From an email:

We’ve formed a group called Friends of Columbia Heights Dog Park, to support improvements to and maintenance of the dog park at 11th & Park Roads NW. The park is currently a bit of an eyesore, and we want to fix that (as well as a number of safety and sanitation issues) by putting down a different ground material, building a double-entry gate, closing up areas where small dogs can escape, and creating enforceable rules and norms. The land is owned by WMATA, which makes doing this work on our own a little more challenging (we’re totally willing to do all the work, but need guidance and input from them to ensure they still have all the access they need to do what they do). We want to be able to go to them with a list of MANY supporters as part of our effort to get this done. So if you’re a dog owner who uses the park (or you don’t use it because you think it’s gross), and/or you’re a neighborhood resident who is interested in seeing the park get beautified and better maintained, please sign up at www.columbiaheightsdogpark.org.

Digging has begun at the corner of Georgia and Kenyon Street, NW. It will be a five story apartment building:

But the Sherman Avenue street project turned out awesome. I remember folks had concerns that it would be going from two lanes to one but in my recent experiences it flows nicely. Do you guys like the way it turned out? Does it function well?

This house is located at 3505 New Hampshire Avenue, NW:

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The listing says:

“Estate Sale: Imagine life in the center of it All.. Columbia Heights Restaurants & Shops. Natural wonders overflow in this beautiful brick 3 bedroom, 2 full bath attached row house. This brick home features a large eat in kitchen with separate living room and dining room. Full basement with kitchenette. Sale of property is subject to existing lease.”

You can see more photos here.

This 3 bed/2 bath is going for $425,000.

This unit is located at 1451 Harvard St, NW:

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The listing says:

“Located in the heart of Columbia Heights & home to the famous Ernie, the flying hot dog, this penthouse condo is sure to steal your heart. Completely renovated in 2010, this condo has tons of space and light. Features include two-bedrooms- boasting enough room for a king-sized bed, ample closet space, hardwood floors throughout and an open floor plan living area with a fireplace and skylight. Commute is a breeze, as this condo is blocks from the Columbia Heights Metro Station (Green Line) and a variety of stores (Giant, Target & Bed Bath & Beyond).”

You can see a virtual tour here.

This 2 bed/1 bath is going for $449,000 ($245 monthly fee.)

Ed. Note: We will miss you Ernie!

Dear PoPville,

I was in DSW earlier and witnessed a poor bird trapped in the store. He kept flying into the windows trying to get out. It’s so heartbreaking.

I went to talk to the manager – he acknowledged that they have tried to call Animal Control ‘numerous’ times to capture the bird. In the meantime the have been trying to coax the bird outside, and they have been feeding him.

I tried calling 311 over and over again (apparently Animal Control is available 24 hrs a day). Not once did I speak to anyone in Animal Control. All I kept getting is a recording to not leave a message and to call back when the line was free. Huh?!?!

I did tweet @DOHDC with this earlier today – no response. I am not a DC resident so I am not quite sure what else can be done.

Any help/suggestions??

This rental is located at 1434 Perry Place, NW:

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The listing says:

“Great 1 Bedroom With Parking in Columbia Heights! Lower Level Unit with private front and rear entrance, open living room and kitchen with remodeled full bath, bedroom with large closets, stacked Washer/dryer in unit. Private parking in rear. Available 7/1!”

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $1,150/Mo.

City Kids is written by Takoma, DC resident Caroline. Caroline previously wrote about the Arboretum.

City Kids: BloomBars Harambe!

With squishy mat floors and a selection of musical instruments to sample, Harambe is every little kid’s dream!

To answer the first question of those not familiar with BloomBars, no, it’s not a bar. BloomBars describes itself:

BloomBars is not something you can easily describe. Some have called it an artist and non-profit incubator, performance space, art gallery, theater, dance studio, screening room, youth academy, and center for health, wellness, and community engagement-They were all correct.

On Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, BloomBars welcomes little ones from six months to six years to sing, dance, and explore musical instruments. Baba Ras D, a musician, educator, and activist, leads the way. He invites the kids to express themselves however they wish, whether it’s singing into the microphone, dancing on stage, or playing along from the audience or a caregiver’s lap.

We sang some of the ubiquitous favorites, including “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” classics like Bob Marley’s “One Love”, and some fun international call-and-response songs.

Little ones who are timid or sensitive to sensory overload might get maxed out easily. When mine started feeling that way, we were able to retreat to the back of the space and continue to participate and play with a little more elbow room.

What: Harambe!
Where: BloomBars, 3222 11th Street NW
When: Mondays at 9:30 am, Thursdays at 10:00 am, Saturdays at 9:30 and 10:30 am.
Cost: $7 suggested donation.

This unit is located at 3039 16th Street, NW:

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The listing says:

“Gorgeous sunny loft w/ 2 story windows (+ electric blind), fireplace, bamboo floors, stainless kitchen, 2 blocks from Metro!! Common area Roof deck (staircase access) w/ stunning views. 2 blocks to Metro, walk to all that Columbia Hgts, Adams Morgan and Mt Pleasant have to offer! (Farmers Mkt Sat.) Big open Loft/bedroom on 2nd floor, and room for a den.”

You can see more photos here.

This 2 bed/2 bath is going for $539,000 ($441 monthly fee.)

Commonwealth (by Jamie Leeds from Hank’s Oyster Bar fame) opened up at 1400 Irving St, NW in Aug. 2008 and closed in Feb. 2011. In June 2011 Acre 121 opened up in the space:

2013