inventory is tight, so if you're actively looking to buy, best to check out listings when they first show up. There are several open houses scheduled for Sunday in the neighborhood. The same info can be seen here in a map format.

Then and Now: North Capitol NW, between Quincy and R Streets

2012-01-12T10:00:00.008-05:00

Then: April 29th, 2006

Then: May 19th, 2007:

Then: April 16th 2008

Now: January 10th, 2012:

Amazing the difference, huh?

Things are Poppin' in Truxton Circle

2012-01-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

Check out some of the very cool things happening just to the south of bloomingdale in Truxton Circle

FABLAB DC
We mentioned FabLabDC before. I'm especially excited about this. I would invite everyone that is interested to contact them to see how you can help make this happen.

Fab Lab

Uncle Chips
I've heard great things about Uncle Chips, but I havent tried them yet. What I do know is that they are NOW OPEN.

Uncle Chip's Cookie, Desserts & Cafe is now open! We are a small

batch bakery specializing in chocolate chip cookies. Ours might even

be the best in the city made with dark chocolate, flax seed and the

perfect combination of chew and crunch. Other items include vegan

granola bars, muffins, specialty sweet breads and white chocolate

dipped shortbread.

Offering breakfast in the AM. Our menu includes bagel sammys,

yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, fresh fruit and Java House coffee.

Everything is fresh and made to order. Please stop by and see us!

Local delivery and on-line ordering also available at

unclechips.com.

1514 North Capitol Street NW

Hours of Operation:

7 AM - 2 PM Monday - Friday

9 AM - 2 PM Saturday

Closed Sunday

ReVive
I had probably the best fish and chips I've ever had at ReVive. Fantastic mac and cheese too. I'm not a huge foodie so you'll have to judge for yourself, but i love the place. Go check this newish carry-out place on Florida NW at North Capitol Street.

SnitchEye
The Bates Civic Association facebook page indicates that a causal wine bar will be opening at 3rd and Florida NW. More talk of it on PrinceofPetworth. I'm sure many of you know that a wine bar will probably be opening up on North Capitol in Bloomingdale this year too, right?

The New Playground
I don't have a picture of it, but the playground equipment going in at First and Florida makes we wish I was a kid. It looks amazing.

Dunbar
I don't know the timeframe, or really the extent of the entire project, but it looks like things are moving forward in the reconstruction of Dunbar High School. The field at least is all dug up and being worked on.

And though actually in Bloomingdale, but right across the street from Truxton, is the new Studio85 store.
Wow. Good luck to all the new businesses!

Last Night's Ward 5 Meeting on the News

2012-01-10T18:10:00.000-05:00

Ward 5 Moves On Without Harry Thomas Jr.: MyFoxDC.com

Lydia wants to hear your pop-up stories !

2012-01-10T09:55:00.002-05:00

Pop-up! Pop-ups! Who wants to talk about pop-ups!

See this post from Washington City Paper Housing Complex reporter Lydia DePillis.

Please contact her if you are passionate about pop-ups -- or even if you`re not!

Tell Me Your Pop-Up Stories
Posted by Lydia DePillis on Jan. 10, 2012 at 9:14 am
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/01/10/tell-me-your-pop-up-stories/

A pop-up on New Jersey Avenue NW.

One thing I`ve noticed after a couple years of watching neighborhood blogs and listservs: Few architectural features generate more ire than ``pop-ups,`` as the additions of one floor atop a rowhouse are colloquially known. They`re a great way to maximize space in constrained circumstances, capitalizing on natural light and perhaps allowing a homeowner to stick around rather than light out for the suburbs in search of a third bedroom.

But they sure can get ugly, when siding doesn`t match the original house, or when the addition
interrupts a harmonious block. At the moment, the District`s zoning code doesn`t address pop-ups, and in at least one neighborhood—Barney Circle, east of Capitol Hill—residents tried to pass an historic district in large part to fill the gap.

I`d like to more fully explore the phenomenon of pop-ups and the discussions that happen around them. If you`ve got one you`re proud of, or can`t stand a neighbor`s, or have any other observations to share, please get in touch.

open question: Whom would YOU like to see run in the upcoming Ward 5 Council race?

2012-01-09T11:11:00.005-05:00

There was much buzz all over Bloomingdale this past weekend regarding who might be running for the now-open Ward 5 council seat.

Okay, then let's open us this question to the community.

Whose name(s) would YOU like to see on the ballot for the upcoming Ward 5 council race?

And check out this related post at GGW:

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/13297/ward-5-progressives-must-unite-behind-one-candidate/

Open Houses scheduled In and Around Bloomingdale on 01/08/2012

2012-01-08T12:39:00.002-05:00

Looks like a nice sunny not too cold day, which is perfect for checking out the open houses in the neighborhood. For those who prefer a visual approach, here's the link to the map with the same information.

man taking items from rear porch on 100 block of R Street NE in Eckington

2012-01-06T11:03:00.004-05:00

See this Thursday, 01/05/2012 message from a neighbor:

Today I made a police call to report a person that was not only acting suspicious and riffling through garbage cans in the alley of the 100 block NE R Street shared with Quincy Place, but trespassing and taking item(s) from the back porch of 113 R Street NE. He also made his way into the alley behind the old Eckington School . Attached is a photo of this guy. I reported earlier that he was about 50 years old, but the photo I took would leave one to believe he is much older.
See this follow-on message from Fifth District Commander Andy Solberg:
Ask that residents call 911 when they see him, so we can get the chance to come and find out who he is.

Sligo Creek Stompers performing at Big Bear Cafe tonight

2012-01-06T10:40:00.004-05:00

See this short message from Big Bear Cafe's Laura:

Tonight, the Sligo Creek Stompers are performing at Big Bear at 8:30. They are a local bluegrass band with a really down-home, friendly sound. The show is free of charge and there will be plenty to eat and drink!

www.sligocreekstompers.com

Earth to Bloomingdale residents: "traffic consultants rarely tell communities that new development will cause any problems." Do you agree? Disagree?

2012-01-05T10:24:00.008-05:00

It looks like my attempt has flopped to encourage some discussions on the traffic impacts in Bloomingdale arising from the McMillan Sand Filtration site development.

This morning's Greater Greater Washington Breakfast Links post references Lydia DePillis's WCP Housing Complex post on development project traffic studies:

"Neighbors often don't believe traffic consultants when they say new development will cause minimal new traffic, but those consultants are counting on mixed uses, transit, and changing behavior."

Spot on? Off-base?

What you do you think of the "art of traffic impact assessment?"

Lydia comments on the McMillan Sand Filtration site & its transportation plan; what do * you * think?

2012-01-04T18:24:00.009-05:00

Washington City Paper Housing Complex reporter Lydia DePillis just posted an item on the DC Zoning Commission and its review of transportation plans of large development projects that go before the Zoning Commission.

Green Light
Posted by Lydia DePillis
on Jan. 4, 2012 at 5:57 pm
-
Lydia briefly mentions Bloomingdale`s McMillan Sand Filtration site.

Here are the three paragraphs that reference the sand filtration site:

Then there’s McMillan Sand Filtration Plant, where development plans have engendered distrust for decades. A citizen group commissioned an outside expert to review the developer’s traffic study, asking for more information; local ANC officials are sure that adding hundreds more residences and large office buildings will make it impossible for people in surrounding neighborhoods to get to work.

But there are two problems with that.

One: Projects of a certain scale start to develop their own gravity. More residences and office workers are the only thing that justify large transportation investments like streetcars and bus rapid transit. And if there’s a mix of housing, commerce, and offices—which McMillan is supposed to have—people will be able to get to work, buy groceries, and take their kids to a playground without getting in a car. That way, even the largest of new developments won’t have the impact residents fear.

Two: Sometimes traffic is good. Urban places are congested. And well-managed congestion—with a robust array of alternatives—encourages people to do something different, like move closer to where they work, telecommute, or bike instead of drive. All take the pressure off a traffic study as something that people seize on to contain a new development.

What do you think ?

some announcements from Rustik Tavern (like lunch at Rustik Tuesdays thru Fridays!)

2012-01-02T22:21:00.003-05:00

2011 was a fabulous year. We’ve seen our little neighborhood become even more of a place with a distinct, local, friendly feel. We at Rustik have had a phenomenal year, and we are so proud and happy to have been serving Bloomingdale. We are looking forward to the great things to come in 2012.

We have a few announcements.

First, we are going to start serving lunch Tuesdays through Fridays from 11am to 3pm. If you’re working from home, why not work from here? Bring your computer and use our free wifi while you enjoy a tasty selection of lunch items, including our house-made Focaccia daily sandwich specials or the open-faced gyro sandwiches, among other items.

Second, movies. This month we are featuring some fantastic French films that span the eclectic cinematic feats of the pentagon shaped country – from the artsy, to the criminal to the comedic.

We’ll begin tomorrow, Tuesday 1/3, with Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, known simply as Amélie. Here, Amelie, an innocent and naive girl in Paris, with her own sense of justice, decides to help those around her and along the way, discovers love. This is the iconic French film of the early 2000’s that catapulted young Audrey Tautou and her pixie cut to notoriety.

On Tuesday, 1/10, we’ll be playing La Femme Nikita, directed by Luc Besson (Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element). In this hit-man twist, convicted felon Nikita, instead of going to jail, is given a new identity and trained, stylishly, as a top secret spy/assassin.

The Dinner Game (Le Diner de Cons), 1/17, is a beguiling French farce in which Pierre and his friends organize a weekly dinner for idiots. Each man invites the dumbest guy he can find as a guest. Pierre thinks his champ -François Pignon- will steal the show.

On Tuesday, 1/24, we will play The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (Le charme discret de la bourgeoisie). A surrealist film directed by Luis Buñuel, the movie’s world is not logical: the bizarre events are accepted by the characters, even if they are impossible or contradictory. The film concerns a group of upper class people attempting — despite continual interruptions — to dine together. Winner of an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1972).

We’ll finish January with an action, clever, funny, and very sexy French spy thriller starring the great Jean-Paul Belmondo, The Professional. The story goes: French secret agent Joss Baumont is sent to one of the African countries to kill their president Njala. However, at the last moment the political situation changes and the French secret service turns him in to the African authorities, and he is sentenced to a long-term imprisonment. After the daring escape he returns to France and deliberately informs his former chiefs of his presence promising them to kill Njala who has just arrived to the country with the official visit.

1/3 Amélie (2001, 122 min., R)
1/10 La Femme Nikita (1991, 118 min., R)
1/17 Le Diner de Cons / The Dinner Game (1998, 80 min., PG-13)
1/24 The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972, 102 min. PG)
1/31 The Professional (1981, 108 min.)

WaPo says it's "Out" to buy in Bloomingdale

2011-12-31T12:45:00.005-05:00

The Washington Post published their annual list of What's In and What’s Out for 2012, and guess what they said about Bloomingdale? Yep, somebody at WaPo thinks it’s “out” to buy in Bloomingdale. Funny, the increasing number of people buying in Bloomingdale and the continuing activity of emerging local businesses make me think we’re just getting started. What do you think? Numbers below.

Happy 2012!
Suzanne

Settled House (fee simple) Sales Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, NW Eckington
2011
Current Active Inventory 21
87 Total Sales
Average Net Sold Price $509,566.
Highest Net Sold Price $899,000
Average Days on Market 42
Just this month, we saw the highest sale price in Bloomingdale since 2005.

2010
77 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $440,118.
Highest Sold Price $849,500
Average Days on Market 47

2009
75 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $417,957.
Highest Sold Price $879,000
Average Days on Market 76

Settled Condo Sales Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, NW Eckington
2011
Current Active Inventory 6
37 Total Sales
Average Net Sold Price $299,025.
Highest Net Sold Price $480,000.
Average Days on Market 63
Yes, condo prices went down in 2011 in the neighborhood, but this could be primarily because a new conversion, the eight unit Flatiron of Bloomingdale at 143 Rhode Island Ave NW intentionally sold below market. I expect to see the condo prices increase over 2012.

2010
24 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $319,262.
Highest Sold Price $528,000
Average Days on Market 79

2009
28 Total Sales
Average Sold Price $326,677.
Highest Sold Price $540,000
Average Days on Market 113

some info on Billy Mitchell's alleged murderer, Anthony Speight

2011-12-31T11:34:00.004-05:00

From a Randolph Place NW resident:

Following up on the other links, this may be worth sharing, as well as an enhanced photo of the alleged murderer from his Facebook profile, in which he wears the hat he purportedly lost during the killing.

Detective's affidavit: http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/281393-scn-0045.html#document/p1

http://www.facebook.com/people/Speight-Guud-Shepherd/100000376074064

http://twitter.com/shepherd3000

photo is attached.

dog found at the Anna J. Cooper Circle yesterday

2011-12-31T09:27:00.001-05:00

See this 12/30/2011 message from Kim Wee of Field to City:

A husky-type dog was found at Anna J. Cooper Circle today.
5 years old, 60 pounds,well groomed found with no collar.
Please contact Kim at 202 - 588 - 5612.

Close to Bloomingdale: New York Ave and O Street NE-1927

2011-12-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

This image above came from this Fantastic blog

HomicideWatch.org: "robbery attempt at center of Bill Mitchell's Truxton Circle shooting death"

2011-12-30T07:10:00.004-05:00

Here is a follow-up post on the arrest in the 01/19/2011 murder of Billy Mitchell -- from the HomicideWatch.org website (thanks for the tip, Mari!).

Robbery Attempt at Center of Bill Mitchell`s Truxton Circle Shooting Death
Posted Dec. 28, 2011, 3:45 p.m.

by Laura Amico
http://homicidewatch.org/2011/12/28/robbery-attempt-at-center-of-bill-mitchells-truxton-circle-shooting-death

A $20 robbery may have been the cause of Bill Mitchell`s shooting death in Truxton Circle last January.

That`s according to charging documents made public today just before Anthony Speight, the man prosecutors say killed Mitchell, was presented with a charge of first degree murder while armed.

Speight`s attorney submitted to the government`s facts and did not oppose Speight`s detention while he is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Mitchell was walking home from the theater on Jan. 19 when he was shot and killed. Mitchell`s family and friends, and D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr., said Mitchell was killed while coming to the aid of a woman.

Homicide detectives now say it may be the opposite.

According to charging documents in the case, a man on a bicycle approached a woman near a small park in Truxton Circle and propositioned her for sex. She refused. The man then rode over to Mitchell, who was at a nearby bus stop, and asked for $20. When Mitchell refused, the man argued with him. The woman then came over to assist Mitchell, told the man man to leave Mitchell alone, and tried to call 911. The man knocked her cell phone out of her hand, Mitchell jumped on the man`s back, and he and the man fell to the ground.

During the struggle the man produced a handgun, said ``This is what I have been waiting for,`` shot Mitchell, and biked away.

The arrest was made until yesterday, when MPD announced that Speight would face a murder charge in connection with the case. A person who knows Speight said Speight biked past just after the shooting. When the witness asked Speight to give him his bike, Speight declined, saying police were likely searching for it.

The witness told police Speight had said ``a white man had played with him and was taking him for a joke.``

Speight was ordered held on the murder charge and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2012.

Speight is awaiting trial in an armed carjacking case. That offense is alleged to have occurred just six hours before Mitchell was killed.

Charging documents are below:
[you can click on the homicidewatch.org link above to see this charging document.]

arrest made in the 1/19/2011 fatal shooting of William Mitchell; man arrested has been charged with first-degree murder

2011-12-28T11:33:00.003-05:00

See this news item from today`s Washington Post:

D.C. police charge three men with murder
By David Marino-Nachison, Published: December 27

http://www.washingtonpost.com/todays_paper?dt=2011-12-28&bk=B&pg=5

D.C. police charged three men with murder Tuesday, announcing arrests in shootings in January and May and a late-night stabbing this month.

Harold Proctor of Upper Marlboro, Anthony Speight of no fixed address and Andrew Wesley Williams of Northeast Washington were arrested separately Tuesday morning, according to police.

Proctor, 19, was charged with felony murder in the Dec. 17 stabbing of Kevin Blackwell Jr., 20. Authorities responding to the 900 block of Burns Street SE found Blackwell suffering from a stab wound at 10:36 p.m.; he died later at a hospital.

Williams, 25, was charged with first-degree murder in the May 14 shooting of Junon Tyree Snead, 30, of Northeast. Snead, one of two men shot dead in separate incidents that night, was found in the 3700 block of Jay Street NE about 5:50 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police closed the second case Oct. 28, charging Montez Warren, 30, of Northeast with first-degree murder in the death of Ervin Lamont Griffin, 32, of Southeast.

Speight, 23, was charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 19 shooting of William Mitchell of Northwest. Mitchell, 33, was found at North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue about 11 p.m., police said, later died at a hospital.,

Bloomingdale public safety walk - Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012

2011-12-28T07:47:00.004-05:00

See this event announcement from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners John Salatti, Hugh Youngblood, and James Fournier

Invite you to kick-off 2012 by taking part in a
Bloomingdale Public Safety Walk

Help Bloomingdale continue to grow into a safer neighborhood!

Who: You! ...and your children, dogs, friends, etc.
All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. This is about making a strong presence in the community, showing that Bloomingdale will not tolerate crime in our neighborhood.
When: Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7:00 P.M.
Where: Northwest corner of 1st and Rhode Island NW
(Meet in front of Windows Café. Dress comfortably and bring a flashlight!)

Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale

vehicle stolen on the 2100 block of 1st St NW -- update: MPD just reported that the car has been found crashed and abandoned

2011-12-27T19:43:00.004-05:00

Between 10:30 PM on the 25th and 9:30 AM on Monday, December 26th my car was stolen on First Street NW in between V and W. There were no signs of foul play (no broken glass or other car parts left behind) but I talked to a DC 311 operator and she said that towing was suspended in the District on the 25th and 26th and to call the police. I went ahead and filed a police report but haven't heard anything back from them. My car is a 2000 Black Jeep Cherokee, has Virginia tags and a Redskins sticker on the back window.

Now read this update:

The police just called me this morning to say that they found my car crashed and abandoned against a telephone pole in DC. Apparently the damage isn`t too bad, so it sounds like I lucked out. The scariest part about the whole thing is that the thieves didn`t break any glass-- they much have used a slim jim to get in and then hot wired the car.

dinner and a movie -- family-style dinner at Big Bear Cafe - Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012

2011-12-27T14:47:00.002-05:00

Hello Hello!

For our family dinner this Sunday, January 1st, we will be serving a spaghetti carbonara followed by pork shoulder braised in white wine, garlic and rosemary, served with an endive/escarole salad with grainy mustard vinaigrette.

The dinner will accompany the screening of a short film about pork butchery in the United States, and the work of a small family meatsmith outside of Seattle, WA where our resident chef on research leave, Andrew Plotsky, is now in training.

It is a beautiful film. Clementina is preparing a beautiful meal.

We hope you can come to celebrate the first evening of the new year.

Contact me to reserve a seat.

It is a family-style communal dinner with limited seats, so let me know asap.

Stuart
studavenport @ gmail.com

Happy Holidays from the Bloomingdale Civic Association

2011-12-25T09:30:00.003-05:00

Neighbors,

The Bloomingdale Civic Association wishes you happy holidays and a very happy and healthy 2012.

Best,

Teri Janine Quinn
President, Bloomingdale Civic Association

Highest Home Sale in LeDroit Park or Bloomingdale since 2007

2011-12-23T12:25:00.004-05:00

This was actually the highest sale in Bloomingdale proper since 2005.

Here's a snippet from the Good Deal or Not Revisited (GDoN-R) post at www.princepetworth.com:

"Although many people only became aware of Bloomingdale within the past couple of years or so, it’s important to note that the renovation and sales boom had been going on in the neighborhood from the early 2000’s until a price peak in 2006. Prices are just now starting to reach above the point where the price bubble hit. There was some discussion in the comments on the original GDoN post about what it would mean for a listing to sell for over a million dollars in Bloomingdale. There actually has already been a seven figure sale in Bloomingdale, when 2301 1st St NW transferred for $1,050,000. in 2005. Still, I tend to agree with the commenters, that it would suggest a shift in perspective. The Washington Post did a story in 2000 or 2001 when the first house on The Hill sold over a million, which definitely marked a turning point in that neighborhood."

The entire post can be read here.

presents stolen from car -- alleyway of unit block of W / Adams NW

2011-12-23T11:06:00.003-05:00

See this Friday morning message from a Bloomingdale resident:

Friday, December 23, 2011 10:51 AM
Subject: We've been robbed - alley way of unit block of W/Adams NW

A thief broke into our car took presents my husband left in car to keep from the kids overnight. The thief took our trashcan, put all the presents in our trashcan, took the trashcan down the alley, tore through everything and stole the most expensive item- a camera. It was this morning before 10:30. Did any of you see something? Help? I am so angry right now I am fuming.

PoP: "Aroi Thai/Japanese Cuisine Coming to Bloomingdale"

2011-12-22T11:45:00.002-05:00

Some Bloomingdale retail & restaurant news from Prince of Petworth:

Aroi Thai/Japanese Cuisine Coming to Bloomingdale
By: Prince Of Petworth 21 December 2011 4:26 AM xx Comments
http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2011/12/aroi-thaijapanese-cuisine-coming-to-bloomingdale/

Back in July `11 I shared some scuttlebutt saying that a new Thai restaurant was coming to Bloomingdale at 1832 1st St, NW (next to Yoga District.) I`m happy to report that construction has begun:

I`ve learned that it will be a sit down Thai and Japanese restaurant called Aroi. If all goes according to plan they hope to complete the renovations and open in May 2012. Stay tuned.

more pics from the 12/17/2011 World Missions toy give-away rally

2011-12-22T11:25:00.010-05:00

From: Joann Perkins
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 9:38 PM
Subject: FW: World Missions Christmas Rally 2012 Batch 10

Merry CHRISTmas everyone and thanks for allowing World Missions EXTENSION Center to work with you and your family in sponsoring the following rallies this year: in January, we sponsored our Prayer, Reflections rally, in April our first Walk-a-thon, in June, awarded 7 high School students the Malissa B. Perkins Scholarships award, in August, provided 465 students supplies needed to return back to school, at the Thanksgiving Rally, 365 families received Thanksgiving Baskets and as indicated by pictures below at the Christmas rally held on December 17th, over 983 kids present( all of which joined our Positive Alternatives Skill Building Mentoring Book club, as 24 of the kids won bikes which were raffled off) at the rally and an additional 500 children after the rally received toys( a total of 1483 kids) is why we do , what we do which is also allowing us to include our Suicide newest component (working with the Department of MentalHealth) to accomplish our mission of providing educational training services that positively impact lives of children, youth and adults living in inner-city neighborhoods.

We say again to everyone who helped us make the children and families smile, thanks, Happy Holidays and May God richly bless you and yours as you enjoy this blessed season, for we know without question that Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON.

Dr. J. Perkins, President/ CEO, Mother Withers and the EXTENSION Center Positive Alternatives Skill Building Mentoring Progam
World Missions EXTENSION Center Inc

Boundary Stone holiday party -- Thursday, 12-22-2011

2011-12-21T10:42:00.004-05:00

See this message from Colin McDonough of Boundary Stone:

pics from the 12/17/2011 World Missions Extension Center Annual Toy Give-Away Rally

2011-12-20T11:13:00.008-05:00

See this 12/20/2011 message from World Missions Extension Center`s Dr. JoAnn Perkins regarding this past Saturday`s annual toy give-away rally held at McKinley Tech High School:

We thanked volunteers for coming to help us put the bikes together. We gave away 24 bikes which were raffled off and 964 kids joined the book club and signed up for a mentor.

Boundary Stone Holiday Send Off

2011-12-20T10:23:00.002-05:00

See this message from Boundary Stone's Colin McDonough:

We are having a neighborhood Holiday Send off before everyone departs or doesn`t for Christmas. We are tapping a limited edition Keg of Flying Dog Oyster Stout, each neighbor gets a free pint if they donate a toy for our toy drive!!

We will have oyster shooters and Vince will making up oyster specials all night as long as the keg lasts!

Also we will be closed on Christmas Day, and our kitchen will only be open till 10pm on Christmas eve, otherwise we are operating as always.

ANC 5C meeting/holiday celebration -- Tuesday, 12/20/2011

2011-12-19T22:08:00.003-05:00

Passed along by ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 The Summit
7:00pm -9:00pm 116 T Street NE
Notice
Public Holiday Celebration and Meeting
Bring a friend – let`s celebrate
**************************************

Part I: Gathering 6:45 pm
Unity Call…………………..………………………………….…..Commissioner Edwards, Chairman
Confirmation of Quorum .…………………………………………………….
Adoption of Agenda
Review/Approval of Minutes.………………………………………..

Part II: Business Administration
Financial Report.………..…………………Commissioner Salatti, Financial Secretary
Review/Approval 4th Qtr Financial Rpt Documents..…Commissioner Ransom, Treasurer
Report & Pay Bills………………………..Commissioner Ransom, Treasurer
Meet the Fire Chief………..Kenneth Ellerbee, fire Chief

Part III: Community Concerns, Updates and Resolutions
1. Community Concerns
2. 225 Escot Street NE, Rear Deck Public Space Application……..Commissioner Farmer-Allen
3. Consideration of Alternative Proposals for Curb Cut - ANC 5C02 related to Dunbar High School…………………………………………………..………Commissioners Thomas and Pinkney

SPECIAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
(Acknowledgement of Sponsors)
Each one – Bring a Friend.

Let’s Celebrate the Accomplishments of 2011
and
Rejoice in the Expectations of 2012

dumpster out front of Sunset Liquors -- what's up ?

2011-12-19T11:05:00.004-05:00

See this message from a Randolph Place NW resident:

Took this picture on saturday, by sunday the dumpster was full.

Have you heard any scuttlebutt?

Obviously would be great to have this situation improve in general and especially with the new park opening.

feedback solicited on "No Standing Anytime" parking ticket issued on Seaton Pl NW

2011-12-19T09:50:00.003-05:00

See this message from a resident on the unit block of Seaton Place NW:

I want to raise a concern. I recently received a parking ticket although my car was legally parked (I have photos). While talking to a friend, I learned she too had received several parking tickets when she was legally parked. I plan to contest my ticket, but was curious if others had experienced a similar problem. This appears to me to be a systemic abuse of authority that can`t continue. If anyone has advice on how best to address this issue, I`d greatly appreciate it.

Here is more detail:

The reason was P269, No Standing Anytime. The comments say ``sign clearly visible front``. I was parked in front of a no parking sign indicating no parking behind the sign. I was parked on a zone parking street, but I have a current zone sticker.

Green Paws: 10% off all natural & organic pet food, treats, toys, accessories & health products

2011-12-18T21:33:00.006-05:00

Hey! Green Paws Patrons (and potential patrons) -- see this message from the folks at Green Paws:

Green Paws Natural Pet Supplies

10% OFF*
All natural & organic pet food, treats, toys, accessories & health products.

202 . 986 . 6373

81 Seaton Place NW
Washington, DC 20001
www.greenpawsdc.com

* limited time offer, must present coupon, sorry! No delivery & excludes already discounted items.

Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting this Monday, 12/19/2011

2011-12-17T12:03:00.002-05:00

See this meeting announcement from Bloomingdale Civic Association Corresponding Secretary Jeremy Fegley:

Bloomingdale Civic Association December 2011 Meeting

Monday, December 19, 2011 - 7:00 p.m.
St. George`s Episcopal Church
160 U St, NW (corner of 2nd and U NW)

Please join us for a general meeting of the Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) on December 19th at 7:00 p.m. at St. George`s Episcopal Church.

The meeting will consist of community announcements and a reception.

Interested in joining the BCA? Join us for the year end meeting!

John Salatti wants you to take this MedStar Health survey

2011-12-17T11:11:00.003-05:00

From ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

I have participated in some community conversations held at Washington Hospital Center concerning hospitals and health care in our area. The goal is to get as much community input as possible to give the hospital system some guidance as to where to best extend its resources into the community.

I hope residents will take advantage and let our local hospitals know about their concerns.

John

John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
Vice President, Bloomingdale Civic Association
(202) 986-2592
John.Salatti @ gmalil.com
``Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale``

Here is the survey:

Dear Friend,
You have been invited by MedStar Health to offer your input concerning the health needs of the District of Columbia.

Your feedback will help determine the community health priorities for MedStar`s three DC hospitals - Georgetown University Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital and Washington Hospital Center.

In order to participate, copy-paste the entire following link between quote marks (NOT including the quote marks) in a web browser
" http://research.zarca.com/k/SsTRTVsURWsPsPsP "

If you attended the Professional Stakeholders Community Input Session on Monday, December 12, please do not continue with this survey.

Responses received after 5pm on Tuesday, December 27 will not be considered.

Thank you for your participation

World Missions Extension Center annual toy give-away rally

2011-12-17T08:45:00.002-05:00

See this nicely formatted message from Dr. JoAnn Perkins of Bloomingdale's World Missions for Christ Extension Center:

CM Thomas releases draft Ward 5 ANC SMD map; John Salatti: "Bloomingdale remains united"

2011-12-15T20:59:00.008-05:00

See this message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti.

Note the draft Ward 5 ANC SMD map PDF has been posted over at the Bates Area Civic Association (BACA) blog: http://batesareacivicassociation.org/2011/12/15/the-new-ward-5-anc-smd-map-from-cm-thomas/

BLOOMINGDALE REMAINS UNITED!!!!

Hot off the presses.

I just received a copy from Councilmember Harry Thomas of the revised Ward 5 draft redistricting plan.

I have asked Scott Roberts to post the map of the plan on the Bloomingdale blog.In this draft, which still is subject to comment from the community and to votes from the City Council, Bloomingdale residents have achieved the two goals we have advocated for since October:

(1) All of Bloomingdale from Florida Avenue to Michigan Avenue remains united in a single Advisory Neighborhood Commission!

(2) All Single Member Districts in Bloomingdale (and now throughout the Ward) adhere much more closely to the 2,000-person standard laid out in the Home Rule Charter!

I thank Councilmember Harry Thomas for hearing the voices of Bloomingdale residents. He heard and he acted. We appreciate the many competing concerns he has had to consider and appreciate his willingness to put his imprimatur on a map that really is in the best interest of this community (and many others in Ward 5). I thank Redistricting Subcommittee chairs Councilmembers Michael Brown and Jack Evans and Subcommittee member Councilmember Phil Mendelson for hearing our concerns and working closely with Councilmember Thomas to create a stronger, fairer Ward 5 map. Special kudos go to Michael Brown. I have visited with him and his staff many times in the last two weeks. His door was always open to us. They have always made time to talk about the concerns we have and about the possible alternatives that would uphold the principles of redistricting while carefully addressing the concerns of Bloomingdale residents. I could not ask for more.

I reserve my biggest thanks to you all. Congratulations on your efforts. By testifying, calling, e-mailing, visiting you conveyed the seriousness with which we viewed this issue. You made a difference. You made democracy work. Thank you so much!

But the work isn't done. As I noted, this is the latest draft. It is not law yet. So my ask to you is to contact the Subcommittee and copy Councilmember Thomas:

(1) Please thank them for what they have done to bring us this new map; they have worked hard and made a lot of changes that strengthen Bloomingdale;
(2) Please ask them to enact it into law.

If you have questions about the map or about redistricting generally, please contact me.

Again, Congratulations Bloomingdale!

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

....and see Ward 5 resident Geoff Hatchard`s post on the presented draft Ward 5 redistricting map at the Greater Greater Washington blog: http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/13055/thomas-adopts-fair-community-proposal-for-anc-map

Rhode Island Row

2011-12-12T17:43:00.000-05:00

Some of you may be interested in the developments at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station.

Rhode Island Row

Check out the Rhode Island Avenue Insider's POST on the development, including photos of the spaces.

Also, check out the Friends of Rhode Island Avenue site.