“Dear PoPville,
I will preface this post by says I am fully aware that on the list of issues that D.C. needs to address, this likely comes in dead last. Still, I have a gripe that I hope can be addressed…
Nearly 15 months ago, Shaw flooded. As a result of heavy rainfall, several properties on 8th Street NW had runoff water breach their space, including Washington Project for the Arts, Typecase Industries, Foundry Gallery, and the Atlantic Plumbing apartment building. Some of these buildings received damage — the entire lobby floor in the Atlantic Plumbing building had to be replaced. An unfortunate event for all affected. I understand how one would want to take precautions after experiencing something like this, which is why I was not surprised to see that WPA, Typecase, and Foundry laid sandbags in front of their properties soon thereafter after in anticipation of another storm.
Since being placed, however, they have not been moved.
For 15 months, 8th street has been riddled with sandbags which, minimally, is an eyesore. The bags have begun to degrade causing sand to spill out on the sidewalk. These properties fix this issue by scooping the sand into trash bags and stacking them back on the pile, adding to the eyesore.
Worse than being unsightly, these are also breeding grounds for germs and disease. Atlantic Plumbing is a pet-friendly property to say the least. I’d bet 30% of the residents have dogs. That means these sand bags have become a de facto urinal for the number of dogs who start their walks nearby. It’s also a great nesting spot for rats — nearly each morning, I see at least one rat dart out of the sandbags into a nearby trash can or across the street.
This is a part of city living, I get it. But still, DC does not get rain every day or week or even month. And a heavy rain like the flood of 2017 is less rare. Would it be too much to ask for the sandbags to be put into place only when heavy rain is in the forecast and removed thereafter?
You’ll notice in the accompanying picture that the sandbags are not even property placed to protect the egresses. The businesses are simply using the wall along 8th Street as a storage unit for these bags until they need to be used.
It is unfortunate what happened to these organizations and I hope it never happens again. All that I ask is that Washington Project for the Arts, Typeface Industries, and Foundry Gallery have more respect for their neighbors and community and keep their storefronts clean and tidy. Might I suggest storing the sandbags in a back closet until needed? As your neighbor, I will happy lend my time placing the bags to protect your property if and when necessary — comment below for my contact information.”