A reader sends this scene in by 1st Street, NE and North Capitol, on G St, right near Union Station.

Dear PoPville,

We have some flippers renovating houses on our block with dumpsters for the trash. I came home tonight to find a note on the windshield of my car parked about 10 feet in front of the car (attached), threatening me with towing if I didn’t stop “blocking” the dumpster.

I’ve also attached pictures of how my car is parked. Given that I’m parked at least 10 feet in front of it, I’m not too clear on how I’m “blocking” it. Note that the tree in between has no no-parking sign on it (it used to).

I’d be perfectly happy to move my car except they haven’t specified how far away it needs to be so I’m flummoxed as to where to put it. What exactly counts as “blocking” a dumpster? How am I supposed to know what counts as “blocking” a dumpster without emergency no parking signs up? Why should my car be towed when, as far as I can tell, it is parked perfectly legally?

Thanks to a reader for sending this one in from Craigslist:

SHORT TERM ONLY. FEMALES ONLY. GREAT FOR INTERN AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY. STYLISH BASEMENT FULLY FURNISHED WITH YOUR OWN FULL PRIVATE BATHROOM, REFRIGERATOR, MICROWAVE AND A LARGE 50 FLAT SCREEN TV. YES, YOU MAY USE THE KITCHEN AND YOU MUST GO OUT FOR LAUNDRY BUT YOU GET FREE UTILITIES FREE CABLE FREE WIRELESS INTERNET AREA SHOPPING CENTER 2 BLOCKS FROM THE HOUSE AND A 10 MINUTE WALK TO METRO/TRAIN STATION. LOOKING FOR A CLEAN, RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL AND DECENT PERSON. LOOKING FOR NON-SMOKERS AND NO PETS OR DRUGS ALLOWED. THIS STYLISH BASEMENT IS IN THE HEART OF DC AND TRAIN STOPS AWAY FROM UNION STATION EASTERN MARKET GALLERY PLACE CHINA TOWN STADIUM ARMORY MINNESOTA AVE STATION AND MUCH MORE. FREE ROOM CLEANING IS A MUST. ASKING $1000 A MONTH AND $400 SECURITY DEPOSIT. YOU PAY MORE FOR 2 PEOPLE.

Awesome.

Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

Dear PoPville,

My husband and I bought our row house in the H Street area almost one year ago. The house had been renovated / flipped back in 2001.

We decided to update the kitchen now, so we purchased our cabinets and materials and hired a contractor. To save some money, we took out the existing cabinets ourselves. As you can imagine, the kitchen is a mess. Not only do we have mold damage on the drywall, pretty much all of the wiring/electrical is not up to code. The stove was hard-wired into the wall, the cabinets were hung with drywall hooks (not in the studs), there were “man-made” extension cords, and the washing machine was somehow rigged to plug into a 3- prong outlet that shouldn’t have been. In addition, the contractor found termite damage under one of the cabinets (we had a termite inspection, but my understanding is that hidden areas aren’t covered).

My question is, as a homeowner, do I have any recourse to the contractor/company who renovated the house back in 2001? Most of what they put in was not allowed per code, and now I’m paying my contractor to tear out all of the drywall to fix everything. Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? Did you pursue legal action against the flipper?

Dear PoPville,

In light of the explosions yesterday afternoon in Boston, I was wondering if we could open a discussion of PoPville’s emergency preparedness plans. I’d love to hear what sorts of plans people in this community have made. DC is certainly a unique city to live and to have these conversations.

Do people have different meeting points/plans for different sorts of emergencies? What if your home and workplaces are separated by major targets (White House, Capitol, etc)? Thoughts on what you’ll do if officials section off the city, like they did in the Boston yesterday? Other situations people have or have not prepared for?

I know I’m probably being alarmist, but I think these are good conversations to have with loved ones and one’s community.

Ed. Note: MPD Chief Cathy Lanier updates this morning:

Good morning, I wanted to take a minute to reassure everyone on the list serve that MPD immediately increased our deployment, visibility, and response readiness after yesterday’s tragedy in Boston.

Our heightened response and readiness level will remain in place throughout today and until further notice. In addition, we are coordinating with our law enforcement partners in the District.

As always, I encourage everyone to report any activity that they deem suspicious by calling 911.

Dear PoPville,

Do you have any information about the so-called “House of Secrets” house on the 500 block of T Street NW — apparently, some kind of speakeasy / underground club that has been in and out of existence for like the past 25 years. Apparently, it looks like a normal house from the outside, but is set up as a club on the inside. Such a weird place to have a club given how residential it is. Def been some problems with it recently, like this double stabbing that happened during a recent event there. Current and historical info appreciated.

One member of the Ledroit Park listserv shared an ABRA press release from 2004:

After a lengthy investigation by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), on March 14, 2004, members of ABRA’s investigative unit and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) entered into a private residence known as House of Secrets at 507 T Street, NW.

The investigation of this private residence was initiated after ABRA received information that the residential home was operating as an unlicensed after hours club. Additional information was also received that the listed location was hosting parties for hire and included events in which underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, gambling, drug use, and sexual conduct was occurring. The owner of the residence was later identified as Mr. Ralph Woodson.

On March 14, 2004, 507 T Street, NW was found to be operating as an unlicensed establishment. Specifically, it was determined that Mr. Woodson was selling alcoholic beverages without an ABC license, making alcoholic beverages available to persons under the age of 21, and in possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Mr. Woodson was arrested by the MPD for selling alcoholic beverages without an ABC license, making alcoholic beverages available to persons under the age of 21, and for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Anyone know how far the history goes back?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist

Dear PoPville,

With the recent legal decisions around Jack’s Boathouse, have you heard if they will be relocating or if there is a way to get refunds for gift certificates there? Their website is now down and their phone number is disconnected. I got a large gift certificate I wasn’t able to use last year and hate the thought of wasting the gift.

Georgetowner reported:

“NPS awarded B&G Outdoor Recreation of Boston the contract to operate on the site of Jack’s Boathouse.”

Maybe they’ll be able to honor some or part of your gift?

1539 New Jersey Avenue, NW

Dear PoPville,

Last summer I read a few stories about Garden State, an outdoor bar (a la Standard) aiming to open on New Jersey Ave near Q St NW. This would be such an amazing addition to the neighborhood. Have you heard any news on whether the proprietor is still planning/aiming to move forward? I would go! Frequently!!

I’m sorry to say that an outdoor beer garden is not coming to New Jersey and Q St, NW in Truxton Circle. I stopped by over the weekend and the space has become 2nd Time Around selling clothes, furniture, and other household items. Soon they will be offering consignment sales as well. Also in the future they plan on having regular flea market rentals for the outdoor space.

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

Dear PoPville,

Summer is almost upon us and I’m sure a lot of folks are thinking of AC, either as installing or in considering houses. One question popped up in this thread regarding “split” AC units.

I was always under the impression that split units were just more economical but not as effective as the big blower/condenser units. It sounds like there are mixed opinion in the comments. Wonder if others have thoughts and personal experiences in how well they handle DC summers.

Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

Dear PoPville,

Do you know of resources where you can buy or exchange compost *in* DC? Do any of the farmers markets have this available? I’m already aware of Compost Cab as a service, but I’m looking for the cheapest way to come into some compost for my azaleas. Wondering what options are available in the city.

View Larger Map

Dear PoPville,

For the last 10 days or so, at 8AM sharp, first reveille is played, and then the star spangled banner, loudly, and can be heard across the whole neighborhood. I live on Ashmead Place and my neighbors and I have been trying to figure out where it’s coming from. My best guess so far is the horse stables along Rock Creek right below the bridge.

Any word on where/why?

Dear PoPville,

I’ve lived in the district for several years now and am clambering for good, French style bread. I’ve worked for a few of these great bakeries in different spots of the country and DC simply lacks one.
My question is, what are folks in DC looking for in a bread bakery? What kinds of breads are missing that you can’t get in the District? If a small bakery were to open, what neighborhood would you want it located?

Photo by PoPville flickr user sciascia

Dear PoPville,

My fiancee and I are planning to get married in August 2013. We saw that you posted about this last year but it was more tailored to a smaller wedding. We were just wondering if anyone in the forum could let us know about venues in the area that would be good for about 150 people and a budget of no more than $20,000 for the entire wedding (dress, venue, food, etc.). We’re particularly interested in places that could allow us to have an outdoor wedding.

We looked at some outdoor ideas back in June 2009. We also looked at some reasonable priced venues back in Aug. 2010. Def. time for an update!

Dear PoPville,

It seems to be a vacant building on F Street, NW between 9/10. It’s been this way since I moved to the city in 2008 and the entire area has become shopping and eating hotspot but nothing happens to this building. It’s next to Ultra Bar and even has a fancy security cameras on top… Doesn’t seem vacant.

I’m wondering if anyone knows what is going on here?

For a detailed history of the building check out the incredible piece written by Streets of Washington:

The space was then used briefly for a teen dance club called Club Bounce that was closed in October 2008 after a shooting incident nearby. New owners planned an events-oriented venue, to be called the “Museum of Arts and Sciences,” but the new club never officially opened. Finally, Douglas Development purchased the property in 2011, announcing that it would be renovated for retail or restaurant use rather than as another nightclub.

Photo by PoPville johnmcochran2012

Dear PoPville,

I am hoping for some information and advice from people who have been in DC for a while.

I’m having a wedding party at the end of May and as I’m not originally from the US we have many people coming from afar (NZ, UK) to attend. A couple of days ago we found out that our party coincides with the emergence of the 17 year cicada cycle!

I’m not too worried about the actual day-we’ll make some changes and have fun. But what I was wanting information on – is how bad is it to be in Washington DC during this time? Can people still visit the Mall and other tourist attractions and have a good time or do I need to advise our visitors to avoid Washington. I’ve looked on the net but haven’t found many first-hand stories from the DC area and I would really appreciate some input from the Popville community. Many thanks.

You should be fine! NPR reports:

If you’ve never experience a cicadapocalypse, expect to see an increased number of large, winged creatures in the eastern part of the country. Cicadas can grow up to 1 1/2 inches and have these creepy, red eyes on either side of their heads, but that’s all they’ve got going for them. Though they look scary, cicadas couldn’t hurt a fly (unless they sat on it, maybe). They don’t bite, sting, raid crops or infest homes.

Anyone ever experience one of these cicada cycles?