Sherwood Soccer

The following went out on the 6A listserv-

Anyone interested in playing regularly on Wednesday nights, starting around 6:30? The pitch is pretty rough, but it could be fun if we get a good turnout. We may even get some of the neighborhood kids to join in. I had some kids come up and ask me how to play when I was kicking the ball around. I'm no Beckham, but I showed them a few pointers ;)

Let me know if you're interested.

Omar

You can reach Omar at familymahmud[at]yahoo.com. I plan to also mention this on the Trinidad listserv as I've played backyard soccer with more than one local kid. I suck because I haven't played for a team since 1988, but they still seem to enjoy it. It would be terrific if this could turn into a regular pick-up game with guidance.

Happy Hour at XII

TWELVE
Restaurant & Lounge

Presents...

Happy Hour Specials just right for the SUMMER!

Happy Hour: Monday - Friday from 5pm - 7:30pm
$3 Martini's, $5 Mixed Drinks, $2.50 Beers

Also, new to the menu:
Fried Calamari & Cream of Asparagus Soup

Featuring some of DC's Best Local Talent & DJ's throughout the week from ROCK to REGGAE

We have something for everyone!

Come Watch all your FAVORITE SPORTS
on Flat Screen TV's

So what are you waiting for?
Come on out and DRINK, DINE, & DANCE at TWELVE Restaurant & Lounge in the Atlas District in DC

For more information call: 202.398.2655
www.twelvedc.com

Sweets and Treats Open

A commenter reports that Sweets and Treats [1360 H Street] is now open for business. Sweets and Treats serves ice cream and other sweet things.

The proprietor at the 2007 H Street Festival

A 2006 photo of 1360 H Street

BLINGO Tonight at Sticky Rice

See the announcement below-

Sticky Rice starts BLINGO every Thursday starting June 26th.

"It's speed bingo meets Chinese new year"

Prizes are won each round, but the winner of the next round is able to steal that prize or get a new one. Its fast paced and action packed!!

Starts at 10pm every Thursday night. Sticky Rice is located at 1224 H Street.

WP: Eating on H

The Post looks at a few of the places to eat on H Street and talks about some new spots that are coming. New attractions and changes-

CHANGES
-The Red and the Black [1212 H] is building out their kitchen so they can serve gourmet burgers

COMING ATTRACTIONS
-Radius at the Ohio- NY style pizza
-[unnamed]- afro-latin fusion
-H Street Country Club- Mexican
-[unnamed]- brick oven Pizzaria
-[unnamed]- bar-b-q
-[unnamed]- Italian red-sauce restaurant
-Taylor- an Italian grocery and deli that will offer sandwiches and salads.
-Liquid

Mendleson Hearing Online

I thought people might be interested in the online video of the recent hearing regarding the checkpoint.

Gas Theft in the Area

The City Paper reports on the theft of gas from a local resident's parked car. I'm told that Channel 7 will being doing a story on the theft tonight.

Obama Event on H Street

Announcement [reposted due to a modification]--

Obama for America Fundraiser @ Pap and Petey's
Saturday, June 28, 7:00PM
421 H Street NE
$10 Suggested Donation, $5 Drink Specials
Live Music
Evite link [not necessary to attend]

Pap & Petey's is hosting the event but not does not endorse any candidate

Thanks and hoping to see you there,

Jeffrey King

Au Bon Pain Comes to NY Ave Metro

Check out the press release-

For immediate release
NoMa BID media contact:
Leslie Braunstein
703-234-7762
info@lhbcommunications.com

Au Bon Pain Leases in DC’s NoMa Neighborhood

Washington, D.C., June 24, 2008…. The NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) in Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the neighborhood’s latest restaurant lease, Au Bon Pain. Au Bon Pain will open in the spring of 2009 in a 2,734-square-foot space within the new Courtyard by Marriott hotel now under construction at 1305 2nd Street, N.E. adjacent to the New York Avenue Metro station.

Mike Howard, senior director of brokerage of Rappaport Retail Brokerage, represented the landlord, the Robert Finvarb Companies in the lease transaction. Anastasia Kharchenko of Madison Retail Group represented Au Bon Pain.

Au Bon Pain is a casual French-themed bakery and café that primarily serves artisan breads, soups, sandwiches and coffee. Currently there are more than 226 locations worldwide.

Au Bon Pain joins a rapidly growing group of retailers along 2nd Street including Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Pound Coffee, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli, Sister’s Pizza & Mussels, and other restaurants. Pound Coffee is already open for business and other restaurants are expected to open shortly.

“Au Bon Pain is a great addition to all the new restaurant and retail amenities coming to NoMa,” said Elizabeth Price, President of the NoMa BID. “These businesses will help fulfill the burgeoning demand for high quality restaurants to serve both office workers and residents in the area.”

About the NoMa BID:

NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Stolen Trailer

The trailer in the image above is almost identical to the one that was stolen from our back yard last night between 8pm and 8am. It was covered by a tarp and parked behind our porch at the top of a steep hill. Because it was under cover and so difficult to get to, I think someone in the neighborhood saw me using it and decided to take it. The trailer is made by Burley. It is a two-wheeled bike trailer with an aluminum hitch; purple and yellow on top and black on the bottom. The child harnesses have been removed and there are some small scrapes and tears on the left side. If you see it in the Trinidad or H Street neighborhoods, please contact me!

Thanks,

Megan

[if you think you've seen this trailer you can email me at inked78[at]hotmail.com, and I will pass the info on to Megan]

Search For J Street: Drunken Jenga

A local blogger visits the Rock and Roll Hotel for the weekly event. Via DCBlogs.

DCmud: Dreyfus Project

DCmud reports on progress with Capitol Place.

Double Happiness

You can only really see it in some of the shots, but we actually had a double rainbow after yesterday's showers.

WP: Suit Filed Over Checkpoint

The Post reports on a lawsuit filed over the recent checkpoints in Trinidad.

WP: Teen Faces Arson Charges in House Fire

The Post reports that a teenage boy is being charged in the fire that swept through 4 rowhouses and left a dozen in need of relocation assistance.

H Street Farmers Market Tomorrow

When: 9am-12pm
Where: the middle of the 600 block of H [southside]

WP: Call for Composting

The Post recently carried this worthwhile opinion piece arguing that the District should adopt a citywide composting program similar to the one in San Francisco. Maybe while we're at it we should enlarge our plastic recycling program so it can handle plastics beyond types 1 and 2.

Area Photo Show Opening 7/12

Evolve Property Management presents “Sought After and Stumbled Upon,” photographs by Daniel Glucksman, July 12 at the:

Evolve Urban Arts Gallery @ Pierce School Lofts, 1375 Maryland Ave. NE.

A free opening reception with a tasting menu will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
Hours at the gallery are 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The exhibit is free and the public is welcome. To learn more about this month’s featured artist or to become a featured artist, visit www.evolve LLC.com and click on “Urban Arts Project,” or call 359-RENT x205.

Fire at 3rd and L

Residents of four homes relocate due to massive fire. The Post has a briefing identifying the fire as occurring in NW, but good authority places it at 3rd and L NE. At least 12 people were displaced. A woman and a wheelchair and two cats were rescued from the blaze.

PSA 504 Meeting Saturday

What: A Police Service Area Meeting
When: 10-11:30am
PSA 504 includes Carver-Langston, Trinidad, Ivy City, the Arboretum, and the Florida Market.

=========================
UPDATE
Thanks to Liz for the correction-
Per an email from Fayette Vaughn-Lee, this meeting is actually at the Trinidad Rec Center at 1310 Childress St NE. (10 - 11:30a)

Speakers to include: Chief Bruce Faust, DC Fire & EMS; Asst Chieft Diane Groomes, MPD; and Jennifer Murphy, Victims Service Branch, MPD
========================

American Youth Chorus @the Atlas

American Youth Chorus Information

The American Youth Chorus is a new opportunity for students in the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas. The chorus is open to children ages 8-14 who seek to increase their musical skills and knowledge as a supplement to their school music program. The chorus is sponsored by the Congressional Chorus, which creates a unique opportunity for participants. The children participating in the AYC will sing in AYC concerts, but also participate with the Congressional Chorus. This allows the students to experience a wider range of music, and also provides the opportunity for mentoring relations to grow between the children and adult chorus members.

Participation
The goal of the AYC is to create a chorus network of diverse participants from around the DC/Maryland/Northern VA region. We are particularly committed to including children of all socio-economic situations, and no one will be denied participation as a result of financial constraints. Tuition is based on a sliding scale determined by household income. More information on this tuition scale can be found on the chorus website, www.americanyouthchorus.org. Other assistance may also be available in the form of scholarships, sibling discounts, etc.

Rehearsals
The chorus will be divided into two sections, based on age. The younger participants will rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 4:00-5:15 PM, and the older participants on Thursday evenings from 4:00-5:30 PM. Rehearsals will be held at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE, Washington, DC.

Auditions
Auditions are open to students in the immediate DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Potential singers need not prepare a song, though doing so is welcomed. Auditions will begin the weekend of June 21/22, & will be scheduled on an individual basis. To schedule an appointment, please email artistic director Dave Simmons at david_simmons@congressionalchorus.org, or call 202-529-1623.

Performances
The chorus will perform 2 individual concerts each year, one in the fall and another in the early spring. In addition, the chorus will perform with the Congressional Chorus in December at the Atlas Center for Performing Arts, and in June at the Kennedy Center. Additional performances may be added, for which participants and their families will receive ample notification.

Contact Information
Artistic Director David Simmons 202-529-1623 david_simmons@congressionalchorus.org
Director of Administration Garry Sloan 571-309-3808 garry_sloan@congressionalchorus.org

Stella Bleu Closes Up Shop

The H Street boutique and salon Stella Bleu appears to have closed its doors. The floor shop is now vacant with a for lease sign posted. I'm assuming that the second floor salon is also closing, but I could be mistaken, as I did not see a sign advertising the second floor space. Stella Bleu was located at 1208 H Street.

=====================
UPDATE

It sounds like the salon is still open and operating. Only the store is closed.
======================

WP: Checkpoint Debate

The Post covers the debate over the checkpoints.

Mendelson Holds Hearing Re: Checkpoints

I meant to post this earlier, but hopefully people have already heard about it-

Monday, June 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the 5th Floor Council Chamber
Public Oversight Hearing on the "Executive's Public Safety Initiatives and Their Impact on Civil Liberties"

1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW

More Treeboxes on Morse

Members of the Trinidad-Ivy City Garden Club turned out on Sunday for the creation of five new flower boxes in the 1200 block of Morse. Members also placed plants in already established treeboxes, and departed with additional supplies and plans to make two new treeboxes in the 1100 block of Morse. Photos from Sunday's planting in the 1200 block of Morse appear below.
This project was made possible by a very generous donation of annuals by Cox Farms. Thanks guys!

This photo actually shows an area just down the block from where we planted. I failed to take a before picture of the actual site, but this shot shows you what we were working with in the beginning.

The first step was removing the grass and weeds growing on the site.

After that we used some bricks to build boxes and added some top soil to the existing dirt.

We also received a donation of mulch, which came in very handy.

At first we weren't sure how many boxes to create, so we kind of played it by ear.

The dirt spaces you see between beds will be footpaths covered in wood chips.

Because this was a last minute planting in response to the plant donation some people had already made other plans, but we had a good crowd cycle through during the day.

Members composted the grass that we removed.

Wave petunias were among the donated plants. The liriope was transplanted from a member's backyard.

We used a shopping cart someone had dumped on a vacant lot nearby to move supplies.

These are our first treeboxes on this block, but I suspect we'll be back to plant more soon.

Hopefully we'll have an even better turnout next time.

Community plantings really are a great way to start your Saturday or Sunday.

NYT: Residents on Checkpoints

The New York Times covers community response to the checkpoints.

CHNNA Meeting 6/21

Please join us for the third meeting of the Capitol Hill Neighborhood Association (CHNNA). We will be electing officers and it’s your chance to help shape the future of our community.

Date/Time: Saturday, June 21st, 10 am – Noon
Location: Andrew Foster Auditorium, Gallaudet University
800 Florida Ave NE**

Through the creation of this neighborhood association, we, the residents, will be able make use of valuable resources to improve the area in which we live. The boundaries of this association are Florida Ave, 8th St, G St and the railroad tracks.

This month’s meeting is very important in that we are identifying the leaders and setting the direction of the association. We will hold elections for officers by secret ballot. To become an officer and help steer the direction of the organization, please complete a copy of the Officer Information Form (available at the CHNNA Google Groups site at http://groups.google.com/group/chnna).

Please complete the form by June 17th and email it to CHNNA08@gmail.com. You need not be present to be elected, but you must complete and submit the form if you want it to be read at the meeting. Note that you must be present to vote – there will be no absentee ballots or voting by proxy.

We will also discuss the organization mission, vote on dues and bylaws, and we hope to address resident concerns about the focus of the association. As a reminder, our purpose is to promote the welfare of all residents within the boundaries of the Capitol Hill North neighborhood.

For questions or comments, please contact CHNNA08@gmail.com.

NYT Mixed Feelings on Change in Harlem

The New York Times takes a brief look at change on 125th Street.

Thomas Holds Healing Session for Trinidad

Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.
Ward 5 Councilmember
Sponsors

Healing Session for Trinidad Community

Friday, June 13, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Joseph Cole Recreation Center
1200 Morse Street, N.E.

Professional Counselors, Clergy, Community Organizations and Leaders will be present

*Light Refreshments will be served*

For more information Contact
The office of Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 107
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202)724-8028

New Farmers at H Street Farmers Market

Smith Family Farms and NonBon Bakery will join the current vendors at the market. Smith Family Farms sells Grass-Fed Angus Beef, Pastured Poultry, Pastured Turkey and Free-Range eggs. NonBon Bakery offers a delicious array of goods made using fresh produce from local farmers including strawberry bread, bread pudding, sweet potato pies and cobblers.

The market is every Saturday from 9am-12pm. It is located on the south side of the 600 block of H Street [across from the self-storage].

WP: Police End Checkpoint

Interestingly, the Post story says the police released numbers saying that only 46 of the more than 700 vehicles that tried to pass through the checkpoint were turned away. This differs markedly from some of the past numbers that have been reported in the media. For example, in a recent Post story a police spokesperson appears to be credited with stating that on Saturday the police turned away 26 of 50 fifty cars that attempted to pass through the checkpoint. So, for whatever reason, the numbers shift oddly. It could be that some drug deals were relocated to south of Florida, as there have been reports of a sudden and significant uptick in such activity. It could also be that police relaxed the criteria for refusing entrance, or that drivers who were just passing through simply avoided the neighborhood.

Examiner: MPD Ends Checkpoint

The police have ended the checkpoint operating in the 1400 block of Montello. Earlier tonight, around 8pm, police had set up a public safety check at the intersection of Montello and Morse. Offiers check licenses, and seatbelts, and looked for open containers, but did not inquire into drivers' business in the neighborhood. Roughly 20-25 officers were stationed at the safety check.

Yard Sale on G Street

Fathers' Day Specials @Dr. Granville's

Announcement from Dr. Granville's-

$2 Stella Artois
$10 Mussels
Free Brownies for Dads
We'll also be cooking up some Spare Ribs!

Alley Next to the Atlas

Sticky Rice Reviews

Roll Call [subscription only]

All Taste Same

HillZoo

Comments, Seriously People

Alex is friendly and polite. You can be too.

Please keep the comments clean. We all have negative things to say sometimes, but we're all adults, and we know there are nice was to say negative things. I have been told by some restaurants that they really like to post their menus here, but they are a bit leery of doing so recently because the comments have taken a nastier turn in recent months. I like to spread information and I think we all like to get it. It would be great if the minority that are causing this problem could exercise a little maturity and restraint and not ruin it for us all. I'd prefer not to force people to register, or to have their comments moderated, but I will do both if the situation does not improve. In short, think before you post. Chances are if someone is reading this blog they either live around here, work around here, play around here, or are considering do at least one of those three things. Basically, we're all here together so let's not view the detachment afforded by a computer screen and keyboard as a license to act like jerks.

Radius at the Ohio

I received [it was forwarded] the email below regarding the Ohio--

Return of the Ohio Restaurant at 14th and H! This is great news for our neighborhood.

The restaurant will be called "Radius at the Ohio" to respect and acknowledge the legacy of the original "Ohio" and to build on a restaurant in Mt. Pleasant called "Radius" which the owners have successfully operated for 4 years.

The ABL committee will be considering a restaurant liquor license proposal and they will be hearing from the owner. The plans for the restaurant at this point are generally:

- full dinner and brunch menu as well as NY-style pizza (made from scratch)
- no plans for live music with an option to reconsider in the future
- applying for a public space permit to "enclose" a portion of the large area on the east side (14th Street side) to provide a seasonal outdoor dining option for our customers

The owners also own:

Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy 2036 G Street NW
Tonic of Mount Pleasant 3155 Mount Pleasant Street NW
Radius -- Mount Pleasant 3155 Mount Pleasant Street NW

If you have any interest, please attend the ABL meeting. The owner has offered to send a representative to our meet and greet which is a the same time if you all are interested.

If you have any concerns, please email me or Commissioner Beatty.

Bill Schultheiss
ANC Commissioner 6A06

Examiner: Checkpoint History

Some of you may recall that I mentioned in the comments that I had Mary Cheh for Crim Pro a couple of years ago and she had given a us a practice exam question based on an anti-crime checkpoint on Montello that resulted in some search and seizures. It turns out that the scenario was based on a real checkpoint. The Examiner reports on the past checkpoint. I haven't yet read the case, but at least one conviction was reversed when the court found that the man's civil rights had been violated.

If You See an Open Hydrant, Report It

The following announcement tells you how-

Open Fire Hydrants Cause Water Pressure and Safety Issues

WASA joins the District Fire Department in issuing a public safety alert.

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services are reporting low water pressure in some neighborhoods due to unauthorized opening of fire hydrants by residents seeking relief from the heat.

The public is reminded that unauthorized use of hydrants is illegal. Such activity will cause low water pressure and service problems for customers and can damage the underground water infrastructure. Loss of adequate water pressure can have a negative impact on fire fighting when firefighters are unable to get enough water to suppress fires. Opening hydrants also poses a safety issue for young children who could easily be hurt from the high water pressure.

Over the last three days, most of the 20-plus locations of reported open hydrants have been in Southeast Washington. Other locations identified were in the southwest and northeast areas of the District. WASA has had to bring in additional crews to respond to low pressure problems caused by hydrant openings. The public is urged to report open hydrants by calling the WASA 24-hour emergency line at (202) 612-3400.

Step Afrika! on WUSA9

Check out the clip. Catch the performances at the Atlas, 1333 H Street.

Shining A Harsh Light on Trinidad

Post opinion columnist Courtland Milloy examines the controversial MPD checkpoint on Montello. MPD has also, in a move perhaps more likely to concern residents, begun to close off certain streets during checkpoint hours to street automotive traffic through the checkpoint. One note about Rayful Edmond, the long-incarcerated drug king whom Milloy references, is that he actually was running things out of Orleans Place. Though neighborhood lines are sometimes malleable, today you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would say that Orleans is located in Trinidad. Most people would probably either place it in Near Northeast, or the more recently minted Capitol Hill North. But this isn't the first time a reporter has called the area around Orleans and Morton [two tiny one block streets] Trinidad. Harry Jaffe did it in 2006 when he referred to Trinidad as “sandwiched between Florida Avenue and H Street.” Umm, not so much. Looking at a map the neighborhood of Trinidad lies entirely north of Florida Avenue and entirely east of Gallaudet University. I suspect that what's going on here might be a little confusion about boundaries. Trinidad's official boundaries are pretty clear because it was a separate estate long before it ever became a neighborhood. Looking at this Post article from 1996 you can see that Trinidad was often mentioned in connection with Rayful Edmond because he did supply many of the drugs sold there, but this was also true of other neighborhoods. The 1996 article, and the 1995 court document above, refer to the Morton Orleans two block clump as The Strip. The 1996 article gets the boundaries of Trinidad right and says that Edmond worked out of the Strip, but later, while incarcerated, orchestrated sales of cocaine to supply the Trinidad neighborhood "just across Florida Avenue NE from Edmond's old retail drug operation, known as the Strip, on Morton and Orleans places NE."

Throwdown Air Date Set

Announcement-
Moules Frites Throwdown

Food Network's Iron Chef Bobby Flay Challenges Teddy Folkman, Chef/Owner of Granville Moore's Gastropub in Washington DC, to a Moules and Frites Throwdown. Will Chef Teddy's Moules Fromage Bleu and Herbed Frites be enough to defeat Chef Flay's Roasted Poblano and Coconut Moules with Traditional Belgian Frites? Tune in and find out.

Tuesday July 8th, 2008

9:00pm

Food Network (Check your local cable listings for channel)

If you are in the DC area and want to check out where it all went down, Granville Moore's will be going "high-tech" for one night and renting some flat screen TV's and showing the Throwdown. Bar opens at 5:00pm. Kitchen opens at 5:30pm.

Granville Moore's
1238 H St NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.399.2546 (BLGM)
www.granvillemoores.com

WP: Police Close Streets to Boost Checkpoint

The Post has a story on how MPD has been shutting down certain streets in Trinidad to steer more cars to the checkpoint. Wow.

The Pug's Summer Beer List

BEER

DRAFT
RED HOOK ESB.............................$5.00
BARE KNUCKLE STOUT..............$5.00
HOEGAARDEN..............................$5.00

CANS
THREE DOLLAR CAN.................$3.00
DALE’S PALE ALE.......................$5.00
OLD CHUB SCOTTISH ALE.......$5.00
MODELO ESPECIAL...................$5.00
HEINEKEN....................................$5.00
BODDINGTON’S..........................$6.00
BITTBURGER...............................$6.00

BOTTLES
BUD & BUD LIGHT....................$4.00
TROEGS PALE ALE....................$5.00
SAN MIGUEL LAGER................$4.00
STELLA ARTOIS.........................$5.00
LEFFE BLONDE.........................$6.00
BASS ALE.....................................$5.00
MICHELOB ULTRA...................$4.00
SAM SMITH................................$6.00
K.O. BELGIAN BLOND.............$8.00
KRIEK LAMBIC.........................$8.00
BROOKLYN LAGER.................$5.00
ORIGINAL SIN CIDER.............$5.00
PERONI.......................................$5.00
KELL’S IRISH STYLE...............$10.00

RECESSION BUSTERS
NATTY LIGHT CAN..................$2.00
SEASONAL BOTTLE................$3.00
ABITA.........................................$3.00
SUNDOG BOTTLE...................$2.00

Sticky Rice Reviews

A couple of early looks at the just opened restaurant.

Washingtonian.com

Going Out Gurus

Sticky Rice is located at 1224 H Street.

NYT: Gentrification in Portland

Here's an article that I read when it first came out, and I meant to post it before, but I've been preoccupied with academic and ANC issues. It's about Portland, Oregon. I haven't been to Oregon since I was 4, so though I do retain some memory of the place, it is very limited. One interesting point is I had no idea that the city of Portland is only 7 percent black. I've never been to Portland, but I follow some news stories from there because they have very extensive zoning laws, and I'm interested in how that works. I also follow certain stories from Houston, which really doesn't do the zoning law thing, so the two cities are basically polar opposites on the issue. Portland is dealing with many different issues than we deal with here, but I still thought this story on gentrification in Portland might be of interest.

WP: Recent Homicides

The Post provides additional information on the killings last weekend.

Shooting in 1200 Blk of 18th Street

[MPD-5D] Working shooting‏
From: mpd-5d@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Groomes, Diane (MPD) (diane.groomes@dc.gov)
Sent: Sat 6/07/08 6:51 AM
Reply-to: MPD-5D@yahoogroups.com
To: mpd-5d@yahoogroups.com

5d units recieved a call for gunshots at 0530 hours in 1200 blk of 18th st ne..upon arrival they found an adult male shot multiple times who is in critical condition....this case is being investigated by the violent crimes branch and we are asking for anyone with information to call 1 888 919 crime

Just a Thought

I was poking around on website about Detroit and saw this image that reminded me of H Street Storage, but with different windows. Now while I know that H Street Self Storage is many people's favorite building to hate, I've actually heard that it is quite cool inside, I sort of think it could work for apartments, lofts, or cool offices, with a little effort. Anyway, take a look at the link and consider it.

H Street Self Storage

Last Night's Zoning Hearing -A Briefing

This hearing was regarding the Gateway Market Residences a proposed PUD at 4th and Florida.
ANC 6C representatives submitted a filing and were present at the meeting [Phelps and Velasco, both in opposition]. Single Member District representatives Bernard and Lawson [both in opposition] were present from 5B. ANC 5B Chairman Shelton [proponent] was scheduled to appear, but was a no-show. The hearing began at 6:30pm and the ANC 5B meeting began at 7:30pm, so there was a scheduling conflict between the two meetings.

Mr. Choi and his representatives were present, as were some spectators. A representative from Harry Thomas' office delivered testimony in favor of the development, and I believe it also contained opposition to granting party status to ANC 6C. No representative was present, due to scheduling conflicts, from Tommy Wells' office, but his office did submit a letter supporting party status for ANC 6C.

The Zoning Commission granted party status for ANC 6C, but refused to grant them great weight without some additions to their filing. They intend to make such additions to obtain great weight.

The Chairman of ANC 5B had submitted a letter of support purporting to speak for the entire ANC, but it was not taken as the official stance of ANC 5B because it was deficient on several grounds, including that it made on mention of a binding vote by the ANC. This is because there was no vote on the issue at the May 1st meeting when applicant last appeared before the Commission. The last time ANC 5B voted on this development was more than two and half years ago. A copy of the letter issued following that vote was attached. The Zoning Commission declined to accept that vote as the official stance of ANC 5B because of its age and the tremendously changed circumstances surrounding the project during that time period. The Commission also stated that the filings in opposition from two commissioners indicated that there was some division in ANC 5B on this project.

The Commission granted a continuance until July 24th. Essentially this means that the Applicant was able to present the plans, and the Commission gave them comments on the presentation. The Commission asked that ANC 5B hold a special meeting with a binding vote prior to the July 24th hearing, and that all representatives, and any other individuals, or groups wishing to testify in this matter appear at the July 24th hearing. The Commission urged both ANCs to speak with the developer's agents to resolve issues before that date to the extent possible. I would urge any interested persons to attend any and all public meetings on this issue prior to the July hearing date.

One of the issues drawing the most interest was that Applicant's plans call for retail to face inward, rather than towards the street. Considering that Applicant's plans also call for windows on most sides of the project this brought up concerns that this would result in the street facing windows being filled with stock rooms.

WASA Contractors Keeping Late Hours on H

I received an email alerting me to the fact that a WASA contractor, whom I'll refer to as “All Wet,” will be closing streets and cutting off all water on portions of H Street at around 1am Sunday morning. Ok, most of us will probably be in bed at this time. But I can guarantee you that the bars and taverns on H Street will likely still be jumping with the Saturday night crowd, or at least they would be if this no water thing weren't going to cause them to shut down.

Step Afrika! Return to the Atlas

Announcement--



Step Afrika! is getting ready for their upcoming Home Series in their home at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Their shows are thrilling, spine-tingling, percussive experiences; if you haven’t seen then before, you can check them out here.

Step Afrika! is the only professional company in the world dedicated to the art and tradition of stepping. Stepping began in African-American fraternities and sororities and has roots in the traditional gumboot dances of South Africa. Stepping is now making its way into popular culture with Step Afrika! leading the way.

Founded by Howard University graduate C. Brian Williams in 1994 the company has grown to employ a company of full-time dancers who spend much of the year touring the US and the world playing to sold-out houses from Salt Lake City to Hanoi.

This year they are welcoming back a Step Afrika! alum, Jason Nious. Jason toured with the company for years and now he is starring in STOMP OUT LOUD in Las Vegas. He is sure to bring an athletic, acrobatic presence to the special Opening Night performance which will be followed by a reception.

Tickets can be purchased here. Or by calling the box office 202.399.7993

More info on Step Afrika! can be found on their website.

Goodnight Moon @ the Atlas

The Post has a glowing review of the Atlas show that opens tonight. The Atlas is located at 1333 H Street. Tickets are available at the box office, or online. Call 202-399-7993 for more information. Audiences at Friday night performances are encouraged to come sporting pajamas. Milk and cookies are provided.

4th and H Street

I've gotten about 5 emails about this place, but this is the first chance [busy few days] I've had to write anything about it. My understanding is that they are operating as a sort of BYOB go-go spot, that caters to an all ages crowd. The event advertises itself as safe and drug free. It appears to be a peace-go. These are occasionally held around town, and sometimes at the Market Lounge. Thanks to George for locating a flyer. I'm also told there is something with much younger children going on during the day.

Lunch @Langston Bar and Grille

Starting June 9th the new restaurant will offer lunch from 11am-2pm on Monday-Friday. Langston Bar and Grille is located at 1831 Benning Road.

Tommy Wells: Florida Ave Fire Station

Tommy Wells' blog has more information on the temporary closing, due to renovations, of the fire station at 1342 Florida Ave.

St. Mark's Gospel @H Street Playhouse

A message I received from Theater Alliance--



I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to let folks know about our new show, opening June 12, St Mark’s Gospel, performed by Michael Tolaydo. I’m especially wanting people to know, that because it is a religious themed show, we’ve put together a special offer for local churches and non-profits for groups of 10 or more (prepaid to hold the reservation). They can either take advantage of a 33 1/3% discount off the ticket price of $30, or they can pay full price, and we will give back the discount ($10 per ticket) as a donation to their organization. So they get to see a great show either at a big discount or as a fund raiser! I’ll be glad to talk to anyone about this offer. My number is 202-302-2403.

GOG: H Street Update

The Going Out Gurus update the world on new H Street developments. Here are the new guys that that got a look-

Pap and Petey's
Napa 1015
XII
SOVA
Langston Bar and Grille

Reentry and Expungement Summit

Just to head off any comment issues, only certain types of offenses are eligible for expungement. I'm not sure what they are in DC, but they typically might include things like very old DUIs, or other offenses where the violator is later deemed not to pose a danger to the community. They would generally not include violent offenses, but I suspect that old possession offenses might be eligible.


Announcement from the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia Community Reentry Program
680 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Suite H-5
Washington, DC 20002

What? Community Reentry and Expungement Summit 2008

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC

When? June 17, 2008 10:00am - 4:00pm

What? Assisting DC residents with a criminal history with resources in Education, Employment, Housing, Health Care, and Record Sealing.

How To Get There? By Metro Rail: Yellow/Green Line to Mt Vernon Square/Convention Center; or Red Line to Gallery Place-Chinatown
By Metro Bus: P6, 90, x2, G8

Contact 202-824-2835 for more information. E-mail - lmartin@pdsdc.org

FYI on Comments

It's generally pretty easy for me to respond to comments because they are emailed to me. For the past 48 hours that hasn't been happening. I'm not sure why, but it is causing some problems. If you have a comment/question on an old post, or if you find spam in a post, let me know via email [profile page]. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

The Checkpoint

Beginning on Saturday, the police will stop all cars driving in the 1400 block of Montello. All drivers will be required to either produce identification proving that they live in the neighborhood, or have a valid reason to be there. Such reasons might include [1] attending church, [2] doctor's appointment, or [3] visiting friends or relatives. This could last up to 10 days.

Post coverage.

Examiner coverage.

Zoning: Gateway Market Residences

This one is a somewhat contentious issue, and I may, unfortunately, have to miss the ANC meeting to attend this hearing. If I do so, it's because I believe that this project has ramifications that extend beyond this particular proposed structure, and that it will profoundly impact both southern sections of ANC 5B, ANC 5A, ANC 6C, and even the more distant ANC 6A. Basically, this is the first brick in a New Town redux. The overall land is massive, even if this particular project is not. I would encourage anyone, even if you do not agree with me, or do not yet have an opinion, to attend this Zoning Commission hearing.
First the vitals on the hearing-
When: Thursday 6:30pm
Where: Second Floor in Room 220 South at:

One Judiciary Square
441 4th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Joe, an owner of All African, who hopes to open a restaurant at the Market, but hesitates to do so because of the uncertain future of the Market.

A few important things to know-
-this is a Planned Unit Development [PUD], which is why it goes before the Zoning Commission, rather than BZA.

One of the many businesses that purchases goods in the Market.

-the proposal started out asking for a 4 story building, then an 11, and is now asking for a 10 story building. This would be a very tall building for this location. Current zoning does not allow for anything near this height [119 feet].

An employee of Caribbean Crescent, which sells Middle Eastern food, showcases their lentil selection.


A 2006 photo of the long vacant lots.
-these parcels of land, which have been vacant for years, are not being taxed at the vacant rate. So really, they've already got a sort of de-facto tax abatement.


Don Pepe's Bakery and Cafe, a business that recently opened in the Market. They serve Latin baked goods, and Salvadorian food.

-this building is catty-corner to Two Rivers Charter School.

At Obeng, which deal in pan-African goods, one can purchase fresh veggies, a variety of rices, smoked goat, and many more items.

-this building is a mixed use development including retail [as yet unspecified], offices, and 116 residential units. I'm concerned about the residential units because, due to its location, the building will have semi-trucks passing by to enter the market on three sides 6 days a week beginning as early as 3am. Current zoning [C-M-1] does not allow for residential use with the exception of artist live-work lofts, or housing for janitors/caretakers of respective properties.

Paul Pascal, counsel for the Market Merchants group, and and President of the Capitol Hill BID, speaks to a group touring the Market.

-this proposed building would contain around 20 percent housing affordable to those earning no more that 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Really, that isn't so impressive as far as affordable housing goes.

Meats for sale in the Market.
-this proposed building would include underground parking for 188 cars [81 for residential tenants, 39 for office tenants, and 34 for retail tenants], and 44 bicycle spaces.

Restocking at Litteri's, an Italian merchant that has served the community since the 1920s. Photo by Ken Firestone.
-this proposed building would, of course, be located near the metro, and thus, serve certain objectives for Transit Oriented Development. I love transit oriented development, but I have reservations about this particular project, and its implications.

You really can get any kind of meat product in the Market, even chicken feet.

You can also get great Korean food.

-Councilmember Harry Thomas recently proposed legislation, which is still in Committee, to give a large tax abatement to this property owner, Mr. Sang Oh Choi. Mr. Choi owns various parcels in the Florida Market, and has obtained the financial backing of Apollo Real Estate Advisors [a group out of New York]. He is represented by former Councilmember John Ray, who you may remember from the slot machine initiative.

The Market is a thriving local and regional business district with some retail, but primarily wholesale businesses.

-Recently there was a meeting held at Gallaudet to which the Office of Planning, J Street Development [which also owns large swaths of land in the Florida Market], Mr. Choi's group, and local ANCs were invited. The ANCs were later uninvited per the Office of the Deputy Mayor. This has been said to be due to pressure from John Ray.

The Market is a place where churches, families, and individuals all shop to get great deals regardless of the size of their group.
-While the record for other developers in the Market area, like J Street, has been quite good in terms of reaching out to the local ANCs and community, this has not been the case for Mr. Choi's group. As such, it is unclear to me why we should allow this developer the special privilege of circumventing the Office of Planning's Small Area Plan [which is not yet complete, but is near completion], when everyone who has behaved better is required to wait for the Small Area Plan to wrap up.

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UPDATE

I forgot to mention that the only community benefits mentioned in the tax abatement bill are things like an ANC office for 5B [already mentioned in the PUD agreement] and a 5-D substation that the police have repeatedly said they don't want. So, it looks a bit like a give away.

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