A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street, and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Hill Rag: Arboretum Place & Heritage Trail
Arboreum Place (the development on the old Sears site behind Hechinger Mall) is coming & so is a heritage trail on H Street. Read about it here.
21 comments:
Anonymous
said...
It would be great if someone could put together a list of all the different projects that a re slated to begin along with their expected delivery dates. There a lots of exciting projects floating around and it is hard to get my head around when all this is happening - since right now, most of H street is still a no-man's land. Thanks.
I second that. Frozen Tropics does a great job of tracking new bars and such, but huge residential projects that will potentially reshape the neighborhood aren't covered or reported on in any sort of systematic way. I know it's hard to follow, as time frames change, but it'd be really helpful if we had more info on these large residential or office projects.
I emailed Karina Ricks with DDOT a couple months ago about the Starburst intersection project. She said "We are still hoping [to start] July (late) but have had some contract delays". Looks like they didn't get the delays fixed. I think it's hard to really know what's going on in the halls of city government.
"A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill."
That's what this website bills itself as. I simply pointed out that the emphasis is mostly on restaurants and retail, not on other developments, and that it'd be beneficial if there was more info about other developments. Since this website has evolved into the go-to point for many in the community (and to many seeking community support), it makes obvious sense for the information to be compiled by this website's owners, since they are the contact point already.
Alan Kimber has some info on projects on his website, which is useful. But even his list isn't neighborhood-wide and may be a bit dated. And it's hard to know to find that, from the Frozen Tropics page.
I don't have the institutional knowledge of the H Street area that the Frozen Tropics folks or ANC officers have. Nor do I have the contacts they have. And I can't design a website to save my life.
As for 'expecting' others to do it, I made no such claim. I simply suggested that it would be useful. I didn't demand that it be done.
The site is mostly intended for people who already live in the neighborhood (though some readers definitely do live elsewhere). Because I already live here I mostly interested in places & can visit to eat, shop, hangout, catch a show, or grab a drink. These businesses are constantly having events and they tend to make the news a lot (plus, I come into contact with many of the owners fairly often & they will mention changes, or events). Large residential developments are in the news less often & tend to mostly have splashy nes when construction is first announced, a major disputed issue is settled, or construction begins or ends. The thing is that I don't typically have the time to attend zoning commission meetings for 6A/6C, which is where much of that info would come out. I did post something about Arboretum Place when they presented before 5B. It's just that you are generally looking at a long wait in the pipeline for some of the teams behind residential projects sometimes don't like to share information because situations change a great deal during the planning stage (the Arboretum Place development, which is the working name only, was announced years ago, but the plan is only now getting a more finalized structure). One thing I need to do is work on tags. But generally the searches on the site work pretty well even without tags. Give them a shot. And if anyone wants to draft some comprehensive note on what the developments are I be glad to post it, link to it, & use it as a sidebar thing the way that Hang Outs & Haunts is up there.
1. Who are you referring to re: "getting all snarky"? Anonymous 6:17pm or Anonymous 9:46pm? They're different people. I was anonymous 9:46pm, and I don't think I was the tiniest bit "snarky." Pedantic, maybe, but not "snarky."
2. Posting as anonymous can confuse who's who, as illustrated by the previous paragraph. But otherwise, posting anonymously has no real difference with posting under a pseudonym. So unless your actual name on the utility bills is "hillman," you also are posting anonymously, and your comment about having the courage to sign posts is a little odd.
3. You write that "Since this website has evolved into the go-to point for many in the community (and to many seeking community support), it makes obvious sense for the information to be compiled by this website's owners, since they are the contact point already." I think that's a pretty unfair statement. It'd be logical for such information to be made available here, or to be publicized here as being available somewhere else; but to suggest that it makes more sense for Inked to "compile the information" -- the largest chunk of the work involved -- than it does for you or me to do it is a different matter.
Hi guys, I wrote the original post about creating a list of developments. It was just an idea, not a complaint.
As an aside, I will gently suggest avoiding sniping in the comments - it discourages other people from joining the conversation. I did not mean for my suggestion to prompt this exchange.
Obviously my real name isn't Hillman. To you, it's Mr. Hillman.
I'm not saying you have to post your real name. But you should at least post your online name (and use the same one each time). That cuts down on crappy posting and creates at least some accountability.
But posting under Anonymous then getting all snarky is a prime example of the passive-aggressive crap DC is famous for.
Let us not forget, unless I'm mistaken, Frozen Tropics is "manned" by only one woman, Inked, who (I think) has a life beyond F.T. My guess, though I may be being presumptuous, is that what once was a neighborhood fun project for Inked has turned into this huge community service that many of us from the surrounding area depend on for information and communication. So I say, "GO Inked!" whether you realize it or not, you're providing a very valuable community service and I for one thank you for what you do! Please, keep up the good work!
I second Anonymous/BJ's comments. FrozenTropics was invaluable to me as I researched Trinidad before moving in March 07. This site was really my introduction to the area and all that is going on! I love love love the site and the information is wonderful. I sometime wonder how Inked has the time for it but I really appreciate that she does! Plus it keeps me involved in the community and it helps support all the new businesses coming to our "hood"
My gosh, everyone needs to calm down. Can't people just have a discussion without lots of anonymous sniping at each other?
It is hard to keep track of all the development, and for whatever reason, no one has compiled an easy list. I would like to point out that Jeff Davis, who is the Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, DC Office of Planning, will be speaking at the Rosedale Citizenbs Alliance meeting at 7:30 this coming Monday at the Argonaut. Folks with questions about development in our neck of Ward 6 are welcome to come and ask them. Note that Arboretum Place is not in our Ward 6, although Jeff may know something about it.
Anon 6:17 & 9:46: You took the words right out of my mouth. Well said.
Mike I didn't see such a big issue w/ the initial request but Hillman has a definite negative & critical way abt him.
Yes Hillman, thanks to your using a handle, I've noticed that you just move from topic to topic with your wants (oh yeah, suggestions) and criticisms. I'm saying something b/c I think you should give the people a break who are already taking initiative and don't continue to burden them w/ your every wants. At best, try to find a way to appear nicer.
Also, I agree w/ all pts from "meaningless pseudonym" and ditto to BJ. And might I add, Inked was in law school and a newcomer to the neighborhood when she started FT and she's put forth a extremely commendable efforts so when I see you just think it's "cute" to keep up the negativity I have to speak on it.
BTW, I'm the same ANON that's noting that you stop the whining abt Granville also.
There is a lot going on in the H Street area and it cuts across several ANC's and even Wards.
For example, the Hechinger Mall is in Ward 5 as well as Trinidad.
H Street is divided between two ANCs - ANC 6A and ANC 6C.
H Street Main Street should be up on all the pending economic development on H Street - to include new businesses.
As to the pending (and it seems for ever) H Street NE Streetscape project (to include street car tracks), that should start in October. The ground breaking date has changed a handfull of times. From what I understand, the challenge is the contracting process and the Office of Attorney General. Why we can build a stadium in less than two years, but not start an already funded streetscape initiative is beyond me -- ditto for the starburst.
I am going to request that DDOT attend our October ANC 6A meeting to give us an update.
21 comments:
It would be great if someone could put together a list of all the different projects that a re slated to begin along with their expected delivery dates. There a lots of exciting projects floating around and it is hard to get my head around when all this is happening - since right now, most of H street is still a no-man's land. Thanks.
I second that. Frozen Tropics does a great job of tracking new bars and such, but huge residential projects that will potentially reshape the neighborhood aren't covered or reported on in any sort of systematic way. I know it's hard to follow, as time frames change, but it'd be really helpful if we had more info on these large residential or office projects.
I third that. Is this something our ANC commissioners help develop? Maybe similiar to that great vacant property locator?
So why don't one of you create the list? Why do expect the already over tasked Inked or a another ANC person to do your research?
Uh, because it's not our website? And we didn't run for ANC?
I appreciate all these folks do already. I was simply making a suggestion.
The fact that it's not your website doesn't in any way stop one of you from making the list.
I emailed Karina Ricks with DDOT a couple months ago about the Starburst intersection project. She said "We are still hoping [to start] July (late) but have had some contract delays". Looks like they didn't get the delays fixed. I think it's hard to really know what's going on in the halls of city government.
"A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill."
That's what this website bills itself as. I simply pointed out that the emphasis is mostly on restaurants and retail, not on other developments, and that it'd be beneficial if there was more info about other developments. Since this website has evolved into the go-to point for many in the community (and to many seeking community support), it makes obvious sense for the information to be compiled by this website's owners, since they are the contact point already.
Alan Kimber has some info on projects on his website, which is useful. But even his list isn't neighborhood-wide and may be a bit dated. And it's hard to know to find that, from the Frozen Tropics page.
I don't have the institutional knowledge of the H Street area that the Frozen Tropics folks or ANC officers have. Nor do I have the contacts they have. And I can't design a website to save my life.
As for 'expecting' others to do it, I made no such claim. I simply suggested that it would be useful. I didn't demand that it be done.
So get off my butt already.
Also, if you are going to get all snarky, at least have the courage to sign your posts. Anonymous doesn't really cut it.
The site is mostly intended for people who already live in the neighborhood (though some readers definitely do live elsewhere). Because I already live here I mostly interested in places & can visit to eat, shop, hangout, catch a show, or grab a drink. These businesses are constantly having events and they tend to make the news a lot (plus, I come into contact with many of the owners fairly often & they will mention changes, or events). Large residential developments are in the news less often & tend to mostly have splashy nes when construction is first announced, a major disputed issue is settled, or construction begins or ends. The thing is that I don't typically have the time to attend zoning commission meetings for 6A/6C, which is where much of that info would come out. I did post something about Arboretum Place when they presented before 5B. It's just that you are generally looking at a long wait in the pipeline for some of the teams behind residential projects sometimes don't like to share information because situations change a great deal during the planning stage (the Arboretum Place development, which is the working name only, was announced years ago, but the plan is only now getting a more finalized structure). One thing I need to do is work on tags. But generally the searches on the site work pretty well even without tags. Give them a shot. And if anyone wants to draft some comprehensive note on what the developments are I be glad to post it, link to it, & use it as a sidebar thing the way that Hang Outs & Haunts is up there.
hillman:
1. Who are you referring to re: "getting all snarky"? Anonymous 6:17pm or Anonymous 9:46pm? They're different people. I was anonymous 9:46pm, and I don't think I was the tiniest bit "snarky." Pedantic, maybe, but not "snarky."
2. Posting as anonymous can confuse who's who, as illustrated by the previous paragraph. But otherwise, posting anonymously has no real difference with posting under a pseudonym. So unless your actual name on the utility bills is "hillman," you also are posting anonymously, and your comment about having the courage to sign posts is a little odd.
3. You write that "Since this website has evolved into the go-to point for many in the community (and to many seeking community support), it makes obvious sense for the information to be compiled by this website's owners, since they are the contact point already." I think that's a pretty unfair statement. It'd be logical for such information to be made available here, or to be publicized here as being available somewhere else; but to suggest that it makes more sense for Inked to "compile the information" -- the largest chunk of the work involved -- than it does for you or me to do it is a different matter.
I would like to know when Hillman's strip club is opening.
Soon?
Still waiting on permits?
Whats the holdup?
~John Holmes
Hi guys, I wrote the original post about creating a list of developments. It was just an idea, not a complaint.
As an aside, I will gently suggest avoiding sniping in the comments - it discourages other people from joining the conversation. I did not mean for my suggestion to prompt this exchange.
Obviously my real name isn't Hillman. To you, it's Mr. Hillman.
I'm not saying you have to post your real name. But you should at least post your online name (and use the same one each time). That cuts down on crappy posting and creates at least some accountability.
But posting under Anonymous then getting all snarky is a prime example of the passive-aggressive crap DC is famous for.
Inked:
My suggestion was merely that - a suggestion. I didn't mean to infer any criticism.
I'd think the logical place for this type of info would be the local ANCs. Of course, there's more than one along H, so that complicates things a bit.
No problem. I was just explaining why the site leans one way more than the other.
Let us not forget, unless I'm mistaken, Frozen Tropics is "manned" by only one woman, Inked, who (I think) has a life beyond F.T. My guess, though I may be being presumptuous, is that what once was a neighborhood fun project for Inked has turned into this huge community service that many of us from the surrounding area depend on for information and communication. So I say, "GO Inked!" whether you realize it or not, you're providing a very valuable community service and I for one thank you for what you do! Please, keep up the good work!
BJ
I second Anonymous/BJ's comments. FrozenTropics was invaluable to me as I researched Trinidad before moving in March 07. This site was really my introduction to the area and all that is going on! I love love love the site and the information is wonderful. I sometime wonder how Inked has the time for it but I really appreciate that she does! Plus it keeps me involved in the community and it helps support all the new businesses coming to our "hood"
My gosh, everyone needs to calm down. Can't people just have a discussion without lots of anonymous sniping at each other?
It is hard to keep track of all the development, and for whatever reason, no one has compiled an easy list. I would like to point out that Jeff Davis, who is the Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, DC Office of Planning, will be speaking at the Rosedale Citizenbs Alliance meeting at 7:30 this coming Monday at the Argonaut. Folks with questions about development in our neck of Ward 6 are welcome to come and ask them. Note that Arboretum Place is not in our Ward 6, although Jeff may know something about it.
Anon 6:17 & 9:46: You took the words right out of my mouth. Well said.
Mike I didn't see such a big issue w/ the initial request but Hillman has a definite negative & critical way abt him.
Yes Hillman, thanks to your using a handle, I've noticed that you just move from topic to topic with your wants (oh yeah, suggestions) and criticisms. I'm saying something b/c I think you should give the people a break who are already taking initiative and don't continue to burden them w/ your every wants. At best, try to find a way to appear nicer.
Also, I agree w/ all pts from "meaningless pseudonym" and ditto to BJ. And might I add, Inked was in law school and a newcomer to the neighborhood when she started FT and she's put forth a extremely commendable efforts so when I see you just think it's "cute" to keep up the negativity I have to speak on it.
BTW, I'm the same ANON that's noting that you stop the whining abt Granville also.
There is a lot going on in the H Street area and it cuts across several ANC's and even Wards.
For example, the Hechinger Mall is in Ward 5 as well as Trinidad.
H Street is divided between two ANCs - ANC 6A and ANC 6C.
H Street Main Street should be up on all the pending economic development on H Street - to include new businesses.
As to the pending (and it seems for ever) H Street NE Streetscape project (to include street car tracks), that should start in October. The ground breaking date has changed a handfull of times. From what I understand, the challenge is the contracting process and the Office of Attorney General. Why we can build a stadium in less than two years, but not start an already funded streetscape initiative is beyond me -- ditto for the starburst.
I am going to request that DDOT attend our October ANC 6A meeting to give us an update.
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