After a long wait and many revisions Prince of Petworth has finally been relaunched at www.princeofpetworth.com Please update your bookmarks, rss feeds and/or links. If you have any problems with the new site don't hesitate to email me. The functionality is pretty much the same with the addition of a new "Forum" section. Additionally, you'll have to register if you'd like to keep your username. Otherwise you can continue to post comments anonymously. If you do decide to register you'll only need to do so once. I'd like to thank Martin Ferus for his tireless efforts on this project. After tomorrow there will be no more commenting on this blogspot address.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the launch party this Thursday 8pm at Temperance Hall. More details to come on the new site.
And please do let me know if there are any questions or concerns.
This site is nothing without you guys!
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW PRINCE OF PETWORTH.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Prince of Petworth Has Moved!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
I Really Like and Support This Comment
"Moving into Petworth is not "urban pioneering"--a term I have significant problems with. The best way to arm oneself is with education and community involvement. Please look for ways to combat not only criminal acts but their precedents, such as lack of education, employment, and affordable housing. Petworth is a wonderful, vibrant community that is not defined by crime. It is and should be defined by the families that live here."
Friday, October 05, 2007
Mark Your Calendars
Monday, October 8th Prince of Petworth will be relaunched at www.princeofpetworth.com
Thursday, October 11th PoP launch party at Temperance Hall, 8pm. T Shirts will be available. More details to come.
Despite Apparent Public Urination, Sotheby's Still Interested
When I think of Sotheby's Realty, I think of Georgetown or Kalorama or Gramercy Park. Now we can add upper Columbia Heights to the list.
Ed note: This house is located not too far from Taqueria Del Distrito Federal. A commenter mentioned the unpleasant sight of public urination on 14th St. Thus the title of this post. I know, I know, if you have to explain it then you shouldn't use it. Damn.
Friday Question of the Day Special Edition
Today's Friday question of the day is submitted by a reader. Elizabeth asks:
"I have a few questions of the day. Recently, I met a neighbor who has spent the last 37 years living on my block, raising children, and working at at least one business in the neighborhood.
She described the block of 37 years ago as being full of children, who were constantly running in and out of various families' houses, and she said that her children were raised by the entire community.
Today, we have very few children on the block... or maybe they just stay out of sight. I know two boys who ride their big wheels in the alley, but that's it.
Why are there no more families with young children?"
If you would like to submit a Friday question of the day just email me at princeofpetworth@gmail.com.
Roof Decks Are Right On
Anyone have a roof deck? Do you have to get a special permit to install one?
Columbia Heights Day This Saturday!
Event Schedule:
* 11:00 AM Pet Walk held outside of Sticky Fingers Bakery at 14th Street & Park Road
* 12:00-6:00 PM Festival Begins at Harriet Tubman Elementary School at 11th & Kenyon Streets
Wonderland Ballroom Bandstand:
* 12:00-12:40pm—Sunchild
* 1:05-1:45pm—Isabel Jazz Quintet
* 2:05-2:45pm—Flex Mathews
* 3:05-3:45pm—THE FIF
* 4:10-4:50pm—O’Tasty
* 5:15-6:00pm—Pure Light Seed
Activities & Attractions:
* Rita’s Children’s area with a moonbounce and face painting
* Sticky Fingers and Columbia Heights Coffee’s Seniors pavilion with coffee and pastries
* Family Picnic area
* Food and Clothing Drive to benefit Martha’s Table and Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter
* Local businesses, community organizations, and artisans
* Special appearances by local leaders
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Taqueria Del Distrito Federal
Located just a few blocks north of Gloria's Pupuseria you can find this popular Taqueria at 3463 14th St. If you are looking for authentic you need look no further. Again, even the Coke's come in those awesome glass bottles and they taste slightly sweeter because they are bottled in Nicaragua. I had a beef tostada which was delicious and I saw other folks eating burritos which looked pretty mean as well. And even better news - they deliver if you are in a 2 mile radius (202-276-7331). Enjoy.
What An Amazing House
This house also on 13th St. always impresses me. It also has a terrific garden every summer. Is it possible only one family lives in this house? Pretty beautiful, no?
Great Article in the Post
The Washington Post ran a great article today on the Windows Cafe & Market located in the Bloomingdale neighborhood. It is such a pleasure to read about a success like this. It shows you the power of perseverance and personality. I wish them the best of luck and hope we can replicate their success here as well.
Prison Door Condo Update
These condos on 13th St. have been through a lot. It appears they are back on the auction block...
Are Guns in the Home the Solution?
More from the Petworth Listserv:
"Laying in bed with my wife this past weekend, hearing gunshots outside the window of Illinois, between Farragut and Gallatin...I came to the resolution I would purchase a shotgun for the safety of those in my home. An end I would have swore to never happen in my life, but our fear is becoming a daily piece of our District of Columbia life. And that is a tragedy."
A Question From A Reader
"I just moved to Petworth and I love it. However I am concerned about
the crime. I've noticed while walking my dog that there are signs
posted on some of the trees on the 1300 block of Sheppard stating that
if more than 2 people are found loitering they can be arrested. It's
some sort of community-based initiative to make that block a "drug
free" zone. Does anyone know how to spearhead such an effort? Does
there have to be prior incidents to establish an area as a problem
before an initiative like this can be done?"
Anyone familiar with this?
For a picture of the sign click here.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Hmm, Wild Irish Rose or Manischewitz
Hold on I have to stop laughing for a second. Ok, this is a photo from my local bodega in Petworth (from the cell phone, c'mon I can't always have my camera on me). At any rate, I was stunned and overjoyed to see that they were selling the traditional kosher wine Manischewitz. Manischewitz is the sickly sweet wine that every Jewish boy and girl knows all too well. Why it is being sold in Petworth that probably has a .05% Jewish population is beyond me. But the mere thought of someone slugging Manischewitz on the side of the road is simply beautiful. And a bit sad. I think this may be the only bottle of Manischewitz in the world that is located behind two inches of bulletproof glass...Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Manischewitz to drink.
Fantastic Mural
You know, I've noticed a ton of amazing murals around town. I love this one off 13th St. It is so much nicer than just a blank wall. What do you think?
Now That's Some Individuality
Personally, I love the unique homes. A splash of color adds some nice flavor to the neighborhood.
Mugging at the Petworth Metro
From the Petworth listserv: "My housemate was brutally beaten by a gang of 8 young men who followedhim out of the Petworth metro Friday evening at 10PM. They followed
him up New Hampshire Ave heading NE until they got into the shadow of
the trees. He was beaten unconscious and has several staples and
stiches. I'm very grateful that he's alive. Given the way he was
injured it easily could have not turned out that way."
Council Member Bowser responds: "I'm very sorry to hear about this incident. I am copying Commander Burton to have him increase officers and patrols in the area around the Petworth Metro station and the adjoining neighborhoods with specific attention in the later evening hours. The community's continued vigilance is important and we will follow this case closely."
My two cents: This is a tragic occurance and I wish the victim a speedy recovery. I still feel that these incidents, thankfully, are rare. But please be careful and use good street smarts - pay attention to your surroundings, don't talk on a cell phone while you walk late at night and don't listen to your ipod. Having said that, no amount of street smarts can always prevent an incident like this. So hopefully, we will get more MPD patrols as well.
Monday, October 01, 2007
What Makes Us Among The Greatest Neighborhoods in DC
Many of you probably saw the article in today's Post titled In Columbia Heights, Room for the Little Guys.
The article says: "The $149.5 million DC USA project is being developed by Grid Properties of New York. President Drew Greenwald said the firm will reserve 15,000 square feet, or about 11 percent, of ground-floor retail space for local and minority-owned businesses, under an agreement with the District to buy and develop the land. He will reduce rents by 30 percent to encourage smaller tenants."
But for me it is the little touches exemplified by this photo that I hope we never lose. This wonderful women sells sugar cane, mangoes and a variety of other tropical fruits. I bought a bag of sliced mango for 2 bucks. Not bad. I certainly hope these authentic street vendors will have a place as well.
Ha! I Can Support This Political Statement
Everyone knows my opinion on this matter but this one made me laugh. On a number of garbage cans in Petworth, Columbia Heights and down 14th St. you can see this statement. Could it surpass the legend of Borf?
Keeping It Green In Petworth
Petworth uses solar power to alert people that Grant Circle is only 550 feet away. Nice.
Et Tu Red Rocks?
I am huge fan of Red Rocks pizza. But I was saddened to see, they too had resorted to using a ridiculous sign to promote that they are open for lunch. You're better than that Red Rocks.
Columbia Heights Coffee Best Place to Work or Study?
As I've written before Columbia Heights Coffee located on 11th Street between Park and Monroe is one of my favorites. So I was wondering what are people's favorite places to work or study with free wifi? For those who say CH Coffee is too small, there is good news on the way. They have purchased the space next door and eventually will be expanding. When speaking with the proprietors they couldn't tell me exactly when the expansion will take place but my guess would be in a year or so. So what's your favorite?
If Not in Miami is this a Good Color Choice?
Do you think it is harder to sell a house if it is painted in an unusual color like aqua blue even if the house is fresh on the inside? Would that affect your decision in purchasing a house?
Audio Surveillance?
I spotted this sign on the apartment building just north of the Petworth Metro on New Hampshire Ave. I can understand Video surveillance but what exactly is the purpose of audio surveillance? Is that an added deterrent?
Condos Above Petworth Metro Development Watch
For the expats who are curious about the condos being built above the metro, this is for you. You can see some serious steel(?) beams have been set otherwise despite a ton of work it still looks like a gigantic hole in the ground. But I believe they aren't supposed to finish until 2009...
Friday, September 28, 2007
I'm Just Wondering
Right now, street parking doesn't seem to be a big problem. But I've often wondered if it would be worth it to put in a parking spot in my back yard. Lots of the rowhouses have spots that are accessible via the alleys. Do you think it is criminal to rip up some of your yard to pave it? Are we doomed to lose our plentiful on street parking as the Old Soldiers Home is developed and the many condos being built are completed?
Friday Question of the Day: Whose Responsibility?
This newly planted tree is just about as dead as dead gets. As I've written before one of the great things about our neighborhood are the many trees. But whose responsibility is it to water them? Is it the homeowner? What about the trees in parks? I've seen folks on Petworth News ask people to help out with the watering. Is there no system set up by the city or the parks department to water these newly planted trees? I can't believe the onus is on the residents?
State of the Union in a Sorry State
This used to be one of the best bars in the city located on U Street way before U Street was popping. I always loved the mural of Lenin that you can hardly make out today. It seems kind of sad. Why is this prime location left in such a state of disrepair?
See, I'm Not the Only One Obsessed With Petworth/Columbia Heights
Thanks to Zach for alerting me to this fascinating group. I can't wait to read the next report.
Zach writes: "Lastly, a group called Social Compact just started doing door-to-door surveys in Petworth as part of a "drilldown" analysis, basically looking at positives in the neighborhood rather than negatives. They have an interesting report on their website that was done in 2002 for Columbia Heights and Petworth that gives a different perspective on the neighborhood than what you would get from census figures."
Not What You Like To See at 08:36
Why is it every now and then there is a 9 minute wait for the train smack in the middle of rush hour? And why is always when you are running late to work? Murphy's law, karma?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I Think This Bureau Has Many Locations
but I spotted this one on S Street between 14th and 13th. It is made of wood and there is another larger sign, maybe a kind of memorial next to it. But this one obviously spoke to me. It reminds me of the Remaking Le Slum Historique mural on I think 9th Street in Shaw.
You Knew I'd Eventually Ask About This...
So I have often walked by Jeans N Things located on 11th Street between Wonderland and 11th St. Deli. I think 97% of the time it has been closed when I've walked by but I actually saw it open the other day. It seems to be mostly women's clothes and such. Has anyone checked it out? Good stuff?
Yeah, This is What We Want To Glorify
I thought I had seen it all when I spotted the Car Testicles but I was wrong. I spotted these decal bullet holes on a truck on Georgia Ave. What happened to the good old mud flaps of naked women or Yosemite Sam saying back off. This is what we have come to as a society? Bullet holes? For real?
Query About Coming Retail
GforGood had an interesting question: "PoP or others, do you have any other rumors or facts about retail coming to the apartment/condo buildings (besides the Yes! Organic Market and the Mocha Hut)?" I assume he is talking about the condos being built above the metro and up Georgia Ave. The only other rumor I heard was that, I think, Lakritz developers were buying the Murrel realty space on Georgia Ave. right near Domku and that they were thinking about putting in a dining/cafe venue on the first floor. Anyone else know of any rumors or facts about coming development?
Launch Party and T Shirts
Thanks for the reminder Pauper. I have the t shirts in my living room and I'm looking forward to giving them out to the ten and selling them to anyone else who wants one for $10 at the launch party. So a quick question first. Would people prefer Thursday, October 4th or Thursday October 11th? Venue: Temperance Hall. Right now I'm leaning towards the 4th.
You Are Warned
I don't know if anyone else has noticed but there is a new gang in town. From what I can tell, they are not affiliated with any of the traditional culprits. I am sorry to report that they are becoming more brazen. A neighbor of mine reported one coming right up on his porch, taking a dump, while my neighbor is sitting right there mind you, and then laughing at him. Unfortunately that is not a lone encounter, this gray menace runs in packs. They make a racket and chase each other all over peoples yards and in the streets. I've tried calling 311 but they are lightning quick and can vanish in seconds. My advice to you: Don't look them in the eyes and try to ignore them. Do not confront them under any circumstances. I'll update you as I find out more...
That's Nice part 34
This is a very well done painting which blocks the family's garbage cans. Nicely done, I say, nicely done.
Some More Love For My People Up In North Country
This is, what looks like from the outside, a fantastic renovation up north on Georgia Ave.
Possible Location of New Java & Cream
We'll find out in only two years, stay tuned...but man that would be sweet.
Holy Cow, The Rug Store DID Go Out of Business
Well I always, er, often admit when I'm wrong. Apparently Rug Stores do go out of business. Who knew?
Please Don't Take The Yellow Line From Me, Please
I'm begging you. Whoever you are who makes these decisions. You can't do it.
Thanks to a reader for tipping me off to this article in the Examiner this morning:
"A Metro spokesman declined to elaborate on what services might be scuttled, but possibilities include fewer new railcars and buses, less security and safety training,
and ending extra Yellow Line service. "
You can read the full article here.
We do love and ride the yellow line, right?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Petworth Eyesore on New Hampshire Ave Gets Coverage from the Washington Post
Washington Post catches on to third floor atrocities. Sadly, PoP doesn't get a mention. Thanks to a reader for the tip.
Read the full article here.
My favorite quote from the owner (Cornish): "As for aesthetics, Cornish said the building, when it is complete, will be far superior to the dilapidated, vacant property he bought last year for $425,000. "To each his own," he said of those who object to such additions. "If they don't like it, they should have gone and bought it themselves."
You can read my original post from April here.