If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please shoot me an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood. Your photos will go into the queue (usually 3-4 weeks wait) and will be posted in the order I receive them. If you’ve already entered your pet and would like to do so again – that’s no problem – just space the entries out a bit.

“Loyal 16th Street readers: Raj and Luna”

“Lola from Adams Morgan enjoying the beautiful flowers by the Tidal Basin”

“This is Bella from Tenleytown.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user UrsulaAntares

From the Mayor’s office:

Mayor Vincent C. Gray accepted the recommendations of his Power Line Undergrounding Task Force, which he established in August 2012 to address the significant power outages that District residents and businesses suffered as a result of the severe derecho thunderstorm system that left extensive wind damage across the region in June.

The co-chairs of the 15-member task force — City Administrator Allen Y. Lew and Joseph M. Rigby, Chairman, President and CEO of Pepco Holdings, Inc. — presented an interim report to Mayor Gray that calls for a multi-year program estimated at nearly $1 billion in a first phase to selectively underground up to 60 high-voltage lines that are most affected by storms and overhead-related outages. The move is expected to improve service for Pepco customers on those feeders by 95 percent.

The task force includes government officials, regulators, local utility-industry executives, public advocates, and residents of neighborhoods most frequently affected by power outages.

“This proposal is a win for the District. I asked these task force members to find a solution to this problem worthy of the nation’s capital, and it appears they have been successful at that,” Mayor Gray said. “I thank them for their months of work and dedication to finding a way to deal with the devastation caused by severe storms.”

The task force is recommending a unique financing arrangement through a combination of about 50-50 of District and Pepco financing. The funds will be obtained through a combination of traditional Pepco funding of debt and equity for $500 million, $375 million in District-securitized bonds, and between $62 million and $125 million in District Department of Transportation (DDOT) street-paving funds that will be leveraged to support undergrounding.

“This financing arrangement is the first of its kind,” Lew said. “It speaks to the partnership between the District and Pepco to improve the quality of service for District residents and businesses.”

“We are meeting and even exceeding service reliability standards in the District, but this work will help our system better withstand severe weather events,” Pepco CEO Rigby said.

For residential customers, the rate impact will start at about $1.50 per month and will increase to a maximum of $3.25 after seven years, or about a 3.23 percent increase in rates. Low-income customers will be exempt from the rate impact. For commercial customers, the rate impact will vary by the class of service and will generally average between 5 and 9.25 percent.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

This rental is located at 3339 Mt Pleasant St, NW:

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The listing says:

“There’s no better value in the area!
New kitchen counter top
Apartment Home…ONE BEDROOM
Ceramic Tile Bath
Controlled Access Entry Buildings
Reserved Parking Spaces…Resident Parking by Permit
On-site Clothes Care Centers “NEW WASHER AND DRYERS”
Ample Closet Space
Garbage Disposal
Cable Ready
Close to Fine Dining, Shopping and entertainment”

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $1455.

Photo by PoPville flickr user evegophotos

Dear PoPville,

My girlfriend and I live in a small apartment building. Since we moved in six months ago, we’ve been having a problem with this loud knocking/banging noise coming from inside the wall that happens most nights and keeps us awake, sometimes for a long time. We’re pretty sure it’s the water pipes, because when we run the hot water from our kitchen sink, the noise happens. But it also happens at other times when our water is off–presumably when one or more other tenants in the building uses hot water–including when we need to sleep.

We have tried earplugs (various types) with no luck. We’re used to some noise (we live on 16th Street) but this is very loud and right in our bedroom.

Our property manager hasn’t fixed it. We have sent him email after email for five months and he just keeps saying he will talk to the contractor. But nothing has changed. It’s incredibly frustrating.

Do we have any way to force the property manager to fix this? Can we hire our own plumber, even though this likely involves the plumbing of other units in our building too?

Whatever suggestions you can give us would be a huge help. We are tired of this literally and figuratively.

Any suggestions beyond contacting the Office of the Tenant Advocate?

Photo by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

When becoming a member of the PoPville flickr pool please make sure your settings allow me to download your photos. Join the PoPville flickr pool here and follow PoPville on twitter here on facebook here.

Photo by PoPville flickr user BeverlyS2

Photo by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

From MPD:

Anthony Butler, 51, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 13 years and 10 months in prison on charges stemming from the armed robbery of a woman last fall in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

Butler was found guilty in March 2013 by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on charges of armed robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon, felony threats, and possession of an open container of alcohol. He was sentenced by the Honorable A. Franklin Burgess, Jr. Butler, who has previous convictions for robbery, carjacking and other crimes, is to be placed on five years of supervised release following his prison term. In announcing the sentence, Judge Burgess indicated that he wanted to keep Butler off the streets and keep the citizens of the District of Columbia safe. Butler also faces parole revocation.

According to the government’s evidence, the attack took place about 8 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2012, near the National Zoo. The victim was walking alone near Adams Mills Road and Walbridge Place NW, headed to a friend’s house for a dinner party, when Butler saw her. He got out of a large red pick-up truck that was blocking her path and pretended to ask for directions.

Butler quickly grabbed the woman’s arm, thrust a knife up to her stomach, and demanded her phone and purse. After he got those items, he demanded her necklace. When she couldn’t get her necklace off fast enough, Butler yelled at her to take it off or he would kill her. After robbing her, he told her to run in the opposite direction and again threatened her if she didn’t comply.

Butler then took off in the pick-up truck. The victim was left on the side of the street without a phone, any money, and the keys to her house. She ran down the street and flagged down a motorist who allowed her in his car, and together they called 911. About 10 minutes later, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Intervention Program spotted a truck matching the description of the one Butler was using near a gas station at Georgia and Missouri Avenues NW. Officers found the victim’s belongings spread around the truck; Butler had a knife. The victim identified Butler and the knife. He was arrested. At the Fourth District Police Station, the woman’s identification was found in his pocket. At trial, Butler argued that he had merely found the purse on the side of the road.

In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case from the MPD. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson, Litigation Technology Specialist Paul Howell, and Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark. Finally, he praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalia Medina, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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.)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Earlier in the week a reader wrote in about the prohibition of water bottles at DC public pools.

DPR and DOH have issued a statement:

The DC Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) released the following statement today:

Current District of Columbia Department of Health regulations cite that “…no food, drink, glass or animals [are allowed] in the pool area,” (25-C DCMR § 6403). DOH is the agency responsible for licensing and inspecting all pools within the inventory of the DPR. The current regulations are designed to keep pools safe and free from any harmful substances that may contaminate pool water, as well as to eliminate clutter and other potential hazards from the pool deck. DOH and DPR are currently reviewing these regulations in light of the recent questions regarding the use of water bottles by pool patrons. Both DOH and DPR understand the importance of pool patrons maintaining maximum hydration and encourage patrons to continue to enjoy the District’s pools. DPR and DOH will temporarily allow the use of non-glass, non-breakable, water bottles in the pool area at District aquatic facilities, pending a review of the regulations by both agencies.

From DC United:

The special DC Brau craft beer will be a unique, one-of-a-kind brew, crafted specifically for D.C. United and its fans to enjoy. One thousand gallons of the beer will be produced and will be made available exclusively at participating D.C. United official bar partners and at the DC Brau Brewing Company.

While the beer is currently without a name, the two have partnered to launch a contest giving D.C. United fans the opportunity to name the new brew. Fans can submit their suggestions online.

The brew is planned to become available for order on June 11.

Beer Specifications

Classification: Ale
Approx. ABV: 4.5-5.0%
IBU’s: 15
Hops: U.S. Fuggle, U.S. Cascade
Malts: Pale, CaraPils

Photo courtesy @snizzlesnazzle

@snizzlesnazzle writes:

“DC peeps steer clear of 15-16 NW between T and V. Bomb threat right around sbux.”

@MuddyMaeSuggins writes:

“16th and U intersection closed because of suspicious package? My boyfriend can’t leave the building (i live on that intersection)”

Rendering courtesy of Peterson Companies

Back in Feb. we noted demo had started at the old Ontario Theatre on the corner of 17th and Columbia Rd, NW. A lot of readers have written in asking if the project has stalled. Yesterday I was told by their PR team:

“Vertical construction is set to begin in the fall, with expected completion in spring 2015.”

They also provided the rendering above which is slightly different than the one we looked at in January. Their full press release says:

The project will include 80 residential homes and 9,000 SF of retail. This is the first residential development for the Peterson Companies in the District of Columbia. “We believe in the economic vitality of the District of Columbia and are excited about investing our resources to create a beautifully designed residential and retail community in the Adams Morgan neighborhood,” said Stuart Prince, Senior Vice President – Residential at Peterson Companies.

The $30 million mixed-use project will commence vertical construction in the fall of 2013 with completion scheduled for spring 2015. Condominium homes will be available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, and will include gourmet kitchens, private balconies, hardwood floors, underground parking, and walk-in closets. Residents will enjoy access to a common rooftop terrace with stunning views of downtown Washington and the National Mall.

The building is being designed by The Eisen Group of Washington, DC, and draws inspiration from Adams Morgan’s rich architectural history of art deco residential blocks, while distinguishing itself with contemporary features that speak to newer, industrial-styled buildings. The proposed design will also incorporate certain art deco elements from the old Ontario Theatre, including a corner canopy, poster cases, and the “coming attractions” marquee signs.

McWilliams Ballard will manage residential sales with homes available for purchase in early 2014. Peterson Companies will handle the retail leasing and management.

Biking around Town is written by Josh Nadas (@dcliterate), a daily bike commuter & avid rider who works for the National Park Service, and lives in Mount Pleasant. Josh previously wrote about the Anacostia Riverwalk Ride.

One of the most well-worn bike routes around town is beach drive. It due in part to the fact that a good chunk of this ride is closed to cars on the weekend and the route has a couple of hills that are fun without being too challenging (according to the map statistics, you only gain approximately 300 feet of elevation, and I added in hills as I describe below). The parts of this ride that do have cars on the road, the cars are generally well-behaved because they expect bikes to be there. Unfortunately, this isn’t true everywhere or all the time, but it helps.

I started the map down in Rock Creek Park, at the part of Beach drive where the weekend car-free zone begins. The name of the article is fairly intuitive regarding the route – we will be riding along beach drive today all the way to Garret park. However, I chose to take a side route up and around ridge road because I wanted an extra hill. If you are not interested in this part, you can feel free to start pedaling up Beach drive; it’s easy to pick up the rest of the route. As a reminder, Ridge, make the right turn onto Ross drive in order to get back to beach, don’t follow ridge too far.

As you descend down Ross drive, make a right turn and then a quick left to make sure that you go under the Military Road Bridge. At that point, you’ll be riding up Beach Drive, until you reach a bit of a funny intersection at the bottom of a hill. You have the option of continuing to the left on Beach Dr, or going to the right on Beach Drive, NW. (I apologize for how un-intuitive that is). Make sure you head to the left, and continue until you get to east-west highway. At that point, the name of the road changes to Jones Mill Road. Be sure to follow traffic lights and patterns for this part of the ride, it’s a residential area with a decent amount of traffic. Take Jones Mill all the way to the 495 beltway, where you should keep your eyes peeled for a left turn after you pass underneath the bridge, because you’ll be picking up Beach Drive again.

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2477 18th Street, NW

Back in early April a reader told us about Federal Restaurant and Lounge coming to the former Saki/District space from the owners of Floriana. Looks like they’ll be opening any day now:

Also down the street – Mediterranean Spot now has signage up at their second location coming to the former Carribou Coffee/Uptowner Cafe space at 2421 18th St, NW. They also are located at 15th and U St, NW.

2421 18th Street, NW

Photo by PoPville flickr user Caitlin H. Faw

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. But please no personal attacks and no need to correct people’s grammar. This is a place to vent and/or celebrate things about daily life in DC.