DC Government

Despite the Winter Watch Below, We’ve Got Our Second Sign of Spring – Street Sweeping Starts March 4th – Check Out the New App for Alerts!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user bajidc

Ed. Note: If you missed the first sign of spring.

From DPW:

“Residential Street Sweeping Resumes Monday, March 4

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has launched a new “MyDPW” mobile app that allows residents to receive alerts about when to move their vehicles ahead of weekly residential street sweeping. The app is designed for residents who frequently park on residential streets, allowing them to receive alerts about the specific blocks they select.

“With this new app, we hope to lessen the burden on those who park on residential streets and decrease the number of vehicles our street sweepers need to maneuver around,” said Acting DPW Director Chris Geldart. “Looking ahead, we plan to expand MyDPW to include other DPW services as well, using technology to make things as convenient as possible for residents.”

In addition to alerts about street sweeping, the mobile app allows residents to sign-up for DPW’s existing booting/towing and leaf collection alerts. (more…)

“property tax bills to go out this week”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Terry for passing on

“The purpose of this event is to provide the Mt. Pleasant community with an in-person forum to learn more about their home value, the assessment process, and tax programs to reduce their tax bill. We feel this is a timely event because real property tax assessment notices are being mailed to District property owners this week. The event is scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 – 8:00pm. The presenters include:

Deputy Chief Financial Officer Keith Richardson
OTR Director of Operations Eva Liggins
Chief DC Appraiser Olufemi Omotoso
Tax Relief Specialist Jeffrey Toney

We will also have additional staff on hand in case attendees have other questions related to OTR. This is a great opportunity for OTR to directly engage with Mt. Pleasant”

You’re Gonna Wanna Fall Down Again – Another Month of Free Circulator Rides!!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, while celebrating three years of the DC Streetcar, Mayor Bowser extended free rides on the DC Circulator through March 31, announced a new partnership to give free annual Capital Bikeshare memberships to District veterans, and called on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to restore full rail service.

“When we increase access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options, we give more Washingtonians a fair shot,” said Mayor Bowser. “While the District is doing a fantastic job providing residents and visitors with a range of ways to move around our city, we know we can’t do it alone: we need Metro working at full capacity. We need a world-class Metro system that meets the needs of a world-class city.”

The free Capital Bikeshare memberships for District veterans are made possible through a partnership between Capital Bikeshare’s Community Partner Program and the Mayor’s Office on Veteran’s Affairs (MOVA). (more…)

“What is the best way to report a building filled with illegal Airbnbs to the DC government for inspection?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been looking at the website for DCRA but can’t figure out a clear way to report a building where the owner has converted it from what used to be a rental into multiple airbnb units. The reason I ask is that recently it seems like every walk up that sells in my neighborhood is bought by someone who clears the renters out and puts all the units on airbnb. Home sharing is one thing and I’m for it, but taking an entire building offline to be airbnb’d is something else entirely, and I don’t know, but I doubt it’s actually supposed to be allowed. (more…)

“Anyone that uses the green space, basketball courts, skate park, dog park should attend”

By Prince Of Petworth


1673 11th Street, NW via Shaw Dog Park

Thanks to a reader for passing on from the Shaw Dog Park:

“Shaw Dog Park needs YOU this Thursday, February 28, at 6 p.m. The Shaw Dog Park, Shaw Skate Park, Recreational field and Basketball courts are at risk. DC Public Schools and the Department of Parks and Rec are deciding the fate of these important shared spaces as the Shaw Junior High School transitions into Banneker High School. Is the Shaw Dog Park important to you and the community? Join us at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA (901 Rhode Island Ave. NW, 6:00-7:30 p.m.) on Feb. 28 at a community meeting. A strong turnout from the Shaw Dog Park community is critical in helping to convey why this space is important and must be preserved! (more…)

“I’ve reported this downed stop sign twice over the past two weeks”

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader reports:

“I’ve reported this downed stop sign at 3rd and Shepherd NW to 311 twice over the past two weeks, once after I witnessed a near collision. The oncoming traffic does not stop. Seems there is no interest in repairing it. It’s now laying in the middle of the street. What’s a reasonable response time for fixing a downed stop sign. Seems like a real liability issue for DC.”

Ed. Note: I’m making sure DPW DDOT/311 sees this.

“Senate Passes Bill to Allow D.C. to Work with NPS to Make Improvements to Franklin Park and Other NPS-Owned D.C. Parks”

By Prince Of Petworth

C’mon House!!

From a press release:

“The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that the U.S. Senate today passed a federal lands package that contains Norton’s bill that clarifies that the District of Columbia and the National Park Service (NPS) have the authority to enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) to maintain and operate NPS properties in the District, such as Franklin Park. The Senate lands package was introduced by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Last Congress, Norton and Murkowski introduced the stand-alone versions of the D.C.-NPS CMA bill. The rehabilitation of Franklin Park would be funded through a public-private partnership between NPS, the D.C. government and the Downtown Business Improvement District. Under current federal law, NPS has the authority to enter into CMAs with states and cities, and Norton’s bill makes clear that D.C. is included under this authority. (more…)

Advice on Getting Medical Marijuana in DC to ease Chemotherapy treatments

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

“Dear PoPville,

I am currently a chemotherapy patient for nine weeks and am very concerned in the ability for DC Health to process my application for medicinal marijuana in Washington, DC. It has already been 10 days of treatment. I have already sent in the money order and my doctor has approved my application.

Does anyone have any tips of if going to DC Health or a specific phone number to actually get in touch with someone is possible?

Any tips of the process greatly appreciated.”

“Somewhat poetically – the Google Street View of this building captures the situation perfectly.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been scooting to work for 6 months now and usually get there via the bike lane on M street. I have been nearly hit 3 times this week alone because trucks are consistently parking (illegally) at the end of a protected bike lane IN THE MERGING AREA where cars traveling west-bound on M need to get in the right turn lane to get onto 24th street. (more…)

Fundraiser to Renovate Fort DuPont Ice Arena

By Prince Of Petworth


via GoFundMe

From Fort Dupont Ice Arena’s Save Our Rink:

“DC Government is now considering rescinding its commitment to Fort Dupont and thousands of users, including children from Ward 7, Ward 8, and the users that subsidize FDIA’s free and reduced-cost programming. At a time when the DC Government’s coffers are full, the city is considering “reprogramming” its commitment to Fort Dupont in favor of other interests. Therefore, we need your help.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ANY FT. DUPONT SUPPORTER CAN DO … ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 10:00 AM ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5th!  AT LEAST 150 SUPPORTERS IN THE CHAMBER — AND SILENTLY STANDING UP WHEN COUNCILMEMBER VINCENT GRAY’S RESOLUTION TO SAVE THE RINK IS CALLED UP FOR A VOTE — CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINNING AND LOSING. The Council meets in the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 500. This is truly our last stand.  If Gray wins, the new rink funds are preserved. If he loses, the new rink’s funds will be gone. Click here to rsvp. (more…)

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