Author: Prince Of Petworth

Warning From MPD 3rd District to Columbia Heights Residents

By Prince Of Petworth

A number of readers have sent me the following warning the 3DSubstation Listserv:

I find it to be my responsibility to alert you of a new trend (Home Invasion) within the Washington region that could pose a threat to the Columbia Heights Neighborhood. The common method of operation is that someone unexpectedly either knocks or bangs on your door. Upon opening the door to ascertain what the emergency is, they rush in and announce a robbery. I ask that if your front door is not equipped with a peep hole or similar device that you have one installed. If you feel uncomfortable with a person at your door please call 911 and advise them you have someone at your door and that they are trying to get in.

Also, with the cold weather upon us and there are many fraudulent methods that people use to get into your residence. Most of these criminals will engage you in a conversation about you utilities and ask to come into your home for a no fee inspection. Once inside they steal items from your residence without your knowledge. I urge everyone do not let anyone inside of your residence; just advise them that you are not interested. If you are please schedule an appointment with the main office and have them come out at your request. If they persist please call the police 911.

Edward Delgado
Inspector
Third District Sub Station

I wonder how many crimes like this have to occur before an email like this is sent out? It quite a disturbing thought. But, I suppose one can never be too careful.

Capturing Sweet City Signs

By Prince Of Petworth

I don’t think this one is going to vanish anytime soon but I do appreciate signs that say “Good Food”. I’m gonna start a little “Good Food” sign series…

Fenty to Announce Development Deal for $80M Project at Ft. Totten

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Jami Ansell

Thanks to a reader for sending.

“Mayor Adrian M. Fenty will announce the District has reached a deal with Lowe Enterprises and Jacksophie Development to dispose of a District-owned property that will be redeveloped into an $80 million mixed-use project near the Ft. Totten Metrorail Station. The project is one phase of a three-phase project that will ultimately total a million square feet of development on nine acres of land around the intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue.”

Good Deal or Not? Questionable Paint Choice Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 2533 11th Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“EXTREMELY LARGE ROWHOUSE IN CONVENIENT COLUMBIA HEIGHTS. FEATURES 5BR, 3FB, HARDWOOD FLOORS, TILE, CLEAN CARPETS, IN-LAW SUITE, WASHER/DRYER, SMALL BACKYARD AND MORE. SUPER LOCATION WITH THREE FINISHED LEVELS. BEING SOLD “AS IS”

More info but sadly no interior photos found here. It’s interesting to note that the exterior of the house is painted a different color than the shot I got this past weekend. Which paint job do you prefer? It seems clear that because there are no interior photos and it’s being sold as is there is probably a bit of work that needs to be done. So does $650,000 for a large (5 bedrooms) house on a great street, sound right? Personally, I’m a huge fan of 11th Street. But this might seem a bit high if it needs work done. What would be a more appropriate price?

Indy ATMs Popping Up All Over The U Street Area

By Prince Of Petworth

In one of the comments earlier in the week a reader noted this proliferation of independent ATMs around U Street. Back in Sep. 2007 I wondered why there were no Chevy Chase Bank ATMs in Petworth, Columbia Heights and U Street. (Turned out Columbia Heights has one but Petworth and inexplicable U Street metro doesn’t have one.) It still seems crazy to me that the U Street metro doesn’t have a Chevy Chase ATM. Who’s with me on that? I suppose that contributes to the indy ATMs around U Street but also as U Street becomes a huge nightlife spot, I suppose people need their cash. Do you think the U Street metro will get a Chevy Chase ATM anytime soon? (If Chevy Chase doesn’t go out of business that is.)

Free Cupcakes To First 500 Customers For Red Velvet Cupcakery Grand Opening

By Prince Of Petworth

If anyone checks them out be sure to let us know how their cupcakes rank.

From an email:

Red Velvet will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, January 15, 2009 by offering a complimentary cupcake to its first 500 customers. Red Velvet is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Red Velvet is located on the corner of 7th St. and E St., NW (675 E St., NW; entrance on 7th St.) one block from the Verizon Center.

David Guas, the original creative force behind the sweets at Ceiba, TenPenh, Acadiana, and DC Coast, is the creator and executive pastry chef behind Red Velvet. In 2004, Guas was named Pastry Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, and Bon Appétit called him one of the country’s eight “Dessert Stars.” Red Velvet will feature a number of David’s signature flavors, many of them based on his Louisiana and Cuban heritage.

“From the finest French chocolate, the best European butter to the aromatic vanillas of the Bourbon Islands in Madagascar, Red Velvet seduces you from first bite to the last crumb. Baked in small batches to ensure the highest quality, Red Velvet prides itself on irresistible flavors and the yum factor,” says David.

Signature Red Velvet cupcakes include: morning call – chocolate espresso cake with mocha butter cream; devil’s food – chocolate-buttermilk cake with bittersweet chocolate ganache; peanut butter cup – chocolate chocolate-chip cake with salted peanut butter frosting; and southern belle – red velvet cake with whipped cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet offers catering and pick-up services and delivery within the Penn Quarter.

Join An Urban Gardening Group Even If You Don’t Have a Yard!

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, this is one of the cooler emails I’ve received in a while. I might have to offer up my backyard.

From an email:

One of the biggest challenges facing urban gardeners is access to land. It’s hard to garden in an apartment, but most of the community gardens in the city have years-long waitlists. So what’s a would-be gardener to do?

Sharing Backyards was created to address that need! The website encourages urban gardening by connecting people who have space to garden and are willing to share with people who would like to have a gardening space. Whether you’re an apartment dweller in search of some good earth or a property-owner with land to share, this site’s for you.

The DC chapter of Sharing Backyards is brand new, and we hope you all will take a minute to visit the website. Go to http://dc.sharingbackyards.com to add your listing to the city map and help us get the project off the ground.

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